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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 21, 2019 14:06:21 GMT 1
With all of the drama in Oldtown surrounding Abelar’s trial and the rumors about the Hightower regency, it was a wonder that time could be made for anything else, but for Daeron this matter was of prime importance. If he was correct the Blackfyre cause hung in the balance and only the simple actions of one man could save it right now, Titus Blackbriar.
Finding him before the trial was easy enough, the city’s public houses were filled to the brim and only a few had room left for newcomers looking for a drink.
Pulling up to his friend he drops a silver stag on the bar to cover a few rounds of their drinking.
“Ser Titus, it is good to see that you have made a complete recovery from your wounds. I hear you’ve been a terror at the lists lately.”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 21, 2019 15:37:01 GMT 1
"Ser Daeron, a sight for sore eyes! And the same, our sparring at Highgarden only hasten the recovery... even if it did hurt like hells. I hear the same of you, I can only count myself lucky that I didn't end up facing Redtusk. One would think he's Crake the Boarkiller come again, None So Fierce!"
A fine thing with Oldtown was, being one of the largest trading ports in the Seven Kingdoms one did not only have to resort to dark ales or honeyed meads, but even fine vintages of Arbor Gold was readily available to a fair price. The two knights shared a flagon over two goblets.
"How have you been? How's Kingdbridge? Are you here for the tribunal or on other business?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 22, 2019 3:48:06 GMT 1
"You speak true Ser. That man earned his victory in the Grand Melee for certain. However, you cannot sell yourself short on defeating Ser Dennis Hightower, there is a reason why he is the champion of one of the most powerful houses in Westeros."
His demeanor becomes more serious as he answers Titus' questions.
"Kingsbridge is good. It appears that we are close to settling the matter of Lady Lysette's marriage, but I dare not mention more until we have gotten her in front of a septon. As for my presence here.. I am here to bear witness to Abelar's trial and hopefully to see justice done. I had also wished to sit on any council that might determine the Hightower regency, but there is a chance that such an affair might be restricted to House Hightower and its banners.
What about you? I can only assume that you are here representing Lord Gormon for the same reasons?"
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 22, 2019 12:45:52 GMT 1
"I am representing Lord Gormon here as much as you represent Lord Starling, I imagine. He granted me leave to see Abelar's trial through but I am not here on any orders. If the matter interested him more I'm sure he'd be here himself - or through a more direct proxy. No, Abelar's fate is something I want to see to myself, see where it goes, if it ends. I've also come to speak to him, but I... haven't found the time yet. He took my confession but a day before the riot and I have not seen him since, I have... questions."
He takes a drink from his goblet, it was a very good wine.
"Yes, The Hightower regency... gods know where or how the dice will land. I hear good things of the young Lords grandmother, Lady Melera but both Sers Abelar and Raymund are fine knights indeed."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 23, 2019 18:22:55 GMT 1
He nods and takes in his own wine. Drinking with Blackbriars was always a pleasant affair, these men knew how to pick out a vintage for sure.
“I likewise have come to see that justice is done here. I dared not speak against Abelar at Highgarden lest I appear to favor Lord Eldon, but I believe that the man deserves to face consequences for his actions.
As for the Hightowers, I can’t say that I know enough about their candidates, but I’m hoping to learn which ones will continue to keep faith and follow Lord Jon’s path.”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 24, 2019 13:01:32 GMT 1
He nod, "Trust me, Ser. I grew up with the man. He will... and is facing those consequences every day. Septon Abelar is harsh and unforgiving against sin, his own more than anything. Whatever fevour he might whip up amongst his flock, he whips himself tentimes fold." The Septon never flaunted it but the scars on his back sang more of his character than any bard might try.
"His true judgement was at Highgarden... had I been there I might have argued for service at the Wall... or even death. I don't know. But a Septon... a Septon can not be undone, Ser Daeron. Just like how a knight, a maester or a King can never be undone once the words are said. Only death can release one from such a vow. And this trial... it's not about his life. It's not about justice. It's about semantics." Semantics. He'd never used that word before coming to Starpike.
"As for Lord Eldon, I don't blame you. The whole realm seems to hold their breath, thinking that breathing the wrong thing might offend Longtable. I tell you this in good faith, Ser, not a day passes where I don't regret the day of the Riot. The realm would have been a better place if I had just had the guts to tell Lord Piggy No ."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 24, 2019 17:32:00 GMT 1
"Just as a knight can be attainted, a septon can be defrocked. His title is a privilege, not a right. If he wants to spit fire, then he can't have the backing of the Faith.
His actions risk the legitimacy of other priests, and his call for a renewed Faith Militant is a direct challenge to the authority of knights and lords. If he can continue to wear his collar, the odds of him gaining power and bringing back them back is significant. I don't like those odds."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2019 17:44:57 GMT 1
"Then let him serve the gods on the Wall, or here in Oldtown with a vow of silence. Oaths have to mean something. If they stop everything falls apart." He waves his hand dissmissivly. "Let's not argue, there will be plenty more of that here, I imagine." Refilling their goblets he continues excited. "What of your brother? I hear Blackfyre requires men for some great cause. Finishing what his namesake the Rouge Prince started all those years ago and bring peace and law to the Stepstones surely!"
This is in reference to Titus crit-failing the What's going on roll in Rallying to The Black Dragon. He's convinced it's for something else than Bracken v Blackwood.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 25, 2019 20:13:50 GMT 1
He gives a quizzical expression.
"I have not been in contact with Ser Daemon since the Black Tourney, nor have I heard of his plans to retake the Stepstones. Such a noble action though would endear him to the men of the Realm and prove that he is willing and able to lead our kingdoms to greater respect and prosperity. Next time I see him I might suggest that he invite the leaders of House Velaryon, my mother's house, to join him though. Such a fleet will be necessary for his goals.
What about yourself? How has service at Starpike been?"
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2019 21:10:01 GMT 1
"Bringing back the days of the Sea Snake, a glorious endeavour indeed! I've never sailed a ship nor been on a boat larger than a ferry, for that matter. Prince Daemon took the Stepstones with dragon fire but surely the realm would muster behind Blackfyre for such a task, the might of the Arbor AND Driftmark, no pirate could oppose that." The promise of glory in a just war against the abominations of the known world, what was there not to be excited for? Titus was half-way there already.
"I have been well! Growing stronger each day, counting my blessing that the mob did not rob me of more. Blackbriar boys who are not fit to wield a sword is oft given to faith, you know." It was a jest, in the sense that all jokes are based on truth. "This isn't the first time I serve at Starpike, you know. Balon and me were sent there as pages what feels like a lifetime ago." He laughs, "If you think we have a rough relationship now you should have seen us then, Lord Gormon must have lost half our weight in gold in broken vases, torn tapestries and shattered plates. But he is a patient man. Patient and guiding. He knew the rod would change little so instead he thought of... other ways to dicipline us." Titus leans in and whispers with a mischievous smile. "Balon once had to scrub every shitter at Starpike. I used to call him Balon Brownnose!" Laughing, he leans back. "If you tell him I said that I'll kill you. Or he'll probably kill you first... then me."
"Service at Starpike now is different of course, yet not so much. Lord Gormon is a great man. Just and kind yet decisive and firm when need be. I've learned a lot in just the past weeks."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 25, 2019 21:44:09 GMT 1
He is unable to stop his laughter at the mental image of Ser Balon, a knight as fierce as they come, covered in shit. Snakeater was a much better moniker than Shiteater, but one was more amusing. Only after wiping away the tears could he muster the breath to give Titus a much more serious message.
"I am glad that you are growing into a greater warrior and man. Your lord cousin has much to offer you, and your service has much to provide him as well. However, be wary about some of those who also exist at Starpike. I have heard most... unsavory.. rumors about one Master Harrot who appears to deal in more than just spices. Some say that he might have been the person behind the Hooded Man that terrorized the Black Tourney.
Watch what you say at Starpike and to whom. He is just as well positioned to execute Lord Peake's will as he is to sell your lord's secrets to the highest bidder."
Because of the timelines, Daeron doesn't have the picture that Laena completed, he just knows that Harrot is shady AF at this time.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2019 21:54:02 GMT 1
"Most alarming. Master Harrot... I have met him only briefly, not enough to form an opinion of the man other than he seems dangerously efficient with coin. And the state of our kingdom only shows what happens when merchants and moneylenders get to entwined with rulership. Of what sources are your rumours, Ser? Or do you have any proof?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 25, 2019 22:28:38 GMT 1
He shakes his head.
"Knights, sellswords, drunks, men who all held pieces of the puzzle, but none of whom could put enough together to see the larger picture. Fortunately my house had been investigating the actions of the Hooded Man for some time now, enough to understand the information that we have acquired, but as I said, these are still rumors and not proof, certainly not enough to confront the man. Just be wary of the man. Merchants are no different from mercenaries, other than their wares, and neither should be trusted to act faithfully."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2019 22:38:23 GMT 1
"Hmm..." he scratches his chin. "I shall have to inform Lord Gormon of what you've uncovered all the same. He is a man rather kept wise of things. Even if we lack proof, hearsay can as you say paint the larger picture. Thank you for telling me. I am sure my cousin will be grateful for the service, he's a powerful man to have on your side."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 26, 2019 1:20:45 GMT 1
"If that is what you think is the best course of action. I'm sure Lord Gormon will know what to do with the information as he has the resources to get to the bottom of this matter. If Harrot is acting without his knowledge or consent, then he needs to know.
Seeing that this line of conversation had met its logical end he moved on to other topics.
"How are your siblings? Have you heard from Balon? Is your sister still looking for suitors?"
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