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Post by Father on Mar 16, 2020 17:43:15 GMT 1
"Interesting idea" Bloodraven concedes. "Although a ploy that would seem more believable if it might appear as if the trial is planned out to have a favorable outcome for our fiendish friend"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Mar 16, 2020 19:12:06 GMT 1
"Perhaps a rumor that someone was trying to 'aggressively convince' the girls to recant their accusation. No accusation, no trial, no Tarly problems. I'm sure you can think of someone that would be in a position to get access to the prisoners, has already made their position quite clear, and has a reputation for excessive aggressiveness."
Davos grimaces.
"It would also be more believable if the 'Bracken agents' appeared to be acting on behalf of someone to whom Tarly's assault was personal - punishment more severe than most would think was warranted by the crime, and perhaps said 'agents' could attempt to rescue the girls, as well."
His grimace deepens.
"Distasteful as it is, this could also be a good opportunity to flush out any that would be willing to betray House Blackwood for the promise of coin. It would be so much more believable if an agent was caught whom actually believed they had been hired by the girl's father."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 17, 2020 4:21:34 GMT 1
DaeronDoes Daeron have anything he can offer in regards to House Peake, though? Daeron puffs out his chest, looking more like a proud bird than a proud dragon. "You saw the number of heads that my words turned at Whitegrove. I can craft strong arguments and sway minds to support or oppose many a cause, your betrothal for example.
Though the lady is yours alone to win, I can assist in any effort you make to convince Lord Gormon. He and I are on good terms and I'm sure that I can secure any sort of meeting that you'd require with him."
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Post by Father on Mar 17, 2020 10:12:52 GMT 1
Davos
Bloodraven's almost expressionless face, red eyed and pale, would be unnerving to most. "I think indeed that I might know of someone like that, ser He lightly taps a finger against the table in some thought."It would appear as if I have more options to ponder than previously imagined, though I should like not to chose among them quite yet, it would please me should you put your name forward to represent the ladies, just in case it does come to trial by combat, we wouldn't want some knight with his head full of romance fighting to his death against Ser Ulbert, now would we? It is best for everyone if the champion of the ladies knows to quit when he is beaten." He pauses."Justice can find Ser Simon sooner or later in some form which does not involve Lord Blackwood holding the knife"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 17, 2020 16:25:20 GMT 1
RobynSome men like the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, The Ironhand and The Stormbreaker appears to defy the long grasp of old age, Ser Dennis can only hope he might be as fortuitous. And if his niece would ever hear him disagree to such a statement, she will never let him hear the end of it, Lady Janna is hardly older than Robyn, but Ser Dennis gets as badly trounced matching wits with her as against Blackfyre in a tourney match. He would not disrespect Ladies Melara or Rhonda, but they are no match for her either, most ladies are trained to support their lord husband in such matters, governance being seen as the realm of men does make for a lady prepared for the role a somewhat rare thing, it is difference in Dorne, Ser Dennis concedes, given the proper tutelage, gender is little hindrance, though men generally being bigger probably means that being knights and warriors will largely remain the domain of men even so. Robyn gives a gentle, unwavering "Hm," before nodding, "Lady Janna... I could have sworn that she was younger than me." He gives a smile, letting out a slight chuckle, "Though, if she has a sharp a mind as you say she does, I would say that I would dare not ask her age, for fear of her making me look more of a fool than a knight." He gives a bigger chuckle, "I find that, more than anything, a woman's grasp of intellect and the precarious balancing act of intrigue are much more astute than a man's, whatever his size. From the way you say it, though, it almost seems as if you would rather support your niece if given the chance." Robyn grasps his hand behind his back, looking towards the sky, "Is she married as of yet? Its hard to keep track of who is and isn't, especially when the mind is on these and future conflicts with the Bracken front."
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Post by Davos Dayne on Mar 17, 2020 18:18:17 GMT 1
Davos suspected he knew exactly which 'knight with his head full of romance' Ser Brynden meant. Ser Robyn certainly fit the description, had already spoken out once, and could probably be easily persuaded to righteously fight on behalf of the Bracken girls.
What is right and what is smart are not always the same.
"It would be best if it did not come to a trial at all. Regardless of the outcome, there will be those in our forces - and your cause - who will be displeased. Whether because of family ties or because they see first hand that the king's followers are no more just than Blackfyre's, such fractures are exploitable, and I have no doubt that there are those that would gleefully do so."
He sighs.
"I will stand as advocate for the young ladies, and if necessary take up sword to defend them. I hope not to have to cross swords with Ser Ulbert - if I have to fight, I will not hold back in the name of political expediency, and regardless of the outcome our troops morale will suffer for it. Not to mention that one or both of us may not be in any shape to fight on the battlefield."
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Post by Father on Mar 18, 2020 13:01:25 GMT 1
Daeron
Respectfully, Normyn does not think such talk works on Lord Gormon, the crowds to be sure, a knight of Daeron's prowess and reputation is not ignored and does turn heads. But a man of Lord Gormon's stature is not so easily impressed. Though if Ser Daeron were to add his voice against the lies concerning his relationship with his good sister and certain terrible accusations that some who would seek to have his nephew usurped about the death of his brother, it would go a long way to assist Normyn on any sort of marriage he might pursue. It would also occur to Normyn, seeing that he heard a rumor of Lady Tanda about to be betrothed to Lord Eldon, that the Peake's would be most reluctant to bind Daeron to them.
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Post by Father on Mar 18, 2020 16:10:18 GMT 1
Robyn
Lady Janna does indeed take unseemly pleasure in making fools out of knights and squires, she might be younger than Robyn by a year perhaps, though the way she acts, it is easy to add another five to her age, it is not always easy to determine the age of a lady by looks alone. As for women being more astute at court, it might have something to do with their needlework hardly being so taxing on the breath as the regimen pages and squires are put through in the yard, when the ladies in waiting sit together, their sewing is accompanied by endless gossip and chatter. No, Janna is not married, though with times as they are, that might change soon, she doesn't seem to be in any sort of hurry. Nobody have put her name forward as a regent, no, she will certainly be a boon to the lord she one day marries when it comes to managing the household, but on account of her youth and distance from young Lord Hightower, why put Lady Janna up for consideration when her father surely is more suited for the task?
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 19, 2020 7:43:24 GMT 1
BalonSer Morys doesn't quite think Balon understands, he is just the intermediary, he wouldn't even know how to contact his friends, just in case a certain knight felt like repeating his murderous pattern of behavior. They aren't actually his friends, come to think of it, they didn't come here themselves, just paid him enough gold to brave the risk of Balon cutting down the messenger. Would friends do that? They have lined up another buyer, one Balon surely can't outbid, but they figured they'd get paid much more if they instead of handing over Ser Ondrew, they might give him Lord Walgrave instead. As much as Ser Balon being commanded to present himself at Starfall to answer for his many crimes would be pleasing for a great many people, Lord Oakheart might be worthy of putting on a grand spectacle in front of the Iron Throne in his honor. Killing poor old Ser Morys will be taken as a no, but why go to such trouble? He isn't stupid enough to spy on the Brackens and confess to have taken coin from the other side due to some unrelated matter concerning Balon's adventures in the Red Mountains. "With friends like yours who needs enemies?" Balon got rid of any pretense of politeness, "Let me get this straight. Your *friends* sent you alone to attempt to blackmail a knight." Balon referred to himself in the 3rd person. "A knight that killed a Dornishman that's comparable to the Sword of the Morning in skill. Not only did they send you into a camp where this knight has innumerable friends but they allegedly didn't tell you where they were in case things went poorly." He mockingly asked, "How much gold did they give you? Because I promise you, if this knight is as murderous as they claim, your chances of survival are very, very low."Balon isn't going to turn on Walgrave and can't outbid Bloodraven. Me thinks old Morys is about to get the hammer depending on his next action.
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Post by Father on Mar 19, 2020 16:26:26 GMT 1
Davos
Bloodraven nods. "The first charge upon a knight is to be just, but I hope ser, that should it come to a trial by combat, you would not throw away life and limb when defeat is almost certain." Someone like Robyn or Roland, perhaps even Mikel, might seem just the type to die before yielding, while Bloodraven would root for Ser Simon in that situation, his motivation seems to be to ensure that a knight more likely to be pragmatic about his own health than eager for glory faces the rapist if trial by combat cannot be avoided. Something tells Davos that it would be a duel against a stronger warrior than him should it come to that.
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Post by Father on Mar 19, 2020 16:45:23 GMT 1
Balon
They paid him coin to deliver a message, and Balon attacking a man in view of everyone here would surely lead to awkward questions, Bittersteel won't care of course, but you have Aubrey Ambrose and Redtusk in camp, what happens when that pair leaves because the Brackens go soft on a knight of dark reputation killing another in plain view of everyone? Ser Morys might have accepted being out of earshot, but he made certain to have witnesses about, enough that they likely can stop an attempt to arrest the man should they not fall for whatever reason Balon might offer for it.
It could be worth the bother should he reveal clues as to where Ser Ondrew and the others might be found, or their names and descriptions. Then again, gold might make his tongue dance just as surely as red hot iron, with much less fuss besides, assuming Balon could trust anything the man has to say.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 19, 2020 17:21:32 GMT 1
RobynLady Janna does indeed take unseemly pleasure in making fools out of knights and squires, she might be younger than Robyn by a year perhaps, though the way she acts, it is easy to add another five to her age, it is not always easy to determine the age of a lady by looks alone. As for women being more astute at court, it might have something to do with their needlework hardly being so taxing on the breath as the regimen pages and squires are put through in the yard, when the ladies in waiting sit together, their sewing is accompanied by endless gossip and chatter. No, Janna is not married, though with times as they are, that might change soon, she doesn't seem to be in any sort of hurry. Nobody have put her name forward as a regent, no, she will certainly be a boon to the lord she one day marries when it comes to managing the household, but on account of her youth and distance from young Lord Hightower, why put Lady Janna up for consideration when her father surely is more suited for the task? Robyn gives another shrug, starting to say something before cutting himself off. He shook his head, staring up at the sky once more, "Quite right. Though, if Bloodraven has proven anything, it is that endless 'gossip and chatter' might just be the only way of ensuring the safety of the realm, hm?" He gives him a side eye and a smile, "Yes, our regimen has brought us here and won us victories that will be the stuff of legend, but someone told me it was just one rumor to soil my name in the eyes of all. And she, singlehandedly, changed my entire view on a lot of different things." Robyn turns to face him fully, crossing his arms in front of his chest, "Just so I know, if I could convince my family to support your brother in his push for regency, it what way would it benefit me?"
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Post by Father on Mar 20, 2020 17:27:43 GMT 1
Robyn
Aside from doing the right thing for House Hightower and the realm? Surely Ser Robyn and House Starkwood does not wish to see King Daeron overthrown in rebellion? Ser Raymun would be the only one among those mentioned for the regency guaranteed to oppose such a thing.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 20, 2020 18:19:53 GMT 1
RobynAside from doing the right thing for House Hightower and the realm? Surely Ser Robyn and House Starkwood does not wish to see King Daeron overthrown in rebellion? Ser Raymun would be the only one among those mentioned for the regency guaranteed to oppose such a thing. "I cannot speak for what is best for House Hightower," Robyn shifts his stance slightly, his hand gripping onto his bicep a little tighter, "My conscious has weighed heavily on me ever since I made a decision for the 'right thing' of a house besides my own, and I am constantly at war with myself in my choice." His tone drops, "House Starkwood loyally and unwaveringly supports King Daeron, and hopes and prays to the Seven to never see such a thing come to pass. But you must understand, I have never met the man, and while I trust your faith in him, I haven't an opinion on his loyalty." He gives a shrug, "Not to mention we are currently protecting the realm ourselves, with our sweat and metal here, but Ser Raymun is not. So, respectfully, unless there is something besides the good of the realm he has to offer, I don't know if I could support him."
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Post by Davos Dayne on Mar 20, 2020 20:31:06 GMT 1
DavosBloodraven nods. "The first charge upon a knight is to be just, but I hope ser, that should it come to a trial by combat, you would not throw away life and limb when defeat is almost certain." "I am neither fool enough to die needlessly nor coward enough to fear dying in while fighting for what is right."He shakes his head. "As I have said, if it comes to a trial by combat, House Blackwood's war effort likely suffers, one way or another."He mulls over something for a moment. "Have you considered offering the Brackens an exchange, one criminal for another? Let Tarly be judged by them, if they give us, say, Balon Blackbriar? Maybe offer to return the girls as well, to sweeten the pot."He smiles mischievously. "Both a 'yes' or a 'no' could be worked to your advantage, and at minimum it would justifiably postpone Tarly's trial while you wait for a response, possibly long enough not to interfere with this little war, and definitely long enough to give more time for the 'Brackens' to hire agents to seek 'justice' without having to give anything up in the process."He chuckles darkly. "I'm sure Lord Blackwood would be happy with such a trade. He wouldn't even have to pay out the bounty on the villain."
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