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Post by Laena Pyre on Feb 25, 2022 0:53:33 GMT 1
[This thread is a side-thread of The Appleton Feast, done this way for largely OOC reasons because that event may take a while longer in real-time.] Laena was heading towards the Appleton keep, to try and meet with Lord Appleton. She could see in the distance there were still some people lingering about the area - talking, scheming, whatever else they really wanted to do but the killing and trial disrupted. She could also see a silhouette of a man walking towards her, carrying a bag. Strange for a servant to use this path. She muses for a moment, before they're close enough to see each other's faces, and she recognises Ser Balon, and sees in his expression that he wants to talk to her. And then she realises what the bag is. I can't put this off. I thought my plan might scupper my chances of getting that gold. If I can get it regardless, so much the better. And were I to defer this, Balon would remember that should my plan succeed, and even he would get suspicious.Making a snap decision, she locks eyes with him for a moment, then walks off the path into a discreet garden, listening carefully for the sounds of fornication. Hearing none, she finds a stone seat far enough in to give privacy from the path, but not so far that even Balon could get lost (his record at finding his way around gardens not being the best) and sits in the middle of it, claiming possession, so that she may 'generously' offer a seat later. Such acts were not even conscious, merely habit. And so, she waits....
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 3, 2022 8:10:01 GMT 1
Death. The word put a smile on Balon's face. He was happy with himself and the verdict that'd been issued by Lord Addison after Normyn had so thoroughly trounced little Robyn. But at what cost? True he'd angered some in attendance but who cared? Another Dornish whore wouldn't poison the lineages of the Reach with her foul blood. He sat in his pavilion, staring at his reward. One hundred gold dragons as promised by Lord Walgrave for informing him of who was responsible for his nephew's death. It was time to share his spoils with his accomplice though she never allow herself to be called that.
Balon stood and wondered if Laena told him about Wenda knowing full well what he'd do with the information and how hard he'd push for her punishment. I suppose I could ask her myself. He thought as he counted out fifty dragons before putting them into a canvas bag. As he walked towards the area she was staying his arm began to get sore from the dead weight he was carrying. This gold gets fucking heavy after awhile. He unexpectedly saw Laena walking on a path towards him and they made eye contact. A moment of understanding passed between them before she went into a garden. Following her in at a respectable distance he eventually found her sitting on a stone seat.
Normally he wouldn't have bothered to sit but his arm ached and he wanted to rest a bit after an emotionally exhausting day. He went to sit by her patting her on the side of the butt in an effort to get her to move. "Scoot over, this shit is heavy and I could use a rest." He didn't give her a chance to protest and sat down, allowing her to move away or stay close to him. He looked up to the sky, "Nice night all things considered."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 3, 2022 14:26:17 GMT 1
Laena moved over on the seat to give him space. Not as much as propriety dictated, probably, but close enough. Resisting the urge to rest her head in his lap, she follows his gaze up into the sky. "The two of us are probably the only people here who can appreciate it. Like so many other battles, the combatants limp from the field, both feeling the day cost them far more than they gained, while the carrion crows feast." She looks down at the bag of gold meaningfully. Her words may seem victorious, yet her tone is more melancholic.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 4, 2022 8:11:40 GMT 1
Balon followed her gaze to the bag. But at what cost? The question he asked himself in his moments of doubt echoed in Balon's mind. "If you believe in the will of the Seven then there is nothing to be sorry for. Despite all evidence pointing to guilty a trial by combat was had to ensure it. Robyn lost. If Lady Wenda was innocent wouldn't the Seven have acted through someone, a vessel if you will, to stand for her? Even Redtusk stayed his hand." He wasn't necessarily trying to convince her, more of a question about Faith. "And if we're wrong she'll be in the presence of the heavenly Father and the rest of the Seven for all eternity."
Balon gently put a finger under her chin and turned her head so she could meet his gaze. "If Laena Pyre acts then she needs to be ready for the consequences of her meddling." She could see sadness and a touch of regret in Balon's eyes. "Trust me, it only gets harder." He moved his finger away from her chin and put her hand in his. "You impressed people at the trial with your words. Take comfort in your improved friendships and financial boon. All it cost was a life and another piece of my reputation." Balon released her hand and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "She'll meet the Seven soon enough and we'll all depart Appleton shortly thereafter. By month's end few people will talk about it and by the time we all reach Oldtown most will have forgot about it entirely."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 4, 2022 12:03:19 GMT 1
Balon followed her gaze to the bag. But at what cost? The question he asked himself in his moments of doubt echoed in Balon's mind. "If you believe in the will of the Seven then there is nothing to be sorry for. Despite all evidence pointing to guilty a trial by combat was had to ensure it. Robyn lost. If Lady Wenda was innocent wouldn't the Seven have acted through someone, a vessel if you will, to stand for her? Even Redtusk stayed his hand." He wasn't necessarily trying to convince her, more of a question about Faith. "And if we're wrong she'll be in the presence of the heavenly Father and the rest of the Seven for all eternity."Lanea looks at his face wryly. "You almost managed to talk about a Dornish girl going to the Father's side without grimacing in distaste. I'm almost impressed." Sounding rather amused, before turning more serious. "I do think it's the will of the Seven - the chances that I, and I alone, saw those two leave, when I was not paying them any particular attention... the chances are too astronimical for it to be otherwise, but that's not as reassuring as you might think." She looks at the sack of gold again. "Imagine you were dealing with an all-powerful being who can witness the future, and They, out of seeming nowhere, give you a Valyrian steel sword and masterwork armour, giving you no idea as to 'why'. Wouldn't you start worrying? What will I be facing that They felt the need to give me this? Will I recognise it when it comes? Will I fail Them even if I do?" She puffs a sigh and leans back slightly. "I am not quite so hubristic as to long believe that the Seven are so enamoured with me that They sent me a gift with no strings attached."Balon gently put a finger under her chin and turned her head so she could meet his gaze. "If Laena Pyre acts then she needs to be ready for the consequences of her meddling." She could see sadness and a touch of regret in Balon's eyes. "Trust me, it only gets harder." He moved his finger away from her chin and put her hand in his. "You impressed people at the trial with your words. Take comfort in your improved friendships and financial boon. All it cost was a life and another piece of my reputation." Balon released her hand and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "She'll meet the Seven soon enough and we'll all depart Appleton shortly thereafter. By month's end few people will talk about it and by the time we all reach Oldtown most will have forgot about it entirely." "Ah! That reminds me. I did want to talk with you about that. The bit about your reputation, that is. You *do* remember that your faction is in fact a mix of opportunistic graspers and chivalric knights, right? And that, when the revolution comes, you will likely be fighting alongside said chivalric knights? And that it is entirely possible - especially given the rate at which you seem to accumulate enemies - that you could find youself in trouble in a battle, and those noble knights will need to decide whether to risk their noble behind in saving you? And every time you can't stop yourself from making a public statement mocking bravery or whatever just because it was a Dornish-blooded individual who did it, you push their decision more and more towards 'let him suffer the consequences of his own actions'?
"Now, I get it, you really, really hate Dornish people, because other people extremely distantly related to them did some truly horrible stuff. But please, for the sake of your revolution, the next time you're about to express that, *before* you open your mouth, ask yourself 'Does what I am about to say benefit the coming revolution, or am I about to do my enemies' work for them by driving the wedge between the two factions of the revolution ever-wider?'"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 7, 2022 8:25:35 GMT 1
Lanea looks at his face wryly. "You almost managed to talk about a Dornish girl going to the Father's side without grimacing in distaste. I'm almost impressed." Sounding rather amused, before turning more serious. "I do think it's the will of the Seven - the chances that I, and I alone, saw those two leave, when I was not paying them any particular attention... the chances are too astronomical for it to be otherwise, but that's not as reassuring as you might think." She looks at the sack of gold again. "Imagine you were dealing with an all-powerful being who can witness the future, and They, out of seeming nowhere, give you a Valyrian steel sword and masterwork armor, giving you no idea as to 'why'. Wouldn't you start worrying? What will I be facing that They felt the need to give me this? Will I recognize it when it comes? Will I fail Them even if I do?" She puffs a sigh and leans back slightly. "I am not quite so hubristic as to long believe that the Seven are so enamored with me that They sent me a gift with no strings attached."Her faux-barb made him smile. "It's called personal growth."
" As to the Seven. If they gave me those things then it'd tell me that while I'm soon to face adversity they favor me. Why else would they equip me so?" Despite his reputation and deeds Balon appeared to believe what he said. He was a Blackbriar after all. "Would I be worried? Yes. But faith is a powerful thing. It's something you draw upon from deep inside your being for when you've reached your physical and mental limit. Faith allows you to do the impossible. To overcome that important hurdle that you wouldn't be able to accomplish otherwise." Balon rotated his body to look at her as she leaned back. "So tell me my lady, why do you think there are strings attached? You played no overt part in this except for asking people to keep an open mind. I've told no one of your involvement. What are you worried about? As I see it, you're in the clear." He paused, "Unless there's something you're not telling me." She was a schemer and he doubted he could see through her deception but if she was up to something he hoped their shared past would convince her to share. "Ah! That reminds me. I did want to talk with you about that. The bit about your reputation, that is. You *do* remember that your faction is in fact a mix of opportunistic graspers and chivalric knights, right? And that, when the revolution comes, you will likely be fighting alongside said chivalric knights? And that it is entirely possible - especially given the rate at which you seem to accumulate enemies - that you could find yourself in trouble in a battle, and those noble knights will need to decide whether to risk their noble behind in saving you? And every time you can't stop yourself from making a public statement mocking bravery or whatever just because it was a Dornish-blooded individual who did it, you push their decision more and more towards 'let him suffer the consequences of his own actions'?"Now, I get it, you really, really hate Dornish people, because other people extremely distantly related to them did some truly horrible stuff. But please, for the sake of your revolution, the next time you're about to express that, *before* you open your mouth, ask yourself 'Does what I am about to say benefit the coming revolution, or am I about to do my enemies' work for them by driving the wedge between the two factions of the revolution ever-wider?'" "Did you hear what Ser Robyn said to me during the tourney?" There was an instant edge to his voice, the incident clearly angered him. "He made lewd comments about you and me and insinuated we were intimate. I ignored him of course, there's no way he'd know about us." His speech quickened as he retold the tale, "He accused me of killing Lady Ashara and the Blackbars. Slandered *my* dead father and *my* family." In truth Balon's memory was clouded red with rage and prejudice but he knew those things were said. He held up a hand defensively, "And no, before you ask, for once I didn't start it." His speech slowed down now that he'd vented. "Did I saw awful things back to him; Fuck yes I did. I won't sit by while someone talks like that to me. That little cunt thought he was invincible because he killed a bunch of farmers in the Riverlands. His first real fight against a skilled knight showed him for the fraud he is. How am I not supposed to gloat?"
"Maybe if people knew what a hypocrite he was they wouldn't be so upset with my words. I challenged him to a duel over my insulted honor and now the bitch is half in the grave." He let out a long sigh and it seemed to deflate him, "Yes... I'm aware that I'm damaging my reputation but the three leaders of this rebellion still favor me. I know Fireball is upset with me right now but those wounds will heal with time. If only I had someone that could handle damage control when I have a fit of foot-in-mouth."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 8, 2022 18:23:20 GMT 1
" As to the Seven. If they gave me those things then it'd tell me that while I'm soon to face adversity they favor me. Why else would they equip me so?" Despite his reputation and deeds Balon appeared to believe what he said. He was a Blackbriar after all. "Would I be worried? Yes. But faith is a powerful thing. It's something you draw upon from deep inside your being for when you've reached your physical and mental limit. Faith allows you to do the impossible. To overcome that important hurdle that you wouldn't be able to accomplish otherwise." Balon rotated his body to look at her as she leaned back. "So tell me my lady, why do you think there are strings attached? You played no overt part in this except for asking people to keep an open mind. I've told no one of your involvement. What are you worried about? As I see it, you're in the clear." He paused, "Unless there's something you're not telling me." She was a schemer and he doubted he could see through her deception but if she was up to something he hoped their shared past would convince her to share. Laena just stares at him, clearly baffled, for a good few moments. "I'm worried about what is in my future that the Seven feel I need *one hundred gold dragons* to overcome it!" She says quietly, but with emphasis. "That is *serious* amounts of money. Meaning a target far more dangerous than I would ordinarily ever dare tangle with! *That*'s why I'm so worried. Tonight is over and done with, I don't see it having anything to do with that.""Did you hear what Ser Robyn said to me during the tourney?" There was an instant edge to his voice, the incident clearly angered him. "He made lewd comments about you and me and insinuated we were intimate. I ignored him of course, there's no way he'd know about us." His speech quickened as he retold the tale, "He accused me of killing Lady Ashara and the Blackbars. Slandered *my* dead father and *my* family." In truth Balon's memory was clouded red with rage and prejudice but he knew those things were said. He held up a hand defensively, "And no, before you ask, for once I didn't start it." His speech slowed down now that he'd vented. "Did I saw awful things back to him; Fuck yes I did. I won't sit by while someone talks like that to me. That little cunt thought he was invincible because he killed a bunch of farmers in the Riverlands. His first real fight against a skilled knight showed him for the fraud he is. How am I not supposed to gloat?"
"Maybe if people knew what a hypocrite he was they wouldn't be so upset with my words. I challenged him to a duel over my insulted honor and now the bitch is half in the grave." He let out a long sigh and it seemed to deflate him, "Yes... I'm aware that I'm damaging my reputation but the three leaders of this rebellion still favor me. I know Fireball is upset with me right now but those wounds will heal with time. If only I had someone that could handle damage control when I have a fit of foot-in-mouth." Laena can't quite stop a small smile at his last comment, before seeming to turn more serious. "How horrible. Being accused of being intimate with me - no wonder you were so upset." She comments dryly, before raising a hand. "Okay, more seriously, Ser Robyn clearly overstepped some boundaries there - bad enough to speak ill of the dead, let alone of a good and noble man like your father, who died a hero. To answer your initial question, no, I had not heard about this before now. Maybe since it involved my cousin suggesting I have acted unvirtuously, people deliberately avoided mentioning it before me. How many other people heard this altercation? I can only have a seemingly-needed discussion on etiquette with the b- knight if I could have heard of it from someone other than you. Regardless, reacting to a relatively private provocation in a relatively public situation plays perfectly into your enemies' hands, since many would not be aware of the .. wider context. 'Truth' matters far less than 'narrative' in matters such as these.
"The favour of leaders is certainly a good thing, but wars are not won by leaders alone. Power ultmately resides in swords, and the arms that wield them. Let us say, for example, that instead of replying in anger to Ser Robyn's provocation at the time, and subsequently, that you had instead drawn public attention to his insult to your dearly departed father. You have quite a number of negative rumours surrounding you, but your father is rightly remembered fondly by many. That way, the 'narrative' at the end would have been 'Ser Balon defended the honour of his father against Dornish lies', rather than 'Ser Balon acted like an oafish cad, again'. You see how that would have helped your side far more than what you actually did?" She playfully flicks a finger at his head, without actually touching. "You may have the leader's *favour*, but if you want their *respect*, you need to start thinking like a leader, yourself."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 31, 2022 8:19:19 GMT 1
Laena just stares at him, clearly baffled, for a good few moments. "I'm worried about what is in my future that the Seven feel I need *one hundred gold dragons* to overcome it!" She says quietly, but with emphasis. "That is *serious* amounts of money. Meaning a target far more dangerous than I would ordinarily ever dare tangle with! *That*'s why I'm so worried. Tonight is over and done with, I don't see it having anything to do with that." "Have you considered the gold is a reward for a good deed and not something to help you in an upcoming tribulation?" Balon was surprised she thought the reward was a lot of money. "I thought dragons didn't concern themselves with money." It was obvious he knew nothing of her finances. "One hundred gold is nothing in the grand scheme of things. But..." Balon looked back up to the sky, wondering what would qualify as serious. "I suppose backing the wrong horse in the Hightower regency could lead to problems. That would be an enemy you wouldn't want to have depending on how you went about things."
"Tonight might be over but the execution will end it." His tone was even. "And you've done nothing really of note regarding the Lady Wenda situation to invoke wrath, spiritual or otherwise."Laena can't quite stop a small smile at his last comment, before seeming to turn more serious. "How horrible. Being accused of being intimate with me - no wonder you were so upset." She comments dryly, before raising a hand. "Okay, more seriously, Ser Robyn clearly overstepped some boundaries there - bad enough to speak ill of the dead, let alone of a good and noble man like your father, who died a hero. To answer your initial question, no, I had not heard about this before now. Maybe since it involved my cousin suggesting I have acted unvirtuously, people deliberately avoided mentioning it before me. How many other people heard this altercation? I can only have a seemingly-needed discussion on etiquette with the b- knight if I could have heard of it from someone other than you. Regardless, reacting to a relatively private provocation in a relatively public situation plays perfectly into your enemies' hands, since many would not be aware of the .. wider context. 'Truth' matters far less than 'narrative' in matters such as these."The favor of leaders is certainly a good thing, but wars are not won by leaders alone. Power ultimately resides in swords, and the arms that wield them. Let us say, for example, that instead of replying in anger to Ser Robyn's provocation at the time, and subsequently, that you had instead drawn public attention to his insult to your dearly departed father. You have quite a number of negative rumors surrounding you, but your father is rightly remembered fondly by many. That way, the 'narrative' at the end would have been 'Ser Balon defended the honor of his father against Dornish lies', rather than 'Ser Balon acted like an oafish cad, again'. You see how that would have helped your side far more than what you actually did?" She playfully flicks a finger at his head, without actually touching. "You may have the leader's *favor*, but if you want their *respect*, you need to start thinking like a leader, yourself." "If you want me to let people know about our past I'll be more than happy to brag about it." He retorted in the same dry manner. "Then we'll see who's upset." "But to answer your question, yes there were witnesses. I was in the stands watching the joust when he approached me. It wasn't just my squire but people around us that heard. And if you believe in the Seven when little Robyn and I duel and I win, people will see I was the aggrieved party." His speech quickened again, his anger flaring, "And if truth doesn't matter the narrative will be I dueled him and I won and the Seven found him guilty." As she explained her rationale his anger ebbed. "To be honest as time goes on I find myself wondering if I care about their respect. I want to win. I want Gyldenhaal and the Starkwood. I want to send the Rhoynar back to the desert. And I find myself caring less about how it gets done as long as it gets done." Balon leaned forward letting out a big sigh, "Or it's late and I'm rambling and sore and angry with myself over the people I upset today."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 1, 2022 2:58:54 GMT 1
"Have you considered the gold is a reward for a good deed and not something to help you in an upcoming tribulation?" Balon was surprised she thought the reward was a lot of money. "I thought dragons didn't concern themselves with money." It was obvious he knew nothing of her finances. "One hundred gold is nothing in the grand scheme of things. But..." Balon looked back up to the sky, wondering what would qualify as serious. "I suppose backing the wrong horse in the Hightower regency could lead to problems. That would be an enemy you wouldn't want to have depending on how you went about things."
"Tonight might be over but the execution will end it." His tone was even. "And you've done nothing really of note regarding the Lady Wenda situation to invoke wrath, spiritual or otherwise." It's a convenient fiction that we're above such base things as 'money'." Laena explains wryly. "Our stipend covers enough for the base essentials of life - food, shelter, servants, clothes. Enough so that we can be seen out in public without embarrassing our father's house. And if all we wish to do is 'exist', that's enough. But if I want to effect the world, I need leverage to do so. Frequently, that is money. Those of us part of a house can ask politely for extra funds from that house, but obviously that is closed to me. I could beg from my younger brother, but I'd sooner die. Obviously, the usual way men gain money - through tourney winnings - isn't open to me, either. Typically, the only way for a lady in my position to gather funds of any significance, beyond great luck at gambling, would be to flirt with a number of well-to-do men, encouraging them to give me gifts for my favour, which I should then sell once the relationship has passed." She gives a wry sigh, and shakes her head at him. "Before you get angry, no, I didn't sell your gifts, and I doubt I will. They *mean* something. To sell pieces of your .. soul for something as base as gold ... lessens you, I think." A second, longer sigh. "But that does mean my means of gathering income are basically reduced to.." she gestures towards the gold exasperatedly "divine intervention, or for a favour from a Lord, and I can't help but see the former as likely just as transactional as the latter. But maybe I'm just bitter and cynical, and the Father simply loves me, and doesn't like to see me struggle over something so petty.""If you want me to let people know about our past I'll be more than happy to brag about it." He retorted in the same dry manner. "Then we'll see who's upset." "But to answer your question, yes there were witnesses. I was in the stands watching the joust when he approached me. It wasn't just my squire but people around us that heard. And if you believe in the Seven when little Robyn and I duel and I win, people will see I was the aggrieved party." His speech quickened again, his anger flaring, "And if truth doesn't matter the narrative will be I dueled him and I won and the Seven found him guilty." As she explained her rationale his anger ebbed. "To be honest as time goes on I find myself wondering if I care about their respect. I want to win. I want Gyldenhaal and the Starkwood. I want to send the Rhoynar back to the desert. And I find myself caring less about how it gets done as long as it gets done." Balon leaned forward letting out a big sigh, "Or it's late and I'm rambling and sore and angry with myself over the people I upset today." After a moment's hesitation, Laena rests a hand on his shoulder. "You care." She says with a soft confidence. "While I can't say I know him well, I do believe that Lord Peake is my superior when it comes to The Game, and I think you know that, too. Meaning that going against his wishes, while it may be satisfying in the short term, is unlikely to be in your faction's best interests in the big picture. While others more on the periphery may be able to place their personal gain above that of the faction as a whole, he is far too central - his fate far too strongly linked to the fate of the faction as a whole - for that to be the case with your cousin.
"But even aside from that, look to the Levalles. That house is shunned not just for the actions of the current lord in my father's court, but also his father - while none can prove it, all know of his blood-drenched hands. This has resulted in the house having few, if any, friends, and leaves them in a staggeringly vulnerable position with the upcoming chaos. There will always be more people with hands outstretched when the chaos is done than there is land to go around, and any land which could be stripped without making three times as many enemies is ripe for the plucking. All that Lord Robert and Lord Alliser gained through their machinations could be lost in an instant. If you are tempted to walk a darker path for what you want, believing that you can handle the consequences, remember well that it is not just you who will have to bear them, but your children, too. And they may not be so fortunate. And all that you gained swiftly through bloodshed can be lost just as quickly the same way."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 20, 2022 6:55:39 GMT 1
It's a convenient fiction that we're above such base things as 'money'." Laena explains wryly. "Our stipend covers enough for the base essentials of life - food, shelter, servants, clothes. Enough so that we can be seen out in public without embarrassing our father's house. And if all we wish to do is 'exist', that's enough. But if I want to effect the world, I need leverage to do so. Frequently, that is money. Those of us part of a house can ask politely for extra funds from that house, but obviously that is closed to me. I could beg from my younger brother, but I'd sooner die. Obviously, the usual way men gain money - through tourney winnings - isn't open to me, either. Typically, the only way for a lady in my position to gather funds of any significance, beyond great luck at gambling, would be to flirt with a number of well-to-do men, encouraging them to give me gifts for my favour, which I should then sell once the relationship has passed." She gives a wry sigh, and shakes her head at him. "Before you get angry, no, I didn't sell your gifts, and I doubt I will. They *mean* something. To sell pieces of your .. soul for something as base as gold ... lessens you, I think." A second, longer sigh. "But that does mean my means of gathering income are basically reduced to.." she gestures towards the gold exasperatedly "divine intervention, or for a favour from a Lord, and I can't help but see the former as likely just as transactional as the latter. But maybe I'm just bitter and cynical, and the Father simply loves me, and doesn't like to see me struggle over something so petty." There was a moment of anxiety on Balon's face as she spoke of selling gifts but was relieved when she assured him she hadn't. "The Father loves all of us, in our best and worst moments." There was a brief pause before he added, "Even if he does ultimately condemn us." He remained quiet and stared forward, thinking back to an old memory. "Do you remember when I proposed we attach ourselves to a great house, you as the Master of Whispers, me as their Marshal. I believe now as I did then that you have the mind for intrigue and spycraft. Why not collect information and sell it for coin. Do so and you'll never have to beg your brother or throw yourself at an available yet *boring* bachelor lord again." In the hyper partisan times they lived in information would be just as valuable as the ability to fight and lead armies in battle. Balon smiled a little, "Now would I *prefer* you only sold information to one side of the coming conflict? Of course. But I also know well enough not to ask."After a moment's hesitation, Laena rests a hand on his shoulder. "You care." She says with a soft confidence. "While I can't say I know him well, I do believe that Lord Peake is my superior when it comes to The Game, and I think you know that, too. Meaning that going against his wishes, while it may be satisfying in the short term, is unlikely to be in your faction's best interests in the big picture. While others more on the periphery may be able to place their personal gain above that of the faction as a whole, he is far too central - his fate far too strongly linked to the fate of the faction as a whole - for that to be the case with your cousin.
"But even aside from that, look to the Levalles. That house is shunned not just for the actions of the current lord in my father's court, but also his father - while none can prove it, all know of his blood-drenched hands. This has resulted in the house having few, if any, friends, and leaves them in a staggeringly vulnerable position with the upcoming chaos. There will always be more people with hands outstretched when the chaos is done than there is land to go around, and any land which could be stripped without making three times as many enemies is ripe for the plucking. All that Lord Robert and Lord Alliser gained through their machinations could be lost in an instant. If you are tempted to walk a darker path for what you want, believing that you can handle the consequences, remember well that it is not just you who will have to bear them, but your children, too. And they may not be so fortunate. And all that you gained swiftly through bloodshed can be lost just as quickly the same way." "You're right." Not just about Lord Gormon but everything. "I do care. But whenever I try to do things the way I think lords would want it done everything goes to shit. But when I seize the initiative and do it my way I get results." Balon stopped. Was that true? He did it his way at Riverthorn and is now hated. But he did things the right way at Pennytree and Blackbuckle and was hailed. Fuck. "Lord Leo would like nothing more than to see the Levalles disappear but if it was as simple as murdering them regardless of collateral damage then someone would've done it by now." Balon pursed his lips in annoyance. "Things have to be done the right way even though everyone knows the Levalles are scum." Balon grunted. "It's so fucking annoying."
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 20, 2022 16:05:32 GMT 1
He remained quiet and stared forward, thinking back to an old memory. "Do you remember when I proposed we attach ourselves to a great house, you as the Master of Whispers, me as their Marshal. I believe now as I did then that you have the mind for intrigue and spycraft. Why not collect information and sell it for coin. Do so and you'll never have to beg your brother or throw yourself at an available yet *boring* bachelor lord again." In the hyper partisan times they lived in information would be just as valuable as the ability to fight and lead armies in battle. Balon smiled a little, "Now would I *prefer* you only sold information to one side of the coming conflict? Of course. But I also know well enough not to ask."She gives him a smile at that last comment. "Possible, but dangerous. People like Bloodraven and Lord Gorman have eyes and ears everywhere, and I doubt either would hesitate to remove an isolated weight which seemed to be tipping the scales against them over-much. Still, you are correct - but such a thing must be judged carefully, with a good understanding of my limitations. I am no Falcon, able to evade the attention of the best the Reach has to offer. But if I keep my actions small enough to not be worth the effort of crushing, I may be able to do well enough for myself.""You're right." Not just about Lord Gormon but everything. "I do care. But whenever I try to do things the way I think lords would want it done everything goes to shit. But when I seize the initiative and do it my way I get results." Balon stopped. Was that true? He did it his way at Riverthorn and is now hated. But he did things the right way at Pennytree and Blackbuckle and was hailed. Fuck. "Lord Leo would like nothing more than to see the Levalles disappear but if it was as simple as murdering them regardless of collateral damage then someone would've done it by now." Balon pursed his lips in annoyance. "Things have to be done the right way even though everyone knows the Levalles are scum." Balon grunted. "It's so fucking annoying." Laena gives an amused chuckle. "Welcome to life." She turns serious. "Pennytree, at least, did not go badly." Having spotted his hesitation. "While you will never be able to change the opinion of those who believe you have personally wronged them, it is absolutely not too late to change the general opinion of you. It will take time, and many times the effort it took to damage your reputation, but it absolutely *is* possible. If you want it enough. And can keep any ill-deeds from being publicly linked to you, even by rumour."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 23, 2022 7:13:34 GMT 1
She gives him a smile at that last comment. "Possible, but dangerous. People like Bloodraven and Lord Gorman have eyes and ears everywhere, and I doubt either would hesitate to remove an isolated weight which seemed to be tipping the scales against them over-much. Still, you are correct - but such a thing must be judged carefully, with a good understanding of my limitations. I am no Falcon, able to evade the attention of the best the Reach has to offer. But if I keep my actions small enough to not be worth the effort of crushing, I may be able to do well enough for myself." "You never know, their attentions may be focused elsewhere on things of greater scale allowing you to carve a niche within the Reach." Balon sucked on a tooth as he tried to think of a metaphor to convince Laena. "As a commander one must know when a battle is lost and move on to the next battlefield instead of sending men into a meatgrinder with no appreciable results. The Reach is a losing battle to those supporting King Daeron. Half the principal bannerman support Blackfyre and the Longthorn is leaning that way. If Bloodraven was smart he'd give up on the Reach and move to a different area like the Riverlands or the Westerlands. There they have a chance to stop the hemorrhaging. That void allows someone like you to step in." He held up a deflective hand, "I'm not saying you're the next Bloodraven, I'm just saying there's room for you to grow."Laena gives an amused chuckle. "Welcome to life." She turns serious. "Pennytree, at least, did not go badly." Having spotted his hesitation. "While you will never be able to change the opinion of those who believe you have personally wronged them, it is absolutely not too late to change the general opinion of you. It will take time, and many times the effort it took to damage your reputation, but it absolutely *is* possible. If you want it enough. And can keep any ill-deeds from being publicly linked to you, even by rumour."Balon straightened his posture and faced Laena, "What would you do in my situation? People ignore what I've done in public and focus on rumor and hearsay. How would you turn things back to my favor?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 23, 2022 19:02:20 GMT 1
"You never know, their attentions may be focused elsewhere on things of greater scale allowing you to carve a niche within the Reach." Balon sucked on a tooth as he tried to think of a metaphor to convince Laena. "As a commander one must know when a battle is lost and move on to the next battlefield instead of sending men into a meatgrinder with no appreciable results. The Reach is a losing battle to those supporting King Daeron. Half the principal bannerman support Blackfyre and the Longthorn is leaning that way. If Bloodraven was smart he'd give up on the Reach and move to a different area like the Riverlands or the Westerlands. There they have a chance to stop the hemorrhaging. That void allows someone like you to step in." He held up a deflective hand, "I'm not saying you're the next Bloodraven, I'm just saying there's room for you to grow." "Mmmm." Laena nods softly, seeing Balon's angle, but recognising there is logic there. "So long as I stay well away from Lord Leo, and probably his major banners, likely neither side will worry over-much. And that still gives me plenty of options - depending on what information I find, of course." She shrugs casually. "If I do stumble on anything useful like that, we'll see, I suppose. Judge it carefully, and don't get careless."Balon straightened his posture and faced Laena, "What would you do in my situation? People ignore what I've done in public and focus on rumor and hearsay. How would you turn things back to my favor?"Laena nods, and responds seriously. "They will. There is no quick fix. Because of acts you have done publicly - like publicly insulting a respected man with blatant lies, as just one example - acts done in private naturally link with you, regardless of whether or not it's actually true. What you need to do is change how you act in public. Before you do something, ask yourself 'Is this something my Father would do?'. Yes, in the short term, people will cling to the bad rumours, but as people see more and more of your good conduct, they will start to accept that as the 'normal you'. If people ask - and *only* if they ask - tell them that hearing that some people actually *believed* you physically capable of murdering Lord Blackwood's pregnant lover was a real shock to you. That that made you realise just how bad your reputation was, and how vastly different your reputation was from the truth of the matter. And you realised that, to avoid bringing further dishonour to your dear departed father, as well as your brave siblings, you had to turn things around, else you will remain ever a convenient scapegoat for any nefarious scheme done by either side.' Additionally, if people in your faction wish for you to do .. questionable things, from now on, tell them to present their plan to your cousin. Only if he approves will you do it. By making yourself a loyal p- agent of a talented man like Lord Gorman, he will hopefully value you far higher than if you're off doing half-cocked schemes for who-knows-who all over the place that he only learns of when they inevitably hit the rumour mill." She thinks a moment for the right analogy. "If a craftsman reaches for a hammer, he wants a hammer. If he finds that other craftsmen have been using his hammer, and now suddenly they've added a scythe blade to the bottom so they could cut some wheat with it, he's not going to be happy, and will probably go and use another hammer, letting that hammer-scythe be used and abused to destruction by others." She gives a rather pained look. "People put to the question were less tortured than that analogy, but hopefully you understand my meaning, regardless."
"In short: in public, give people reason to believe you have changed. If they inquire, give them a reason that makes sense as to *why* you have changed. In private, put your faith in Lord Gorman. He is very skilled, utterly committed to your cause, and your cousin. Give your trust and loyalty to him above all others, and I am confident he will reward you - not just after the revolution, but during it as well. A good craftsman values good tools."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Sept 22, 2022 6:48:26 GMT 1
"Mmmm." Laena nods softly, seeing Balon's angle, but recognizing there is logic there. "So long as I stay well away from Lord Leo, and probably his major banners, likely neither side will worry over-much. And that still gives me plenty of options - depending on what information I find, of course." She shrugs casually. "If I do stumble on anything useful like that, we'll see, I suppose. Judge it carefully, and don't get careless." "Staying away from Lord Leo wouldn't be a terrible idea but as to his major banners?" Balon shrugged. "Each wants something don't they. They all have their... quirks. Tailor your information to them. Lord Walgrave hates the Dornish. Sell him anything that would put them in a bad light. The Pennypincher likes coin; his avarice makes him predictable. The Tarlys hate smiling; give them the location of mummer troupes. Shit, even Lord Eldon would pay a king's ransom for any information that kept his fat ass firmly wedged in Longtable." Balon rolled his neck and rubbed his shoulder, trying to work out a kink, "Be careful, don't get careless, profit." He chuckled, "It's just that easy."Laena nods, and responds seriously. "They will. There is no quick fix. Because of acts you have done publicly - like publicly insulting a respected man with blatant lies, as just one example - acts done in private naturally link with you, regardless of whether or not it's actually true. What you need to do is change how you act in public. Before you do something, ask yourself 'Is this something my Father would do?'. Yes, in the short term, people will cling to the bad rumours, but as people see more and more of your good conduct, they will start to accept that as the 'normal you'. If people ask - and *only* if they ask - tell them that hearing that some people actually *believed* you physically capable of murdering Lord Blackwood's pregnant lover was a real shock to you. That that made you realize just how bad your reputation was, and how vastly different your reputation was from the truth of the matter. And you realised that, to avoid bringing further dishonour to your dear departed father, as well as your brave siblings, you had to turn things around, else you will remain ever a convenient scapegoat for any nefarious scheme done by either side.' Additionally, if people in your faction wish for you to do .. questionable things, from now on, tell them to present their plan to your cousin. Only if he approves will you do it. By making yourself a loyal p- agent of a talented man like Lord Gorman, he will hopefully value you far higher than if you're off doing half-cocked schemes for who-knows-who all over the place that he only learns of when they inevitably hit the rumour mill." She thinks a moment for the right analogy. "If a craftsman reaches for a hammer, he wants a hammer. If he finds that other craftsmen have been using his hammer, and now suddenly they've added a scythe blade to the bottom so they could cut some wheat with it, he's not going to be happy, and will probably go and use another hammer, letting that hammer-scythe be used and abused to destruction by others." She gives a rather pained look. "People put to the question were less tortured than that analogy, but hopefully you understand my meaning, regardless."
"In short: in public, give people reason to believe you have changed. If they inquire, give them a reason that makes sense as to *why* you have changed. In private, put your faith in Lord Gorman. He is very skilled, utterly committed to your cause, and your cousin. Give your trust and loyalty to him above all others, and I am confident he will reward you - not just after the revolution, but during it as well. A good craftsman values good tools." "Good conduct... like feeding the poor or helping refurbish a sept in Oldtown?" Balon had almost forgot what good conduct was. "And publicly talk about how shocked I was that people believe the rumors of my heinous behavior." They're true more often than not though. "Be passionate about my cause without acting like I did tonight." He was quiet for a few moments as her advice sunk in. Could he do it? Only time would tell. Instead of practicing how to lie he looked up into Laena's eyes and dead-panned, "But what if I'm at a tavern and a beautiful Valyrian wants to fuck my brains out? Should I risk a rumor of that encounter or take the high road and deny her request?" As to her advice regarding Lord Gormon he planned to try it out. He was smarter than Balon and if Gormon thought a plan was a good idea who was he to say no.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 24, 2022 20:04:55 GMT 1
"Staying away from Lord Leo wouldn't be a terrible idea but as to his major banners?" Balon shrugged. "Each wants something don't they. They all have their... quirks. Tailor your information to them. Lord Walgrave hates the Dornish. Sell him anything that would put them in a bad light. The Pennypincher likes coin; his avarice makes him predictable. The Tarlys hate smiling; give them the location of mummer troupes. Shit, even Lord Eldon would pay a king's ransom for any information that kept his fat ass firmly wedged in Longtable." Balon rolled his neck and rubbed his shoulder, trying to work out a kink, "Be careful, don't get careless, profit." He chuckled, "It's just that easy." Laena shows a bit of amusement at a couple of his ideas - it's hard to see his suggestions regarding the Tarlys and Merryweathers as anything but a joke, but simply echoes his last line. "Just that easy." Seemingly without losing her amusement. "Good conduct... like feeding the poor or helping refurbish a sept in Oldtown?" Balon had almost forgot what good conduct was. "And publicly talk about how shocked I was that people believe the rumors of my heinous behavior." They're true more often than not though. "Be passionate about my cause without acting like I did tonight." He was quiet for a few moments as her advice sunk in. Could he do it? Only time would tell. Instead of practicing how to lie he looked up into Laena's eyes and dead-panned, "But what if I'm at a tavern and a beautiful Valyrian wants to fuck my brains out? Should I risk a rumor of that encounter or take the high road and deny her request?" As to her advice regarding Lord Gormon he planned to try it out. He was smarter than Balon and if Gormon thought a plan was a good idea who was he to say no. She gives a wry smile at his audacious question. "If you were so blessed as to have a beautiful Valyrian want to 'fuck your brains out', firstly, she would likely declare the task complete before the foreplay was done. Secondly, were you to deny her, you would risk - a very high risk - of other rumours appearing - such that you 'preferred the company of men', probably due to your incredibly tiny manhood. So, in that incredibly implausible scenario, I suggest you just do as smallfolk women are advised to do should they catch the eye of a lord or knight - just accept the inevitable, take what pleasure you can, then never speak of it to anyone.In a more serious tone, she continues. "With regards to conduct, I would say to not be too excessive. A knight suddenly going so far to look innocent, instead just looks guilty. Do like Ser Daemon does. Or Redtusk. Or any other of the knights your faction has with a reputation for chivalry. Use your tongue with the same discipline you would use your sword. Act in accordance with your oath. No- better, before you act, before you speak: ask yourself: 'would Ser Daemon or my Father do this?'. You fight for the former's legacy, and are the latter's - and carry your own in your hands. If neither would do what you are about to do, or say what you are about to say, then don't do or say it. Especially, do not brag about your good deeds. Simply make sure they are witnessed, and let others spread word for you. If you are asked about them, *then* is the time to talk about your shock over your reputation. Again, speaking too much of your innocence would only confirm your guilt."
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