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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 17, 2019 7:41:38 GMT 1
Time: Day 3 of the Joust, after Aerion's defeat of Balon in the Quarter Finals
Location: Upscale Inn that Balon has bee staying at.
Balon had sent one of his lackeys to pay the ransom to Ser Aerion while he went to the Peake encampment to have his injuries cleaned and properly treated by their maester. He'd refused Milk of the Poppy as he wanted a clear head when he spoke with Aerion later in the evening. The last thing Balon wanted to do was let slip he'd fucked Aerion's sister on multiple occasions. A massage at the Rutting Boar was tempting but he decided against it and went to his inn for a late afternoon nap. He awoke sometime later to the sound of men talking and laughing loudly in the inn's common area. Balon went down and gorged on pork and stew, finding himself famished after the duel with Ser Preston Oakheart.
With a full belly and a bit of rest Balon felt much better. Still tired, still injured, but ready to meet Aerion and have a beer or twelve. Balon's tolerance to alcohol had grown considerably since his time at Highgarden, the late Lord Karl had seen to that. He'd considered trying to get Aerion drunk so he could learn some secret information about Laena but didn't want to be blamed for a poor showing in the Semi-finals. He sat at a table slowly drinking from a large tankard filled with dark beer waiting for Ser Aerion to show up.
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 17, 2019 15:53:06 GMT 1
Aerion's squire Tommen receives the lackey Balon had sent, accidentally announcing him as Balon himself to Ser Aerion. After a long awkward moment where Tommen stuttered a bit trying to recover, Aerion waved the lackey away dismissively. He could care less about the ransom, he had enough coin to last himself a lifetime and then some, but the boy had to learn the ritual of it all if Aerion was ever going to make something of him. He rode well enough, almost better than Aerion himself, on a good day, but much of the traditions escaped him. One couldn't blame him though, he was quite young.
Aerion makes his way to the Dancing Spirit, one of the nicer inns in Whitewalls. Not the nicest, of course, that would be the Golden Fox where Aerion was staying, but it's a nicer establishment. Entering, he sees Balon with his head halfway back, drinking some beer. He pulls up a chair and sits himself down beside the man he had beaten earlier in the day, and signals to the servers heèd like one of what Balon is drinking.
"I see you started without me. How much catching up do I have to do?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 18, 2019 20:58:58 GMT 1
"I see you started without me. How much catching up do I have to do?" Balon finished a long drink from his tankard and smiled when Aerion sat down next to him, "Don't try to catch up. That's one battlefield you can't beat me at." The Blackbriar knight looked better than he did following their duel but he still looked like he could use a good night sleep. Balon wiped the foam off his circle beard before continuing, "Your the Longthorn's protege when it comes to jousting. I'm Lord Karl's (Willum) protege when it comes to drinking." A hearty laugh. "We haven't had a chance to properly talk since.. fuck our impromptu melee at Highgarden." Balon leaned his head back in thought, "Wasn't it you anddddd Ser Addam that tried to take me on two vs. one? I remember you losing." A barmaid walked over and set a drink down for Aerion. "Keep 'em coming woman! This man has a lot to celebrate!" Balon went to slap her butt but stopped remembering the company he was with. Turning back to Aerion he continued, "So have you found out who you're facing tomorrow?" |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 19, 2019 22:24:31 GMT 1
Aerion nods sheepishly, then laughs "That was when I was young and foolish. And it didn't help that Ser Addam missed every swing of his sword that day!"
"It is to be myself versus Ser Daemon." he says matter of factly, but there's clearly a level of excitement just below the surface.
"Not the ideal case, but I'm glad to get to face him and see if I can't beat him. Betting men would doubt me, but there's some serious coin to be made when I surprise everyone!" Clearly the young knight is proud and confident, even knowing he's one day away from facing arguably the best knight in the realm.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 20, 2019 6:33:35 GMT 1
Aerion nods sheepishly, then laughs "That was when I was young and foolish. And it didn't help that Ser Addam missed every swing of his sword that day!" Balon said with a smirk. After taking another drink he continued, "Being young and foolish isn't so bad. You can blame all of your poor decisions on it! Sleep with a lord's daughter? Too young to think with anything other than your cock. Rush off with Ser Addam to save Ser Aladore? Too foolish to know you might be charging to your death. Once you get older you don't get to make those excuses anymore." He laughed at the "wisdom" he was passing on. He raised a glass in salute, "To Ser Addam, the hero of the Rosewood! He may have missed every swing in the training yard but his aim held true when it mattered most!" Balon emptied his tankard and motioned to the bar wench for another. "Did you know being an idiot was how I met your sister?" Balon knew how protective Aerion was of Laena so he made sure not to be suggestive, "I put my foot in my mouth trying to impress Lord Leo and she saved me. As a result I've had the pleasure of her company on several occasions and got to know her. Are you as insightful as she is? Is it a family trait or is it just her?" Balon wanted to know more about Aerion but also Laena. "It's a shame Lord Ulbert held such little value in her counsel.""It is to be myself versus Ser Daemon." he says matter of factly, but there's clearly a level of excitement just below the surface. "Not the ideal case, but I'm glad to get to face him and see if I can't beat him. Betting men would doubt me, but there's some serious coin to be made when I surprise everyone!" Clearly the young knight is proud and confident, even knowing he's one day away from facing arguably the best knight in the realm. Balon appreciated the difficulty in the match-up. "Well the good news is he can be defeated in the joust. We all saw that at Highgarden. Just thank the Seven it isn't in a duel. The man is the Warrior reborn and with Blackfyre in his hand I don't know who could defeat him in an honorable fight."
"I'm not a gambler but I'm sure someone will get rich should they bet on the underdog tomorrow." Balon shifted to the events still remaining. "I can only assume you'll be in the upcoming Melee. Do you plan to ride with the Starkwoods or Tyrells?"
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 27, 2019 16:41:10 GMT 1
"Ah yes, because you're so old and wise now." Balon said with a smirk. After taking another drink he continued, "Being young and foolish isn't so bad. You can blame all of your poor decisions on it! Sleep with a lord's daughter? Too young to think with anything other than your cock. Rush off with Ser Addam to save Ser Aladore? Too foolish to know you might be charging to your death. Once you get older you don't get to make those excuses anymore." He laughed at the "wisdom" he was passing on. He raised a glass in salute, "To Ser Addam, the hero of the Rosewood! He may have missed every swing in the training yard but his aim held true when it mattered most!" Balon emptied his tankard and motioned to the bar wench for another. "Did you know being an idiot was how I met your sister?" Balon knew how protective Aerion was of Laena so he made sure not to be suggestive, "I put my foot in my mouth trying to impress Lord Leo and she saved me. As a result I've had the pleasure of her company on several occasions and got to know her. Are you as insightful as she is? Is it a family trait or is it just her?" Balon wanted to know more about Aerion but also Laena. "It's a shame Lord Ulbert held such little value in her counsel." Aerion follows suit to the cheers of Ser Addam. "I remember that, yes," says Aerion with a laugh. "I'm actually somewhat shocked she came to your aid. The Blackbriers and Starkwoods have never been friends, and I would have thought she'd want to see how you tried to fix it yourself. Maybe she felt bad though, or wanted to bridge the divide between houses."
"I am not nearly as insightful as she. She's something else, whereas I am but a simple knight. I think she received the Crone's blessing for our entire immediate family!""Ser Daemon..." Balon appreciated the difficulty in the match-up. "Well the good news is he can be defeated in the joust. We all saw that at Highgarden. Just thank the Seven it isn't in a duel. The man is the Warrior reborn and with Blackfyre in his hand I don't know who could defeat him in an honorable fight."
"I'm not a gambler but I'm sure someone will get rich should they bet on the underdog tomorrow." Balon shifted to the events still remaining. "I can only assume you'll be in the upcoming Melee. Do you plan to ride with the Starkwoods or Tyrells?"
[ooc: sorry for delay!] |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 28, 2019 22:52:40 GMT 1
Aerion follows suit to the cheers of Ser Addam. "I remember that, yes," says Aerion with a laugh. "I'm actually somewhat shocked she came to your aid. The Blackbriars and Starkwoods have never been friends, and I would have thought she'd want to see how you tried to fix it yourself. Maybe she felt bad though, or wanted to bridge the divide between houses."
"I am not nearly as insightful as she. She's something else, whereas I am but a simple knight. I think she received the Crone's blessing for our entire immediate family!" Balon changed his voice to sound authoritative, "she is Lanea Pyre, and she acts!" Balon smiled recalling the first time she uttered the phrase. "She was looking to bridge the divide between our houses and used my gaffe as an opportunity to introduce herself." Balon took a drink and cleared his throat, "I politely denied her request for peace but was pleasantly surprised when she told me she would have intervened to save me from myself regardless. As the night went on we talked and I discovered she is quite the lady. A true Valyrian beauty with a keen intellect to match." There was nothing suggestive or sexual in his praise just an honest comment. "Since then we've met several times..." An image of Laena licking off his member post-sex flashed into his mind and Balon took a drink to compose himself, "looking to help one another with a problem or simply talk about some of the greater philosophical issues plaguing the lands. I'm a deep thinker you know." He gave a wink to Aerion. "When I heard she was at Whitewalls I made a point to visit her and see how the Reach had treated her after she was unceremoniously dismissed from the Starkwoods." Balon shook his head in pity then looked to change the subject. "Tell me, how is a handsome young knight like yourself, trained by thee Lord Leo, and a Great Bastard to boot, not a Lord Protector somewhere? What is keeping you at the Starkwood?""Ser Willas and I spoke at length, and were it up to him I would be with him and Ser Garret, but this one I think I will fight alongside the Startwoods. What about you? I've heard some less than savory rumours that some people will be using the coming event to settle grudges. I hope they are not true?" Balon shrugged, "There will be blood, hopefully not ours." Balon leaned forward, "What rumors have you heard?" |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 11, 2019 2:42:57 GMT 1
"I was equally shocked but as I've come to know her I learned," Balon changed his voice to sound authoritative, "she is Lanea Pyre, and she acts!" Balon smiled recalling the first time she uttered the phrase. "She was looking to bridge the divide between our houses and used my gaffe as an opportunity to introduce herself." Balon took a drink and cleared his throat, "I politely denied her request for peace but was pleasantly surprised when she told me she would have intervened to save me from myself regardless. As the night went on we talked and I discovered she is quite the lady. A true Valyrian beauty with a keen intellect to match." There was nothing suggestive or sexual in his praise just an honest comment. "Since then we've met several times..." An image of Laena licking off his member post-sex flashed into his mind and Balon took a drink to compose himself, "looking to help one another with a problem or simply talk about some of the greater philosophical issues plaguing the lands. I'm a deep thinker you know." He gave a wink to Aerion. "When I heard she was at Whitewalls I made a point to visit her and see how the Reach had treated her after she was unceremoniously dismissed from the Starkwoods." Balon shook his head in pity then looked to change the subject. "Tell me, how is a handsome young knight like yourself, trained by thee Lord Leo, and a Great Bastard to boot, not a Lord Protector somewhere? What is keeping you at the Starkwood?" Aerion's eye narrow almost imperceptably as he picks up on the underlying implications of what Balon is saying, but he listens all the same. "I have chosen to live my life in the lists for the time being, and am devoting all my efforts there. There is plenty of time yet for me to reap what is mine." Aerion's words might sound cocky, but he was after all a great bastard and it wasn't very difficult for them to get what they wanted when they put their minds to it. "We're in a melee with the Brackens and Blackwoods. A Bracken was assassinated by Blackwoods prior to the Black Tourney. Ser Otho takes revenge at Highgarden. The Blackwoods will respond. So too will the Brackens." Balon shrugged, "There will be blood, hopefully not ours." Balon leaned forward, "What rumors have you heard?" he asks, given him little room to avoid having to lie directly to Aerion. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 11, 2019 8:04:25 GMT 1
Aerion's eye narrow almost imperceptibly as he picks up on the underlying implications of what Balon is saying, but he listens all the same. "I have chosen to live my life in the lists for the time being, and am devoting all my efforts there. There is plenty of time yet for me to reap what is mine." Aerion's words might sound cocky, but he was after all a great bastard and it wasn't very difficult for them to get what they wanted when they put their minds to it. Balon chuckled at the arrogance, not that it wasn't deserved. Ladies, knights, lords, courtiers, you name it; they all want to curry a Great Bastard's favor. "Living the life of a tourney knight isn't a bad idea especially when you're good at it, but war is on the horizon. Jousts and tournaments will be put on hold, possibly for a long time." Balon seemed surprised by his answer. "Are you telling me you're not trying to get married beforehand? Have a wife and child to come home to after the fighting has ended?" Balon held up a hand defensively, "I'm not looking to talk politics if you don't want to. I promise I'm not trying to get you to pick a side. More curious that when everyone else is scrambling to ally themselves you want to rise above it. Is that it?""Many regarding the Brackens and Blackwoods, but there are others. You yourself have come up as well. I hope you can tell me that you aren't intending to settle your own grudges here?" he asks, given him little room to avoid having to lie directly to Aerion. Balon raised an eyebrow, "Grudges? What grudges?" The only real grudge, if it could even be defined as such, was Balon's grudge towards Dagos when they'd dueled but Balon had seen to that. Of course there was his hatred of everything Dornish but Balon hadn't interpreted the question that way. "Eveyone thinks I'm some sort of scary blackguard," He said the last part sarcastically, "but I didn't kill anyone at Highgarden. Didn't rape any ladies fair. Didn't use Lord Jon Hightower's funeral as a pulpit for Ser Daemon. Nope, can't think of any grudges. I *do* however remember saving Ser Aladore and Lady Lyanna (Levalle)." Balon never failed to mention those, "So what if I beat up on a few specific individuals every now and then to remind them of their place. That's about it." |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 14, 2019 16:44:21 GMT 1
Aerion takes the man's question in and mulls it over before answering seriously. "I can't imagine a worse time to have a new bride and child than when you have to ride off to war. No, I'd rather not sentence the poor woman to raise the child of a man who may never return. Plus I may end up worrying more about their well-being than my own, and that could get me killed."
"That's not to say I won't do my due diligence as an eligible bachelor, and a Great Bastard to boot, but it is far from my primary goal. If there weren't impending war, then perhaps the case may be different." Balon can likely tell that he is sincere in his words.
"I do not mind talking politics." he says, starting to chuckle to himself. "It's quite nice to speak of such things with someone other than my sister. I love her dearly and would do anything to keep her safe, but truth be told she has a tendency to make you dance around your own words to the point where you're all but arguing against your original position!"
"I believe you have threatened Ser Symon when speaking with the late Lady Ashara," he pauses to raise his glass in her memory, but continues on with the assumption that Balon won't join in the gesture given his views on the Dornish. "I care not for the details, honestly. My concern is simple."
"I want this melee to be conducted with honour, and I want to keep my men safe. This could be an opportunity to help correct the view of you as a Blackguard, should you make your goals the same."
"However, choosing instead to cast aside honour and chivalry in the pursuit of a vendetta would do little more than confirm that perception."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 16, 2019 22:21:25 GMT 1
"I can't imagine a worse time to have a new bride and child than when you have to ride off to war. No, I'd rather not sentence the poor woman to raise the child of a man who may never return. Plus I may end up worrying more about their well-being than my own, and that could get me killed.""That's not to say I won't do my due diligence as an eligible bachelor, and a Great Bastard to boot, but it is far from my primary goal. If there weren't impending war, then perhaps the case may be different." Balon was genuinely surprised by his answer, "To be honest I can't imagine a better time to get married. A political marriage brings an allied house with you more often than not. That'll certainly increase your odds of survival." Considering Balon's feelings for Laena his views on marriage were overwhelmingly positive. "If your marriage isn't political and you're one of the few who marries out of love then you have even more motivation to fight. To win glory for your family. Boons, titles, anything to improve their quality of life. I don't see it as a distraction at all." Balon took a drink and smiled, "Satisfy my curiosity ser, if you could pick from three available ladies who would they be? And why them?" There didn't appear to be any underlying reason for the question, more of a general interest. "I do not mind talking politics." he says, starting to chuckle to himself. "It's quite nice to speak of such things with someone other than my sister. I love her dearly and would do anything to keep her safe, but truth be told she has a tendency to make you dance around your own words to the point where you're all but arguing against your original position!" Balon laughed at Aerion's comments about his sister. "I remember talking to her one time," he was clearly fond of the memory, "it seemed like it lasted for at least an hour and when we were done we ended up where we'd started and neither gave up any ground on their position. It's a good quality to have ya know. We have swords to make our point. A lady isn't so lucky. She requires conviction and determination.""I believe you have threatened Ser Symon when speaking with the late Lady Ashara," he pauses to raise his glass in her memory, but continues on with the assumption that Balon won't join in the gesture given his views on the Dornish. "I care not for the details, honestly. My concern is simple."
"I want this melee to be conducted with honour, and I want to keep my men safe. This could be an opportunity to help correct the view of you as a Blackguard, should you make your goals the same."
"However, choosing instead to cast aside honour and chivalry in the pursuit of a vendetta would do little more than confirm that perception." Balon became more serious, "Ah yes, that." He paused as he decided how to respond and waited until Aerion lowered his glass, not joining him in the salute. "After Ser Walton Wyl's death Lady Ashara approached me and said some horrible things about me, my family, and my mentors. Keep in mind I'd said nothing to her and this was our first meeting ever. I'll admit I lost my composure and said some nasty things in return but it was just to get a rise out of her." Balon took a long drink, "I'll tell you the same thing I told Lady Ashara. You greatly overestimate the amount of time I think about the Starkwoods." That was mostly true. In the general sense he wanted to kill them and claim their land but on an individual basis he didn't give a two shits about them. "I didn't try to kill him at Highgarden. Didn't chase after him at smaller tourneys looking to remove his head in a joust. He's nothing more than a blackguard to me. I might go after him in a melee but not to kill, just embarrass."
"If you're worried about honor and chivalry I'd look out for Ser Ulbert Blackwood, Ser Otho Bracken, Ser Tommard Heddle, anyone from Longtable, and your cousin Ser Symon. His body count in duels and melees is higher than mine." |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 21, 2019 20:09:04 GMT 1
"You make a good case, Ser," says Aerion after thinking about it. "I have not set my sights on anyone in particular. I admit having found Lady Lysette Starling quite intriguing, but she is wed and I am back to looking. Of course I would seek what most men do: Lands, Titles, and Valyrian swords. And of course a wife who is beautiful as she is kind. Pious and virtuous as well. Tell me, who do you know who would fit that bill?"
"Another astute point. But what my dear sister lacks in forged steel, she makes up for doubly so in mettle. She is a force, and one I am glad I do not have to worry about turning against me. Were she able to wield a sword, I'm sure she'd commit herself to its study to give Blackfyre pause."
Aerion ignores the insult of those close to him. "As I said, I care not for the details about who said what and when. That can be worked out among yourselves on your own time. My request is that you act with the honour that your father had been an example of his entire life, and keep the melee a clean affair. I will make the same requests of those men should we speak before the event."
Aerion hopes that reminding Balon of his father would help keep balon in check. Whether that happens or not is up to the man himself.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 22, 2019 19:58:10 GMT 1
"You make a good case, Ser," says Aerion after thinking about it. "I have not set my sights on anyone in particular. I admit having found Lady Lysette Starling quite intriguing, but she is wed and I am back to looking. Of course I would seek what most men do: Lands, Titles, and Valyrian swords. And of course a wife who is beautiful as she is kind. Pious and virtuous as well. Tell me, who do you know who would fit that bill?" When Aerion mentioned Lysette Balon nodded along. "Interesting." In truth Balon didn't see the appeal of Lysette other than she was the heir to Kingsbridge. She was pretty but plain compared to women like Daena Roxton, Denyse Cordwayner, Lyanna Florent, and Laena. At the Black Tourney's Bread and Salt ceremony Balon had talked to Lysette and left the conversation thinking she was rather dull. Of course her loyalty to the King and positive views of the Dornish had warped Balon's perception of her but he was oblivious to that. "Well I'm sorry you missed out on a chance to courty Lady Lysette. In addition to being her Lord Protector aren't some of your close friends Companions?"
When he listed off what he sought Daena Roxton popped into his mind. Balon laughed, "You don't ask for much do you?" He thought back to his conversation with Laena in the library, "In all honesty if I had to choose I'd look for a beautiful wife who loved me. Sounds rather silly doesn't it?" Balon took a drink before continuing, "One time I said a Valyrian sword is nice but you can't fuck it. It doesn't carry your child. It doesn't comfort you in time of loss. Same with titles and lands. Don't get me wrong I'd like all of those things too but I'll start with the love of a fertile woman.""Another astute point. But what my dear sister lacks in forged steel, she makes up for doubly so in mettle. She is a force, and one I am glad I do not have to worry about turning against me. Were she able to wield a sword, I'm sure she'd commit herself to its study to give Blackfyre pause." He let out a sigh, "Considering how some families treat each other it's good to have a sibling like that." Balon subconsciously rubbed his shoulder where the scar from Vorian Dayne was. "What's your favorite memory of her?"Aerion ignores the insult of those close to him. "As I said, I care not for the details about who said what and when. That can be worked out among yourselves on your own time. My request is that you act with the honour that your father had been an example of his entire life, and keep the melee a clean affair. I will make the same requests of those men should we speak before the event."Aerion hopes that reminding Balon of his father would help keep balon in check. Whether that happens or not is up to the man himself. As Aerion had mentioned he didn't mind politics Balon shifted his questions to the Riverlands. "Speaking of blood what do you make of the Brackens and Blackwoods? Do you think it comes to open conflict?" |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Sept 2, 2019 18:00:03 GMT 1
"I appreciate the condolences, and I count many men among the Companions as friends, yes. It is always nice to know that will always be a home for men of honour." the way Aerion spoke of the Companions, it is clear he respects them sincerely.
"It may be that my asks are many, but I do no believe they are many. And I know which ones are of greater importance.Which is why I cannot fault you for wanting a woman that loves you. I too want the same, and so I ask myself: Am I the kind of man who deserves to be loved?" Aerion looks directly in Balon's eyes as he asks the question, clearly asking it for both of them.
"So long as I can honestly say that I am, I believe the Maiden will guide to me a bride that I can be worthy of."
"I have too many, but would that I had to pick one, it would be a few days after the birth of Lander. She was sitting in the garden's with both her children, a beautifully calm morning." Aerion remembers back to that day. His sister sat with Lander in her arms and Sylvina attempting to climb up and see him.
After a moment of reflection, "It was one of the last times my sister knew true happiness"
Aerion nods when Balon gives his word. Nothing more needs to be said on the matter.
"There is afar too much hatred, and far too little care from the Throne to interfere before it does. When it does, I also expect it to firmly cement the lines
of those who are willing to break the King's Peace."
"Would that it be between the two houses and be done with it, but there are too many people who will use this to advance their politcal agendas to make it an isolated conflict.
What about yourself?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Sept 4, 2019 21:20:31 GMT 1
"It may be that my asks are many, but I do not believe they are many. And I know which ones are of greater importance. Which is why I cannot fault you for wanting a woman that loves you. I too want the same, and so I ask myself: Am I the kind of man who deserves to be loved?" Aerion looks directly in Balon's eyes as he asks the question, clearly asking it for both of them. Balon pursed his lips when he thought of men like Lord Eldon and Ser Trystane. "It's one of the few things I envy of the smallfolk. Their ability to marry out of love more often than not. We nobles marry for politics, for favors, to strengthen the bloodline. They do it because they love one another, enjoy each other's company, and comfort each other in times of hardship." Balon sighed and waved a hand, "Bah, listen to me whining about it. I hope I find a woman who loves me and I'll do everything in my power to deserve it." "I have too many, but would that I had to pick one, it would be a few days after the birth of Lander. She was sitting in the garden's with both her children, a beautifully calm morning." Aerion remembers back to that day. His sister sat with Lander in her arms and Sylvina attempting to climb up and see him. After a moment of reflection, "It was one of the last times my sister knew true happiness" Balon smiled as Aerion recalled Laena in the garden, "It sounds like a perfect moment." He thought of the future and hoped Laena could experience it again with Balon. His smile turned to a frown when Aerion mentioned it was one of her last times of true happiness. "I don't know Lady Laena as well as you but if anyone deserves happiness it's her. Was it the death of her husband that saw the joy get sucked out of her life?" "There is afar too much hatred, and far too little care from the Throne to interfere before it does. When it does, I also expect it to firmly cement the lines of those who are willing to break the King's Peace.""Would that it be between the two houses and be done with it, but there are too many people who will use this to advance their political agendas to make it an isolated conflict.What about yourself?" He took a drink and offered to refill Aerion's cup. "Of course I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know." "As for me when it comes to battle I plan to fight with the Brackens. My politics are well known and I don't scurry in the shadows." Balon nodded to Aerion, "Tell me good ser, if it comes to war will you choose a side or remain neutral? Perhaps you'll do what we knights so rarely do. Protect the innocent from the worst of it." Balon wanted Aerion to fight with him but choosing neutrality was preferable than being on the other side of the battle field. |
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