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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 8, 2020 15:14:16 GMT 1
Robyn let out a short chuckle as Mikel jested, "True, but I would need you for every one if i had any chance of success."
His eyes lifted heavenward before closing, imagining her as he spoke, "She is certainly interesting. Sharp, beautiful, and I know that her heart is honest and true." He smiled, to no one in particular, but to the memories he had of her, "She would pull pranks on me and her brother quite often; mostly harmless, but always agitating enough to be memorable."
"I feel like i did her a great disservice, right before I left," His tone shifted, as he opened his eyes and looked back at Mikel and Davos, "I was hurt, and being rejected by her clouded my foresight. Her Uncle approached me and asked to support him in the Blackbar regency, and his words twisted my emotions until i did." He sighed, "I supported him over her in the regency, and that weighs on me. And because i am here in the Riverlands, I have no way of rescinding that."
"Why are politics so..." he sighed deeply, "Complicated?"
When Mikel mentioned Tarly, he raised the flask, "Here Here! I have no love in my heart for rapist, incompetent drunk bastards like Tarly's filth!"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Oct 9, 2020 15:36:55 GMT 1
Davos' countenance darkens at mention of Simon Tarly, but did not say anything on the topic.
"I do not envy you your position, nephew. You must be the man she needs, not just the man she wants. Or rather, what she believes she needs. Who can say for sure what that is? I doubt even she could, and even if she could asking her would be a death knell for your suit. I will say this - tourney and battlefield accomplishments will likely not convince her."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 21, 2020 2:56:48 GMT 1
Mikel nodded at what Davos had said and considered how unfit his own opinion would be on this subject, given his nonexistent successful courting of noblewomen.
"Perhaps the best thing to do, when you have the chance, is to tell her what had happened between you and her uncle."
"Then you should consider..." Mikel looked at Davos before continuing. "That your heart should not be making political decisions, or any serious decision, really. And your word does more than reflect on your house, so perhaps look at it from two ways. Why should House Starkwood get involved, and if they should how could that relation between houses be the most beneficial?"
"I think, though I am removed knowledge of most issues which Lords face, that Dornish blood alone suggests a need to stand together in thus time when violence is being directed their way."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 23, 2020 16:21:44 GMT 1
He listened to the two of them attentively, frowning slightly at his Davos' statement, "I agree with you Uncle... but as of now, all I have are tourney and battlefield accomplishments," Which should be enough for anyone, he thought to himself, before shaking the thought out of his head.
He looked back at Mikel and gave him a tight lipped smile, before he flashed back to the attack on the Blackbars and the mutilation it ended with. "Standing together is only half of a solution; there needs to be action taken as well. The Reach and the Realm need a complete gutting of their perception and ancient prejudice in politics. There will come a time when the anti-dornish front will fall, and I wager the utter defeat of the Bracken front by us," he gestured to the pair and himself, "Will be the tip of that lance as we skewer it out,"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Oct 24, 2020 15:12:34 GMT 1
"You see then that you have room for growth in other areas. A gemstone with a single cut is of far less value than one multi-faceted. Think back to your encounter with the Lady's uncle. Which do you think would be more appealing to her, and more valuable to House Blackbar? A youth easily swayed by whomever chooses to pour honeyed words into his ear, or a man as strong of mind as he is of body, able to hold firm to his convictions and principles?"
Davos sighs.
"I hope you are right, Robyn. Mayhaps when Baelor Breakspear sits upon the Iron Throne, a pillar of Andal virtues with Rhoynish skin... but even then some will attribute his virtues to his Targaeryan and Andal heritage and his failings, real or perceived, to his Rhoynish ancestry."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 22, 2020 8:06:26 GMT 1
What Robyn said about being the tip of the spear placed a thought into Mikels head which he wished to voice, and Davos's presence inspired him to do so now.
"That moment shall be upon us soon I believe. A formal battle, each side drawn up and moving into each other. And I imagine that you" he looked at Robyn, "might find yourself in a position of leadership, especially after what happened here."
"A large drawn up battle... The commander, our Blackwood commander, will be as responsible as where and when it happens as the Brackens. But a commander in Robyns position, if he does end up as such, is to simply keep his portion of the men on line and exploit any opportunity? Not to make that sound like less but, it certainly lacks the freedom of choice and effect you were able to exercise here."
"You have seen more battle the most of the commanders in the coming fight combined Id wager. What is important to keep in mind, what should be sought and what should be avoided?"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Nov 22, 2020 17:40:28 GMT 1
Davos nods slowly as he considers Mikel's question.
"For a new battle leader, especially a young one, my biggest piece of advice is to remember that a minstrel or poet that has actually fought in a war is as rare as a two-headed oliphaunt. What they put in their works is, to be blunt, painfully ignorant."
He shakes his head.
"The most important thing is to remember that you are but one small piece in a larger effort, and so is your foe. Your job as leader is pay attention to what is going on around your unit, not just to fight. Is your enemy retreating from weakness, or to draw you out of position? Are your allies to either side retreating? If so, perhaps it is best to fall back as well, lest you be surrounded. Any brute with a weapon can be a soldier. A commander needs sharp eyes and a keen mind."
Davos smiles.
"Do not fret over it too much. You will not be alone, and while I may not be beside you during the fight, I will certainly be paying attention to you and all the rest of my sub-commanders. If you keep your head and follow my orders, all will be well."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Nov 22, 2020 19:26:42 GMT 1
A position of leadership? Robyn looked towards the floor as he contemplated such a thing. The War Councils he had attended had been, to put it lightly, painfully boring. He often found himself looking towards the entrance of the tent they took place in, debating whether or not leaving would be a better use of his time.
"I appreciate your faith in me Mikel, but after how things went here, I think you would be a far better commander than I could." He let out a soft chuckle as he leaned back, "Besides, youre right, it lacks the freedom of choice that I would be able to have if I was just another knight on the field. I can follow orders well enough, and then seize opportunities as I see fit from within the thick of it."
He listens to what Davos had to say and smiled, "Im very thankful you are with us Uncle; I doubt the Brackens can find anyone as level headed and tactical as you in their entire camp,"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Nov 23, 2020 17:20:48 GMT 1
"I appreciate your faith in me Robyn, but it is best not to underestimate one's foe."
He chuckles.
"More importantly, if you hope to be Lord-Protector of Bandallon, you will need to learn how to lead men. Lady Falyse will have plenty of knights in her service already, what she will need is a someone to lead them that she can trust implicitly."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Nov 26, 2020 21:51:55 GMT 1
He smiled before letting loose another chuckle, “You’re right, though based on who the command will most likely fall to, I doubt I’ll get the opportunity,”
Robyn reached for the flask as he adjusted his shoulder, a twinge of pain shooting up his neck, “Speaking of the upcoming battle, are you wanting us near you, Uncle?” He turned to Mikel and gave him a grin, “I said ‘us’ because I assumed you are going to need someone to watch your back, especially if the Brute decides to limp his way onto the field,”
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Post by Davos Dayne on Nov 27, 2020 4:03:45 GMT 1
"The greatest military leaders do not learn from the head of an army. The best learn from the front lines. Learn to see, to feel, your comrades as well as your enemy. Protect the man to your left and the man to your right. Then learn to guide the one on the other side of them."
He smiles mischievously as if sharing a great secret.
"The fundamental of victorious leadership is not giving the right command at the right time, it is protecting an army's most valuable and fragile possession - morale. No two leaders do it in quite the same way, but fundamentally it comes down to having the trust of your men. Trust is earned, not deserved or commanded, and it easiest and strongest earned if it is also given."
He chuckles.
"I suppose that answers your other question, too. I would be honored to have you under my command, but I want you surrounded by men you trust, and whom trust you. Most likely that with the other men of Starkwood, but you would know better than I."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Dec 3, 2020 8:51:55 GMT 1
Mikel nodded a silent thank you at Robyn's remark that he might make a better commander, then listened to what Davos had to say. He found Davos's concession of earning trust refreshing. Things he had been hearing of the larger picture of this Riverlands campaign had been further souring his perception of the noble class of Westeros, yet here were two genuine examples of worthy men from said class. "I plan to have you beside me during all my serious fighting from now on, Robyn. More people have been critical of my decisions then supportive, but you are the only one who has raced me towards my terrible ideas." Mikel smiled, even laughing while he said it. "My inclination is to keep us all together, if that is possible and agreeable. Given what you said about leading from the front I think you might appreciate having us close, despite concern for your nephew - who has proven himself beyond what anyone could have thought."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 4, 2020 1:19:01 GMT 1
Robyn laughed with Mikel, "And I you, Mikel. And dont be so hard on yourself," he shoved his friends knee gently with his foot, "Just because Bloodraven is critical of your plans doesnt make them any more hairbrained than any I could come up with."
He took Davos' words in and nodded, smiling, "If there is one thing i am good at, it's keeping moral high. Especially with the men we brought with us, some of who knew me before i was a page," he scratched his face, contemplating for a moment before nodding with what Mikel said, "There isnt anyone i trust more than my own blood, and staying close to the two of you gives us all the best chance of survival. We just have to be sure to hold the line, against whatever may come," Or whoever, he thought to himself. The Taking of Warrior's Seat was only a taste of real war, and Robyn both hungered for more and despised the flavor of it. He knew more blood would be on his hands before he saw his mother again, before he saw Falyse again. He only hoped it wouldnt change him
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Post by Davos Dayne on Dec 4, 2020 20:01:46 GMT 1
Davos smiles at the high spirits.
"You have the right attitude, to be sure, but you are incorrect on one thing - the three of us together may not be the best option for our survival. Simply put, if we lose the battle it likely means that some if not all of us will be captured, if we have not already fallen. Rubyn, you would likely be ransomed back to House Starkwood, but Otho is unlikely to let Mikel be ransomed back, and Lord Walgrave would likely have me 'fall in battle' rather than take me captive."
He frowns thoughtfully.
"Strategically, the flanks of an army are less important than the center. If the center falls, the flanks are divided from each other and cannot easily regroup. If a flank falls, the center and other flank can still act as one. Further, Lord Rodrick is young and eager for glory. If he decides to lead from the front, he will be a prime target for every hotheaded knight in the Bracken army. If he falls it is quite likely that the center will lose it's morale and crumble, costing us the battle and probably our lives."
He shakes his head.
"As much as I would welcome you in my army, if Lord Rodrick leads from the front, our best chance of survival is making sure he does not fall."
He smiles again and turns to Robyn.
"Not to mention that your value to House Blackbar increases significantly if you befriend Lord Rodrick and move in more influential circles than House Starkwood can provide. Impressing him on the battlefield would be a good start to that."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 9, 2020 21:17:31 GMT 1
Leaning further back in his chair, Robyn rubbed his shoulder. His uncle was right, of course. Just because he was protecting those men he trusted doesnt mean that they will win the battle. No matter how hard they fight on the flank, the center could fall, and leave them completely defenseless. He let out a sigh, "While my heart tells me to fight by your side, my brain is having trouble seeing the logic in it, too. We need to think about the whole battlefield, not just ourselves. However," he looked back and forth between the two others, his eyes firm and his voice sharing his eyes' ferocity, "Should we lose this, I will kill Otho and Lord Walgrave before they come near you. I will not let them be your end,"
He gave them both a smile, "And besides, if I am next to Lord Rodrick, the Brackens will have to come to terms with being beat by two warriors decades younger then themselves." Robyn laughed, "Im sure thats enough to crush whatever moral they have left,"
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