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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 26, 2020 16:58:04 GMT 1
[This thread occurs during the ' Empty Seat' event] Laena strode through the halls, lost in thought. She lacked information to act with surity, but to not act at all would be timid. Boring. Passing through a garden, she catches a glimpse of a familiar face through a break in a hedgerow to her side. She actually takes a few steps on before she realises the opportunity presented to her, and takes a few steps back to confirm that yes, Septon Abelar is sitting down, brow furrowed as he, as far as she can see, stares a blossoming flowerbed into gibbering submission. She hesitates for just a moment. Any dealing with that septon is fraught with danger. One sermon of his could mean her death, should she provoke his ire. Still, she was never one to shy from danger. So, she strides confidently over to the bench. "Septon." Greeting him with a brief curtsey to avoid offence, she proceeds to sit on the bench with a small sigh of relief. "It's been a while." An opening where if he is not willing to talk, he can simply acknowledge the statement as fact and end things there without risk of offence. But if he is, he can open the conversation up. And Laena is willing to bet he'd be willing to talk - his actions have won him few friends, both within the faith and without, and even the sternest of men have a need to talk every now and then. |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jan 27, 2020 2:29:41 GMT 1
Septon Abelar looks up, his dark eyes snapping into focus as he recognizes Laena. "My lady, it has been some time." He stands and clasps hands with her.
The sight of her uncorked an unexpected flood of emotions. Memories of the septon's service at House Blackbriar often lingered in his thoughts when he was alone, so their sudden return at the sight of Ser Balon's betrothed caught him unguarded. Gesturing quickly before them, the septon turns. "Please, let us walk."
[Awareness (Empathy) TN 13 to notice Abelar's inner turmoil]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 27, 2020 21:44:53 GMT 1
Set a Septon - Awareness (Empathy) - TN13: 5d6k4 15 1 DoS Laena briefly raises an eyebrow. "As you will." She aquiesces readily, though she was internally cautious. Her appearance seemed to trouble him, though maybe it was the matter he was contemplating before she arrived, but if it was her, it is not a reaction she was expecting. She gives him time to open matters without prompting him, so he may choose the words he wishes, since he so clearly wishes to talk, and uses that time to consider which thing in particular she had done that he could have uncovered that could provoke such a reaction.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jan 29, 2020 3:47:37 GMT 1
Abelar chooses not to surface the issue of Ser Balon--not yet, at least.
"I see your interest in the church has not diminished since we last spoke. My compliments. In a time when there are many pressing matters to which ladies of the Reach may attend, you still return to matters of faith." The septon waves a hand before them. "I would be charmed to hear your thoughts on the empty seat."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 29, 2020 20:11:13 GMT 1
Laena nods again, but takes a moment to consider her words. "There are two Powers in this world; one mortal, one divine. It is clear to all with wits that the mortal Power is cracking and crumbling into chaos. Thus, it is more important than ever that the Divine power is seen as strong and stable. To be a beacon of strength in the trying times ahead.
"The best way to show strength would be to have a good and honest man take the place of the disgraced Septon Castos. The rot cleanly excised.
"There is a civil war coming, and while the Seven will undoubtedly support the righteous side, it would be tempting for the victor to, at least privately, ascribe his victory solely to the knights on his side, viewing all the 'lucky' strikes and deflections as being just that - luck. So, the second element I feel that would make an ideal candidate would be to have a history of supporting House Targaryen. The Throne - whoever ends up sitting on it - is more likely to listen to people of the Faith they consider allies. And it is ever important that the King grows ever closer to the Faith, rather than estranged from it.
"I have spent some time learning of the candidates. And there seems to be an ideal candidate: His Holiness, Septon Roland. He seems to be a good and honest man, living a humble life of service to the realm, and has penned numerous works likely to be viewed in a positive light by House Targaryen. Which says to me that he is one of the few who are willing and able to play the political game without sacrificing their soul in the process.
"So, I distrust it. It is possible that the Seven have intervened to ensure I learn of the ideal candidate," while others may present that idea dismissively, at least from her tone, she seems to consider it a distinct possibility, "but my mother had a saying 'The brighest of veneers hides the darkest of souls'. So, I worry that I may unwittingly damage the Faith, and add to the weight of the sins passed down to me by my father by my blood and my birth.
"And even if he *is* as he appears, I am a bastard, of my father's blood. Those of my kin are, not unjustifiedly, seen as steeped in sin, schemes, and deception. A politically savvy good and honest man would quite likely reject any assistance I would offer, fearing the hidden hook in the bait.
"And I cannot say that he would be a fool to do so.
"But to use the power granted to me by my father's tainted blood to do some *good* for the realm as a whole would, I feel, reduce the burden of sin I was born into.
"So, I doubt, and dither, and delay." She puffs out a breath slowly. "How are your thoughts on the matter, Septon?"
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