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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 29, 2019 4:36:10 GMT 1
Balon sat in the commons area of the inn he was staying at waiting for the arrival of his cousin Lynesse Daverhyl. His mind was wandering, thinking back to the past few days. The Tactician's Tournament, his afternoon with Laena and subsequent picnic, his slaughter of Dornishmen in the Red Mountains, Desmond and Dagos. He sometimes wondered what the Seven had planned for him. Were they guiding his actions or was he just a murderer looking to justify his actions. I'll find out when I die.
He felt like her arrival was taking longer than expected and the darker parts of his mind began to wonder if he might find her similar to how he found Laena. She's your cousin what's wrong with you? He chastised himself. The dark part of his mind answered Tanda is your cousin too and you'd fuck her till your cock wore off.
He pushed the lascivious thoughts back into the abyss of his mind and focused on why he wanted to meet her. It seemed they shared the same kind of prejudice against the Dornish and he wanted to see what she was willing to do and not do when it came to ridding the Reach of their presence.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Apr 29, 2019 8:10:43 GMT 1
Lynesse approached Balon's table with some trepidation. Loose tongues questioned his honour, and his part in half a dozen unchivalrous deeds. Jealousy and cowardice in the eye and heart of the observer oft leads to such gossip concerning men of action, Lynesse reassured herself.
He had the look to fit such rumours though, with a darker countenance than his brother that was owed to more than a wealth of brown hair. There was an edge to him, an unbridled energy floating just beneath the surface. Good.
That he was committed to Ser Daemon's cause seemed certain. Whether she could convince him that her own goals coincided, or that her opinion had weight was another. Her experiences at Summerhall had left her with a sense of how precarious her position was.
"Cousin!" she greeted him warmly, "Your invitation could not have come at a better time. I half feared that on leaving Gyldenhaal you'd dropped off the face of the earth."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 30, 2019 7:07:15 GMT 1
Balon stood to greet Lynesse, "It's good to see you cousin." He motioned to the booth, "Please sit." He called over a serving girl for Lynesse to order whatever she wanted. "I've been... busy since leaving Gyldenhaal and I apologize for not seeing you sooner but something always seemed to come up. But here you are." he said happily.
He turned serious for a moment, "First and foremost my sincere condolences to you. To lose parents like that. Reprehensible." Balon shook his head in dismay. "Has there been any leads on who conducted the attack? If you find out who the perpetrators were all you have to do is ask and my sword will be yours."
"How has Gyldenhaal treated you and your brother?" Hopefully better than it treated me.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Apr 30, 2019 14:16:47 GMT 1
Lynesse makes herself comfortable in the booth, enjoying the comparative warmth of the locale to her own pavilion.
“Thank you for your condolences Balon. The official investigation was finished months ago, with my Uncle Sandor acting in his role of master of arms hunting down and executing a dozen local vagabonds. Uncle Eustace had my grandfather declare the matter closed, and so it is, if their word is to be taken seriously. On The whole this is a farce, as Sandor and Eustace has the most to gain from my parents’ death, and Lord Karl is blind to their likely role in it, or worse, is willing to stomach fratricide for the sake of family unity.”
“I had hoped to lobby Lord Jon Hightower to reopen an investigation into the matter, as Lord Karl’s liege I believe he had the authority. With Jon’s death, the matter festers, unresolvable while House Hightower remains disunited.”
Luckily enough the other Lord Jon, our uncle, remains in hearty good health. He and Lady Erena have shown Kyle and I every measure of hospitality. I am just so sorry that the cursed misunderstanding has caused a rift between them and Lady Shiera. In such times as these family must rely on one another, to weed out the truly rotten branches, don’t you think?” She asked, pointedly, leaving the question hanging for a moment before moving on.
“But I would not want to wallow in my own tragedy overlong. You must tell me of your travels and adventures since leaving Gyldenhaal as we share a cup of wine”.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 1, 2019 7:11:03 GMT 1
"I rarely take the word of a Dornishman seriously." Balon's words were dripping with venom. "But as a threat I take them very seriously." His prejudice of the Rhoynar was on full display. "You said the investigation was a farce but do you have any evidence of this?" Balon quickly added, "I mean I agree, especially after I heard the story of your carriage crashing into the ravine."He listened to her hope of the investigation being reopened, "I don't mean to be blunt but if the Hightowers do unite once the regency is settled what to do expect to happen? What time hasn't erased your half-kin surely would have. Do you have any leads?"Luckily enough the other Lord Jon, our uncle, remains in hearty good health. He and Lady Erena have shown Kyle and I every measure of hospitality. I am just so sorry that the cursed misunderstanding has caused a rift between them and Lady Shiera. In such times as these family must rely on one another, to weed out the truly rotten branches, don’t you think?” She asked, pointedly, leaving the question hanging for a moment before moving on. Balon snorted at the word 'misunderstanding', "What misunderstanding? The bullshit letter between Lady Shiera and Lord Gormon or the fact my mother hates both of them." His accompanying laugh was devoid of mirth. "I do agree about ridding trees of rotting branches but I'll be honest, you'll find no help from Lady Erena or Lord Jon."
“But I would not want to wallow in my own tragedy overlong. You must tell me of your travels and adventures since leaving Gyldenhaal as we share a cup of wine”. "Don't apologize for wallowing." The last word he said sarcastically. "If the true killers can be discovered then I'll gladly help." Balon leaned back into the booth. "I went to the Ashford and Kingsbridge weddings. I traveled the Reach seeking out like minded people." I murdered a shit ton of Dornishmen. "And now I'm here. There have been rumblings of potential war between the Blackwoods and Brackens. I plan to take part should it come to bloodshed."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 1, 2019 11:30:47 GMT 1
Lynesse listens intently to Balon's recount, noting is sparcity, and wondering at how much he left unsaid.
"What do I expect the Hightowers to do? I expect the right-minded regent of their house to remove a the treacherous and murderous usurper of my own, if not his head from his shoulders," she fumed, before catching herself. "I'm sorry Balon that was... intemperate of me. In truth my evidence is limited and circumstantial from another's perspective. My uncles and father never enjoyed one anothers company, and the rivalry between them was often intense. Ser Eustace has implied his own culpability to me in conversation, a dark jest for an innocent man to partake in. My second uncle, Ser Sandor was absent in Dorne for years only to return the very day after the murders, to take the reins of the investigation. That strikes me as coordination, not cooincidence. I seek an investigation and not a trial because I am sure there is more evidence to be had. The ambush came from several directions and killed the guards and my parents in moments, before any could even make a break from the others, either to flee or charge, which implies a large group of killers. That is a great many witnesses, and such treacherous devils may surface if real pressure were applied to pursue them. The vagabonds executed by Sandor were surely scapegoats: none of my parent's valuables were even looted. I wear my mother's silver star," she idly thumbs the deep scratch left in the religious icon around her neck by a blow or arrowhead. It is a constant reminder of bitter loss.
"Whatever can or cannot be proven will likely become irrelevant. A politically suitable Hightower regent will remove Ser Eustace for his Dornish loyalties, and a politically unsuitable one would retain him for the same reasons. Any Hightower regency we would support would naturally be a threat to Eustace. In the meantime he will strip Mustard Hall bare, and find what profits he can in the regency of House Daverhyl." Lynesse pauses to gather her thoughts on the next matter at hand "He has opened negotiations with Lord Eldon Merryweather for my hand. Our meeting was...uncomfortable."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 2, 2019 7:18:40 GMT 1
"What do I expect the Hightowers to do? I expect the right-minded regent of their house to remove the treacherous and murderous usurper of my own, if not his head from his shoulders," she fumed, before catching herself. " I'm sorry Balon that was... intemperate of me. Phase 2, Birds of a Feather, Prejudice; Dornish TN12, for RP: 4d6k3 13"Don't apologize to me." The only good Rhoynar is a dead Rhoynar was what he wanted to say but he held his tongue. Lynesse's hatred of the Dornish was understandable while Balon's was irrational and he had a tendency to say disturbing things about those south of the Red Mountains. Better to feel her out before he shared his true feelings. "In truth my evidence is limited and circumstantial from another's perspective. My uncles and father never enjoyed one anothers company, and the rivalry between them was often intense. Ser Eustace has implied his own culpability to me in conversation, a dark jest for an innocent man to partake in. My second uncle, Ser Sandor was absent in Dorne for years only to return the very day after the murders, to take the reins of the investigation. That strikes me as coordination, not coincidence. I seek an investigation and not a trial because I am sure there is more evidence to be had. The ambush came from several directions and killed the guards and my parents in moments, before any could even make a break from the others, either to flee or charge, which implies a large group of killers. That is a great many witnesses, and such treacherous devils may surface if real pressure were applied to pursue them. The vagabonds executed by Sandor were surely scapegoats: none of my parent's valuables were even looted. I wear my mother's silver star," Balon watched Lynesse thumb her religious necklace and nodded towards it, "Make that an idol of revenge. Let it serve as your daily reminder vengeance has yet to be yours." A cold fury burned in Balon's eyes as she spoke, "Circumstantial is good enough for me and it might be good enough for others that share my views of the Dornish." Balon tsk'd in annoyance at the audacity of Eustace. "Men like Eustace pervert the law to suit their own agenda then mock you in private about the roll they played believing you powerless to stop them." Balon tapped his fingers on the table, "But I don't think you're powerless." He leaned in, "The real question is what are you prepared to do to protect yourself and your brother?" Lynesse could tell he had his own ideas on what to do. "He has opened negotiations with Lord Eldon Merryweather for my hand. Our meeting was...uncomfortable." Balon took a drink. "Gross." He took another drink. "My mother tried to offer my sister to Lord Eldon.." a smile crept onto his face, "it ended poorly. But I'll ask you again, what are you prepared to do to protect yourself and your brother?"
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 2, 2019 11:25:31 GMT 1
“I would die to protect Kyle. He is the last hope for House Daverhyl’s survival. He is more than that,” she muses, “he is all I have left.” There was more she did not say. She would kill for him, lie for him, betray for him. She would see Dorne razed to a cinder if that is what it took to keep the wolves from his door. This and more she did not say, though perhaps her tone implied it.
“As for myself… it is hard to think about such things in so cool and calculated a fashion, but I think I have the same sense of self-preservation common to most folk. Due to the events of the past year I may have a greater appreciation for my own mortality than many. I appreciate that life forces hard choices, and that to refuse them is cowardice.”
She shrugs, as her thumb plays again over the scratched star at her throat.
“But I also believe in what my father and mother believed. There is a depth to which I will not sink. I will never forswear the gods, and I will never drag my family name into the depths of public ignominy, for it is not mine to misuse in such a way.”
She pauses, furrowing her brow as she takes another sip.
“Which Eustace has already used as a weapon against me, knowing I will not gainsay him as my lawful regent in his negotiations with Lord Eldon.”
“Hearing you ask such a question fills me with both hope and dread Balon, for I know you do not idly do so. Say on.”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 3, 2019 6:26:32 GMT 1
“I would die to protect Kyle. He is the last hope for House Daverhyl’s survival. He is more than that,” she muses, “he is all I have left.” There was more she did not say. She would kill for him, lie for him, betray for him. She would see Dorne razed to a cinder if that is what it took to keep the wolves from his door. This and more she did not say, though perhaps her tone implied it. "Don't die for your brother... kill those who'd see him dead." Balon felt sorry for Lynesse. He reached his hand across the table and took hers, "He's not all you have left. You have me and Titus will stand with you too." He wasn't so sure about Vortimer after the Vulture Hunt. He smiled trying to cheer her up a little. "The family tree just needs a little pruning."
“But I also believe in what my father and mother believed. There is a depth to which I will not sink. I will never forswear the gods, and I will never drag my family name into the depths of public ignominy, for it is not mine to misuse in such a way.”She pauses, furrowing her brow as she takes another sip. “Which Eustace has already used as a weapon against me, knowing I will not gainsay him as my lawful regent in his negotiations with Lord Eldon.” “Hearing you ask such a question fills me with both hope and dread Balon, for I know you do not idly do so. Say on.”
"It sounds like Eustace will try to turn your values from strengths to weaknesses. Don't let him. In public be the epitome of a proper lady. But in the shadows... that's where you can do your true work." "As for Lord Eldon. As much as it repulses me to think it you could always turn Eustace's strength into a weakness. He thinks he is gaining a powerful ally by marrying you to Lord Eldon? Turn Eldon against him. Make him *yours*. Bide your time. Weaken Eustace's supporting cast. His brothers, his servants. Anyone who aids him. Then when he turns to Lord Eldon, desperate for help, smile when Ser Rennifer buries a mace into your half brother's head." Balon shrugged, "Or if Lord Eldon is something you can't stomach find someone who hates Dorne as much as me and seek there aid. Lord Walgrave (Oakheart), Lord Middlebury. The Tarlys. I believe Ser Symon Tarly is single and while not the most charismatic he is a fierce fighter.""Have you talked to any other bannermen of House Hightower? Any neighbors? Have you ever met Lady Jeyne Cuy?" The last was a gambit by Balon. She appeared to hate Dorne like he did and maybe she'd help with the brown Daverhyls.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 5, 2019 12:26:06 GMT 1
"You are kind to say that Balon, and you and Ser Titus have already shown me more kinship than sixteen years with my Dornish uncles."
Lynesse's nose wrinkled in a hint of disdain. A year ago she would have been revolted by the proposition, but now she could reconcile it as one of several unpalatable options "It would certainly not be my first choice, but you make a compelling point. The thought of Eustace being undone by his own machinations certainly has a ring of justice to it."
"But the risks are high. At a stroke I make House Merryweather's many enemies my own. Marriage alone does not guarantee me influence in a house, and I would need to jockey for position with others: Lord and Lady Orme, his knights and sellsword retainers, maesters, septons and the like." She had been thinking on Erena's advice on this since Summerhall. "I would need to be more than a wife to Eldon if I were to truly carry influence in Longtable. I would need to show that I could open doors for him in Mustard Hall, Gyldenhaal, and Oldtown. I would need to be able to bend the ears of knights and lords who would not otherwise heed Lord Eldon. In a time of crisis within House Merryweather, I would need to be able to call on swords loyal not to Eldon's sister, vassals, allies, or knights, but to me alone."
She looked at him seriously, gauging the strength of his committment, beyond mere words of support "I would need you to be one of those swords, Balon, although I imagine you would be too proud to take service with Lord Eldon, even if I were able to secure you a position of honour, or title?"
"I know some of their daughters of these houses, who served as handmaids in Oldtown, but few of the lords in more than passing; as I was a girl of three and ten when I served as handmaid there. Some in House Cuy and Bulwer I expect to share common goals. I shall seek out Lady Jeyne, on your recommendation."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 7, 2019 6:47:11 GMT 1
Lynesse's nose wrinkled in a hint of disdain. A year ago she would have been revolted by the proposition, but now she could reconcile it as one of several unpalatable options "It would certainly not be my first choice, but you make a compelling point. The thought of Eustace being undone by his own machinations certainly has a ring of justice to it." "But the risks are high. At a stroke I make House Merryweather's many enemies my own. Marriage alone does not guarantee me influence in a house, and I would need to jockey for position with others: Lord and Lady Orme, his knights and sellsword retainers, maesters, septons and the like." She had been thinking on Erena's advice on this since Summerhall. "I would need to be more than a wife to Eldon if I were to truly carry influence in Longtable. I would need to show that I could open doors for him in Mustard Hall, Gyldenhaal, and Oldtown. I would need to be able to bend the ears of knights and lords who would not otherwise heed Lord Eldon. In a time of crisis within House Merryweather, I would need to be able to call on swords loyal not to Eldon's sister, vassals, allies, or knights, but to me alone."She looked at him seriously, gauging the strength of his commitment, beyond mere words of support "I would need you to be one of those swords, Balon, although I imagine you would be too proud to take service with Lord Eldon, even if I were able to secure you a position of honour, or title?" "We all have to make sacrifices." Balon thought about the consequences of his actions at the Black Tourney. The censure of Daemon Blackfyre. The whispered label of blackguard. Lady Erena refusing to grant him a marriage to Lady Laena. It was a steep price to pay but Balon had convinced himself it was worth it in the end. "Some are asked to give more than others." Balon tapped his fingers on the table in frustration. "If you do something because you believe it's the best course of action for you and your family then to hell with what others think." He pounded his fist on the table for emphasis. Balon calmed himself with a drink from his cup. "House Merryweather doesn't have enemies. Lord Eldon does. When he passes most of the enmity goes with him. It's a difficult road to follow but it'd get easier as time goes." Balon harrumphed, "Look at me telling you it'll get easier. You're the one that'd have to bear his children." A slight shudder. "And for all of the tsking done by lords and ladies about Lord Eldon I'd bet you 100 gold dragons each faction is thinking of ways to bring Longtable's wealth and levies to their side." He sighed thinking of ways for Lynesse to rise above her competitors and gain his ear. Her cunny. "I'm sure you could find ways to gain his trust and appreciate your counsel." When she asked to come with her he let out a long breath. "Do you know I have an open invitation to serve Lord Florent? While it'd have to be earned I could be his master-at-arms in no time. When the war comes I would proudly lead his men into battle. But... if leading Longtable's levies into battle meant swinging the tide of victory to *our* side I would." Was he willing to do that for his cousin and the cause? Even if Laena married him he wouldn't want her anywhere near Longtable as long as Eldon lived. "If you don't mind I'd like you to talk about this to Lord Gormon." Perhaps we replace Lady Delia with Lynesse. "He is a cunning man and can provide us with insight." "I know some of their daughters of these houses, who served as handmaids in Oldtown, but few of the lords in more than passing; as I was a girl of three and ten when I served as handmaid there. Some in House Cuy and Bulwer I expect to share common goals. I shall seek out Lady Jeyne, on your recommendation." "The more allies you have the better. I know a few lords that might assist if needed but we have to tread lightly at this juncture. Eustace is regent until we can prove he murdered your parents or gained the regency through illicit means." Balon went to take a drink and paused, "Oh yes, um, don't use my name when you go to see Lady Jeyne. Just say... mutual friend. There's a nasty rumor going around that I slept with her." Because I fucked her hard for two weeks. "I'd rather not provide more gossip for the rumor mongers."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 7, 2019 13:52:29 GMT 1
That he was willing, if not eager to serve beneath Eldon in furtherance of their shared goals spoke highly of Balon's dedication and judgement, encouraging Lynesse.
“I know you have a bright future Balon, and more than that of a Lords master at arms, even a lord as influential as Lord Florent.”
He had hinted, in talk of children and Lord Eldons passing, at a dangerous, perhaps despicable course that lay ahead, and one that she would not walk alone, “If I am to marry and bear Eldon heirs, I will not see them assailed as Kyle and I have been, hounded from a childhood home by rivals and hangers on. You have good reasons to avoid Eldon's service. All I need is your word that in my hour of need, you will not desert me and mine to the wolves that lurk in Longtable’s halls.”
On Lord Gormon she felt instantly out of her depth, though she knew Balon and Titus held him in high regard. “Lord Gormon could offer much and more, but he is your family Balon, not mine. I will follow your wisdom on whether is is well advised to speak with him on this matter.” And by the gods I hope not to live and regret it.
On gambling, she could not help but laugh, “Balon even were gambling not a venial sin, I am a destitute ward, with coin for carriage-man and alms, not a great lady of Lannister, Frey or Butterwell to be making my point with loose gold.” She wondered if he was showing off his own wealth, which was an impressive gesture, or implying something more.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 13, 2019 7:25:26 GMT 1
“I know you have a bright future Balon, and more than that of a Lords master at arms, even a lord as influential as Lord Florent.” It was nice to hear a compliment coming from someone than didn't end in "but". Balon you're a good fighter but... Balon I like you but... You'd make a good husband for my kin but... Balon smiled and took a moment to enjoy the kind words, "Thank you cousin. I know your future is set with peril but you may have the brightest future of us all." Between the Blackbriars and Daverhyls that he believed. He chuckled, "My sister might give you some stiff competition though, she has her eyes set on Ser Preston Oakheart." Realizing that comparing Preston to Eldon was no comparison at all he quickly added, "If we can't find you someone suitable in the Reach maybe we can find an heir to a principal house in the Riverlands? I hear Ser Balon Piper is available. With a name like that you know you'd be in good hands." He had hinted, in talk of children and Lord Eldons passing, at a dangerous, perhaps despicable course that lay ahead, and one that she would not walk alone, “If I am to marry and bear Eldon heirs, I will not see them assailed as Kyle and I have been, hounded from a childhood home by rivals and hangers on. You have good reasons to avoid Eldon's service. All I need is your word that in my hour of need, you will not desert me and mine to the wolves that lurk in Longtable’s halls.” "You have my word. I will not see your children be threatened the way you and Kyle have." There was no doubt he wouldn't hesitate to aid her, "As for serving at Longtable..." Balon paused as he thought of the right phrasing, "My politics are well known. Welcomed by some, shunned by others. With that said I don't think Lord Eldon would care about that. All he cares about is knights and men serving him faithfully. If you believed that the best course of action was for me to be there I'd go." He held up a hand, "But I'll be honest with you. While protecting you and your children would be paramount, converting Lord Eldon and his resources to the *true king* would be of utmost importance too. Turning him against Eustace, turning him to Fire, protecting you, it won't be easy. I'm up for it. Are you?" It wasn't an attack on her gender's frailness but a question of her psyche. It'd be mentally draining to live with Eldon and morality would be questioned on a routine basis. Balon had crossed a line awhile ago and while his conscious still ate at him from time to time it was getting easier to make the "hard" decisions. On Lord Gormon she felt instantly out of her depth, though she knew Balon and Titus held him in high regard. “Lord Gormon could offer much and more, but he is your family Balon, not mine. I will follow your wisdom on whether is is well advised to speak with him on this matter.” And by the gods I hope not to live and regret it. On gambling, she could not help but laugh, “Balon even were gambling not a venial sin, I am a destitute ward, with coin for carriage-man and alms, not a great lady of Lannister, Frey or Butterwell to be making my point with loose gold.” She wondered if he was showing off his own wealth, which was an impressive gesture, or implying something more. "I'll talk to Lord Gormon about it." He might not think it has merit or he might throw you to the wolves and hope to pull another lord to Blackfyre's cause regardless of collateral damage. "If he wants to talk to you I'd be there, you have nothing to fear from him but it's always nice to have someone on your side in a... discussion of that caliber."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 15, 2019 9:00:02 GMT 1
"I will not dismiss other suitors out of hand, but I have a duty to see my brother sit his seat in Mustard Hall, which I cannot fulfill if I am married outside of the Reach. If even half of what is said of Lord Eldon is true, then there is much to fear in a match made with him. I am not fearless, Balon, but I think I buried much of a young girls' fancies and dreams with my parents."
“I do not pretend to know Lord Eldon well, but he does not strike me as a man driven by politics. I am not sure that he needs to be converted to or from a particular stripe, although all ambitions would be thwarted if he took a position directly opposed to our goals,” she acknowledged.
“We will need to better understand his ambitions, beyond his life of luxury and a bevy of champions at his disposal. If we become the ones who can provide for him what others cannot, we gain leverage and influence with him,” she said, rephrasing Erena’s advise to her.
“Though I would be reassured and glad if you were to join me in Longtable, I wonder if this would not defeat this goal: as a sworn sword you would be in Eldon’s power, whereas as a knight of influence and esteem outside his House, my ability to call upon you would raise my esteem in Eldon’s estimation. He has many knights, but I have not heard that Eldon has a great many commanders amongst his forces. With large scale conflict in the offing, gaining prestige in this area would raise your value in the eyes of many, Eldon among them.” She pondered this thought for a moment, “Is it possible to build such a reputation, given your current impasse with House Blackbriar? I have heard rumours…” she ended the thought vaguely, wondering if Balon would go into specifics unprompted.
“I would be glad for your presence with Lord Gormon, Balon, and I am sure that such a meeting would need to be clandestine. It would not do for me to be seen as an informant or agent of House Peake, as it makes me a target for all of those opposed to Lord Gormon’s politics.”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 19, 2019 7:16:39 GMT 1
Balon listened with a sad look on his face. Wise beyond her years and beautiful to boot but the harsh realities of life have already crushed her. "We face a similar problem when it comes to choosing our spouse but your's has significantly more consequences attached to it. If you avoid a marriage to Lord Eldon I hope you find someone of high status who wields enough power to crush your kin and see your brother become the *rightful* lord of Mustard Hall."
"But if you do marry Lord Eldon I pray to the Seven you find a way to influence him. His vices are easy enough to identify but his ambitions..." Balon shrugged, "I imagine are the same as every other lord. Retaining their power and acquiring more. I don't think many lords respect him but they do respect what he controls." Balon weighed the pros and cons of him openly supporting Ser Daemon. "If you're right and he doesn't care for the politics of the realm he'll probably follow whatever faction Lord Leo decides to join. In which case we should start swaying him." Balon let out a short bitter laugh. How in the fuck would we go about converting the Longthorn? "There is the third option of him staying neutral and sitting out the war but I don't think that happens." Both sides might take the opportunity to attack him and take his wealth knowing the other faction won't come to his aid. “Though I would be reassured and glad if you were to join me in Longtable, I wonder if this would not defeat this goal: as a sworn sword you would be in Eldon’s power, whereas as a knight of influence and esteem outside his House, my ability to call upon you would raise my esteem in Eldon’s estimation. He has many knights, but I have not heard that Eldon has a great many commanders among his forces. With large scale conflict in the offing, gaining prestige in this area would raise your value in the eyes of many, Eldon among them.” She pondered this thought for a moment, “ Is it possible to build such a reputation, given your current impasse with House Blackbriar? I have heard rumours…” she ended the thought vaguely, wondering if Balon would go into specifics unprompted. "If you called on me or Titus he'd be impressed when we answered the call." Balon rubbed his chin in thought. "Titus is a paragon of virtue while I'm becoming a fairly competent tactician." Balon started to play out several scenarios in his head. "What good is a group of killers when they'd be crushed by a disciplined force in open battle. Moreover would public opinion of Lord Eldon be swayed if someone like Titus helped in some meaningful way... I plan to show off my strategic acumen at the event Lord Butterwell is holding." Balon went off on a tangent. "Are you aware to what happened with Lord Eldon's sister's daughter and Lord Karl Willum?" He was getting at something and Lynesse could probably figure out what it was. When she mentioned reputation his eyes narrowed, "Why don't you tell me what you've heard and I may elaborate.""I'll talk to Lord Gormon first and we'll go from there." He smiled as he tried to anticipate Gormon's reaction.
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