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Post by Father on Mar 21, 2020 16:07:49 GMT 1
Robyn
Ser Dennis does not see Lord Starkwood here, should he question the loyalty of Robyn's father because of that? Oh, he knows very well that Lord Ulbert would stand by King Daeron to his last breath, but frequent frustrations brought upon him by his niece have probably made him able to do wordplay with almost everyone. Lord Ulbert shows his commitment by being represented by a son, Ser Raymun is represented by a brother. Few lords would join this fight as technically, both sides are breaking the king's peace, but individually knights can always claim to have served Stone Hedge or Raventree. It would be unseemly for the regent of Oldtown, or of one would like to aspire to be so, to come in person. But Ser Dennis would not have been here without first consulting with his brother.
Davos
"For Lord Bracken to arrest someone joining his cause and trade him to us?" Bloodraven shakes his head. "Why would anyone ever join his cause afterwards? It could be possible, perhaps, to negotiate with the Brackens to have him delivered to them, though it might not be much of a difference as to how House Tarly would think of it.
"It matters not, Lord Blackwood has declared that Ser Simon must face trial here, so that is what will happen. Much as Bloodraven apparently wanted otherwise. "Though none would particularly miss him should he be exonerated here, only to never make it back to Horn Hill."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 21, 2020 16:57:32 GMT 1
RobynSer Dennis does not see Lord Starkwood here, should he question the loyalty of Robyn's father because of that? Oh, he knows very well that Lord Ulbert would stand by King Daeron to his last breath, but frequent frustrations brought upon him by his niece have probably made him able to do wordplay with almost everyone. Lord Ulbert shows his commitment by being represented by a son, Ser Raymun is represented by a brother. Few lords would join this fight as technically, both sides are breaking the king's peace, but individually knights can always claim to have served Stone Hedge or Raventree. It would be unseemly for the regent of Oldtown, or of one would like to aspire to be so, to come in person. But Ser Dennis would not have been here without first consulting with his brother. Robyn lets out a laugh, causing a smile to creep onto his face, "Well, you certainly have me there. Maybe I could learn a thing or two from your niece," he lets out another soft chuckle before running his hand through his curly hair, "How far is your brother willing to go for the regency? Im sure money and favors will exchange hands, as often they do when someone in the court wants something, but what if coin isn't enough? Is he willing to use his daughter's hand in marriage as a bargaining chip?" He presented the question lightheartedly, as to give him deniability should the encounter shift. |
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Post by Davos Dayne on Mar 21, 2020 20:27:37 GMT 1
Davos"For Lord Bracken to arrest someone joining his cause and trade him to us?" Bloodraven shakes his head. "Why would anyone ever join his cause afterwards? It could be possible, perhaps, to negotiate with the Brackens to have him delivered to them, though it might not be much of a difference as to how House Tarly would think of it."It matters not, Lord Blackwood has declared that Ser Simon must face trial here, so that is what will happen. Much as Bloodraven apparently wanted otherwise. "Though none would particularly miss him should he be exonerated here, only to never make it back to Horn Hill." Davos snorts derisively. "Of course not."He does not specify which of Bloodraven's comments he is responding to. "I suspect that one way or another neither Lord Blackwood nor Lord Tarly will be particularly pleased by how this turns out."He shakes his head. "I'd best go speak with Lord Blackwood, then, to ask to be allowed to represent the young ladies." |
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Mar 21, 2020 23:41:43 GMT 1
Mikel
Because the high and mighty got their smallclothes in a twist after some Bracken brat got his skull split open in a duel, snotty little bastard thought it was just good sport and that he could quit whenever it became too scary for him. What followed was good sport though, tossing many Bracken bodies to float down The Red Fork, good times.[/quote]
Nodding silently Mikel turned the direction of the conversation. It wasnt as abrupt as it may have been, only because Essos had just been mentioned a moment ago. "What do you think of the free companies?" Mikel asked with proper courtesies. "I had heard the Brackens contracted a company of crossbowmen. I know that Essos is a long way off, but if a resource such as a free company was here in Westeros would you have considered employing it?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 22, 2020 5:27:38 GMT 1
DaeronRespectfully, 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. Daeron returns to frowning. "Lord Gormon is a wise and cunning lord, but I question his judgement in this matter. Longtable commands great wealth and power, but its lord is untrustworthy and brings a dark reputation to any cause he follows. I don't see men like Ser Aubrey Ambrose or Redtusk standing side by side with Rennifer Waters or the other blackguards of House Merryweather. Perhaps you should seek the hand of Lady Tanda yourself rather than Lady Joanna? Certainly she would prefer a dashing and handsome son of a king rather than a pig."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 22, 2020 7:56:39 GMT 1
BalonThey 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. Balon's desire to kill him remained high but the rational part of his mind slowly started to overtake his rage. Bittersteel wouldn't care if Balon killed him. Most of the Brackens and freeriders wouldn't either. Coming up with an excuse to satisfy those people would be easy enough but there were others who weren't happy with Balon. The knights that were courageous, chivalrous, and the type of knight that needed to be associated with the Blackfyre cause. Ser Aubrey Ambrose and Redtusk being prime examples. Those type of knights wouldn't stand for murder and while Balon would temporarily solve his problem the damage it'd do to the war effort would grossly outweigh the benefit. So in the end Balon kept his sword in it's scabbard. "Have you ever seen a man tortured? Ugly business." He held up a finger, "Effective but ugly. Hot spikes under the fingernails, stripping away flesh, pulling teeth with rusty pliers," Balon's eyes lit up at a memory Fireball had once shared, "Sometimes a bucket with a rat in it is strapped to a man's stomach. Do you what happens when that bucket is slowly heated up? They say the screams haunt any man unfortunate to hear it." Balon was making it crystal clear what would happen should Ser Morys try anything stupid. "I think we can avoid all of that. In fact I think there is something you'd prefer much more; gold. Tell me what did these *friends* of yours pay you. I'm willing to bet I can make a much more lucrative offer." He scanned his would-be-blackmailer's reaction, looking for clues to see if the old knight knew a better deal when he heard one. What would be a substantial offer for Morys to turn on his "friends". |
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Post by Father on Mar 22, 2020 16:17:12 GMT 1
Robyn
Janna seemed interested in the idea when she thought that Lord Durwell might be snared, now she at least pretends to have joined half the ladies of the Reach in being ensnared by him. Now she derisively complains about the cattle show when as her father began presenting her to other, less desirable options.
Davos
Nobody is like to be particularly pleased about any of this, Bloodraven mutters half to himself as Davos prepares to take his leave.
Mikel
Ser Ulbert gives it a bit of thought. "They usually cost more than they're worth, the free cities has plenty of gold but little in the way of fighting men, so they sign contracts with companies, often lasting for years and typically renewed. All the good ones will demand such terms. The rest? Can't be relied upon, some might betray you for a higher bidder, most will sound the retreat if it looks like they did not sign on with the winning side." He grimaces. "Myrish Crossbowmen are dangerous, their bolts can punch through armor, they fire in concentrated volleys that could tear open a hole in your line, protect them with good infantry or cavalry and they will be an improvement to almost any Westerosi army."
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Post by Father on Mar 22, 2020 20:01:04 GMT 1
Daeron
The only lady that ever might have loved Lord Eldon was his mother. Normyn would gladly pursue the hand of Lady Tanda if that was an option. It is not. Due to the events at Whitegrove, she must be sacrificed to appease the beast, Normyn doubts Gormon expects much good to come out of the union with Longtable, when the war comes, Lord Eldon will do whatever Highgarden does, with less enthusiasm than you would see at a funeral. At least not his funeral. Lord Peake is not doing it for the benefits, but rather to avoid the consequences of Lord Eldon bankrolling every base scheme against Starpike imaginable.
Balon
They gave him three dragons, one for delivering the message, two for the danger.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 22, 2020 20:29:07 GMT 1
RobynJanna seemed interested in the idea when she thought that Lord Durwell might be snared, now she at least pretends to have joined half the ladies of the Reach in being ensnared by him. Now she derisively complains about the cattle show when as her father began presenting her to other, less desirable options. Robyn gives a nod, "Lord Durwell is a fine muse for most ladies' affection. Charming, and his skill on the field and on horseback is something to behold, certainly. But, he isn't the only man in the Reach with pedigree, and there are plenty of others who are just as good with a lance." He gives a soft sigh, shaking his head, "I can only imagine how incredibly boring it must be to be shown suitor after suitor, and to be unimpressed time and time again. My mother is constantly putting pressure on me, though, as of yet, none have caught my attention either." Robyn sighs again, rubbing his chin, "From the way you speak of your niece, though, I couldn't imagine her being anything less than an ideal lady," |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 23, 2020 1:40:04 GMT 1
DaeronThe only lady that ever might have loved Lord Eldon was his mother. Normyn would gladly pursue the hand of Lady Tanda if that was an option. It is not. Due to the events at Whitegrove, she must be sacrificed to appease the beast, Normyn doubts Gormon expects much good to come out of the union with Longtable, when the war comes, Lord Eldon will do whatever Highgarden does, with less enthusiasm than you would see at a funeral. At least not his funeral. Lord Peake is not doing it for the benefits, but rather to avoid the consequences of Lord Eldon bankrolling every base scheme against Starpike imaginable. he notes sourly, "given that it's about as much your decision as it is mine." There was a dangerous gleam in his eye though, clearly he had no intention of allowing Houses Peake and Merryweather to be joined without some amount of interference. If Longtable could be bled, then the risk that it posed to House Peake, and House Starling, could be mitigated enough to prevent the marriage. Quickly changing subjects, he focused on something that personally benefited himself. "As for Lady Daena, what do you think I should do to prevent Ser Sebaston from winning her over? I have my charms, but I'm no Lord Marq. Perhaps I should write my mother's house and see what patronage that they can offer to aid my marriage, otherwise I'm at a significant disadvantage from someone supported by one of the premier houses of the Reach." |
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Post by Father on Mar 23, 2020 14:59:46 GMT 1
Robyn
"Many" would be an exaggeration when it comes to matching Lord Durwell's skill in the joust, very few lords or their firstborn counts among them, and Ser Dennis struggles to think of any who are as of yet unmarried. Robyn should not get his hopes up, though, surely Ser Raymun will only consider a lord or an heir, a Great Bastard he might consider, perhaps a scion of a prestigious house like Rowan or Redwyne.
Normyn
Maybe she will like the idea of a Great Bastard for husband? Normyn knows not, love is a curious thing, though often irrelevant when nobles makes their moves. House Rowan might be of the wrong banner for her tastes, though she has given no signal of preference. Ser Sebaston is not the sort of man other men will readily follow, Daeron himself might have noticed how easily their brother brushed him aside for Lysette's hand. Granted, Ser Aemon was tough competition for just about anyone. Still, the backing of House Rowan is a powerful allure, and as long as Redtusk appears intent on not getting tied down anywhere, a Great Bastard might be the only one with the pedigree to compete. You might question what power our inheritance grant us, but you might also ask how many knights does the High Septon command. Both question have the answers of none and a great deal more than is readily apparent.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 23, 2020 17:43:05 GMT 1
Robyn"Many" would be an exaggeration when it comes to matching Lord Durwell's skill in the joust, very few lords or their firstborn counts among them, and Ser Dennis struggles to think of any who are as of yet unmarried. Robyn should not get his hopes up, though, surely Ser Raymun will only consider a lord or an heir, a Great Bastard he might consider, perhaps a scion of a prestigious house like Rowan or Redwyne. "Maybe you are right, but as you say, the options are surely limited. And Starkwood is a prestigious house," Robyn gives a sly smile, "I am seeing to help build its legacy and renown. Knighted by Redtusk after saving the daughter of the lord I squired for from certain death, unhorsing Lord Leo from his saddle after managing to trade passes with many other skilled riders such as yourself, and then joined the Blackwood front against the Bracken scourge." He gives a subtle shrug, "Who in the Reach doesn't know of what Ive accomplished? And I have many years yet to prove just how prestigious Starkwood blood is," he lets out a small laugh, "And besides, Im sure my mother and father would be more than willing to give as much as they could to Raymun's push for regency if they knew that I would marry," |
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Post by Father on Mar 24, 2020 12:33:02 GMT 1
Robyn
Among lords, heirs and Great Bastards? There are a great many of those. Ser Dennis also remarks, politely, that Robyn is not alone among scions to think their own house to be prestigious. And The Reach is full of heroes. Ser Addam for rescuing Aladore Florent, Ser Roland on multiple counts, Ser Titus, there will be more in the days to come. It does not appear as if Robyn's accomplishments are enough to outweigh the lack of political clout desired by Ser Raymun in this matter.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 24, 2020 16:41:27 GMT 1
RobynAmong lords, heirs and Great Bastards? There are a great many of those. Ser Dennis also remarks, politely, that Robyn is not alone among scions to think their own house to be prestigious. And The Reach is full of heroes. Ser Addam for rescuing Aladore Florent, Ser Roland on multiple counts, Ser Titus, there will be more in the days to come. It does not appear as if Robyn's accomplishments are enough to outweigh the lack of political clout desired by Ser Raymun in this matter. Robyn couldn't argue with that, though, it didn't stop his emotions from slowly getting the better of him. Everywhere he turned it felt like his accomplishments weren't enough; from Lady Falyse's rejection of him to Guyard's deconstruction and denouncement of his greatest feats, Robyn's anger was a bubbling pot that kept getting more flame. He was good at covering them with a calm tone, though, his words did slip through, "Ser Raymun is certainly right in his desire, but should none of those options pan out, Im sure my family could pull some of their political clout to assist in securing his regency. Nothing wrong with looking for other options, but I will protect those I care for till my last breath, my accomplishments prove as such, and surely her safety should outweigh political clout." Robyn extends a hand towards Ser Dennis, giving him a smile, "Tell him to consider my offer, there is certainly no ill will between us, and I wait for his response before I give mine," |
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Post by Father on Mar 24, 2020 22:35:51 GMT 1
Ser Robyn is young, and mothers with grown children are always impatient when it comes to the prospect of grandchildren, Ser Dennis chuckles. To win a wife by one's own accomplishments is possible, but politics has a way of complicating matters of marriage. There is another way of course, surely Robyn would know of Ser Donnel Backbriar, yes? As true a knight as there ever have been, a second son of House Blackbriar, a comparison that ought not shame a second son of House Starkwood, Ser Dennis thinks. He won the hand of a Peake, and not a cousin, no, but a daughter of Lord Unwin Peake, he who was Lord Regent and Hand of the King in the days of Aegon III. Ser Dennis remembers it quite well, for her was won in a joust, against none other than himself, the two of them broke twenty lances that day until finally Ser Dennis slipped out of the saddle. In his youth, Ser Dennis was always disappointed at such defeats and setbacks, but he has learned that for those with the patience not to throw their life away on risky ventures believing the chance before them is the only chance to get what they want, there is always another opportunity. He won the hand of a Redwyne in another joust not so long ago, a delightful and beautiful young lady. And considering what he might have had to live with, had he won that match worthy of a song against Ser Donnel, the best sometimes truly does come to those who wait.
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