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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 13, 2019 7:33:50 GMT 1
Balon was nervous, his sweaty palms were a testament to that fact. He was going to Lord Gormon with something that he might be interested in or deem a complete waste of time. While Balon couldn't match Gormon when it came to wits he did understand numbers and the more houses that stayed true to the Blackfyre cause the better. Some, like House Cordwayner, just needed a little bit of shoring up and that was why he was here. The recent converts were a strong house with strong individuals but their hold on Hammerhaal was tenuous as long as the rumors of bastardy persisted. However as Lady Maegelle pointed out with enough powerful houses backing them the truth wouldn't matter. Balon had thought about who'd make good spouses for Quentin and Denyse and it was time to speak with Lord Gormon and see if he'd assist. Of course there was also the issue with his cousin Lynesse that he planned to bring up as well.
When Balon was granted permission to speak with Gormon a page led him into the Lord of Starpike's tent. He bowed his head, "Lord Gormon, thank you for meeting with me today. How has Whitewalls treated you so far?"
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Post by Father on Jun 13, 2019 17:15:44 GMT 1
As of yet, there had been little trouble or unforeseen issues, although Gormon suspects that their host will find his whitewash soaked by bad blood soon enough. Balon gets the feeling that his cousin intends for that bad blood to have the prints of Blackwood hands on it. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 14, 2019 7:20:10 GMT 1
As of yet, there had been little trouble or unforeseen issues, although Gormon suspects that their host will find his whitewash soaked by bad blood soon enough. Balon gets the feeling that his cousin intends for that bad blood to have the prints of Blackwood hands on it. Balon considered asking Lord Gormon what he was planning but decided against it. At Highgarden he'd shut his mouth, didn't ask questions, and did his job during the melee. The result was Ser Otho accomplished his "mission" and set the stage for a Blackwood response at Whitewalls. Getting them to appear as the villains would help the Blackfyre cause and that was good enough for Balon. "My lord I sought an audience with you today because I seek your guidance and hopefully help. Lady Magelle Cordwayner came to me and asked for assistance..." Balon relayed the conversation the two had had about marriages and the alliances she sought. "I agreed to help her because House Cordwayner is a strong house. While their political allegiance is recent Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn have been very vocal in their support of Ser Daemon. More importantly keeping Lord Quentin on the seat of Hammerhaal keeps Ser Roland (Cordwayner) off it." Ser Roland was not only chivalrous, popular, and extremely talented, but a public supporter of the King. "I can envision a scenario where they achieve an alliance with the Oakhearts, Peakes, and Florents. It might take a little juggling but it can be done. More importantly Lady Maegelle would know how much they'd be in debt to us. It's leverage that can be used not only in the strife to come but after."Balon laid out who he thought could be matched and why. When he was done he listened attentively to Gormon's response. |
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Post by Father on Jun 14, 2019 15:19:29 GMT 1
Of course she would be interested in such things, but it is not like the Florents to tie themselves down with controversy, instead they marry into the Fossoways, neither Cider Hall nor Brightwater Keep are likely to show enthusiasm when the call comes. And no Peake will marry alleged bastards until such a time as they are certain not to count as such anymore. Ser Normyn might be an interesting choice, a betrothal perhaps, so for his niece to remain unspoiled until such a time as the reckoning coming for Hammerhaal is averted or reaches it's conclusion, while still binding a Great Bastard of some talent to Starpike and committing Lord Gormon enough in public to ward off the less stalwart proponents of change.
Lord Walgrave might be less averse to the rumors of Maegelle's infidelity of course, particularly should Balon mention where the prospective new Lady Cordwayner was born. The man is no fool, but he does have his blind spots.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 16, 2019 7:58:31 GMT 1
"When someone feels threatened they're going to seek allies. The question becomes what price are the Cordwayners willing to pay?" The two talked of marriage, alliances, and what other lords might do if propositioned. "I concur that Ser Normyn and Lady Joanna would makes the most sense for you, my lord. No one is questioning his lineage." When Lord Walgrave's "weakness" was mentioned Balon was both hopeful and despondent. On one hand all Balon needed to tell Walgrave was another house of the Reach was in danger of poisoning it's family tree with Dornish blood and he'd jump at the chance to stop it. On the other hand it meant Lady Sybelle would be the most likely candidate in a marriage between the Oakhearts and Cordwayners. Balon was quite fond of Sybelle even if his feelings weren't returned. He was still holding out hope he'd end up with Laena but after the picnic that seemed like an increasingly far fetched idea. "I think I'll take my cousin Lynesse with me when I see Lord Walgrave. Her house is on the verge of being usurped by Dornish half-bloods and I know she'll be capable of using that to her and House Cordwayner's advantage."
"Speaking of Lady Lynesse, something of interest happened with her and Lord Eldon." Balon told Gormon the story of Ser Eustace floating the idea of a marriage between Eldon and Lynesse. "I know my mother tried the same thing with my sister and while that failed spectacularly Lady Lynesse might be more willing. Her love for her brother has given her a sense of duty that few knights possess. However if she was to agree to the union I want to find a way to give you, me, and the supporters of Ser Daemon the credit, not the Vulture." Balon didn't need to point of having Cider Hall and Longtable on the side of Fire provided a huge strategic advantage controlling access between the Reach and the Crownlands. "How do we convince Lord Eldon his marriage is a result of us and not the regent of Mustard Hall?"
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Post by Father on Jun 16, 2019 18:07:06 GMT 1
It is far easier to simply find another wife for him, Eldon would want sons, yes, alliances, yes, but the lady? A toy, a possession, to be discarded when he tires of her, to be summoned whenever it pleases him to demonstrate that he owns her, to demonstrate his virility to everyone by filling Longtable with little trueborn sons and daughters. The one gifting him that toy will gain his favor, and who else but the lord of Mustard Hall, or his regent as the case may be, can be the one to give him such a present? Outwitting Eldon and Eustace is a difficult game, the accomplishments of both men should serve as a cautionary tale, better to chose a different strategy. Besides, Eldon will surely play it safe and halfheartedly march to Highgarden when his liege calls the banners.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 24, 2019 7:05:55 GMT 1
Balon agreed with Lord Gormon on his assessment of Lord Eldon but didn't want to give up the argument entirely, "Turning Lord Leo should be the ultimate goal but bringing his principal bannermen to the side of Ser Daemon is something I take equally seriously." If House Merryweather supported Fire that'd mean over half of the ten most powerful houses in the Reach supported Blackfyre. "While true it's the regent of Mustard Hall that grants Lady Lynesse's hand I think Lord Eldon would rather have an alliance with one of the most powerful lords in the kingdoms," Balon nodded to Gormon, "than the regent of a small house whose skin color offends half the Reach. I'm not saying it'd be easy but it's possible." Balon sighed, "I don't wish this fate for my cousin but it's a price I'm willing to pay to see us win." Balon thought for a moment, "My lord perhaps Lady Lynesse could seek allies at the bottom of Longtable's pyramid and work her way up? What I mean is Lady Lynesse could earn the gratitude an allegiance of those that serve Lord Eldon before trying to influence him. House Orme might be a good place to start?" Lady Orme was Eldon's sister and together they might be able to counsel him.
Balon held up his hands in defeat, "But I defer to your judgement, my lord. Being Lord Eldon's wife is a difficult challenge for any lady. Doubly so for a lady whose mind is focused on the well being of her brother." Balon let out a short laugh, "I doubt Lady Maegelle would take interest in an alliance with Longtable." A fate Lady Denyse didn't deserve, even if she was a frosty bitch.
If you don't care when this conversation is finished I can use this thread for a meeting with Walgrave.
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Post by Father on Jun 24, 2019 14:39:29 GMT 1
Why not? Lord Eldon is like to be motivated to see to it that Ser Roland never becomes Lord Roland, and perhaps more inclined to make a less committed union to either side than with one of the more prominent houses having declared for one of the factions.
At the mention of House Orme, Gormon makes a rare grimace, pragmatic as he is, Lady Kyra is as foul in personality as her brother, if a thousand times more pleasant to look upon.
Can switch to seeking Walgrave if you like.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 26, 2019 21:43:57 GMT 1
Balon shuddered at the mental imagery of Lord Eldon and Lady Denyse on their wedding night. How in the fuck would they get Eldon to his chamber during the bedding ceremony? A conundrum Balon hoped to never have to solve. Would Lady Maegelle sell Denyse to save Quentin? If she was desperate enough maybe. That was one of his last options and one he wouldn't assess without Maegelle's permission. "I didn't plan on playing matchmaker while at Whitewalls but it's good to have important people owe you." If anyone knew about that it'd be Lord Gormon. "My lord with your permission I will relay to Lady Maegelle your willingness to endorse a marriage between Ser Normyn and Lady Joanna." It was a start.
When Balon and Gormon finished their conversation he excused himself and made his way to his next stop; The Blackbriar encampment. While there he spoke with Ser Eoric and the two laughed about the things said at Summerhall and Eoric's victory over Ser Trystane. "He sounds like a real cunt. Perhaps you can stay close to me during the melee and we'll give those Dornish rats from Starkwood a good thrashing."
The main reason for his visit was to recruit the help of Lady Lynesse. She'd make an excellent companion on his quest to convince Lord Walgrave to ally himself with House Cordwayner. She was almost too perfect to use. Walgrave hated the Dornish. Lynesse was very vocal about her displeasure at Highgarden. Lynesse's house was on the verge of being usurped by her Dornish half-brothers. The Cordwayners were about to be usurped by a man betrothed to a Dornish woman. As Gormon said, Walgrave was no fool but he did have his blind spots. Balon had already exploited it once to curry favor. He was about to press his luck again.
When he met Lady Lynesse he bowed his head, "Good to see you so soon cousin. Tell me, do you feel like meeting the Lord of Old Oak today?" he asked with a mischievous smile on his face.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Jun 27, 2019 5:00:26 GMT 1
"It would be an honour cousin, though I presume you have more in mind than improving my familiarity with high society? The man is an outspoken critic of the King's ties with Dorne is he not? And likely to be my cousin's father-in-law if all goes well."
Lynesse was more curious than wary of Balon's motives, but was sure that there was something afoot. A chance to meet a powerful lord such as Lord Walgrave was not an opportunity to idly pass up.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 27, 2019 20:28:15 GMT 1
"It would be an honour cousin, though I presume you have more in mind than improving my familiarity with high society? The man is an outspoken critic of the King's ties with Dorne is he not? And likely to be my cousin's father-in-law if all goes well." That was the polite way of saying he preferred them dead. "Well that's not entirely accurate. I don't hate the houses that have managed to stay free of Rhoynish taint, House Yronwood being the best example. But!" Balon held up a finger for emphasis, "We won't be mentioning that in front of Lord Walgrave... ever." It was best to let Lord Walgrave hate everything south of the Red Mountains and say nothing to the contrary. "As for my sister, it does seem like she has her sights set on Ser Preston." Balon let out a laugh, "Pity be to the lady that stands in her way. However that is not the reason for our visit. Our visit concerns House Cordwayner and assisting them in securing their future."For reference: greatbastards.boards.net/post/23413/threadBalon gave Lynesse a brief summary of his visit with Lady Maegelle and her request for Balon's aid. "I've already talked with Lord Gormon and he is open to a marriage between Ser Normyn and Lady Joanna. That's one marriage down, two to go. Our next task is getting Lord Walgrave to agree to a marriage." Balon leaned in, repeating the words Gormon had said, "Lord Walgrave is no fool but he has his weaknesses. Namely, hating Dorne. We can use that to encourage a marriage between Lord Quentin (Cordwayner) and Sybelle (Oakheart). All we need to do is convince him that if Quentin was replaced by Ser Roland he'd bring another filthy Dornishwoman to the Reach. House Starkwood has poisoned their blood with Rhoynish filth. *Your* house is on the verge of being usurped by Dornish scum, we need to convince him that he, the mighty Lord Walgrave, can be the one to stop another house from damnation."
"We're lucky because I've heard Lord Walgrave and Ser Roland are not on the best of terms so there is additional motivation for him to act." Balon recalled his first interaction with Ser Roland, "When the tourney at Highgarden first started there was a nasty rumor floating around about the Cordwayners that had been started by Ashara (Starkwood)," Balon didn't have concrete proof it was her but he claimed it was anyway, "and Ser Roland *knew* it was her and went to confront her. I don't know what the meeting all entailed but afterwards he told his fellow Companions he believed Ashara's innocence and that someone had used," Balon almost giggled. "magic to convince people it was her. Just imagine what Lord Walgrave would think if he knew the new Lord Cordwayner was so easily manipulated by the Dornish."It was a lot for Lynesse to take in so Balon gave her a few moments. "I'm good with a sword. I'm good on a battlefield. But convincing people, that is where I need help, your help specifically. Convince him. Get him to like you and he might help with your predicament. Plus the Cordwayners will owe me. One of their favors can be helping me rid House Daverhyl of your half-brothers."
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Jul 7, 2019 14:16:59 GMT 1
It was clear that Balon was intent in fostering strong alliances for House Cordwayner, and Lynesse wondered whether this was about securing the house against usurpation, securing favour with Lady Maegelle, or just getting one over the rivals won at the Black Tourney.
“It is it something I have a great deal of experience with Balon, but I could certainly raise the points you suggest, which seem convincing to me. Have you considered that you wish to bind your family’s newest ally, House Oakheart, to a house with a contested succession?
The slander thrown at Lord Cordwayner and his family is unseemly, and that it is being used to overthrow another stalwart Andal House is intolerable. I am sure Lord Walgrave will see it thus, andI would be glad to encourage him to act as honour certainly dictates.”
“And if that helps ward my own house against auchhsurpationthen I will be all the gladder.”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 8, 2019 21:36:27 GMT 1
“It is it something I have a great deal of experience with Balon, but I could certainly raise the points you suggest, which seem convincing to me. Have you considered that you wish to bind your family’s newest ally, House Oakheart, to a house with a contested succession? The slander thrown at Lord Cordwayner and his family is unseemly, and that it is being used to overthrow another stalwart Andal House is intolerable. I am sure Lord Walgrave will see it thus, andI would be glad to encourage him to act as honour certainly dictates.” “And if that helps ward my own house against auchhsurpationthen I will be all the gladder.” Balon smiled and nodded in thanks, "I appreciate your help with this, my lady." He considered her question about the possibility of a contested succession and all it would entail bringing House Oakheart into it. "I'm counting on their involvement. The more alliances House Cordwayner secures with powerful houses the fewer knights and lords will stand with Ser Roland and his baseless claim to the seat of Hammerhal."
"House Cordwayner is strong but all houses are vulnerable when isolated. Ser Normyn's marriage to House Peake will scare off most who tacitly support Ser Roland. Ser Quentin's marriage to the Oakhearts will scare off all but the most brave. If we could then secure a marriage for Lady Denyse only the insane would try to move against them." The two candidates Balon had in mind could not have been more different. "We don't have an army or the resources of a house at our disposal. Our best currency is favors to acquire and cash in at a later date. Are you ready?"_______________________________________________ After Lady Lynesse had readied herself, the two left for House Oakheart's encampments. Once there Balon announced himself and his cousin and requested to speak with Lord Walgrave. |
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Post by Father on Jul 9, 2019 11:12:47 GMT 1
Lord Walgrave does not make Balon wait too long, long enough as is fitting to show which man's time is the most important, but only a few moments more. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 10, 2019 7:21:33 GMT 1
When the audience with Lord Walgrave was finally granted Balon greeted the man with a large smile and bowed his head in respect, "Lord Walgrave it's good to see you again so soon." ...after the massacre I committed for you. Balon held an outstretched hand to Lynesse, "May I present to you my cousin Lady Lynesse Daverhyl of Mustard Hall." Balon motioned for her to step forward and present herself. After she did Balon continued, "Have the the Riverlands treated you well my lord? It warms my heart to come here and see the Rhoynish taint hasn't infected the land like it has in the Reach." Balon waved a hand in what he believed was the general direction of King's Landing, "With hope the infestation won't spread from the Red Keep." Balon looked to Lynesse, "I speak freely in front of my cousin my lord because she shares our sentiment. Her half-brothers are Dornish and quite dastardly. If you wish to hear her sad tale she will share it with you."
Balon and Lynesse steered the conversation to where he knew Lord Walgrave would enjoy it most; anti-Dornish stories (including his recent bar-brawl victory over Ser Trystane) and how much better the Seven Kingdoms were when Dorne was the enemy. When Lord Walgrave was properly primed Balon shifted the topic to his true motive. "My lord, it concerns me with how much the Dornish are *invading* the Reach. My neighbors the Starkwoods seem to be breeding the Rhoynar like rats. One of their filth dies," a dig on Ashara, "and two more take their place. Mustard Hall is in the same danger and I fear more houses will fall if we aren't vigilant. It is with this knowledge that Lady Lynesse approached me with an idea. One that I think you'll take great interest in."
Balon nodded to Lynesse, allowing her to take the lead on this proposal.
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