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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 14, 2019 13:48:56 GMT 1
Still at the Tear, Laena was in a garden overlooking the estuary. The morning sea breeze ruffled her hair and filled her lungs, while the sunlight reflected off the rippling river as yet another ship left the docks on the morning tide. Gardeners carefully curated their collection, keeping clear of the King's kin quietly contemplating causes. The garden itself was a work of art - at first it seemed like a random collection, thrown together almost by chance. But, as you studied its structure, a pattern began to form. Order in the Chaos. From the small flowers *there* to the trees *there*, there was a reason for everything, and she was enjoying figuring it out. She didn't know if her brother had helped design this garden - certainly some of those trees pre-dated him - but it certainly felt reminiscent of his style.
For once, she's actually paying enough attention to the world around her to notice there was someone walking towards her, but she declines to acknowledge his presence until he indicates he seeks her - it would be so incredibly embarrassing if she moved to acknowledge him, and he were merely also here to enjoy the garden.
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Mar 16, 2019 7:16:42 GMT 1
Unlike at Highgarden with the Tyrell’s expansive yards of flower beds and hedge row mazes the Levalles preferred to maintain a number of small, intimate gardens. Several were kept for vegetables and herbs, others contained mostly flowers and ornamental plants. All combined beauty with practicality in a way that might seem random to an outsider but was organized down to the smallest details.
Parmen was hoping to spend a few minutes of solitude following his morning workout. He had been pushing himself hard following the events of the Black Tourney, partly to prepare for the upcoming war and partly to avoid thinking about it for at least a few hours. An early morning session spent practicing with his squire Edwyn was followed by drills with the castle garrison led by Ser Martyn Storm, the castle’s master-at-arms. Edwyn was making good progress as were the new recruits.
Finally, while everyone else was taking off armor and trying to wash away the dirt Parmen settled in for a series of sparring matches with Ser Robyn and Ser Erger, the captain of the guards. Parmen beat Ser Erger consistently enough, but it was still good practice. Ser Robyn was another matter entirely. On foot the powerful knight and Ser Parmen were normally a good match for one another but today the lowborn knight was much fresher and it showed. Ser Robyn was a skilled and brutal fighter and unafraid to thump his highborn opponents, which many others either lacked the skill or the willingness to do. It was one of the reasons why the two knights got along fairly well. Parmen knew that if/when the war came the attacks would be unlikely to take place when he was well-rested and at full-capacity. He needed to train when he was tired, sore, and thirsty and his opponent was hungry for blood.
Dressed in simple but handsome clothes of burgundy and green, with only his sword belt and castle forged longsword to show his rank Parmen was surprised to see a women in the garden. The two had met only briefly before, but Parmen was familiar with the noble lady by reputation if nothing else. The Great Bastard had left an impression at the Black Tourney of one whose small stature hid a fierce will that was not to be underestimated. Lady Johanna had learned that lesson too late.
“Lady Laena, it is a pleasure to see you here today.” Parmen said bowing slightly in a show of respect. “I had not expected anyone other then the servants out here at this hour. I hope that I am not disturbing you.”
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 16, 2019 18:02:46 GMT 1
Laena's breath hitches slightly, and her eyes dilate slightly as adrenaline hits her system in a 'fuck or fight' reaction. His body positively *radiated* power. She'd seen him from a distance, and found him reasonably attractive, but up-close, with his body still showing the impact of heavy exercise, it was euphoric.
He's married. Married. Married. MarriedMarriedMarriedMarriedMarried.
After quickly confirming that she hadn't started drooling, she remembers her manners. "Ser Parmen." She gives a small curtsey in response. "Likewise, a pleasure. And please, you aren't disturbing me at all. Join me, I'd appreciate the company. I'm just enjoying the beauty The Tear has to offer. How.." is your wife? The wife you are married to, because you are married. The wife you are the husband of. Married. Married. Maybe I should have asked Malyk to provide me a man discreetly, just to take the edge off my needs? ".. has life treated you since your success at the Melee of the Black Tournament?"
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Mar 20, 2019 0:46:47 GMT 1
[OOC: Apologies. Travel kept me off line for longer than expected.]
"Well enough, my lady. My injuries have healed and I have not had to intervene in a riot or bury any good men these past few weeks." She is a Great Bastard and half-sister to Blackfyre, Bloodraven, Bittersteel and all of the rest. She spoke in support of peace at the closing feast; is she working to forestall a war between her brothers? Could we help each other?
"And yourself? How is your Family now that Lady Johanna and her vile threats have been removed?
"I hope that you are enjoying your visit. If you require anything else I'm certain that you have but to ask. Lord Alliser is a gracious host and the Tear has a great deal to offer."
Parmen was drawn to women and they to him. It had always been that way ever since he was a squire. Lady Laena appealed to him but in a way that he had not expected from one with Valyrian blood. She was not classically attractive like Alys or Jeyne or Aliscent. She did not tease with an irresistible fire like her sisters Lady Mya or Ysilia. Nor did she possess the almost supernatural beauty of the Seastar. No, there was something else at play here. Lady Laena was not beautiful she was ....intriguing.
Parmen found himself compelled to stay and talk with her in the quiet of the garden. As any good host would.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 20, 2019 2:16:42 GMT 1
[No worries. Life comes first.]
"My family is safe, thank you. Well," she corrects herself "as safe as anyone is these days. Sadly, I was advised the rigours of travel would be too much for them, Landar particularly, so my brother Ser Aerion is looking after them for me." A small smile. "And hopefully not spoiling them."
"I am enjoying my time here greatly." She frowns, as a thought occurs to her. "You know, with House Bridges now being run by Lord Desmond, there is an opening for a house of sufficient means to make friends by throwing parties. I'm not sure if House Levalle could overcome its reputation by attempting such, but perhaps, if you like the idea, you could suggest it? Certainly, the hospitality I have experienced here is more than up to the task."
She hesitates slightly. "I would like to ask a personal question, if I may. I know we don't know each other well enough to really share deep intimacies, so if it's too personal, and you don't wish to answer, I understand, but it's something I've been curious about ever since I heard of you.
"You're a Redwyne. And not even of a branch line - you're the third son of the lord, unless I misremember. A powerful, prestigious, and proud house, and you yourself are, as your melee victory proved, a credit to your line's martial reputation, as well as being very..." she clearly searches for the right word "physically enticing. You could have entered into the competition for Lady Lysette Starling's hand, to one day become Lord Protector, or that of Lady Daena Roxton, set to one day inherit 'Widowmaker'. In either case, you'd stand a better chance than many to succeed.
"But you didn't.
"You won a minor tourney, and became a vassal of the despised Levalles." She raises a hand. "I mean no offence to my host by saying that, I am simply acknowledging the common perception of the house.
"What I want to know is *why*?" She speaks softly, but something in her manner indicates this is, for some reason, important to her.
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Mar 24, 2019 3:40:26 GMT 1
"I am enjoying my time here greatly." She frowns, as a thought occurs to her. "You know, with House Bridges now being run by Lord Desmond, there is an opening for a house of sufficient means to make friends by throwing parties. I'm not sure if House Levalle could overcome its reputation by attempting such, but perhaps, if you like the idea, you could suggest it? Certainly, the hospitality I have experienced here is more than up to the task." Parmen was silent for long moments. It was hard to tell if he was offended by the questions. Finally he nodded his head towards the Bastard and smiled. “You do not disappoint, Lady Laena. I’ll answer your questions as honestly as I can and then I hope that you will be willing to answer some of mine in return.”
“You’re memory serves you. I am the third son of Lord Redwyne, with all that entails. Being a son of the Arbor, brings a great deal of wealth, power, and status plus certain expectations."
“The Redwyne name is synonymous with knightly strength and honor. My father has encouraged this perception, as did his father and his father before him. It serves our family well and guarantees us a certain…influence, not just in the Reach, but in Kings Landing as well. Not to sound arrogant, and with all respect to Ser Lancel, Fireball, and especially Lord Roxton, the Melee at the Black Tournament was a competition between the Arbor and six other teams who represented the best of the rest of the knights in the Seven Kingdoms. In the end my brother and I were the ones left standing and it would have been even more one-sided if Roland did not want a grand finale worth remembering. I have a large family and the talent runs deep.
"
"However, there are other sides to the Arbor. My father is no farmer but he takes almost as much pride in the vintages of wines that our family produces as he does in the tourneys that he won in his youth. My uncle commands a fleet that rivals any in Westeros, barring the Velaryons. My cousins have sailed to Volantis and explored areas that you and I can barely pronounce. There have been Redwynes who were the King’s Master of Ships and Commanders of the City Watch. Several Redwynes were members of the Kingsguard, serving with honor, and even as the Hand of the King. You could say that Redwynes are permitted to do anything. Anything except be average."
“As a boy, I learned sword and lance and axe from my family and our retainers. For the most part they were good teachers, tough, skilled and dedicated. They helped me learn from my mistakes and celebrate my little victories, few though they were. All little brothers think that there big brother is invincible; mine almost is.“
“I was 12 when I left to go squire for Lord Fossoway. Within the first few months I had beaten every boy under 15 in the practice yard and I couldn’t understand why everyone there was so weak.” Parmen shakes his head ruefully. It took me a full year to realize that other squires weren’t that bad, I was just good. My perspective had been skewed growing up on the Arbor. At Cider Hall along with learning how to be a knight I had to learn who and what I was and just as important what I was not.”
“You asked why I competed for Aly’s hand and became a Levalle bannerman. Perhaps I judged myself harshly and did not feel I was positioned to win the hand of Lady Lysette or one of Lord Roxton’s daughters. Perhaps Highever was the first opportunity that came along to earn my own place in the world and I leaped without looking. Perhaps I needed things that I would not get at Kingsbridge or Old Oak. Perhaps Alys bewitched me and I was helpless before her charms.
“Whatever the case I do not regret it. You have been here long enough to realize that Lord Alliser is respected here even if he is reviled in the rest of the Reach. There is good reason for that. He is a clever lord, who has thrived where others would falter. He and…others have helped me to grow. I’m a slow student, I admit but I’m learning how to solve a problem that defies a battleaxe.”
“As a boy I wanted to grow up to be Ser Ryam or the Dragonknight. All Redwyne boys do. But as great a knight as Ser Ryam was he was over his head as the Kings Hand. I will never be a paragon but my goal is that when my opportunity comes to lead I will not be found wanting. At the rate things are going I suspect that there will be a need for leadership in the years ahead. For that I need not just this” Parmen touches his sword “but this” taps his head “ and this“covers his heart “as well.”
Parmen realizes that he has been staring intently into Laena’s eyes during his speech. They are somehow standing very close, only a handsbreath apart from one another now. Reluctantly and slightly embarassed, he takes a half step back breaking eye contact.
“Forgive me, that was long-winded. I’m not sure if that gives you the answers you seek but that is what I have to offer.”
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 24, 2019 12:39:39 GMT 1
Laena does not retreat as he drew closer, nor does she break eye contact, though she does bite her lip gently when he gets close. She lets him take a step back when he breaks eye contact, but she does not step back herself.
She has a look of puzzlement on her face as she responds. "The extolling of your family's virtues was certainly interesting, and definitely deserved, but I was not asking about your family. I am interested in *you*." She gently presses her finger against his chest briefly for emphasis. "When it came to answer my question, you said 'perhaps this or perhaps that, or maybe this other'. Is your answer then that you do not *know* why you made your choice? Or is the answer that all of them are true, and you are merely uncertain how much each truth influenced your decision?
"I do agree with you that leadership will be required in the trying days to come, and if you want a mentor for the courtly arts, you would be hard-pressed to do better than Lord Alliser. But how can you expect to inspire others into action when you do not even fully understand the reasons behind your own?" Her voice isn't condemning him, rather she seems to be trying to provoke thought in him.
"Further, you claim leadership requires sword, head, and heart. The first two I agree with, but I'm afraid I need convincing on the third. Passions are fun and exciting, and make life worth living. But they are nothing more than a distraction when it comes to leadership and making tough decisions. If I've succeeded in my objective, your head should be considering my words and your actions both." She takes a graceful step forward, until their bodies are almost touching, placing her hand flat over his heart as she looks up at him with lust in her eyes. "Tell me, right now, are your passions helping you with those thoughts, or are they distracting you?" She breathes, as her hand gently and subtly rubs his pectoral muscles.
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Mar 27, 2019 6:23:49 GMT 1
"I would say that they are all true although the extent that each is true is not equal. And that sometimes our reasons work against one another." From his tone it is clear that he is not offended by Laena's probing and that it is in some ways welcome.
"Passion is not the word that I would have chosen. I was thinking of drive and dedication. I appreciate your point that our hearts can be fickle things but they are also what motivate us to act for good or ill. We may like to pretend otherwise but men are seldom led by just cold reason, rather those that inspire us speak to something more…primal. They connect with us at a deeper level than would be possible using just pure logic and the most successful speakers, whether battlefield commanders, preachers, or lords on their high seats aim to reach both head and heart." Ser Donnel tried to explain this to me. This is what he meant when he said don’t let the men you lead hear your words let them hear the feelings behind your words.
“As for myself, I would say that my passions help to focus me, although focus without context or awareness can leave one vulnerable. Everything becomes brighter during a melee but you lose all sense of what is going on outside of your immediate fight and the crowd ceases to exist. Your passions, your instincts, demand your attention to what is most important at that moment to enable you to do things you could not accomplish normally.”
He places his hand over hers on his chest and then moves them both to her chest, right above her breasts. “You, my lady, have my complete attention.”
“So I have answered your questions I hope that now you will answer mine. What brings a Lady of your obvious capabilities and heritage to the Tear now as the Realm seems ready to descend into open conflict? What task are you hoping to accomplish that requires you to leave your children behind, even though the separation obviously pains you?”
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 27, 2019 18:57:38 GMT 1
"Do you believe the men at the heart of your revolutionary movement genuinely hate the Dornish?" Laena counters. "Or are they *motivating* people using *their* passions without feeling that emotion themselves? That, to me, is the *defining* difference between leaders and followers. It has nothing to do with their position - my father was no leader, for all that he was King - rather, leaders can sway others through influencing the emotions of others, while maintaining strict control of their own emotions so they are not swayed in turn.
"To my eye, the worst possible scenario is someone who can easily move the hearts of others, but whose own heart is not guarded properly. Such a man, however well-intentioned they are, could perhaps even be swayed by self-serving others into self-destructive and dishonourable acts even as extreme as treason, dragging all too many good and honourable men down with them." There's a sparkle in her eye giving away that she is being deliberately provocative in presenting a hypothetical situation in which some might see a parallel with Ser Daemon.
There's a hitch in her breath as she feels his hand press hers against her chest. "To answer your question is simple: I had but two options. Stay in Starkwood lands, or leave. The Starkwood lands are cold, wet, dreary, and as far from anything important as it is possible to be outside of the North. They'd be safe, almost certainly - Starkwood lands are on the way to absolutely nowhere, and the house is not militarily significant enough to be a target. I could wait out the upcoming war easily there. But at the end of the war, the only difference in me is that I'd be older.
"That's not me.
"I'm Laena Pyre. I act!
"So, I left. To carve out a reputation for myself. With attentions and resources being more and more focused on preparing for the upcoming war, there is the opportunity for me to help out houses who might appreciate it in now-neglected areas. While you men focus on how best to tear the realm apart, I'll be doing my part to help ensure there's still a realm for the winners to divide up at the end of it." Her undercurrent is wry, rather than accusatory. Again, her words being somewhat provocative, but with no heat in the tone.
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Mar 30, 2019 3:28:58 GMT 1
"Do you believe the men at the heart of your revolutionary movement genuinely hate the Dornish?" Laena counters. "Or are they *motivating* people using *their* passions without feeling that emotion themselves? That, to me, is the *defining* difference between leaders and followers. It has nothing to do with their position - my father was no leader, for all that he was King - rather, leaders can sway others through influencing the emotions of others, while maintaining strict control of their own emotions so they are not swayed in turn. Parmen was speaking of himself and the Redwynes, but the statement was even more true for Laena. " I would like to see Ser Daemon brought into a position of influence in Kings Landing. He is one of the greatest knights in the Seven Kingdoms and a man of unquestioned honor. His presence will do much to reassure those would like to end the corruption. Surely that is not unreasonable?"
"Perhaps, Lady Laena, it is possible to act now to prevent a war. I'm sure that a good carpenter could rebuild a burned down house as good as new, but I would rather stop the walls from catching on fire in the first place." Like Laena there is no accusation or defensiveness in Parmen's tone. He seems honestly curious why people think that war between Blackfyre and King Daeron is inevitable. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 30, 2019 16:35:23 GMT 1
"Believe it it or not but it is possible to love Ser Daemon without hating the Dornish. Although I grant that there are many who will leap at a chance to use someone else to prosecute their own prejudices. Abelar proved that at the Black Tourney." "Granted." She nods. "Were the rebellion using any single method, it would never have gained the traction it has. It's about using a number of different motivators with broad appeal. I merely used a key example." "You misunderstand me, my lady. I have no desire to see a war break out. No matter which side wins the Realm will lose. And many of us will likely have family on both sides of the battle lines." Parmen was speaking of himself and the Redwynes, but the statement was even more true for Laena. Laena raises an eyebrow. "Oh? My mistake. I thought I had heard your voice speaking up in support of those seeking rebellion. Which would be very strange for a man seeking peace. After all, for there to be peace, all they have to do is 'not rebel', and every voice speaking in their favour makes that less and less likely." Again, there's no heat in her words, merely playful amusement. " I would like to see Ser Daemon brought into a position of influence in Kings Landing. He is one of the greatest knights in the Seven Kingdoms and a man of unquestioned honor. His presence will do much to reassure those would like to end the corruption. Surely that is not unreasonable?"
"Perhaps, Lady Laena, it is possible to act now to prevent a war. I'm sure that a good carpenter could rebuild a burned down house as good as new, but I would rather stop the walls from catching on fire in the first place." Like Laena there is no accusation or defensiveness in Parmen's tone. He seems honestly curious why people think that war between Blackfyre and King Daeron is inevitable. When he speaks as to his idea, her demeanour changes. Before, her tone was light and playful. But this idea, she seems to take seriously, and her voice reflects that. "I think the true tragedy of your idea is that, had you successfully pushed it a few years ago, and targeted the right person, I think it could have actually worked." She whispers, before sighing. "The first problem with your plan is you're targeting the wrong person. Ser Daemon isn't driving the rebellion, he's simply being his natural, awe-inspiring, beautiful self. He is utterly replaceable. In fact, from a certain perspective, he serves the rebellion just as well if not better were he martyred for the cause. Which he definitely would be were he to take a position at King's Landing - with fingers immediately pointing at the King as being a Kinslayer, using the appointment to get him into a vulnerable position. Solidifying sympathy for the rebellion and undermining the King's support in one blow. After that, Ser Daemon would probably be replaced by his son within a day - while he presumably lacks his father's skill and charisma - I've not met him - he more than makes up for that with symbolic value. "The man you should target is Lord Gorman Peake. Without him, the rebellion, if it even happens, would be a weak, anaemic thing, hardly any trouble at all. Bittersteel and Fireball may be the voice and fist of the rebellion, but Lord Gorman is its heart and mind. Powerful, intelligent, influential, charismatic, and talented. Without doubt, a Great Man with the power and will to shape the realm. He is the only piece I'm aware of whose loss would seriously impact the rebellion. "Unfortunately, that leads into the second problem. You're too late. The rebellion has built up enough momentum and support that Lord Gorman can clearly see even greater power than he had in my father's court in his future. A few years ago, before it had that momentum, he could probably be bribed to abandon the cause by getting his old influence and power back. Now? Not only would it be overtly rewarding treason, which is never a good precedent to set, but he has his eyes set on greater power than the king can offer. Any position he were offered he would simply use to advance that goal." Her voice is soft and melancholy as she finishes, finding no pleasure in her diagnosis. "I respect your good intentions - they speak volumes as to your noble character. But even were you to succeed, all you would accomplish would be to sign my brother's death warrant, and lurch the kingdom ever closer to the precipice of war. "The avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote." |
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Apr 8, 2019 5:25:16 GMT 1
" I would like to see Ser Daemon brought into a position of influence in Kings Landing. He is one of the greatest knights in the Seven Kingdoms and a man of unquestioned honor. His presence will do much to reassure those would like to end the corruption. Surely that is not unreasonable?"
"Perhaps, Lady Laena, it is possible to act now to prevent a war. I'm sure that a good carpenter could rebuild a burned down house as good as new, but I would rather stop the walls from catching on fire in the first place." Like Laena there is no accusation or defensiveness in Parmen's tone. He seems honestly curious why people think that war between Blackfyre and King Daeron is inevitable. When he speaks as to his idea, her demeanour changes. Before, her tone was light and playful. But this idea, she seems to take seriously, and her voice reflects that. "I think the true tragedy of your idea is that, had you successfully pushed it a few years ago, and targeted the right person, I think it could have actually worked." She whispers, before sighing. "The first problem with your plan is you're targeting the wrong person. Ser Daemon isn't driving the rebellion, he's simply being his natural, awe-inspiring, beautiful self. He is utterly replaceable. In fact, from a certain perspective, he serves the rebellion just as well if not better were he martyred for the cause. Which he definitely would be were he to take a position at King's Landing - with fingers immediately pointing at the King as being a Kinslayer, using the appointment to get him into a vulnerable position. Solidifying sympathy for the rebellion and undermining the King's support in one blow. After that, Ser Daemon would probably be replaced by his son within a day - while he presumably lacks his father's skill and charisma - I've not met him - he more than makes up for that with symbolic value. "The man you should target is Lord Gorman Peake. Without him, the rebellion, if it even happens, would be a weak, anaemic thing, hardly any trouble at all. Bittersteel and Fireball may be the voice and fist of the rebellion, but Lord Gorman is its heart and mind. Powerful, intelligent, influential, charismatic, and talented. Without doubt, a Great Man with the power and will to shape the realm. He is the only piece I'm aware of whose loss would seriously impact the rebellion. "Unfortunately, that leads into the second problem. You're too late. The rebellion has built up enough momentum and support that Lord Gorman can clearly see even greater power than he had in my father's court in his future. A few years ago, before it had that momentum, he could probably be bribed to abandon the cause by getting his old influence and power back. Now? Not only would it be overtly rewarding treason, which is never a good precedent to set, but he has his eyes set on greater power than the king can offer. Any position he were offered he would simply use to advance that goal." Her voice is soft and melancholy as she finishes, finding no pleasure in her diagnosis. "I respect your good intentions - they speak volumes as to your noble character. But even were you to succeed, all you would accomplish would be to sign my brother's death warrant, and lurch the kingdom ever closer to the precipice of war. "The avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote." he admits. “I saw the threat as coming from some of the more treacherous hangers-on of the Royal Court who see him as a threat to their influence." He runs his hand through his hair as his left taps his sword hilt absentmindedly. “It would be a tremendous risk that they would be taking. If suspicion was raised that Daemon was murdered by his so-called friends the response from men such as my brother Roland or Wyldfyre would be…bloody.”
"I think that you are wrong to underestimate the importance of the role that Ser Daemon plays. As you say simply by being himself the man draws other men of character and strength to him. It is hard to see anyone else with the skills, charisma, and the blood to build a movement around. Daemon’s sons may turn out to be just as commanding as their father in time, I have not met them either, but for the moment they are still squires, I believe, and no man likes to take orders from a boy still young enough not to shave."
"If Lord Peake is truly the keystone of the pro-war movement then surely there must be some way still to convince him to moderate his ambitions. In some ways it is almost better if he is the true organizing force; both Fireball and Bittersteel have personal reasons to despise the king and his followers. If Peake is motivated solely by personal gain then surely there is a way to convince him that he stands more to gain from peace than open conflict?” Parmen’s voice was still low but the intensity had risen dramatically and he was staring directly into Lady Laena’s eyes as he spoke attempting to judge the reactions of someone who was far better trained in maneuvering through courtly battlefields than he was. “This is what I fail to understand: how do men of Peak's intelligence believe that they will walk away the winners? If war was to breakout there would most likely be many of the Lords of the Reach in favor of the Blackfyre cause. Against them would be all of the King's men and his allies. The Dornish would of course favor the King but so would the Arryn’s and the Knights of the Mountain and Vale. I had thought that the Marcher Lords of the Stormlands might hate the Dornish enough to take the side of Fire but my contacts say that the King has taken every action to ensure that he will have their full support. In the West Robb Reyne is a true friend of Ser Daemon but Ser Tywin Lannister commands the Kingsguard, is famous for his loyalty and skill at arms and is close to his nephew Lord Lannister. The Riverlands will be divided as always but every friend of House Bracken is matched by an ally of House Blackwood. The North will likely choose to stay out of Southern politics, as they always do unless winter comes, but if they do march down the Neck its unlikely that the ice wolves and mud men will give a toss about the Dornish gaining influence at court.”
"That is five kingdoms against the Reach. Six if the North ever bestirs itself and chooses to fight a southern war. I am a simple knight but even I can count as high as six. Bittersteel is a military man to his bones, Ser Quintyn Ball has the greatest tactical mind in Westeros, and you say that Lord Peake is smarter than all the rest put together. What are they seeing that makes them believe that they have more than a mad charge into seven hells chance of winning?”
Parmen realized that he had without intending to maneauvered Lady Laena to where she was backed against a bench. He moved quickly to the side giving her a path to move clear if she chose. He looked at the plants as if he could see future battle plans written out in the dirt and also to avoid thinking about what they could be doing on that bench. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 8, 2019 15:32:02 GMT 1
Parmen is silent for a long time before he speaks and when he does his voice is low. "I had not considered that Ser Daemon might be at risk from Fire supporters who would like to make him a martyr,” he admits. “I saw the threat as coming from some of the more treacherous hangers-on of the Royal Court who see him as a threat to their influence." He runs his hand through his hair as his left taps his sword hilt absent-mindedly. “It would be a tremendous risk that they would be taking. If suspicion was raised that Daemon was murdered by his so-called friends the response from men such as my brother Roland or Wyldfyre would be…bloody.”
"I think that you are wrong to underestimate the importance of the role that Ser Daemon plays. As you say simply by being himself the man draws other men of character and strength to him. It is hard to see anyone else with the skills, charisma, and the blood to build a movement around. Daemon’s sons may turn out to be just as commanding as their father in time, I have not met them either, but for the moment they are still squires, I believe, and no man likes to take orders from a boy still young enough not to shave."
"Perhaps I am underestimating the importance of Ser Daemon. But his son would simply 'temporarily' appoint Fireball his master of arms and Lord Gorman his regent or representative - men who few would have problems obeying. It would be a risk, certainly. But by laying evidence for Ser Daemon's true friends to find, they can be the ones to feel ownership of that conclusion, and any claims otherwise may simply be pathetic attempts at trying to divert blame for political purposes. After all, men of impeccable character claim it to be the King. This whole rebellion is a risk; if he weren't the type to accept that and act accordingly, this rebellion would never have happened. "If Lord Peake is truly the keystone of the pro-war movement then surely there must be some way still to convince him to moderate his ambitions. In some ways it is almost better if he is the true organizing force; both Fireball and Bittersteel have personal reasons to despise the king and his followers. If Peake is motivated solely by personal gain then surely there is a way to convince him that he stands more to gain from peace than open conflict?” Parmen’s voice was still low but the intensity had risen dramatically and he was staring directly into Lady Laena’s eyes as he spoke attempting to judge the reactions of someone who was far better trained in maneuvering through courtly battlefields than he was. "You believe Lord Gorman does not have personal reasons to despise the King?" She raises an eyebrow. "His grandfather was regent and Hand for King Aegon III, and he himself was scarcely less powerful during my father's reign. If you think not just gaining but *maintaining* power in the court of so fickle and mercurial a man was easy, then I suggest you ask Lord Alliser - I believe he'll confirm that maintaining power and interest once you've run out of attractive female relatives to whore out was a very difficult task. I do not consider it a great leap to consider that Lord Gorman had his eye on becoming Lord Paramount. "And then King Daeron came along, saw this man - formidable knight, cunning courtier, charismatic leader - and cast him aside, to replace him with less deserving men." She considers a moment. "That's a bitter pill for anyone to swallow, no matter how noble. Tell me, ignoring how implausible the idea is, were you, in a week's time, to be summoned by Lord Alliser, and told that he was revoking Highever from you, and giving it to me, because he had more faith in my capabilities to rule, how would *you* - a good and noble knight - feel? Anger? Hurt? Betrayal? Now, you may not *do* anything about it - again, a good and noble knight - but I'd call you liar if you claim you would not feel those things at all. "I do not believe Lord Gorman is controlled by his emotions, but I think it a mistake to believe he does not feel them." As his intensity rises, so does her body's excitement over his proximity. However, she controls her voice, displaying no condemnation of Lord Gorman specifically - rather she seems content to implicitly lay a thick layer of blame over everyone involved. “This is what I fail to understand: how do men of Peake's intelligence believe that they will walk away the winners? If war was to breakout there would most likely be many of the Lords of the Reach in favor of the Blackfyre cause. Against them would be all of the King's men and his allies. The Dornish would of course favor the King but so would the Arryn’s and the Knights of the Mountain and Vale. I had thought that the Marcher Lords of the Stormlands might hate the Dornish enough to take the side of Fire but my contacts say that the King has taken every action to ensure that he will have their full support. In the West Robb Reyne is a true friend of Ser Daemon but Ser Tywin Lannister commands the Kingsguard, is famous for his loyalty and skill at arms and is close to his nephew Lord Lannister. The Riverlands will be divided as always but every friend of House Bracken is matched by an ally of House Blackwood. The North will likely choose to stay out of Southern politics, as they always do unless winter comes, but if they do march down the Neck its unlikely that the ice wolves and mud men will give a toss about the Dornish gaining influence at court.”
"That is five kingdoms against the Reach. Six if the North ever bestirs itself and chooses to fight a southern war. I am a simple knight but even I can count as high as six. Bittersteel is a military man to his bones, Ser Quintyn Ball has the greatest tactical mind in Westeros, and you say that Lord Peake is smarter than all the rest put together. What are they seeing that makes them believe that they have more than a mad charge into seven hells chance of winning?”
Laena smiles at that question. "*That* is one of the questions that has occupied my thoughts much as of late. Now, I am no military expert, but I have at least read the histories, and I have a theory. The first thing to remember is that numbers only matter when you can get them to the battlefield. The King is permitting the rebels to raise their banners first. Then, word needs to travel to the king, then word needs to travel to his banners, then their banners and so on. Organising takes time, marching takes time. Time which the rebellion can put to good use, particularly if they find a way to delay discovery of their mustering as much as possible. "The second thing to remember is that, according to the histories, the belief in the possibility of a short, decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions." She frowns. "Well, if you have dragons, it's occasionally possible, but still far from certain. Anyway, if the rebels were to force-march to King's Landing - not gathering all their strength, just as much as possible without delaying them - they could hope to lay siege before the King has mustered even a fraction of his strength. To successfully siege King's Landing before forces loyal to the King smash into them from behind will require betrayal from within. Hardly impossible for a man with Lord Gorman's resources and patience. Then his forces slaughter the entire royal family - men, women, children, anyone who could serve as a core for a counter-revolution. Blamed on a disposable pawn, of course, who will be executed for his crimes and the matter settled there. "So, when forces loyal to the King arrive, they find King's Landing already conquered, and no-one left to fight for. Why, then, would they waste lives fighting for a cause already lost?" She sighs. "I don't consider that plan ideal by any means. But if a mere woman with no military experience can come up with a plan like that, imagine how much more effective the actual plan by a military genius like Fireball would be." Parmen realized that he had without intending to maneauvered Lady Laena to where she was backed against a bench. He moved quickly to the side giving her a path to move clear if she chose. He looked at the plants as if he could see future battle plans written out in the dirt and also to avoid thinking about what they could be doing on that bench. Laena flushes lightly, and bites her lip when she feels the bench behind her. When he moves to one side, she doesn't take the offered retreat, simply turning to keep facing him, while keeping close. If one of them is to step back, it won't be her. |
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Post by Parmen Redwyne on Apr 15, 2019 5:39:41 GMT 1
If she doesn't seek to leave then I won't drive her away. Parmen could feel a ripple throughout his body, the same flush of anticipation, nervousness and excitement that he always got before a melee or a joust.
Parmen considers Laena's plan. It is now without merit. "It could work but everything would have to go perfectly and I know enough about battles to know that few plans roll out as smoothly in real life as they do when discussed around a table after several cups of wine. You could even argue that if the King was killed but the Crown Prince survived the rebels would actually find themselves in a worst position than before. Even many of Blackfyre's supporters speak admiringly of Baelor Breakspear."
"Numbers matter for more than just what they bring to the battlefield. They allow for reinforcements to be brought up and for losers who live to fight another day to return with greater forces, fresher men and knowledge of their opponents. The strategy you propose could win out, but I think you are right about the hope of a quick victory being a dangerous illusion. The King's men can lose a battle but still win the war. The rebels need to win conclusively right from the start."
"Tell me Laena. As one who acts, what can be done to prevent or at least slowdown the rush to war? To set conditions so that both sides mistrust their chances of winning enough that they will look for a way to keep this conflict from becoming another Dance of Dragons?" His words and intensity implied that he obviously valued her observations and analysis. He had also maneuvered himself, knowingly this time, back to a position where the two of them were close enough to be dancing. Parmen was fascinated by the Great Bastard and was having increasing difficulty remembering Alys and the pain his actions had caused during the Black Tourney.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 15, 2019 12:45:39 GMT 1
Laena readily nods along with his criticisms of her plan, agreeing with him, but feeling that doesn't undermine her point that if *she* can come up with a workable but risky plan, Fireball can probably do significantly better. At his question, Laena sighs, and her head collapses forward, forehead resting despondently on his pectorals. "I don't know. I'm sorry. If I did, I'd tell you. If there is an answer, it lies within the revolutionary camp - the King seems happy to let them raise their banners first, meaning the timing of the war is theirs to choose. Assassinate the King?" She snorts, without raising her head. "That was poor taste, sorry. More seriously, with little time pressure, Lord Gorman is likely content to bide his time, slowly building strength until something happens to weaken or distract the crown - the Free Cities invade, or something." From her tone, she doesn't consider it likely. "That's the only thing I can think of, and that's only a delaying measure - stop the crown from looking weak. How either of us would actually *do* that, I have no idea." She raises her head back up, looking tired. "I'm sorry. I wish I could help. Your cause is a noble one. But people are people."
WT - Lascivious Resist - TN16: 4d6 15 So, I failed by 1. What a shame. Guess I just have to sleep with the hot, talented knight now. What hardships I must live with. WT - Intrigue Initiative: 7d6k5-1 20ID: 14 Base (12 once Read) Composure: 12/12 WT - Start of Intrigue - Deception (Act): 6d6k4+2 20 +1 ID / DoS vs Awarenss (Empathy) DR: 3 At this point, Laena couldn't think of one reason to not fuck the knight before her. Not one. Her expressive, mournful eyes look up at him, as she rests her hands on his chest to arrest a slight swaying. "My apologies. I suspect I've spent too long in the sun. Would you be so kind as to escort me to the shady copse over there," nodding her head to one side, indicating a patch of trees which seemed to have no gardeners in or near it, "to make sure I do not fall over en-route. That would be *most* embarrassing." |
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