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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 27, 2019 20:43:44 GMT 1
[Chronologically, this occurs a couple of days after 'What's For Lunch?'.]
Laena is sitting under the shade of a tree in a garden in Whitewalls, atop a picnic blanket, carefully arranging a selection of foods for a light lunch, as she awaited Ser Balon's arrival. Her appetite had not fully returned after the immense amount of moon tea she had imbibed the evening before last, to ensure their long afternoon would have no consequences, but she was at least feeling considerably better than the walking dead she felt like yesterday.
A discreet distance away, under another tree, stood her chaperone, Septon Niclas. His back ramrod-straight, and a fierce scowl on his face, as he scours the area around him for the slightest sign of sinful behaviour.
While it didn't show, he was, in fact very friendly and affable, and more willing to follow the spirit of the law than cleave tightly to its letter, but the Seven had given him a wrinkled face that was severe and intimidating, at least until he burst into one of his big, booming laughs.
As Balon had predicted, she had the perfect chaperone. She wondered how long his face would keep Balon too intimidated to push his luck - she predicted not too long, but it would be interesting to see if she was right.
Given how her invitation to lunch had definite similarities to his, she wasn't ruling out Ser Balon attempting something unexpected, as she did, but she had guards around her tent (not being able to afford one of the few rooms available), and it was some ways distant, so at least he wouldn't attempt to replicate it exactly. Still, she had made explicit that she was with a chaperone, so he likely wouldn't expect a repeat. Hopefully. Today, she wanted to talk about larger matters than just the two of them.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 27, 2019 22:40:00 GMT 1
Ser Balon smiled when he'd received the invitation, the memories of their prior "lunch" still at the fore of his mind two days later. He washed up and chewed on piece of mint before putting on clothes, wanting to look (and smell) his best for Laena. The tunic he wore bore the sigil she'd designed for him on his right pectoral, a generous tip to the seamstress had put him at the top of her to-do list. He wasn't sure what the luncheon was about and while he hoped it'd be "fun" she'd mentioned a chaperone. Oh well, everything comes to he who waits.
As he entered the garden he smiled when he made eye contact with Laena then smirked when he saw the chaperone. If I can handle Septon Abelar I can handle this sour puss. He stopped at the edge of the blanket and bowed, his greeting both courteous and warm, "Good afternoon Lady Laena, may the Seven bless you on this fine day." He looked around at the gardens, "I see you've picked a lovely setting for our lunch. May I?" He gestured to the blanket waiting for her to grant him permission to sit. She was far above his station and it would be both rude and presumptuous to sit without her offering.
"Gaomas ziry ȳdragon Valyrīha?" he said quietly as he nodded to the septon.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 27, 2019 23:21:04 GMT 1
While she does her best to not show it, she's amused at Ser Balon on his best behaviour. "You may." She permits him with a graceful nod.
"Sepār kivigon udra." She replies quietly, with a straight face, but humour sparkling in her eyes.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 27, 2019 23:56:20 GMT 1
"Noted." he chuckled and gave her a wink.
Balon went to sit but paused for a moment, not quite sure what was considered proper. Is there a correct way to sit? He settled on crisscrossing his legs and unhooked his sheathed sword from his belt. As he set it to the side he said offhandedly, "Wouldn't want to poke anyone's eyes out with this." He looked at the spread of food Laena had provided, "This looks wonderful, shall we say a short prayer before eating?" Balon was laying it on thick and Laena could tell he was suppressing a smile.
"You first, my lady." he said as he offered to make a plate of whatever she chose. Balon provided some polite banter before getting around to asking why he was here. "Tell me my lady, how may I be of assistance today?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 28, 2019 1:12:58 GMT 1
He looked at the spread of food Laena had provided, "This looks wonderful, shall we say a short prayer before eating?" Balon was laying it on thick and Laena could tell he was suppressing a smile. Laena serenely closes her eyes. "Father, please grant me the patience to not strangle any man I am at least reasonably fond of, no matter how much he tempts me." She opens her eyes. "Now, let's eat!" "You first, my lady." he said as he offered to make a plate of whatever she chose. Balon provided some polite banter before getting around to asking why he was here. "Tell me my lady, how may I be of assistance today?" At that, her face firms into something more serious. "I was discussing politics with someone a while back. A knight of your faction, who will remain nameless. He had concerns. The way he saw things, while the Reach would largely fall behind your faction, the North would likely not bother one way or the other, and the Riverlands would be as divided as ever, he predicted that the rest of the Kingdom would largely support the King, and he couldn't see a way that your side could be victorious in the upcoming war. "I suspected things might fall along similar lines - while stirring up Dornish animosity is a great recruiting tool in the Reach, it carries far less weight elsewhere, and nowhere cares more about knighthood than the Reach. Now, based on my own limited understanding of warfare - from the histories - I projected a possible strategy of a lightning strike, moving as fast as possible, before the King has time to assemble anywhere close to his full might, taking King's Landing quickly through the help of traitors within, then wiping out the royal family, to not give anyone for a counter-revolution to centre around." Her voice is calmly academic, seemingly unconcerned with the wholesale slaughter of those who are technically kin. "Now that the dragons are gone, the loss of pure Valyrian blood will no longer prove disastrous for the realm. "Still, we both agreed that such a plan would be extremely high risk, and even with the great military minds you have access to, would have an awful lot of places where it could fall apart. "So." She pats the blanket a couple of times. "You have the undivided attention of royalty. Convince me your cause isn't doomed, without relying on claims like 'Reach knights are worth ten from anywhere else, and a hundred Dornish.'" |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 28, 2019 22:03:02 GMT 1
When Laena opened her eyes Balon had a big smile on his face. "Patience is a virtue and I can think of none as virtuous as you."
When she shifted the topic to politics of the realm Balon wasn't surprised or offended. He was a very vocal supporter of Blackfyre and if she agreed to marry him it was only fair for her to ask if she was joining the winning side. "This knight you talked to sounds rather stupid." There was a combination of dismissal and contempt in his voice. "Was he at least pretty to look at?" Balon asked sarcastically.
"I don't mean to be flippant but just because this man is a knight doesn't mean he understands warfare or political leanings. When people say half the realm would declare for Ser Daemon should he press his claim that's literal, not figurative." He stopped for a moment before clarifying. "Let me be more precise. For every ten houses I think four would side with the King, four would side with Blackfyre, one will sit out and accept a lesser punishment had he supported the loser, and one is capable of being swayed one way or the other prior to hostilities breaking out."
"It's why both sides are fighting a shadow war so to speak. Killing Lord Jon (Hightower) was a bold and successful move by the royalists. They took the 4th most powerful house in all of Westeros and turned them from Fire to fractured. The battle for regent will be quite bloody I imagine." And why Blackfyre's supporters must win.
"This knight of yours was right about the Reach. Most of the houses here will support Ser Daemon either because of their sense of chivalry and respect for martial prowess or hatred of the Dornish. I don't know much about the North's politics but I suspect there will be division there too. Lords are always looking to upjump their rivals and even if there *is* unity the North is huge. It will take a long time to gather their forces and march south. Even if they come enmasse the Neck will make their numbers work against them. A much smaller force can keep them bottled up in the swamps for a long time."
Balon moved onto the Riverlands, "The rivermen are split between Bracken and Blackwood but if you pay attention you'll see the martial houses support Ser Daemon and their numbers are greater than that of Riverrun. House Tully is a prestigious house but their military might is lacking compared to several of their bannermen."
"The Stormlands and Westerlands will be divided. The King was wise to try and *buy off* the Stormlands with royal marriages but while the houses he chose will side with him the ones he spurned won't forget. Moreover hatred of the Dornish runs just as deep in the Stormlands as it does in the Reach."
"As for our newest brethren," the word was dripping with sarcasm, "Dorne isn't unified behind the king either. I've heard very interesting things coming from the Red Mountains and like the North it'll take time for them to muster and they must advance through easily defendable terrain."
Balon paused and took a drink, trying to recollect any information he had and the Vale. "House Arryn is a staunch supporter of the King but I don't know much about the Vale. Again their access to the rest of the Kingdoms comes via a narrow pass. They can be slowed and delayed. As for the Iron Islands... who the fuck knows." Balon put his hand to his mouth, temporarily forgetting the presence of Septon Sourpuss. "Apologies my lady. I wouldn't try to buy the allegiance of the Ironborn but I would encourage them to reave. Of course most houses along the coast are loyal. A pity..."
"So is a quick strike a possibility? Yes. Risky? Of course. Needed? Not really. The King has to defend much more than the rebels and he who defends everything defends nothing. And as you said those that support Ser Daemon are some of the finest military minds in the Seven Kingdoms. The King had Ser Walton (Wyl) but he died answering the insult of some nobody from a small house."
"Are there unforeseeable things that can sway the balance? Yes. Just as there are things that can be done before the war to help tip the scales."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 28, 2019 23:34:23 GMT 1
"This knight you talked to sounds rather stupid." There was a combination of dismissal and contempt in his voice. "Was he at least pretty to look at?" Balon asked sarcastically. Laena gives an enigmatic smile, but doesn't answer. "I don't mean to be flippant but just because this man is a knight doesn't mean he understands warfare or political leanings. When people say half the realm would declare for Ser Daemon should he press his claim that's literal, not figurative." He stopped for a moment before clarifying. "Let me be more precise. For every ten houses I think four would side with the King, four would side with Blackfyre, one will sit out and accept a lesser punishment had he supported the loser, and one is capable of being swayed one way or the other prior to hostilities breaking out."
"And on what do you base that? Just because you are a knight does not mean you understand warfare or political leanings." Challenging him, but not denying his claim, and with a sparkle of humour in her retort, rather than any heat. "It's why both sides are fighting a shadow war so to speak. Killing Lord Jon (Hightower) was a bold and successful move by the royalists. They took the 4th most powerful house in all of Westeros and turned them from Fire to fractured. The battle for regent will be quite bloody I imagine." And why Blackfyre's supporters must win. "I must admit, I've been rather distracted by .." her face displays a flash of deep melacholy "..other things. Do you know the political leanings of the main candidates fighting for the position?" "This knight of yours was right about the Reach. Most of the houses here will support Ser Daemon either because of their sense of chivalry and respect for martial prowess or hatred of the Dornish. I don't know much about the North's politics but I suspect there will be division there too. Lords are always looking to upjump their rivals and even if there *is* unity the North is huge. It will take a long time to gather their forces and march south. Even if they come en-mass the Neck will make their numbers work against them. A much smaller force can keep them bottled up in the swamps for a long time." Laena nods along, his points making sense to her. Balon moved onto the Riverlands, "The rivermen are split between Bracken and Blackwood but if you pay attention you'll see the martial houses support Ser Daemon and their numbers are greater than that of Riverrun. House Tully is a prestigious house but their military might is lacking compared to several of their bannermen.""Perhaps. But the Blackwood-Bracken feud is ancient. I doubt it will end any time soon. And how many troops would revolutionary houses be willing and able to send off without leaving their homes vulnerable to what opposition forces remain, even if they win a few battles up there? I suspect either side wanting much help from there will be disappointed." "The Stormlands and Westerlands will be divided. The King was wise to try and *buy off* the Stormlands with royal marriages but while the houses he chose will side with him the ones he spurned won't forget. Moreover hatred of the Dornish runs just as deep in the Stormlands as it does in the Reach." "What you say about the Stormlands makes sense, though I imagine the King chose the houses to buy off for best effect, but why would the Westerlands be divided?" Again, questioning, not denying. "As for our newest brethren," the word was dripping with sarcasm, "Dorne isn't unified behind the king either. I've heard very interesting things coming from the Red Mountains and like the North it'll take time for them to muster and they must advance through easily defendable terrain." Laena raises an eyebrow. "Careful, Ser. You're dangerously close to actually impressing me. What have you heard about Dorne?" Balon paused and took a drink, trying to recollect any information he had and the Vale. "House Arryn is a staunch supporter of the King but I don't know much about the Vale. Again their access to the rest of the Kingdoms comes via a narrow pass. They can be slowed and delayed. As for the Iron Islands... who the fuck knows." Balon put his hand to his mouth, temporarily forgetting the presence of Septon Sourpuss. " Apologies my lady. I wouldn't try to buy the allegiance of the Ironborn but I would encourage them to reave. Of course most houses along the coast are loyal. A pity..."She raises an eyebrow again, more archly this time. "You believe it sound strategy to set off a wildfire blaze you have no control of, then hope the Kingdom has enough sand left after the civil war is over to put it out?" For the first time, she seems openly doubting of him. "So is a quick strike a possibility? Yes. Risky? Of course. Needed? Not really. The King has to defend much more than the rebels and he who defends everything defends nothing. And as you said those that support Ser Daemon are some of the finest military minds in the Seven Kingdoms. The King had Ser Walton (Wyl) but he died answering the insult of some nobody from a small house." "I counter that: ultimately, the revolution has to protect *Ser Daemon*, else you lose a unifying force, and justification for many, and he will be fighting on the front lines. And recent events have proven that he is not invincible. Talented, handsome, chivalrous and brave, yes; but not invincible. Meanwhile, the King will be sitting safely behind his walls. Not inspiring, certainly, but much less likely to fall. And even if he does? There is a line of succession, and a long list of people who have to die before Ser Daemon's claim has any validity. "Now, you claim the King has to defend much more than the revolutionaries. How so? If four out of ten houses declare for each side, isn't the territory both sides have to protect roughly equivalent? The only point that absolutely *has* to be either kept or won is King's Landing itself, which will likely be easier to keep than take." She seems less confident here, aware of her lacking military knowledge, just trying to use logic to fill the gap. "Are there unforeseeable things that can sway the balance? Yes. Just as there are things that can be done before the war to help tip the scales." "Such as? What should I be looking out for as indicators of the balance of power? Aside from the obvious metric of declared houses." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 29, 2019 22:11:54 GMT 1
"And on what do you base that? Just because you are a knight does not mean you understand warfare or political leanings." Challenging him, but not denying his claim, and with a sparkle of humour in her retort, rather than any heat. Balon smiled at Laena using his own words against him. Her sharp wit was one of the many things he liked about her. "It's true I'm no master of warfare like Fireball but I did study under him and I believe I was the best if not top three performers at the Tactician's tourney. So I ask you to trust me on the tactical side of things. As for political..." Balon shrugged, "Be it fate or some other reason I happen to be close to some of the most influential knights and lords promoting Ser Daemon. I listen and what I hear tells me the odds are a lot closer to 50-50 than the King would lead his people to believe. Just after the Black Tourney two principal bannermen of Highgarden now support Blackfyre."IC this is Balon explaining OOC mechanics turning certain principal houses Fire."I must admit, I've been rather distracted by .." her face displays a flash of deep melacholy "..other things. Do you know the political leanings of the main candidates fighting for the position?" Balon knew what other things meant. "I understand the loss of a loved one can be distracting." He reached out and held her hand for a moment then withdrew it before Septon Sourpuss could object. "As for who leans what way? I don't know but I plan to find out and support whomever shared Lord Jon's vision." A polite way to say rebel. "Perhaps. But the Blackwood-Bracken feud is ancient. I doubt it will end any time soon. And how many troops would revolutionary houses be willing and able to send off without leaving their homes vulnerable to what opposition forces remain, even if they win a few battles up there? I suspect either side wanting much help from there will be disappointed." It was something he figured she didn't want to hear but he wanted to be honest with her just like she was with him. "When the banners are called each side will coalesce and proceed from there. What matters is who seizes the initiative and holds the important fords and roads."
"What you say about the Stormlands makes sense, though I imagine the King chose the houses to buy off for best effect, but why would the Westerlands be divided?" Again, questioning, not denying. The Lannisters and Reynes were almost equal in power and if Robb Reyne's actions were any indication the Red Lions might try to overthrow the Gold. Laena raises an eyebrow. "Careful, Ser. You're dangerously close to actually impressing me. What have you heard about Dorne?" Balon gave her a crooked grin and eye waggle. Balon was smart to sit with the back of his head to the Septon. "I've heard Lord Yronwood hates Dorne more than me. My knowledge of Dorne is lacking but I do know the Yronwoods are one of the most powerful houses sworn to the Martells and they control the Boneway." A reference to earlier about controlling loyalists avenues of advance. She raises an eyebrow again, more archly this time. "You believe it sound strategy to set off a wildfire blaze you have no control of, then hope the Kingdom has enough sand left after the civil war is over to put it out?" For the first time, she seems openly doubting of him. "I counter that: ultimately, the revolution has to protect *Ser Daemon*, else you lose a unifying force, and justification for many, and he will be fighting on the front lines. And recent events have proven that he is not invincible. Talented, handsome, chivalrous and brave, yes; but not invincible. Meanwhile, the King will be sitting safely behind his walls. Not inspiring, certainly, but much less likely to fall. And even if he does? There is a line of succession, and a long list of people who have to die before Ser Daemon's claim has any validity. "Now, you claim the King has to defend much more than the revolutionaries. How so? If four out of ten houses declare for each side, isn't the territory both sides have to protect roughly equivalent? The only point that absolutely *has* to be either kept or won is King's Landing itself, which will likely be easier to keep than take." She seems less confident here, aware of her lacking military knowledge, just trying to use logic to fill the gap. Balon let out a long breath. "It's easier to protect Ser Daemon than it is the King. And while logically it makes sense for the King to remain in King's Landing it sends a terrible message to those outside its walls. Let your keeps and lands burn while I stay nice and safe in the Red Keep. Those that are neutral might find it better to serve a knight in the field than a king behind walls. Soldiers find inspiration in a man that leads from the front, not a king that sits on his throne demanding you bleed for him." Balon purposefully dodged the question of succession and King Daeron's children. "As for protecting what lords have I'll ask you a hypothetical. Would Lord Reynald (Florent) let Brightwater burn if it meant he won Highgarden? Would the Freys let one of their castles be ruined if it meant they controlled everything east of the Green Fork? Would a landed knight let his smallfolk die if it meant he gained a lordship? The rebels have more to gain in my opinion." Balon was struggling to explain himself. "The status quo helps those in power while war and rebellion helps those who seek it." He switched to Valyrian and spoke quietly, "Do you think I have a better chance to rule Gyldenhaal and the Starkwood if things remain the same or Ser Daemon proves victorious?" The first admission by Balon to Laena about his personal desires. Well, besides wanting to impregnate Laena repeatedly. "Such as? What should I be looking out for as indicators of the balance of power? Aside from the obvious metric of declared houses." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 30, 2019 0:35:20 GMT 1
"Touche." Balon smiled at Laena using his own words against him. Her sharp wit was one of the many things he liked about her. "It's true I'm no master of warfare like Fireball but I did study under him and I believe I was the best if not top three performers at the Tactician's tourney. So I ask you to trust me on the tactical side of things. As for political..." Balon shrugged, "Be it fate or some other reason I happen to be close to some of the most influential knights and lords promoting Ser Daemon. I listen and what I hear tells me the odds are a lot closer to 50-50 than the King would lead his people to believe. Just after the Black Tourney two principal bannermen of Highgarden now support Blackfyre." Laena nods slowly in consideration. "So, you have successfully worked your way to within earshot of those with power and influence within your faction? That's good. There are always more outstretched hands than there are rewards at the end of these affairs, and the closer you are to the heart, the more likely you are for your hands to be filled." Although I'm not sure your faction's trick with House Florent will hold up over time - they're no fools, and Lord Florent especially will have a grasp of the astronomical odds against Ser Addam's success being honest.Balon knew what other things meant. "I understand the loss of a loved one can be distracting." He reached out and held her hand for a moment then withdrew it before Septon Sourpuss could object. "As for who leans what way? I don't know but I plan to find out and support whomever shared Lord Jon's vision." A polite way to say rebel. "It would be good if that were Ser Raymun. It seems quite possible, given how he was Lord Jon's heir for a while. He's a knight, with experience of the role. Were you to end up supporting, say, Lady Melara over him, well, that would expose a rather large amount of hypocrisy, given your faction's words on the importance of knighthood." She seems faintly amused at the prospect. "I suspect it will never end. There will always be Ser Othos and Ser Ulberts to reignite the feud. If the current situation breaks out into open warfare I plan to be there and tip the balance to my side." It was something he figured she didn't want to hear but he wanted to be honest with her just like she was with him. "When the banners are called each side will coalesce and proceed from there. What matters is who seizes the initiative and holds the important fords and roads." She nods again, his words making sense to her. "It is quite likely that many will see this as a preview of the upcoming war, and use it to measure how the winds are blowing. Rhetoric is all well and good, but results are what matter. Just as glory in battle is all well and good, but it can only be capitalised on by the living." That last sentence said in a very pointed tone. "Did he choose for best effect or did he choose from what was available? Not everyone has a daughter lying around waiting for princes to marry them. As for the Westerlands houses will rebel for the same reason lords have rebelled for ages. The chance at gaining more power." The Lannisters and Reynes were almost equal in power and if Robb Reyne's actions were any indication the Red Lions might try to overthrow the Gold. "For the Stormlands, you said those he didn't pick would feel slighted. But if there was no way to forge that link, why would they be so insulted? "For the Westerlands, if that were their only motivation, why was there no rebellion during my father's reign? He would have far less support than the current King, and the rebels could even claim the moral high ground. Yet, nothing." "You mean I haven't impressed you already?" Balon gave her a crooked grin and eye waggle. Balon was smart to sit with the back of his head to the Septon. "I've heard Lord Yronwood hates Dorne more than me. My knowledge of Dorne is lacking but I do know the Yronwoods are one of the most powerful houses sworn to the Martells and they control the Boneway." A reference to earlier about controlling loyalists avenues of advance. Laena nods slowly in acknowledgement. "And the Boneway is a significantly shorter route to King's Landing than the Prince's Pass." She frowns in thought. "What about ships? Could the Dornish ship a significant force to Storm's End, reinforce crown loyalists in the Stormlands, then march up the Kingsroad?" "The blaze will most likely happen either way. Better to steer it to a neighbor's field than my own. The Ironborn are mercurial. I'm sure each side is trying to figure out how to use them. I'll focus on what I can and let my betters deal with those reavers. I'm just speculating for you right now." She gives a short nod. "Fair." Balon let out a long breath. "It's easier to protect Ser Daemon than it is the King. And while logically it makes sense for the King to remain in King's Landing it sends a terrible message to those outside its walls. Let your keeps and lands burn while I stay nice and safe in the Red Keep. Those that are neutral might find it better to serve a knight in the field than a king behind walls. Soldiers find inspiration in a man that leads from the front, not a king that sits on his throne demanding you bleed for him." "So, a man like Prince Baelor?" She asks, with a smirk, knowing the prince's skin colour would irk Balon, despite his martial qualifications. "If I were the King, that's who I'd have leading my armies." "As for protecting what lords have I'll ask you a hypothetical. Would Lord Reynald (Florent) let Brightwater burn if it meant he won Highgarden? Would the Freys let one of their castles be ruined if it meant they controlled everything east of the Green Fork? Would a landed knight let his smallfolk die if it meant he gained a lordship? The rebels have more to gain in my opinion." Balon was struggling to explain himself. "The status quo helps those in power while war and rebellion helps those who seek it." "You would have to be a cold, ambitious man to let your family fall into the enemy's hands, and trust in their mercy in what seems likely to be a vicious, bloody war. You tell me: say you somehow inherit Gyldenhaal *before* the war, marry me, and even have a lovely son before you have to leave for the war. Obviously I would be staying home. Are you saying that you would let me and your son fall into enemy hands, if it gave you a chance at a greater prize?" He switched to Valyrian and spoke quietly, "Do you think I have a better chance to rule Gyldenhaal and the Starkwood if things remain the same or Ser Daemon proves victorious?" The first admission by Balon to Laena about his personal desires. Well, besides wanting to impregnate Laena repeatedly. Laena begins nodding acknowledgement of the point, then freezes. Without warning, her hand snaps out to hold his chin steady, as her face closes with his, her own expression showing a mix of hurt, anger, and doubt. "Look me in the eyes." she whispers harshly. "Look me in the eyes, and swear upon your father's soul, your hatred of the Dornish, and the Seven themselves that your pursuit of me is about *me*, and all this isn't just to give you claim on your neighbour's lands you can press come victory time." "Who they associate with. Betrothals. I ask myself, what would a loyal lord do? If someone does the opposite I'd pry a little more. Also what is happening on their lands is a possible indicator. What have you seen?" She shakes her head. "Just trying to make sense of the Ser Willas - Lady Alerie betrothal. Both houses are too fractured for me to make sense of it politically from the little I know." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 1, 2019 6:13:48 GMT 1
Laena nods slowly in consideration. "So, you have successfully worked your way to within earshot of those with power and influence within your faction? That's good. There are always more outstretched hands than there are rewards at the end of these affairs, and the closer you are to the heart, the more likely you are for your hands to be filled." Balon didn't seem willingly to provide specifics, "I will do what I can before the outbreak of hostilities to help tip the scales and when the war comes I hope to be in a position to lead men to victory. Everything builds upon each other. Crushing one foe here, leads to more available men there." Balon gestured from one side of the blanket to the other. "Secure one of the kingdoms and it allows the forces of Blackfyre to leave for another still in contention. It's easier to show off the fruits of your labor when the eyes that look upon you are friendly." "It would be good if that were Ser Raymun. It seems quite possible, given how he was Lord Jon's heir for a while. He's a knight, with experience of the role. Were you to end up supporting, say, Lady Melara over him, well, that would expose a rather large amount of hypocrisy, given your faction's words on the importance of knighthood." She seems faintly amused at the prospect. He assumed Laena would ask why so he explained, "Ser Raymun was his former heir and as you said has experience. Additionally his brother is the Champion of House Hightower and wields their ancestral Valyrian sword. As for Lady Melara I'd like to think she still holds sway over her children and depending how long this plays out, two or three of them will be knights and one might be married to Ser Willas (Tyrell). A steady guiding hand from the periphery like Lady Melara's could work. Ser Abelar is untested but looking to prove himself. I don't speak for him but he seems to be the kind of knight that would idolize Ser Daemon, not the King who threw his father out of King's Landing." Balon picked at a piece of fruit, "As for Lady Rhonda... she is a Redwyne by birth and they are firmly aligned behind Ser Daemon. With that said she is the mother of a five year old lord who is vulnerable. I could see a scenario where she focuses on protecting her son and doing whatever best achieves that goal." She nods again, his words making sense to her. "It is quite likely that many will see this as a preview of the upcoming war, and use it to measure how the winds are blowing. Rhetoric is all well and good, but results are what matter. Just as glory in battle is all well and good, but it can only be capitalized on by the living." That last sentence said in a very pointed tone. Balon winked, "Don't worry only the good die young.""For the Stormlands, you said those he didn't pick would feel slighted. But if there was no way to forge that link, why would they be so insulted? Balon thought how to describe it. "There were certainly houses that were unable to form a link. Others could've but were passed over for whatever reason. That envy can manifest into anger, resentment, and a whole host of ugly emotions. Anytime something goes the way of House Dondarion or Penrose the inherit paranoia and jealousy of lords will fester. Give it enough time and those who feel slighted will convince themselves it's real. And that's not even factoring in the lords of the marches that suddenly have to call a thousand year foe, friend." Balon was quiet as it seemed he was debating whether to ask a question, "I have a theory and it's probably wrong but I'll ask you; if you were Lord Baratheon wouldn't you be insulted?" He paused to let Laena consider his question. "With King Daeron marrying his sons into lesser Stormlands houses doesn't it seem to imply he distrusts House Baratheon's leadership? Does it not send the message that Lord Baratheon can't control his bannermen so the King bought their loyalty with a couple of marriages? Maybe I'm reading too much into it.""For the Westerlands, if that were their only motivation, why was there no rebellion during my father's reign? He would have far less support than the current King, and the rebels could even claim the moral high ground. Yet, nothing." Balon asked as a curiosity. "Despite his wanton desire what did he do to upset the balance? To invite challenge? Who was the Unworthy's version of Ser Daemon? Did he bring the Ironborn to King's Landing and grant them boons over the Westerland lords?" Balon wasn't trying to praise Aegon but acknowledged his cunning, "I don't know all of your father's life but it seemed those that were punished were often the moths that got too close to the flame and stayed for too long. Those that stayed away were left to their own devices."Laena nods slowly in acknowledgement. "And the Boneway is a significantly shorter route to King's Landing than the Prince's Pass." She frowns in thought. "What about ships? Could the Dornish ship a significant force to Storm's End, reinforce crown loyalists in the Stormlands, then march up the Kingsroad?" Balon counted them off with his fingers. "Those are the fleets of any substance. I don't see them being able to ferry any significant amount of troops by sea. Plus the coasts of the Stormlands are stormy and dangerous. You're likely to lose half your soldiers if you attempted something like that. I suppose you could look to sellsails but that'd mean the King was planning to attack. It'd be hard to hide something like that even if Dorne."
"So, a man like Prince Baelor?" She asks, with a smirk, knowing the prince's skin colour would irk Balon, despite his martial qualifications. "If I were the King, that's who I'd have leading my armies." Balon's nose wrinkled is distaste, "He is an accomplished knight and I've heard he's charming but I don't know of his strategic acumen.""You would have to be a cold, ambitious man to let your family fall into the enemy's hands, and trust in their mercy in what seems likely to be a vicious, bloody war. You tell me: say you somehow inherit Gyldenhaal *before* the war, marry me, and even have a lovely son before you have to leave for the war. Obviously I would be staying home. Are you saying that you would let me and your son fall into enemy hands, if it gave you a chance at a greater prize?" He held up a finger, "With that said if you were my wife you and our children would be safe at Starpike or somewhere more formidable than Gyldenhaal. I'd have a maester or castellan take care of things while I was gone." It was clear Balon had thought about it and would move Laena to somewhere he considered safe for the duration of the war or until the Reach was firmly in control of the Fire supporters. Laena begins nodding acknowledgement of the point, then freezes. Without warning, her hand snaps out to hold his chin steady, as her face closes with his, her own expression showing a mix of hurt, anger, and doubt. "Look me in the eyes." she whispers harshly. "Look me in the eyes, and swear upon your father's soul, your hatred of the Dornish, and the Seven themselves that your pursuit of me is about *me*, and all this isn't just to give you claim on your neighbour's lands you can press come victory time." Balon was taken aback by her grabbing him though he never pulled back or broke eye contact, "My pursuit of you is independent of my desires for land." He said calmly as he slowly reached up to her hand. "Do you remember in the library when I said I want a wife because of who she is, not what she had attached to her?" He held her hand in his. "I said I didn't care about a Valyrian sword because it couldn't straddle my face?" A smile crept up on his lips, "Well I found something Valyrian that does straddle my face. The fact she has familial ties to the Starkwood is immaterial."She shakes her head. "Just trying to make sense of the Ser Willas - Lady Alerie betrothal. Both houses are too fractured for me to make sense of it politically from the little I know." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 1, 2019 15:30:36 GMT 1
"It's easier to show off the fruits of your labor when the eyes that look upon you are friendly." Laena raises an eyebrow. "And yet, you're remarkably coy about said fruits with me. Do you not consider me a friend? Or do you just have something against my eyes?" From her smirk, she's clearly neither offended nor expecting him to reveal more, simply putting a bit of pressure on him to see how he reacts. "Ser Raymun would be the best option. Followed by Lord Jon's widow, then Ser Abelar, lastly Lady Rhonda." He assumed Laena would ask why so he explained, "Ser Raymun was his former heir and as you said has experience. Additionally his brother is the Champion of House Hightower and wields their ancestral Valyrian sword. As for Lady Melara I'd like to think she still holds sway over her children and depending how long this plays out, two or three of them will be knights and one might be married to Ser Willas (Tyrell). A steady guiding hand from the periphery like Lady Melara's could work. Ser Abelar is untested but looking to prove himself. I don't speak for him but he seems to be the kind of knight that would idolize Ser Daemon, not the King who threw his father out of King's Landing." Balon picked at a piece of fruit, "As for Lady Rhonda... she is a Redwyne by birth and they are firmly aligned behind Ser Daemon. With that said she is the mother of a five year old lord who is vulnerable. I could see a scenario where she focuses on protecting her son and doing whatever best achieves that goal." Laena cocks her head. "Lady Melara before Ser Abelar? Interesting. I wouldn't be too concerned about Ser Abelar's mother gaining influence over him should he be regent - if any of them have any sense, they've learned from Lord Desmond's mistake, and will deal with all rivals for power swiftly and permanently. The Sisters' numbers will need boosting to deal with the glut to come." Balon winked, "Don't worry only the good die young.""The good, and the predictable. I had eyes and ears at the Bridges' party, to see what I could learn. And I did learn some interesting things. For example, did you know that the woman dressed as a ghost was lurking near Nymeria for some time before she ambushed you the moment you appeared? Whatever she may have told you, she was after *you* specifically, knowing full well who you are. And your hate made you predictable. What if she'd been an assassin sent by House Wyl? You're the knight, you should well understand how useful it is to be able to reliably predict your opponent's actions. That's why I dislike your hatred of the Dornish - it controls you, makes you predictable; rather than you controlling it to give yourself strength and determination. And that makes you vulnerable, especially combined with your confidence." Balon was quiet as it seemed he was debating whether to ask a question, "I have a theory and it's probably wrong but I'll ask you; if you were Lord Baratheon wouldn't you be insulted?" He paused to let Laena consider his question. "With King Daeron marrying his sons into lesser Stormlands houses doesn't it seem to imply he distrusts House Baratheon's leadership? Does it not send the message that Lord Baratheon can't control his bannermen so the King bought their loyalty with a couple of marriages? Maybe I'm reading too much into it.""It would depend a lot on how the King did it. If he consulted me beforehand, asking for my input, and it seemed like my suggestions were listened to, it would likely bind me to him closer, as I would feel like the King valued my advice. If he just went in without talking to me at all, then yes, I would likely feel slighted." "Would your father have had less support?" Balon asked as a curiosity. "Despite his wanton desire what did he do to upset the balance? To invite challenge? Who was the Unworthy's version of Ser Daemon? Did he bring the Ironborn to King's Landing and grant them boons over the Westerland lords?" Balon wasn't trying to praise Aegon but acknowledged his cunning, "I don't know all of your father's life but it seemed those that were punished were often the moths that got too close to the flame and stayed for too long. Those that stayed away were left to their own devices." Laena sets down a half-eaten sandwich. "I think I'm going to be sick. He gave away priceless, irreplaceable family relics for ... for orvorta! His behaviour was completely abhorrent to anyone with the slightest sense of morality. Are you saying you see nothing wrong with the behaviour of Lord Eldon? He's cut from the same cloth, just younger and not as powerful. I can understand not joining in to attack him, but to actually *defend* him?! *Every* knight who valued their oath to protect all women should have stood up against him." She pushes her food away with a harsh shake of her head. "No. No. I do *not* agree. And the Unworthy's version of Ser Daemon was then-Prince Daeron - a man with an actual *valid* claim on the throne through blood, rather than through mere popularity." She continues coldly. "And tell me again, Ser, how my mother is to blame for her rape, and the shattering of her sanity. How I would have been had my father lived long enough for me to flower." "*Most* lords and knights would prefer ransom to killing lords' wives and heirs. At least that's what I've read in the histories." He held up a finger, "With that said if you were my wife you and our children would be safe at Starpike or somewhere more formidable than Gyldenhaal. I'd have a maester or castellan take care of things while I was gone." It was clear Balon had thought about it and would move Laena to somewhere he considered safe for the duration of the war or until the Reach was firmly in control of the Fire supporters. "Most." Laena acknowledges with a nod. "Not all. I do not wish to imagine my fate in that circumstance should I fall into Ser Ulbert Blackwood's hands, for example. And I suppose, in the situation you've set up, that you'll have to hope that Lord Gorman isn't willing to sacrifice Starpike for greater gains. After all, it's not like he's aiming to get his own personal puppet on the throne; and Starpike isn't even his only holding." Balon was taken aback by her grabbing him though he never pulled back or broke eye contact, "My pursuit of you is independent of my desires for land." He said calmly as he slowly reached up to her hand. "Do you remember in the library when I said I want a wife because of who she is, not what she had attached to her?" He held her hand in his. "I said I didn't care about a Valyrian sword because it couldn't straddle my face?" A smile crept up on his lips, "Well I found something Valyrian that does straddle my face. The fact she has familial ties to the Starkwood is immaterial."Laena stares into his eyes as he answers, registering the slightest tic, looking for the faintest sign of untruth. BAP - Read Target: 5d6k4 19She sighs in relief, letting her hand slip from his chin, before waving off the approaching Septon who had grown concerned that something was happening he should intercede in. "Good." She says simply, refusing to apologise. "Good." "A shrewd move by someone to *encourage* House Hightower to side with House Tyrell when the war comes. That's how I read it." She shrugs. "Sure. But do *you* know which side House Tyrell will be on? From what I hear, they're rather split." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 3, 2019 5:40:50 GMT 1
Laena raises an eyebrow. "And yet, you're remarkably coy about said fruits with me. Do you not consider me a friend? Or do you just have something against my eyes?" From her smirk, she's clearly neither offended nor expecting him to reveal more, simply putting a bit of pressure on him to see how he reacts. Balon gazed longingly into her eyes before straightening and becoming serious. "You're not my friend." He said bluntly and without emotion. Balon paused, gauging Laena's reaction before adding, "You're much more than that." A smile broke the stern look. "Plus unless I'm mistaken you're not one of the key members of the revolution doling out rewards." He sighed wanting to share things with her but knowing he couldn't. "I'll make you a deal. After the birth of our first child I'll answer whatever questions you have. No matter how awkward."Laena cocks her head. "Lady Melara before Ser Abelar? Interesting. I wouldn't be too concerned about Ser Abelar's mother gaining influence over him should he be regent - if any of them have any sense, they've learned from Lord Desmond's mistake, and will deal with all rivals for power swiftly and permanently. The Sisters' numbers will need boosting to deal with the glut to come." "The good, and the predictable. I had eyes and ears at the Bridges' party, to see what I could learn. And I did learn some interesting things. For example, did you know that the woman dressed as a ghost was lurking near Nymeria for some time before she ambushed you the moment you appeared? Whatever she may have told you, she was after *you* specifically, knowing full well who you are. And your hate made you predictable. What if she'd been an assassin sent by House Wyl? You're the knight, you should well understand how useful it is to be able to reliably predict your opponent's actions. That's why I dislike your hatred of the Dornish - it controls you, makes you predictable; rather than you controlling it to give yourself strength and determination. And that makes you vulnerable, especially combined with your confidence." Balon's eyes went wide as Laena talked about Ghost. "I... how...." She could tell his mind was frantically trying to excuse his actions there. Ultimately he slouched and asked meekly, "Why was she after me?" He didn't want to look her in the eyes but added defensively, "My hatred gives me both strength and predictability. I yelled at Nymeria because it was an easy way to blow off steam. If Ghost was an assassin," what was she going to do, fuck me to death? "she was far to feminine to overpower me." You idiot..."It would depend a lot on how the King did it. If he consulted me beforehand, asking for my input, and it seemed like my suggestions were listened to, it would likely bind me to him closer, as I would feel like the King valued my advice. If he just went in without talking to me at all, then yes, I would likely feel slighted." Balon had never considered the King and Lord Baratheon discussed *who* the King should have marry into the royal family. He nodded in agreement with her opinion. Laena sets down a half-eaten sandwich. "I think I'm going to be sick. He gave away priceless, irreplaceable family relics for ... for orvorta! His behaviour was completely abhorrent to anyone with the slightest sense of morality. Are you saying you see nothing wrong with the behaviour of Lord Eldon? He's cut from the same cloth, just younger and not as powerful. I can understand not joining in to attack him, but to actually *defend* him?! *Every* knight who valued their oath to protect all women should have stood up against him." She pushes her food away with a harsh shake of her head. "No. No. I do *not* agree. And the Unworthy's version of Ser Daemon was then-Prince Daeron - a man with an actual *valid* claim on the throne through blood, rather than through mere popularity." She continues coldly. "And tell me again, Ser, how my mother is to blame for her rape, and the shattering of her sanity. How I would have been had my father lived long enough for me to flower." Balon was instantly walking on egg shells, "I'm not implying your mother was their of her own free will. I'm talking of your relatives and people like them who used her and other women for their own advancement." As for Lord Eldon he was disgusting but he was smart enough to keep his desires to the smallfolk and who really gave a shit about them? Plus the wealth and armies of Longtable would go a long way in helping Ser Daemon in the war to come. "Prince Daeron alienated a lot of lords and nobles in a way Ser Daemon never has. And Prince Daeron just waited out his father and his poor health. He challenged him at court when it came to policy and the war in Dorne but what did he do to stop men like Lord Spongeholder?""Most." Laena acknowledges with a nod. "Not all. I do not wish to imagine my fate in that circumstance should I fall into Ser Ulbert Blackwood's hands, for example. And I suppose, in the situation you've set up, that you'll have to hope that Lord Gorman isn't willing to sacrifice Starpike for greater gains. After all, it's not like he's aiming to get his own personal puppet on the throne; and Starpike isn't even his only holding."
"Starpike is Lord Gormon's main holding, he'd sacrifice his other assets before his home. And if you're not convinced Starpike will do you should make sure Highgarden sides with us." Balon left the interpretation of 'us' up to Laena. She shrugs. "Sure. But do *you* know which side House Tyrell will be on? From what I hear, they're rather split." Balon was matter of fact, "Then help me sway them until they're unified. If the rumors of Lord Leo's desires to declare for Blackfyre are true then help me find out who holds him back." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 3, 2019 16:53:51 GMT 1
Balon gazed longingly into her eyes before straightening and becoming serious. "You're not my friend." He said bluntly and without emotion. Balon paused, gauging Laena's reaction before adding, "You're much more than that." A smile broke the stern look. "Plus unless I'm mistaken you're not one of the key members of the revolution doling out rewards." He sighed wanting to share things with her but knowing he couldn't. "I'll make you a deal. After the birth of our first child I'll answer whatever questions you have. No matter how awkward."Laena simply raised a querying eyebrow when he said she wasn't a friend, willing to see where he was going with it. Her other eyebrow joins it when he makes his offer, along with a small smile. "I'll hold you to that." She purrs. Balon's eyes went wide as Laena talked about Ghost. "I... how...." She could tell his mind was frantically trying to excuse his actions there. Ultimately he slouched and asked meekly, "Why was she after me?" She casually shrugs. "I don't know. I'd assumed you'd be at the trial, so I hadn't left any special instructions regarding you. They watched you go off together, then carried on observing the main room." Taking pity on his reaction, she reaches across, and squeezes his upper arm near his shoulder reassuringly. "Hey, it's fine. I explicitly said you could have fun with other women. Understand this well, Balon:" she continues in a serious whisper "giving another woman your dick but not your heart under the current circumstances is no betrayal at all. But beware: giving another woman your heart, even if not your dick as well, is the *greatest* of betrayals, and will *not* be forgiven. If ever another woman steals it from me, end things with me *properly* before chasing her, or you will both regret it. Deeply." He didn't want to look her in the eyes but added defensively, "My hatred gives me both strength and predictability. I yelled at Nymeria because it was an easy way to blow off steam. If Ghost was an assassin," what was she going to do, fuck me to death? "she was far to feminine to overpower me." You idiot...Laena sighs, and places her fingers across her forehead. "You were at a literal orgy, and still needed to yell at a Dornishwoman to 'blow off steam'." She lets that hang for a moment before continuing. "Can you at least see how that's concerning to me, particularly? All the sex you could want, available simply for the asking, and you prefer to hunt Dornish? "And stop being so oblivious. Firstly, it could just have easily been a stealthy man with a poisoned dagger waiting for you instead of Ghost. Secondly, even if it *was* Ghost, it would hardly be impossible for her to lead you to a pre-arranged room with plenty of cover, then wait until you're heavily distracted before a half-dozen armed and armoured men step out and impale you rather more fatally than you were impaling her. And that's just the dangers I can come up with off-hand." "Prince Daeron alienated a lot of lords and nobles in a way Ser Daemon never has. And Prince Daeron just waited out his father and his poor health. He challenged him at court when it came to policy and the war in Dorne but what did he do to stop men like Lord Spongeholder?" "Lord Spongeholder was a symptom, not a cause. Remove him, and he'd simply be replaced within a week. Possibly even a day. Why bother? There's no shortage of unscrupulous lords seeking more power. "As for the rest of it: I don't know. I may have been at King's Landing for some of it, but I was far too young to understand the depths of what was going on. But unless you're suggesting he ascend through overt kinslaying, the amount of influence Prince Daeron could wield was directly proportionate to the proportion of people willing to stand up against the King. Which, given how that requires moral courage, was obviously very small. To blame him for the moral failings of an entire nation is a stretch, even for one of your faction." "If the majority of fighting is taking place out of the Reach small forces aren't going to waste time trying to pick off keeps here and there. They won't have the manpower to take castles like Starpike even when they're minimally defended. If they're shattered units that turned to banditry they'll take easy targets. Hamlets, towns without walls, farmsteads, and trade ways."
Laena nods. "Okay, but we've strayed rather from the initial point. You were saying that the rebels have less to protect than crown-loyalists. But firstly, many crown-loyalists will benefit from lands stripped from rebels should they win, so that blade cuts both ways. And secondly, you say that you'd keep me somewhere safer than your own lands. Why can't crown-loyalists do the same? I'm not yet convinced the situation is any different for the two sides." Balon was matter of fact, "Then help me sway them until they're unified. If the rumors of Lord Leo's desires to declare for Blackfyre are true then help me find out who holds him back."Laena does actually consider his offer for a moment, before shaking her head. "No. I am neutral. Should we marry, I will have loyalty to your cause through my loyalty to you. But on my own, I will not help either side." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 4, 2019 7:28:08 GMT 1
She casually shrugs. "I don't know. I'd assumed you'd be at the trial, so I hadn't left any special instructions regarding you. They watched you go off together, then carried on observing the main room." Taking pity on his reaction, she reaches across, and squeezes his upper arm near his shoulder reassuringly. "Hey, it's fine. I explicitly said you could have fun with other women. Understand this well, Balon:" she continues in a serious whisper "giving another woman your dick but not your heart under the current circumstances is no betrayal at all. But beware: giving another woman your heart, even if not your dick as well, is the *greatest* of betrayals, and will *not* be forgiven. If ever another woman steals it from me, end things with me *properly* before chasing her, or you will both regret it. Deeply." Her reassurance was welcome but it felt wrong to Balon. "I appreciate it but that was before I knew I'd had you. I mean, now that we've," he looked over to the Septon then back, "*done* the things we've done don't you want me for yourself? I certainly want you for me and me alone." He quickly added, "Not that I think you have... ya know." Sharing these kind of feeling was new to Balon, "Wouldn't you be a little jealous? You seem to be the possessive type." It wasn't a condemnation of any kind, more of an observation. When she threatened him he smiled. There's the dragon. "I want you to know there will come a day when you'll have to decide how you feel about me. You'll always hold a special place in my heart even if I must move on. But no, I won't give my heart to another behind your back." Laena sighs, and places her fingers across her forehead. "You were at a literal orgy, and still needed to yell at a Dornishwoman to 'blow off steam'." She lets that hang for a moment before continuing. "Can you at least see how that's concerning to me, particularly? All the sex you could want, available simply for the asking, and you prefer to hunt Dornish? "And stop being so oblivious. Firstly, it could just have easily been a stealthy man with a poisoned dagger waiting for you instead of Ghost. Secondly, even if it *was* Ghost, it would hardly be impossible for her to lead you to a pre-arranged room with plenty of cover, then wait until you're heavily distracted before a half-dozen armed and armoured men step out and impale you rather more fatally than you were impaling her. And that's just the dangers I can come up with off-hand." He went to object but stopped because she was right. "It's hard to describe. Is there a part of you that's irrational? You know it's irrational and you try to control it but it still gets the better of you from time to time. That's me and the Rhoynar. It's not like I'm going to march into Dorne and just start killing people." So soon after Ser Vorian and his "bandits"."As for the rest of it: I don't know. I may have been at King's Landing for some of it, but I was far too young to understand the depths of what was going on. But unless you're suggesting he ascend through overt kinslaying, the amount of influence Prince Daeron could wield was directly proportionate to the proportion of people willing to stand up against the King. Which, given how that requires moral courage, was obviously very small. To blame him for the moral failings of an entire nation is a stretch, even for one of your faction." Balon waved a hand, "I'm sorry we've gotten off topic. Back to protecting you and our children. What were their names again?"Laena nods. "Okay, but we've strayed father from the initial point. You were saying that the rebels have less to protect than crown-loyalists. But firstly, many crown-loyalists will benefit from lands stripped from rebels should they win, so that blade cuts both ways. And secondly, you say that you'd keep me somewhere safer than your own lands. Why can't crown-loyalists do the same? I'm not yet convinced the situation is any different for the two sides." Laena does actually consider his offer for a moment, before shaking her head. "No. I am neutral. Should we marry, I will have loyalty to your cause through my loyalty to you. But on my own, I will not help either side." he said sarcastically. "You could call it a fear of punishment as a larger motivator for the Balckfyre supporters.""What's safer than King's Landing? Dragonstone maybe? You can be kept in a safe location because no offense, you're not important when the war comes and neither are tertiary objectives like castles in the Reach, or the Vale, or the North. The King needs to be able to respond to the ebb and flow of news and rule accordingly. He can't go hide somewhere and wait it out."Balon pursed his lips. The answer she has given before. "Well then I need to pay Lady Erena another visit." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 4, 2019 17:50:50 GMT 1
Her reassurance was welcome but it felt wrong to Balon. "I appreciate it but that was before I knew I'd had you. I mean, now that we've," he looked over to the Septon then back, "*done* the things we've done don't you want me for yourself? I certainly want you for me and me alone." He quickly added, "Not that I think you have... ya know." Sharing these kind of feeling was new to Balon, "Wouldn't you be a little jealous? You seem to be the possessive type." It wasn't a condemnation of any kind, more of an observation. Laena sighs slightly. "I only consider you 'mine' when I've marked you as such. I grow my nails a bit, entrusting you to take care of my needs, so I don't have to, and mark you accordingly. And that probably won't happen until marriage. But even then ..." She frowns, and sighs a little again. "The example I was taught when I was young was when you were off on campaign, all worked up. If you believed you had to remain monogamous, you either didn't 'blow off steam' with a camp follower, and fought the following day all frustrated and distracted; or you did, and spent the following day all guilty and distracted. Either way does no good for your survivability. But if you knew it was fine under those circumstances, you'd blow of steam, and fight the following day refreshed and clear-headed. "But then, it's not always fine. Say we inherit Gyldenhaal, and a pretty, unmarried serving girl starts swelling up, staring at you moon-eyed while rubbing her swelling belly? That bitch is getting tossed over the tower's parapet. Ideally when you can see her land. I will *not* be disrespected inside my own home. "The general rule I was taught was 'If I'm an option, and you choose otherwise, it's an insult. If I'm not an option, it's just a man being a man.'. Still, don't bring any consequences home. Moon tea should deal with problems like that. Make it strong enough, and it can deal with such problems even *after* birth." While her voice is quiet, there is fire in it. "But anyway, if all it took was what we've done for you to feel compelled to monogamy, wouldn't she-who-will-not-be-named have a prior claim?" Unlike when discussing Ghost, there is a definite bite to her words here. He went to object but stopped because she was right. "It's hard to describe. Is there a part of you that's irrational? You know it's irrational and you try to control it but it still gets the better of you from time to time. That's me and the Rhoynar. It's not like I'm going to march into Dorne and just start killing people." So soon after Ser Vorian and his "bandits".She nods. "I don't think there is such a thing as a 'perfectly rational' person." She frowns momentarily before adding. "At least now Lord Desmond Bridges is dead. However, most of our irrationalities are not so dangerous as yours. And I don't consider the battle lost. I do not believe that you were born screaming your hatred of the Dornish. Your first words almost certainly were not 'Kill all Rhoynar'. Your hatred was *taught*, presumably by Fireball. So, it can be *un-taught*. By someone who considers you worth the effort. So long as you're prepared to put in effort as well. To change. To improve." She holds up a finger. "Not to the point of trusting all Dornish, or liking all Dornish, or anything like that - distrust and dislike on both sides is entirely rational. Just to the point where it does not *drive* your actions. Where *you* are the master of your passions, not the other way around." Balon waved a hand, "I'm sorry we've gotten off topic. Back to protecting you and our children. What were their names again?"Laena smiles, immediately distracted by talking about her children. "My daughter Sylvina is now five, and my son Landar is three. I really do need to arrange for you to meet them some time." She frowns. "If I do manage that, unless I say otherwise, you're just a friend. They miss their father, I can tell, though neither can really remember him. I don't want them getting .. excited or confused over something that may not happen. They're too young to process things properly." "True, loyalists will gain if they win much like the rebels but those already in power will hedge while the rebels will throw everything they have into the war because they know the decision they've made. A loyalist can at least plead for mercy and say they were just doing their duty. What will be the rebels excuse? Ser Daemon was handsomer?" he said sarcastically. "You could call it a fear of punishment as a larger motivator for the Blackfyre supporters." Laena blinks slightly. "You're saying that it is common knowledge within your faction that your cause is illegitimate?" She sounds surprised at that. "That you all - or at least most - consciously acknowledge that you are breaking your oaths explicitly for the purposes of self-advancement? And all this talk about chivalry and the importance of knighthood is a wilful lie?" While her voice sounds shocked, there's no condemnation or horror in it. Balon pursed his lips. The answer she has given before. "Well then I need to pay Lady Erena another visit.""Do so only when you are ready. When you have something to offer." She warns. "I can tell you that, as of right now, you have no rivals. There is no race. Take your time, prepare, do things properly." |
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