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Post by Father on May 17, 2021 13:16:07 GMT 1
"Vows to the faith are so final" Ysilla doesn't like the idea of forcing anyone to do anything as one could expect. "It's like marriage, say the vows and you are supposed to please your husband whenever he desires, only please your husband and nobody else, carry forth however many children he wants...until he dies."
"If she wants to say the vows, we just need a septon that is not afarid of the wrath of her mother, if she doesn't, it would be cruel to force her in a position to take them."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on May 17, 2021 14:24:43 GMT 1
Robyn knew that if he let her out of his sight, bad things were likely to happen. He didn’t know how she would react, but if anything, their conversation should be enough to let her know that he was not a threat. “Stay here, I will be right back,”
He would rush off to Lord Footly, at least her father would be able to keep his daughter safe. Redtusk might help, and he stayed in Robyn’s mind, but his first responsibility is to make sure Wenda was safe.
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Post by Father on May 17, 2021 18:34:27 GMT 1
There is no representation from Highgarden that Lady Alicent may have accompanied. The Oakhearts does not make any move to provoke Roland unduly.
Balon can certainly find company among the Oakhearts quite willing to share tales of war, the campaign in the Riverlands being of the greatest interest given how recent it was.
Addam does not want for companionship, but the attentions of others are indeed more easily captured by those with fresh tales from the Trident.
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Post by Father on May 18, 2021 9:09:45 GMT 1
Act 3: Ill News
Nobody in the courtyard fails to notice Lord Walgrave's reaction when he his told the bad news, though it is hard to tell if it is grief for a treasured nephew or anger at an Oakheart being murdered that nearly breaks the table, though Lord Appleton seeks to keep the news from spreading too fast, Lord Walgrave is unsatisfied with his answers and just as Robyn returns to the main area he is met by the very load promise of a hundred dragons to whoever can name the murderer.
Laena does remember a little flirtatious episode between Arys and Wenda Footly, shortly after they both left separately, that was some time ago and neither has returned, it could be nothing, it could be extremely relevant, a man with Lord Walgrave's hatred of Dorne might be like to conclude that Wenda had deliberately lured Arys to her death if he had seen and remembered the episode, though more likely it was nothing more than foolish romantic notions leading to an unchaperoned adventure, and one of them did end up dead. She could of course chose not to get involved, if she tells Lord Oakheart, he will demand Wenda's head for sure, and what little Laena knows of the girl, including the incident with Marq Warren, suggests that she at worst might have killed him by accident. But if she does tell him, there may be 100 dragons for her purse. Besides, there's knights here. such as Redtusk, that likely will stand for her in a trial by combat if it becomes apparent to everyone except Lord Walgrave that the girl is no murderer, she should likely live if so.
Robyn spots the Footly's, they do look a little worried, but whether it is for the tense atmosphere and a learned instinct to be weary given their heritage in such company, or the absence of their daughter is hard to tell, maybe both.
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 18, 2021 23:30:48 GMT 1
[Need a bit more time for the Ill News part, but thought I'd continue this part at least.] "Vows to the faith are so final" Ysilla doesn't like the idea of forcing anyone to do anything as one could expect. "It's like marriage, say the vows and you are supposed to please your husband whenever he desires, only please your husband and nobody else, carry forth however many children he wants...until he dies.""If she wants to say the vows, we just need a septon that is not afarid of the wrath of her mother, if she doesn't, it would be cruel to force her in a position to take them." Laena suppresses a sigh. 'Cruel' this, 'Evil' that. She really doesn't understand her sister sometimes. Outwardly, she just shrugs casually. "Because that worked so well for Lady Lyanna." She mutters wryly, before making a dismissive gesture. "No matter. It will remain just an idea, then." For now, at least.She considers a moment. "Since I pointed out how the jousting idea wouldn't work, how about this as consolation: the next time I need a knight to duel to protect my reputation, I can call on a particular mystery knight." She pauses. "So long as it's not against Ser Rennifer, or something." A sly smile. "It's ... unusual, but We can get away with unusual, so long as it is not revealed as being outright scandalous. I admit, I like the idea of an additional suspected humiliation should someone insult my virtue. Is that idea more pleasing to you?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 19, 2021 15:28:27 GMT 1
Act 3: Ill NewsLaena does remember a little flirtatious episode between Arys and Wenda Footly, shortly after they both left separately, that was some time ago and neither has returned, it could be nothing, it could be extremely relevant, a man with Lord Walgrave's hatred of Dorne might be like to conclude that Wenda had deliberately lured Arys to her death if he had seen and remembered the episode, though more likely it was nothing more than foolish romantic notions leading to an unchaperoned adventure, and one of them did end up dead. She could of course chose not to get involved, if she tells Lord Oakheart, he will demand Wenda's head for sure, and what little Laena knows of the girl, including the incident with Marq Warren, suggests that she at worst might have killed him by accident. But if she does tell him, there may be 100 dragons for her purse. Besides, there's knights here. such as Redtusk, that likely will stand for her in a trial by combat if it becomes apparent to everyone except Lord Walgrave that the girl is no murderer, she should likely live if so. Despite the fact that she may be racing against who knows how many other people to give the information, Laena takes a few moments to consider her choice of action. One hundred gold dragons was sorely needed, given her dire financial situation. Add to that how slim the chances of her seeing precisely the right people at precisely the right moment were, and she could see the hand of the Seven at work, rewarding her for her loyalty. While she couldn't give the information directly without pissing off more people than she'd care to, she could use Balon* as an intermediary, and it would be a win for everyone. Lady Wenda would get a harsh (but survivable, one knights like Redtusk got involved) lesson in why you shouldn't be such a shameless slut, her own secret lover would get Lord Oakheart's favour, she would get desperately-needed coin, and Arys would get justice, once cooler heads prevailed. A win for everyone. ...Or it almost was. She'd already begun casually looking around for Balon when she realised a couple of the pieces didn't fit. Lord Walgrave only offered money for the name of his nephew's *murderer*. Whether or not Lady Wenda was involved, she was certainly not that - she was no dragon, that was for sure. Not a predator's bone in her body, from what rumour said. Meek, mild, pathetic. It must be that she, knowingly or unknowingly, simply lured him away from the protection of the crowd so the real killer could strike. Enough for Lord Oakheart to seek her head, but not enough that Laena was due any coin for the information. And what she knew about Lord Oakheart came to her. He *hated* the Dornish, but, more than that, he was an intensely family-focused man. He wouldn't limit himself to legal recourses for an attack on his family, especially a favoured member thereof. Laena knew vengeance intimately, and could see the future clearly. Lady Wenda would certainly survive this day, but she'd die of a tragic 'accident' soon after, Laena was certain of it. Lady Wenda dead, and Laena's coinpurse none the heavier. Everyone loses. It wasn't a reward from the Seven, it was a test! To see if she'd be rash and impulsive, jumping at the first sign of reward, rather than considering things properly before acting. The Father Himself taking a personal interest in her life, judging her suitability for His future tasks no doubt. She would continue to be worthy. She needed to find the *actual* murderer. Before anyone else did. Fortunately, she was one step ahead of most of her fellow guests. She needed to find Lady Wenda Footly. If anyone witnessed the murder, or at least maybe saw some clues, it was her. And she would hardly come forward willingly, even if she was only involved unwittingly, to avoid answering awkward questions. Immediately, Laena stops subtly looking around for Balon, and starts hunting for the wayward lady, striding through the crowd. A shark on the hunt. *On discussion with Father, this will be substituted for another NPC should it turn out Balon is not here, but he makes the most sense from an IC perspective if he is.
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Post by Father on May 19, 2021 22:37:22 GMT 1
Ysilla thinks it over, she likes the idea...except she isn't *that* good. She knows how to fight, sure, but mostly with knives and such, and enough with the lance to at least hold average knights to draws. If she is to hammer away at armored oafs with a sword, being a girl is a bit of a disadvantage.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 20, 2021 3:16:46 GMT 1
He frowns at the frigid reception by the Oakheart men.
Yes he and Lord Walgrave certainly had their differences, mostly stemming from their differences concerning the Dornish. Daeron didn't believe in mercilessly slaughtering noncombatants like some common bandit and Lord Oakheart did, but he had hoped their devotion to a common cause would overshadow those differences. Hells, a few weeks ago they had fought together at Battle Valley against the Blackwoods, but apparently sharing the same hate was more important to them. No matter though, he was big enough to let them scowl at their own table while he basked in the attentions of the knights of summer.
However once he heard of the disappearance of Arys his frown only deepened.
Who would harm a squire? Sure any fifteen-year-old lad could be a bit of a twat, especially after winning a squire's tourney, but I can't imagine that his behavior would drive anybody to murdering him. The only explanation is that someone is trying to hurt Lord Oakheart. He's far too well-protected on his own for anybody to hurt him directly, but killing family members is a sure way to wound him. The only question now is if the perpetrator is simply trying to injure Lord Walgrave or goad him into doing something foolish.
Looking over at the lord pounding on the table Daeron suspected the latter.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 20, 2021 6:37:07 GMT 1
Act I
Balon wanted to be happy now that he was back in the Reach. He wanted to be with his love. He wanted to share war stories with his brothers. He wanted to get to know his in-laws-to-be the Oakhearts. Those wants were met easily enough but it failed to make him happy. Balon's time in the Riverlands had changed him.
Things had started so promising. Completing the task Bittersteel had set before him. His strategic and tactical acumen on display at the war council had given him top choice of missions. He captured Pennytree, one of the most difficult tasks available. But after that things began to unravel.
Daeron, Balon, Aubrey Ambrose, and the Red Lion had left for Blackbuckle to bring the murderer Ser Ulbert Blackwood to justice. The siege was being set up when Ser Robb informed Balon that it had all been a ruse, a trap. Despite being outnumbered Balon led the Blackwood host on a bloody chase that nearly led to their complete destruction.
And then there was Battle Valley. Balon was still furious over how things had gone.
Balon's concentration was broken when an Oakheart knight came up to him to offer a drink. Balon turned from the hearth he'd been staring at, the flames reflecting in his eyes. He grunted a thank you and drank with the man for a time, praising the skill of Lord Walgrave. I guess I should mingle more.
He mostly associated with those he already knew or fought with. Fireball, Lord Walgrave and his son Preston. If Ser Normyn welcomed it Balon sat with him awhile, listening to his recounting of Mudgrave. He toasted Redtusk and Ser Aubrey and asked Ser Abelar if he'd had the pleasure of his cousin Lynesse's company recently.
As always there seemed to be too many Dornish cunts around but he couldn't help that. At the moment at least. Balon had gone to relieve himself and missed the confrontation between Robyn Farmerbane and the Oakheart knight. "Don't worry, he's a little pup. Smack him in the nose and he'll run away with he tail between his legs." Balon laughed with his fellow Dornish haters.
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Post by Father on May 20, 2021 11:22:01 GMT 1
Laena does not see Wenda anywhere, and judging by the Footly's expression, they do not know the whereabouts of their daughter either.
Her absence under the circumstances would be a curious coincidence if there is no connection to Arys' death.
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 20, 2021 17:45:47 GMT 1
Laena does not see Wenda anywhere, and judging by the Footly's expression, they do not know the whereabouts of their daughter either. Her absence under the circumstances would be a curious coincidence if there is no connection to Arys' death. As her futile search nears its end, Laena ruminates on the matter, and what it means, fingers twitching in the air as she mentally moves the pieces in her mind around so they all formed a cohesive whole. Laena couldn't find Wenda, so she had to work with what she already had. If Wenda had left Arys before his death, she would have certainly returned long before now, so Laena could be confident Wenda was there when it happened. If a woman's body had been found alongside Arys', especially a half-Dornish one, that gossip would have exploded across the room, and she would have heard it by now. So, Wenda was not murdered alongside Arys. Logically speaking, there were only two possibilities: the objective was to kidnap Wenda, and Arys got in the way, or the objective was to kill Arys, and Wenda was ... present. Clearing her mind of assumptions, she brings to mind what little she knows of both parties. Lady Wenda is an attractive and clever young lady, without a reputation for promiscuity. Given her half-Dornish heritage, that label would be particularly easy to stick to her. Laena herself had seen her leave alone with a man today, and she hadn't been particularly looking at her. If she did that regularly, she *would* have that reputation, without a doubt. So, one can reasonably assume she does not go off alone with men often, if at all before now. The only real semi-legitimate reason for a woman to sneak off with a man would be part of a scheme to snare his heart enough to get married. But for Arys to get married, he'd need Lord Walgrave's approval, which he would never, ever, ever give for a half-Dornish lady. And Wenda would know that, so that wouldn't be why she would sneak off with him. Arys is a mere squire, with no reputation of being a master seducer. A lady like Wenda would attract a lot of positive attention, including from men a lot more charming and seductive than that boy would be. But, given her lack of reputation, she clearly has no problem politely rebuffing them. But she left with Arys. Laena shakes her head. Something stinks here, and it's not the cheese.A moment's consideration. Not just the cheese, at any rate.Looking at the problem from every angle, of the two, Wenda's behaviour seems atypical, while Arys' seems both normal and typical for a boy that age. So, thinking logically, the most likely scenario is Arys was the target, and Wenda agreed to lure him out. But her parents seem oblivious, so it's most likely not a Footly plot. It's unlikely Arys had done anything personally to warrant death, so it must be done to hurt Lord Walgrave. Who would ... And the pieces fell together in Laena's head. Lord Walgrave's 'vulture hunt', during which Ser Vorian Dayne 'disappeared'. Bloodraven informing her at the Goldengrove wedding that Balon was most likely the one responsible on-site. But obviously, Lord Walgrave was ultimately responsible. A kinsman for a kinsman. It was a Dayne plot. Revenge for Ser Vorian. She wouldn't say that, of course, it was pure speculation. But for the first time, all the pieces 'fit' together nicely in her head. Which meant that she was finally confident enough in what she knew and had deduced that it was time to tell Lord Oakheart. Through Balon, of course. Thinking of, while looking for Wenda, she'd spotted him just over ... there! Subtly (or, at least as subtly as she felt she could get away with with Balon), she got close, met eyes, and indicated a nearby wall, with no-one particularly near it at the moment, before heading there, hoping he would follow without drawing too much attention. When he joined her, she leaned in slightly, though not enough to entirely breach propriety, so she could whisper and be confident of not being overheard. "I have information on Arys' death. Not the murderer, but someone who was most likely involved. I would tell him myself, but I fear I'd make more enemies than I can afford with my nomadic lifestyle. Fortunately, they're all enemies you already have, so you lose nothing. Here's the deal: you take all the credit, I get whatever coin Lord Walgrave is willing to pay for the information. Give it to me privately after this event. Interested?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 20, 2021 18:56:19 GMT 1
Act IIIAs the night progressed Balon laughed at the memory of his proposed marriage between his sister and Lord Appleton. His mother had told him they were a good second tier option but should never be the primary target. Balon had doubted her then but how right she'd turned out to be. Delia was to be the future lady of Old Oak and a smile slowly crept onto his face. Maybe tonight would end on a high note after all. And if he was lucky, maybe Laena would have one too many drinks and make more mistakes with Balon. His hopes were quickly dashed as the rumor of Arys' demise swept through the hall. Like a sycophant, Balon parroted Walgrave's anger. "Dornish treachery!" He didn't have any proof but when it came to the Dornish they always guilty of something. "Step forward if you know something." Balon moved through the hall using his size to intimidate in an attempt to glean some piece of information to give to Lord Walgrave. He knew Arys was a favorite of Walgrave's. This was intentional. Subtly (or, at least as subtly as she felt she could get away with with Balon), she got close, met eyes, and indicated a nearby wall, with no-one particularly near it at the moment, before heading there, hoping he would follow without drawing too much attention. When he joined her, she leaned in slightly, though not enough to entirely breach propriety, so she could whisper and be confident of not being overheard. "I have information on Arys' death. Not the murderer, but someone who was most likely involved. I would tell him myself, but I fear I'd make more enemies than I can afford with my nomadic lifestyle. Fortunately, they're all enemies you already have, so you lose nothing. Here's the deal: you take all the credit, I get whatever coin Lord Walgrave is willing to pay for the information. Give it to me privately after this event. Interested?" Balon noticed a woman approaching him and turned to see it was Laena. "My lady." he nodded his head slightly to her. He followed her to the semi-private area curious as to what she had to say. He knew she dealt in information and hoped she had some idea of what happened. As she spoke his eyes narrowed and his jaws clenched. "Tell me what you know before the guilty can escape. They must be punished."After their short conversation ended, Balon rushed to Lord Walgrave to tell him of what he'd learned.
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 20, 2021 19:37:06 GMT 1
He followed her to the semi-private area curious as to what she had to say. He knew she dealt in information and hoped she had some idea of what happened. As she spoke his eyes narrowed and his jaws clenched. "Tell me what you know before the guilty can escape. They must be punished." "What I *know* is simply this, for I saw it with my own eyes: Arys left the hall earlier unchaperoned, with a particular lady. It is important not to over-sell this information to Lord Walgrave, as I would not wish you to recieve his wrath should it prove untrue beyond this point. So, as much as you may be tempted, please avoid stating anything that follows too definitively.
"As far as I can tell, said lady has not returned to the feast.
"It is *possible* the lady has been kidnapped, and Arys was simply in the way. It is *possible* that their departure together was lascivious, but not malicious. However, on analysis of the actions done, and the individuals concerned, I view it as *most likely* the lady deliberately lured Arys away, and fled after an unknown third party actually did the deed. I have no information as to if she knew exactly what would happen to Arys, but if she was *expecting* murder, the most sensible thing to do afterwards would be to calmly return to avoid suspicion, so I *suspect* she did not know.
"The lady's family is still here, and seem oblivious, so I do not believe they are involved.
"I cannot be certain she knows the true identity of the murderer - it is entirely possible, I might even go as far as to say 'likely', she has been Played - however, if anyone knows, it is most likely her."She takes a breath before finally revealing the name. "Lady Wenda Footly."After their short conversation ended, Balon rushed to Lord Walgrave to tell him of what he'd learned. As he turns to leave, Laena quickly grasps his sleeve to halt him momentarily. "Be careful. If they're willing to go after Lord Walgrave, they're willing to go after you.
"And, for the love of the Crone, please don't *run* straight over there like a wild beast. *Walk* an indirect route, so you don't leave a massive arrow through the crowd pointing right back at me."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 21, 2021 7:08:25 GMT 1
ACT IIILured... Wenda Footly... Balon's mind fogged over with rage as Laena explained what she saw. An attack against House Oakheart was an attack against the Peakes and the Blackbriars as far as he was concerned. The fact that it involved a Footly solidified his belief of those who he'd already deemed guilty. "Be careful. If they're willing to go after Lord Walgrave, they're willing to go after you." "Is that concern I detect in your voice my lady?" Even in a tension filled atmosphere like this Balon derived pleasure from getting Laena to admit her feelings for him. "And, for the love of the Crone, please don't *run* straight over there like a wild beast. *Walk* an indirect route, so you don't leave a massive arrow through the crowd pointing right back at me." Balon gave her a wink and tapped his temple with his index finger, "I use this too sometimes."[Phase 4] Appleton Feast, Prejudice (Dornish) TN12[/quote]: 4d6k3 7, Fail
*This is mostly to determine how Balon phrases things to Lord Walgrave.* His route was indirect but probably not as "casual" as Laena would've liked. His mind raced and went through various scenarios and the best possible outcomes. Lord Walgrave was a man of action, doubly so against the filth that oozed out of the Red Mountains. He made his way directly to Walgrave and bypassed any of his lackeys. "Lord Walgrave; it's the Footlys. Lady Wenda to be exact. She left with Arys some time ago, probably to lure him to his death." That hadn't been exactly what Laena had said but it'd be the conclusion Walgrave would draw and Balon had no plan to challenge that notion. Balon looked to the assembled Oakheart knights and back to Walgrave. "Give the order my lord and we'll seize the Footlys and hunt down Lady Wenda. She has much to answer for."It'd be much later that Balon would wonder why Laena was so interested in the reward.
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Post by Laena Pyre on May 21, 2021 14:12:55 GMT 1
"Is that concern I detect in your voice my lady?" Even in a tension filled atmosphere like this Balon derived pleasure from getting Laena to admit her feelings for him. Laena casually examines her nails. "Lord Appleton seems a good man. He deserves better than to have more blood shed at his feast." His route was indirect but probably not as "casual" as Laena would've liked. Laena doesn't even notice. As soon as Balon's turned to leave, she has as well, casually moving towards her next target (not that she has one, but appearances must be maintained), not looking back at all. After all, to outward observers, she has no knowledge of (or interest in) whatever Balon may be doing next.
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