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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 4, 2021 14:32:29 GMT 1
The picture Laena painted was awful and no matter how much he tried, Balon couldn't stop his mind from envisioning it. The look on his face was one of horror that slowly morphed into anger as she spun her tale. Her mention of charred wood confused him. Wood, charred black. What is she talking about? Why would there be charred wood? Is that supposed to mean something? Burnt wood... black wood... Blackwood. The realization finally hit Balon. "I see that *rumor* made it to the Reach before I did." He knew this would come up eventually but hadn't expected it so soon. During his trip back to the Reach he'd rehearsed what he'd say if it was brought up. He'd thought to the lessons Gormon had taught him as a page, the half-truths Delia had used to get out of trouble, the non-answers Shiera gave to Lord Jon during their petty squabbles. He'd practiced over a thousand times what he'd say but in this moment he felt like he'd falter. Laena was someone he wanted to confide in but knew if he did there was a chance she'd never speak to him again. "Let me give you two scenarios and when I'm done you tell me which is more likely. In the first scenario a knight who couldn't even gain an audience with Ser Farman Flowers and a knight who couldn't track down any of the rumor-mongers at Highgarden managed to find out Lord Rodrik had a peasant lover who was pregnant with his bastard. Despite having no interest in House Blackwood this knight took it upon himself to track this girl down. Without any contacts or friends in the Riverlands he managed to locate her in Riverthorn, then hire thugs and sellswords in a land he rarely visited, then burn the village, kill it's defenders, kill the girl, then sneak away into the night. Oh, and the sellswords he hired happened to all have steel traps for mouths that are conveniently rusted shut. And after all of this, this knight walked out of the Riverlands a free man, despite his name being attached to the Rape of Riverthorn. He walks out of the Riverlands a free man despite the Iron Throne coming to the Riverlands to end the fighting between sworn enemies. They could have arrested him, presented evidence at trial, but they didn't, because the evidence doesn't exist."
"Now let me tell you about scenario two. A young lord is in love. And being young makes this lord do foolish things, like say, set aside a betrothal to Lord Deremond Darry's daughter for his smallfolk amore. And by doing so this young lord alienates a powerful lord in a time when allies and marriages are of utmost importance. And within this family is a vile knight named Bloodraven. A knight that skulks in the shadows and schemes and plots and has already killed Lord Jon Hightower, one of the most powerful lords in all of Westeros. Now what if in this scenario, while this peasant girl is tucked away Bloodraven sends his own men to destroy the town because he knows a young lord needs to set aside silly notions like love and accept his duty as lord of Raventree Hall. And when the deed is done Bloodraven whispers in the ear of this young lord about who did it. A perfect patsy. A brash, loud-mouthed knight, barely a step above a hedge knight but one of the most vocal supporters of Blackfyre. How easy would it be to accuse this knight knowing there will be little in the way of consequences for such an accusation. And even though this young lord will always hate the loud-mouth his council will refocus his attention in due time to the coming war, his betrothed, his duty to his house and kin."
"Tell me of these two scenarios, which seems more likely?" Balon had been calm while presenting his what-if scenarios but Laena could hear the mix of anger and resentment in his voice. "Nice speech." Her voice cold and firm, not backing down despite his anger. "Now let you give you my own two options: in one, you are in bed with a witless sheep who heard a rumour, took it at face value and believed it immediately.
"In the other, I am a Hunter, and immediately set off on a secret journey to Starpike to learn the truth, since if there's anyone else as invested in learning who was truly behind it, in order to clear your name, it would be your cousin. And I learn that he'd had things prepared there to accuse Bloodraven of the act as soon as the rumours first arrived. Meaning he knew they were coming. Meaning this was not 'one rogue knight, acting without motivation', this was an *ordered* operation by him, and - given the target - one can safely say Bittersteel as well.
"So, you tell me, of these two scenarios, which seems more likely?"
"And while we're on the subject of awful demises who is not to say that instead of charred wood it's a lock of Valyrian hair in *my* poisoned chalice, courtesy of Lucas Flowers, formerly Meadows. Or perhaps while in a hall during a feast Lady Maegelle poisons my food because of your never ending quest for revenge. Or fifteen years from now her son removes the head of our son in a joust. Revenge against *you* for having him go from a lord to a landless bastard. Stop acting like I'm the only one that is putting us in danger." It was one of the few times, if ever, Laena could tell he was mad at her. "The only difference is I don't fear the consequence of your actions because we can stand against anything this world throws at us if we're together and of one mind and spirit." Laena firmly shakes her head. "Don't you see the difference this act has? In every act both of us have done before now, we have struck at our targets directly. Meaning if there will be a counter-attack, it will most likely come at us directly. Are there risks of reprisal? Certainly, but my enemies are highly unlikely to strike at you; and vice versa for yours.
"The difference here is that no-one believes Lord Blackwood's bastard was the target. It was merely a way to strike at the Lord himself, through his loved ones.
"*That* is the difference this act has. It makes 'loved ones' an acceptable target." She shakes her head. "No, not just acceptable. *Desirable*."When she removed her finger from his lips he didn't speak right away. Balon truly believed there was an eventual stopping point. There was a finish line where he didn't need to treat people like pieces anymore. "I... I do love my family but sometimes it takes me awhile to... reset? Rethink things and come up with a better solution. Delia is set to become the Lady of Old Oak. Daena Roxton is hardly an unworthy consolation prize. Yes I'd undermine Titus' goals but," a short burst of laughter escaped his lips, "How could I be viewed as cruel if I made my brother a Lord Protector of a beautiful lady whose house also happens to possess a Valyrian sword?" He'd treated them like pieces but had, or was trying, to move them in a favorable position for both his siblings' sake and the Blackfyre cause. "It all ends when Blackfyre is on the throne. Once the war is won I don't need to treat people like pieces. Why would I? Yes I'd marry our children for alliances or prestige and yes I'd look to strengthen our house but not in the same manner as I do things now. Whether lords and knight admit it the war has already started and blows have been landed. If I don't treat people like pieces while the other side does we're at a disadvantage. And what is a little sacrifice now for long term gain? At the last part it sounded like Balon was trying to convince himself more than Laena. "You think you can 'just stop'? You actually think you would actually stand against your sister's marriage to Lord Eldon after you had had time to 'reset', if matters hadn't rearranged themselves to stop it? Tell me this, then: do you find these acts easier over time? If I am correct, and they are corrosive, you will, as you train your mind to view the bonds between you and others as less and less valuable. If you are correct, and you can stop at any time, then it will be no easier now than it was at the start.""We shield our children from the cold, ugly world because we love them. Gormon once told me fathers study war and politics so children can study painting, poetry, music, and literature. It took me a long time to really understand the meaning behind that but now I do. Parents face the hard truths of the world to give their children time to just... be. Once they're older we can start preparing them for life as an adult but in the meantime we lie to them because they need to be lied to. But we can also tell them the truth. Let them know about all the things that make them special. Your daughter for example. She's adorable. Is she funny? Astute? What makes her special? Do you tell her about the things you like about her?" If there's one subject almost guaranteed to cheer her up, it's her children, and Laena noticably perks up on the broaching of the subject. "Sylvina is definitely astute, and I make sure to praise and encourage that. She has the makings of a good lady in her." Despite not asking about her son, Laena immediately carries on. "Landar is very curious and explorative. While he's young, and many children are like that at that age, I do what I can to keep his curiosity engaged, and hope it remains. Being sent to the Citadel may be the best fate possible for such a boy. But," she gives a small shrug. "he's still far too young to place any firm hopes."Balon knew all about two halves within a person. He struggled with it every day. Sometimes the honorable Balon won out but more and more the Blackguard side of him was dominant. He didn't want that side but he believed there'd be time to reclaim "himself" when the war was over. "If you need her but want to be you then be you with me." He laid back down on his side. "So tell me you, what do you want to do with me?"She gives him a knowing smirk, before clasping both of his hands in hers, and squeezing. "It may disappoint you to hear that what I want is simply this, what we are already doing: talking about the things I cannot talk about with anyone else, and receiving love and support in return."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 17, 2021 7:24:21 GMT 1
"Nice speech." Her voice cold and firm, not backing down despite his anger. "Now let you give you my own two options: in one, you are in bed with a witless sheep who heard a rumour, took it at face value and believed it immediately.
"In the other, I am a Hunter, and immediately set off on a secret journey to Starpike to learn the truth, since if there's anyone else as invested in learning who was truly behind it, in order to clear your name, it would be your cousin. And I learn that he'd had things prepared there to accuse Bloodraven of the act as soon as the rumors first arrived. Meaning he knew they were coming. Meaning this was not 'one rogue knight, acting without motivation', this was an *ordered* operation by him, and - given the target - one can safely say Bittersteel as well.
"So, you tell me, of these two scenarios, which seems more likely?" There was a brief moment of surprise on Balon's face. "If there was a plan in motion, I was unaware of it." he said flatly as he regained his composure. Laena was good at deciphering truth but she didn't need any of her skills to know he wasn't lying about his knowledge (or lack thereof) regarding the rumor ready to come out of Starpike. "I believe you looked into it, and I believe you when you say there was a prepared accusation." Balon let out a grunt, "But to be frank, I don't care. In fact I'm glad to learn of it. Lord Rodrik spreads rumors," there was an edge to Balon's voice Laena hadn't heard before, "about me, Lord Gormon spreads rumors about Bloodraven. I doubt we'll ever find out who really attacked Riverthorn because in the end people believe what they want to believe. Loyalists have their scapegoat in me, Blackfyre supporters can point their finger at a freak that played a role in the death of Lord Jon (Hightower). They don't want to find out because they already have a story to suit their political agenda."
Balon let out a sigh, "If I'm being honest, these rumors are starting to grate on me. I laughed at them when we were at the Black Tourney. People claimed I slept with a half dozen ladies, to include Amerei Tyrell. You'd think with all the alleged fucking I did I wouldn't have had time for anything else. But now... now they aren't so funny." He held up a hand, "I understand it's a problem of my own making. I get that, I really do. But I, we, need to accept that as long as I continue to champion the cause of Blackfyre, nasty rumors will continue to dog me. And some of them are going to be really ugly. I just need to do a better job of ignoring them." It was hard to tell if he believed he was capable of ignoring the rumors. Laena firmly shakes her head. "Don't you see the difference this act has? In every act both of us have done before now, we have struck at our targets directly. Meaning if there will be a counter-attack, it will most likely come at us directly. Are there risks of reprisal? Certainly, but my enemies are highly unlikely to strike at you; and vice versa for yours. The difference here is that no-one believes Lord Blackwood's bastard was the target. It was merely a way to strike at the Lord himself, through his loved ones.
"*That* is the difference this act has. It makes 'loved ones' an acceptable target." She shakes her head. "No, not just acceptable. *Desirable*."Balon scoffed, "You of all people aren't that naïve. We've all been told the story of Blood and Cheese. Family members, friends, and loved ones have always been targets. Targets chosen based on time, availability, desired message, and convenience. So we can either choose to be a cold hearted monster that loves nothing, someone who loves truly but is scared into inaction, or a middle ground where one accepts to climb the ladder of power risks are involved." Balon stopped when a realization hit him, his voice becoming quiet, "I don't want to lose you but I understand if the risk of publicly being with me is too great." He lowered his eyes, clearly lost in thought about something. "You think you can 'just stop'? You actually think you would actually stand against your sister's marriage to Lord Eldon after you had had time to 'reset', if matters hadn't rearranged themselves to stop it? Tell me this, then: do you find these acts easier over time? If I am correct, and they are corrosive, you will, as you train your mind to view the bonds between you and others as less and less valuable. If you are correct, and you can stop at any time, then it will be no easier now than it was at the start." Balon didn't know how to answer. Killing Dornishmen was an easy choice because he didn't view it as wrong. Desmond, Dagos, Vorian, and Walton were akin to animals to him. He'd been supportive of the Eldon marriage at first but went out of his way to make sure Delia married someone else. And while he planned to see his brothers married off he had enough of a conscious not to betroth them to hideous ladies. However Marei's murder haunted him to this day and he questioned if he could do it again. "My decisions don't become easier over time but I have the willpower to see them through." If there's one subject almost guaranteed to cheer her up, it's her children, and Laena noticably perks up on the broaching of the subject. "Sylvina is definitely astute, and I make sure to praise and encourage that. She has the makings of a good lady in her." Despite not asking about her son, Laena immediately carries on. "Landar is very curious and explorative. While he's young, and many children are like that at that age, I do what I can to keep his curiosity engaged, and hope it remains. Being sent to the Citadel may be the best fate possible for such a boy. But," she gives a small shrug. "he's still far too young to place any firm hopes."
She gives him a knowing smirk, before clasping both of his hands in hers, and squeezing. "It may disappoint you to hear that what I want is simply this, what we are already doing: talking about the things I cannot talk about with anyone else, and receiving love and support in return."Balon smiled as Laena talked about her children. "If you could pick any Lady in the Reach for Sylvina to be a lady-in-waiting for, who'd it be?" As for Landar, Balon didn't know much about him but going to the Citadel sounded terrible. "He's young, maybe he'll take after your brother as he grows. Another Aerion in the making."
"Then talk away as we don't get many of these opportunities." Balon kissed her hands and settled, letting Laena talk about anything she desired to.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 17, 2021 11:38:36 GMT 1
There was a brief moment of surprise on Balon's face. "If there was a plan in motion, I was unaware of it." he said flatly as he regained his composure. Laena was good at deciphering truth but she didn't need any of her skills to know he wasn't lying about his knowledge (or lack thereof) regarding the rumor ready to come out of Starpike. "I believe you looked into it, and I believe you when you say there was a prepared accusation." Balon let out a grunt, "But to be frank, I don't care. In fact I'm glad to learn of it. Lord Rodrik spreads rumors," there was an edge to Balon's voice Laena hadn't heard before, "about me, Lord Gormon spreads rumors about Bloodraven. I doubt we'll ever find out who really attacked Riverthorn because in the end people believe what they want to believe. Loyalists have their scapegoat in me, Blackfyre supporters can point their finger at a freak that played a role in the death of Lord Jon (Hightower). They don't want to find out because they already have a story to suit their political agenda."
Balon let out a sigh, "If I'm being honest, these rumors are starting to grate on me. I laughed at them when we were at the Black Tourney. People claimed I slept with a half dozen ladies, to include Amerei Tyrell. You'd think with all the alleged fucking I did I wouldn't have had time for anything else. But now... now they aren't so funny." He held up a hand, "I understand it's a problem of my own making. I get that, I really do. But I, we, need to accept that as long as I continue to champion the cause of Blackfyre, nasty rumors will continue to dog me. And some of them are going to be really ugly. I just need to do a better job of ignoring them." It was hard to tell if he believed he was capable of ignoring the rumors. "Not just that. As I have said, by acting more chivalrous while in the light, you make it harder for rumours of things you do in the dark to take hold." Balon scoffed, "You of all people aren't that naïve. We've all been told the story of Blood and Cheese. Family members, friends, and loved ones have always been targets. Targets chosen based on time, availability, desired message, and convenience. So we can either choose to be a cold hearted monster that loves nothing, someone who loves truly but is scared into inaction, or a middle ground where one accepts to climb the ladder of power risks are involved." Balon stopped when a realization hit him, his voice becoming quiet, "I don't want to lose you but I understand if the risk of publicly being with me is too great." He lowered his eyes, clearly lost in thought about something. "We remember them because, while it happens, that is not the norm. At least, at the level we are in. Wiping out a troublesome bloodline, including the defenceless, is one thing, targetting *only* the defenceless purely to make your true target *feel bad* that's ... rarer. Few have the mind or the stomach for that." She holds up a hand. "But let's freeze this subject for the moment." She smiles at him, and sits up. "I believe you brought gifts?"[Was unable to figure out a way to indicate it clearly, but I feel this and the above threads have 're-merged', so Laena's putting off further answering to both.] She shifts her legs off the bed, hops off, and stretches her arms up, humming quietly in satisfaction. Partway through, she turns around to give Balon a view of her front, clearly unashamed of her nudity, or the mess he'd made of her, not even trying to clean or organise herself. Her smirk clearly stating that she knew precisely what she was doing. "My decisions don't become easier over time but I have the willpower to see them through." Laena gives him a relieved smile, and languorously kisses him between sentences. "Good. Both parts good." She gives a brief pause after her last kiss, and looks him in the eyes before continuing. "I hope both parts remain true."Balon smiled as Laena talked about her children. "If you could pick any Lady in the Reach for Sylvina to be a lady-in-waiting for, who'd it be?" "Urgh. Tough question." Though her smile reveals she appreciates it. "I think, if you didn't specify 'in the Reach', I'd probably say my sister, Lady Shiera Seastar. She's as beautiful and cunning as they say. She'd hone Sylvina into a truly formidable lady, able to overcome her lack of claims into a bright future, I'm sure of it.
"But within the Reach .... hmmm ... I think ... Lady Cerenna Florent is probably the best option. I've not met her that I recall, but the Florents have their reputation for cunning for a reason, and their house is prominent enough that she can make connections. Not as well as at Highgarden, but, as much as I enjoyed it, there's something ... familiar about a lady's Highgarden education, because so many have it, and familiarity breeds contempt. Brightwater Keep would be different enough to be novel, while still having many of the same benefits."She snorts. "Of course, one is as likely as the other, but I can dream."As for Landar, Balon didn't know much about him but going to the Citadel sounded terrible. "He's young, maybe he'll take after your brother as he grows. Another Aerion in the making."
She gives a small smile. "Maybe. Aerion would be a good role model. I just worry that with his paucity of close family, misfortune may result in him becoming a hedge knight, or worse." She shakes her head. "Again, far too young for me to realistically worry about such things, but that doesn't stop me."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 21, 2021 8:17:41 GMT 1
"Not just that. As I have said, by acting more chivalrous while in the light, you make it harder for rumors of things you do in the dark to take hold." "We remember them because, while it happens, that is not the norm. At least, at the level we are in. Wiping out a troublesome bloodline, including the defenseless, is one thing, targeting *only* the defenseless purely to make your true target *feel bad* that's ... rarer. Few have the mind or the stomach for that." She holds up a hand. "But let's freeze this subject for the moment." She smiles at him, and sits up. "I believe you brought gifts?"She shifts her legs off the bed, hops off, and stretches her arms up, humming quietly in satisfaction. Partway through, she turns around to give Balon a view of her front, clearly unashamed of her nudity, or the mess he'd made of her, not even trying to clean or organize herself. Her smirk clearly stating that she knew precisely what she was doing. Balon nodded along to Laena's words. "I will do what I can to seem more chivalrous in the light." She was right. If people perceived him as noble in public then it'd be easier for him to skulk about in the shadows shifting the game into Blackfyre's favor. The issue of course was he'd already said and done so much in public that had earned more than a few people's ire and he didn't know if there was enough he could do to overcome that perception. When Laena changed the subject Balon felt like he'd won. Maybe not so much win but execute a proper holding action. He'd sidestepped her questions about Riverthorn and while the conversation had been tense at times she was now standing before him, smiling and naked. If I won then why do I feel so bad about it.He enjoyed watching Laena, her unashamed demeanor bringing a sense of ease to him. As she stretched he stared at her backside and slowly looked up as she turned towards him. He felt a wave of arousal pass through him but he suppressed it and stood up. Unlike Laena he put on his small clothes. He knew what he'd gotten for her and walking around nude with an erection wouldn't help anything. At least not for his gift reveal. He walked over to Laena and ran his fingers through her hair before giving her a kiss then moving over to the wardrobe. As he opened it up to retrieve her presents he spoke, "I had to think of what to get you. I've covered quite a bit of you in jewelry. And the ermine cloak is a thing of beauty though it's only good for fair and cooler climates. And while we can't spend time together in public it doesn't mean I don't want you to look good at feasts and gatherings." He pulled out a satin tea-length dress with the bottom half a bright orange and the top half a royal blue. It was, by Balon's standards, a conservative dress. The front of the torso and shoulders were completely covered while the back had a crisscross pattern. "A dress that while colorful won't offend the most devout nobles and septons." Balon gave her time to look at it and if desired, try it on before moving onto the next. The second gift was more provocative. A dark red velvet dress designed to hug the features of the body. A slit ran up the entire front of the left leg allowing Laena to decide how much to show off based on how she stood. A plunging neck line deep enough to make traditionalists gossip accented the front. It had long sleeves but they were laced allowing the appearance of more skin. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I bought this with the intention of finding how easy it be to access the front." A wicked smile was on his face as Laena could only imagine the imagery dancing through his mind. "But wait there's more." he said as he reached into the wardrobe. The third dress was designed to do one thing, bring attention to the chest. A midnight black silk dress with cloth-of-silver stitching that flowed at the bottom and in essence was a corset at the top. Laena could tell by the design it was designed to *enhance* a woman's assets to mimic the larger endowed. The late Tanselle Hutcheson would come to mind if one saw Laena wearing it. Of course it was an illusion but one Balon was happy to supply. It was also clearly his favorite. "Just think, your circlet and armlets with this. Hmmmm. Perfection."Lastly, while not technically a dress Balon had bought her a black silk slip with spaghetti straps. It was short enough that any stretching of the arms would reveal her cheeks and was suited for the bedroom and places like the Perfumed Lady. "Urgh. Tough question." Though her smile reveals she appreciates it. "I think, if you didn't specify 'in the Reach', I'd probably say my sister, Lady Shiera Seastar. She's as beautiful and cunning as they say. She'd hone Sylvina into a truly formidable lady, able to overcome her lack of claims into a bright future, I'm sure of it.
"But within the Reach .... hmmm ... I think ... Lady Cerenna Florent is probably the best option. I've not met her that I recall, but the Florents have their reputation for cunning for a reason, and their house is prominent enough that she can make connections. Not as well as at Highgarden, but, as much as I enjoyed it, there's something ... familiar about a lady's Highgarden education, because so many have it, and familiarity breeds contempt. Brightwater Keep would be different enough to be novel, while still having many of the same benefits."She snorts. "Of course, one is as likely as the other, but I can dream."She gives a small smile. "Maybe. Aerion would be a good role model. I just worry that with his paucity of close family, misfortune may result in him becoming a hedge knight, or worse." She shakes her head. "Again, far too young for me to realistically worry about such things, but that doesn't stop me." Balon smiled as they both had chosen the same house in their imaginary scenarios. "I'd send at least one of my sons to House Florent. Ser Patrek is their champion and while he's not equal to me in skill he's good with both blade and lance. More importantly being around Lord Reynald would help him with things I'd never be able to teach him. The cunning and politics needed to succeed where swords fail." At the mention of her son Balon had an idea, "What if I offered to train Landar or looked for a place for him at Starpike? Lord Gormon is politically astute, a good knight, he has a great many men at his disposal to teach him. I'm sure he could find a place for Landar at one of his three castles. I concede that's a long way off but it never hurts to start planning now. Have you ever considered Oldtown and the Hightowers? Actually scratch that. With the crippling injury to Ser Dennis I don't know a truly great knight there right now."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 21, 2021 13:49:07 GMT 1
He walked over to Laena and ran his fingers through her hair before giving her a kiss then moving over to the wardrobe. Rather than just accept the kiss, Laena leans into it, prolonging it for a few moments before letting him go. As he opened it up to retrieve her presents he spoke, "I had to think of what to get you. I've covered quite a bit of you in jewelry. And the ermine cloak is a thing of beauty though it's only good for fair and cooler climates. And while we can't spend time together in public it doesn't mean I don't want you to look good at feasts and gatherings." He pulled out a satin tea-length dress with the bottom half a bright orange and the top half a royal blue. It was, by Balon's standards, a conservative dress. The front of the torso and shoulders were completely covered while the back had a crisscross pattern. "A dress that while colorful won't offend the most devout nobles and septons." Balon gave her time to look at it and if desired, try it on before moving onto the next. Given it was a gift from Balon, Laena gently pulled and prodded it, to check to see if it was secretly designed to fall off a woman's body with a simple tug. But no, it was a genuinely chaste dress. She smiles at him. "I'll have to get some spessartite garnet jewelery to go with this before I wear it," a prospect she sounds rather happy about. "But it's a wonderfully practical dress, thank you. I would try it on, but I don't want to get it all sweaty and stuff." The second gift was more provocative. A dark red velvet dress designed to hug the features of the body. A slit ran up the entire front of the left leg allowing Laena to decide how much to show off based on how she stood. A plunging neck line deep enough to make traditionalists gossip accented the front. It had long sleeves but they were laced allowing the appearance of more skin. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I bought this with the intention of finding how easy it be to access the front." A wicked smile was on his face as Laena could only imagine the imagery dancing through his mind. Laena gasps slightly, and gently strokes the material. "Now this is beautiful. The opportunities to wear such a thing are fewer, and I doubt you'd be the only one with such thoughts, but still ... beautiful. And I love how velvet feels." She gives him an assessing look. "You're surprisingly good at gifts of women's clothes. Did you ask one of your friends experienced in the matter for help, or was this all you?"The third dress was designed to do one thing, bring attention to the chest. A midnight black silk dress with cloth-of-silver stitching that flowed at the bottom and in essence was a corset at the top. Laena could tell by the design it was designed to *enhance* a woman's assets to mimic the larger endowed. The late Tanselle Hutcheson would come to mind if one saw Laena wearing it. Of course it was an illusion but one Balon was happy to supply. It was also clearly his favorite. "Just think, your circlet and armlets with this. Hmmmm. Perfection." "This would make a wonderful disguise if I only had to fool men." She comments dryly. "My body would be unrecognisable, and none of their eyes would reach as high as my face. I'd need to be careful where I wore it, though. Unless I *wanted* to cause a riot, of course."Lastly, while not technically a dress Balon had bought her a black silk slip with spaghetti straps. It was short enough that any stretching of the arms would reveal her cheeks and was suited for the bedroom and places like the Perfumed Lady. She speaks with a slight smile belying her lightly admonishing tone. "Good Ser, of the four articles you have gifted me, I swear only one is suitable for the sept - though the other three may well get me *sent* there. If I didn't know better, I might think that you suspected me some kind of ... *hussy*." Laena exlaimed, while standing naked in a brothel. Deciding that it matters less for this one, since it would never be worn in public, and he should see her wearing at least one of the gifts, Laena quickly dons the silk slip. Slowly dancing a dance that no-one ever learned in Highgarden's court, nor would ever dance in public, standing in place, with her arms moving gracefully above her head, she carefully and seductively turns in place to give Balon a full view of her new acquisition. While rotating, she continues breathily "I mean, what man could see me wearing this and think I was doing anything other than asking, nay, *begging* to be picked up, tossed onto the nearest soft surface, and utterly ravished." Looking over her shoulder as she nears finishing her rotation, she looks him straight in the eyes as she says that, and bites her lower lip enticingly. "Again."
Balon smiled as they both had chosen the same house in their imaginary scenarios. "I'd send at least one of my sons to House Florent. Ser Patrek is their champion and while he's not equal to me in skill he's good with both blade and lance. More importantly being around Lord Reynald would help him with things I'd never be able to teach him. The cunning and politics needed to succeed where swords fail." At the mention of her son Balon had an idea, "What if I offered to train Landar or looked for a place for him at Starpike? Lord Gormon is politically astute, a good knight, he has a great many men at his disposal to teach him. I'm sure he could find a place for Landar at one of his three castles. I concede that's a long way off but it never hurts to start planning now. Have you ever considered Oldtown and the Hightowers? Actually scratch that. With the crippling injury to Ser Dennis I don't know a truly great knight there right now."Laena considers the idea. "Starpike sounds like a good idea. It would give him a lot of good connections, as well as plenty of talented knights to learn from. When it's time." She sighs lightly. "I hope the war will be a quick one. It would be hard to find a safe place for them if it's still going on. And I could plan to have them sent to a powerful house, only for that house to be crippled, or lose all its competent members, in the war. At least Starkwood is a reasonably safe place to keep them for now - it's far too isolated and militarily insignificant to be worth attacking."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 22, 2021 7:58:37 GMT 1
Rather than just accept the kiss, Laena leans into it, prolonging it for a few moments before letting him go. She smiles at him. "I'll have to get some spessartite garnet jewelery to go with this before I wear it," a prospect she sounds rather happy about. "But it's a wonderfully practical dress, thank you. I would try it on, but I don't want to get it all sweaty and stuff." Laena gasps slightly, and gently strokes the material. "Now this is beautiful. The opportunities to wear such a thing are fewer, and I doubt you'd be the only one with such thoughts, but still ... beautiful. And I love how velvet feels." She gives him an assessing look. "You're surprisingly good at gifts of women's clothes. Did you ask one of your friends experienced in the matter for help, or was this all you?""This would make a wonderful disguise if I only had to fool men." She comments dryly. "My body would be unrecognizable, and none of their eyes would reach as high as my face. I'd need to be careful where I wore it, though. Unless I *wanted* to cause a riot, of course."As she prolonged the kiss Balon's mind and body fought for control. While his mind wanted to give her the gifts his body was ready for another round. He massaged the top of her backside with his thumbs and began to rub up against her. When she let him go Balon thanked the Seven as his mind had decidedly lost the battle for supremacy. "Of course, spessartite, an excellent choice." He said as if he had any idea what that meant. He made a mental note to look for that type of jewelry the next time he went gift hunting. When Laena gasped there was a satisfied look on Balon's face as she stroked the velvet dress. "I envision what I want to see you in then I find a seamstress that can make it happen. Outside of my sister and mother I don't have female friends to ask about dresses. They'd think I was mad." He found himself chuckling at the thought of asking Delia and Shiera about wardrobe advice for a secret lover. "I admit I occasionally see a lady in a dress I like then I make adjustments to how I think it'd look on you. Like this," he pointed at the velvet dress. "The neckline wasn't as deep nor were there laces on the sleeves. That was something I envisioned you'd look breathtaking in and I can tell I was right."
"We men are simple creatures." he said with a crooked smile as she assessed the black dress. "I only ask one thing. You wear it. Not today, not tomorrow, but some day, at a time of my choosing. I have an idea of when but I'd prefer it stay a surprise." He looked at her chest with a predator's stare, "If you thought what I did to claim the Teats for the Brackens was impressive wait until you see what I do to claim those as my own." The compliment was as subtle as a warhammer and delivered with the smoothness of broken glass but Laena knew Balon's compliment was spoken from the heart. She speaks with a slight smile belying her lightly admonishing tone. "Good Ser, of the four articles you have gifted me, I swear only one is suitable for the sept - though the other three may well get me *sent* there. If I didn't know better, I might think that you suspected me some kind of ... *hussy*." Laena exclaimed, while standing naked in a brothel. Deciding that it matters less for this one, since it would never be worn in public, and he should see her wearing at least one of the gifts, Laena quickly dons the silk slip. Slowly dancing a dance that no-one ever learned in Highgarden's court, nor would ever dance in public, standing in place, with her arms moving gracefully above her head, she carefully and seductively turns in place to give Balon a full view of her new acquisition. While rotating, she continues breathily "I mean, what man could see me wearing this and think I was doing anything other than asking, nay, *begging* to be picked up, tossed onto the nearest soft surface, and utterly ravished." Looking over her shoulder as she nears finishing her rotation, she looks him straight in the eyes as she says that, and bites her lower lip enticingly. "Again."
"A hussy!?" He waived his hand dismissively, playing along, "No, I see a dragon. And fortunately for you a dragon can cloak itself however it sees fit." As Laena began to dance Balon was entranced. They'd been together many times before but never had he seen her do something so exotic and alluring. Unlike earlier the war between his mind and body was over before it ever truly began. The slip fit exactly as he hoped it would adding to the seductiveness of her routine. Without thought he'd already taken his smallclothes off and was stroking himself, gearing up for what was to come. As she danced about the world became muted, his eyes transfixed on her every move. He was barely able to make out the words 'utterly ravished' but it was enough to break him out of her spell. He looked up as she bit her lower lip and moved like a hunter ready for the kill. Picking her up he moved her back to the bed, wrapping her legs around him and kissing exposed skin. He tossed her onto the bed and was on top of her in a moment, deciding to leave the slip on as taking it off would consume too much time. Balon was happy to see her eagerness match his own and while it might've been smart to take it easy on her the second time around that wasn't what she'd asked for. And a knight should always respect the wishes of a lady. "I'm not going to stop until you dig your nails into my back." He said in between breaths. When I'm done with you your legs will spasm uncontrollably and you'll be on the verge of unconscious. I will be covered in custard when I'm through with you. Laena considers the idea. "Starpike sounds like a good idea. It would give him a lot of good connections, as well as plenty of talented knights to learn from. When it's time." She sighs lightly. "I hope the war will be a quick one. It would be hard to find a safe place for them if it's still going on. And I could plan to have them sent to a powerful house, only for that house to be crippled, or lose all its competent members, in the war. At least Starkwood is a reasonably safe place to keep them for now - it's far too isolated and militarily insignificant to be worth attacking."Much later as they laid there Balon thought of ways to encourage her to help his cause. "I enjoyed my time at Starpike and few lords wield as much power as Lord Gormon. But you have at least five years to make your decision." He agreed with Laena about the war. "I hope it's over quickly too. But to ensure that it is I need more houses to align with Ser Daemon. The more discord in the Reach the higher the chance of serious bloodshed and long lasting damage. If the Reach is united win or lose there will be little in the way of long term ramifications. Half the principal bannermen support Blackfyre. Lord Leo leans that way. If the Hightowers regency can be settled correctly then it virtually guarantees the safety of the Reach and more importantly it drastically increases my chances of survival."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 22, 2021 14:03:52 GMT 1
"Of course, spessartite, an excellent choice." He said as if he had any idea what that meant. Laena lightly snorts in amusement. "It's a very attractive orange gem." She explains briefly. "I admit I occasionally see a lady in a dress I like then I make adjustments to how I think it'd look on you. Like this," he pointed at the velvet dress. "The neckline wasn't as deep nor were there laces on the sleeves. That was something I envisioned you'd look breathtaking in and I can tell I was right." Laena considered teasing him about how closely he examined a woman wearing such a dress to get all its details, but decided against it. Being closely examined by men was the *point* of such a dress, and she didn't want to hear about him looking at other women like that, or worse, him lying about it. "We men are simple creatures." he said with a crooked smile as she assessed the black dress. "I only ask one thing. You wear it. Not today, not tomorrow, but some day, at a time of my choosing. I have an idea of when but I'd prefer it stay a surprise." He looked at her chest with a predator's stare, "If you thought what I did to claim the Teats for the Brackens was impressive wait until you see what I do to claim those as my own." The compliment was as subtle as a warhammer and delivered with the smoothness of broken glass but Laena knew Balon's compliment was spoken from the heart. Laena gives him a teasing smile. "We'll see. By all means, ask, though, when the time comes."He looked up as she bit her lower lip and moved like a hunter ready for the kill. Picking her up he moved her back to the bed, wrapping her legs around him and kissing exposed skin. He tossed her onto the bed and was on top of her in a moment, deciding to leave the slip on as taking it off would consume too much time. Balon was happy to see her eagerness match his own and while it might've been smart to take it easy on her the second time around that wasn't what she'd asked for. And a knight should always respect the wishes of a lady. "I'm not going to stop until you dig your nails into my back." He said in between breaths. When I'm done with you your legs will spasm uncontrollably and you'll be on the verge of unconscious. I will be covered in custard when I'm through with you. Laena permits herself a giggle as she's thrown back onto the bed, then abandons herself to the pleasure. * * * Some time later, she slowly comes to, feeling Balon idly stroking her stomach. "Mmmm." She wriggles her body slightly, to bring life back to her limbs. "I liked that." She gives a small sigh as she concludes that, satisfied sensually and materially as she is right now, it was time. Taking a moment to consider where best to do this, she settles on shuffling to the bottom of the bed, sitting facing Balon, with her legs sprawled out to her left, right arm supporting her weight. After taking a moment with her left to ensure the slip was as decent as it could be, she looks up at Balon, face set in a determined and serious expression. "I have a couple of things to say. The first, you'll like. The second .. you won't. So," She clears her throat lightly. "I know I've said this before, but this time I want to say it boldly: I love you. I love how you make me feel. Love is a luxury relatively few of us are lucky enough to ever experience, so thank you for that."She gives a reluctant sigh. "The other thing ... a good part of me doesn't want to say this. Wants to just bury my head, and hope it somehow goes away. But I'm Laena Pyre, I act." This time when she says it, she sounds tired. "I need to ask you a question. It's a question you won't want to hear, even more than I don't want to ask, but I do need to. And I need an honest answer from you.
"There are three potential answers you can give:
"One: 'Yes'. In this case, I will need to discover an appropriate person to frame, and figure out how to properly set them up - which you will pay for. And then, you and I will sit down and have a *serious* talk about what is or is not acceptable.
"Two: 'No'. In this case, I will need to dig further into the matter and find out who did, and ensure that information gets to the interested parties as soon as possible.
"Three: You make a decision, based on everything you know, that you don't want to put me in any more danger, and it's best for both of us if we break up. You don't kill any future suitors of mine, or any other sign of jealousy. I don't try and beat others to killing any lovers you take in the future, or any other sign of jealousy. We can still be friends, ask each other for help, whatever. We will just no longer be ... together. Lovers. Now, I can *suspect* what this answer means, but I won't *know*, and as it will no longer concern me, I can afford to let the matter lie, as officially 'someone else's problem'.
"The question, as I'm sure you've guessed by now, is this: did you murder Lord Blackwood's lover, carrying his unborn bastard?"
Much later as they laid there Balon thought of ways to encourage her to help his cause. "I enjoyed my time at Starpike and few lords wield as much power as Lord Gormon. But you have at least five years to make your decision." He agreed with Laena about the war. "I hope it's over quickly too. But to ensure that it is I need more houses to align with Ser Daemon. The more discord in the Reach the higher the chance of serious bloodshed and long lasting damage. If the Reach is united win or lose there will be little in the way of long term ramifications. Half the principal bannermen support Blackfyre. Lord Leo leans that way. If the Hightowers regency can be settled correctly then it virtually guarantees the safety of the Reach and more importantly it drastically increases my chances of survival." "Hmmm." She murmurs thoughtfully. "But whoever wins won't matter if the house isn't stable afterwards, and start tearing itself apart, like the Bridges did. That's where my focus is right now. Stability. With so many focused on purely partisan gain, someone needs to be the voice of reason to avoid the Reach twisting itself into such knots for partisan purposes that it will rip itself apart, either during the war, or soon afterwards. With so many looking just at the war, someone needs to remember that history doesn't end with the war, we have to *live* in the world we've created. My children have to *grow up* in it. And making Blackfyre king won't just magically solve all the problems we create putting him there."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 24, 2021 7:52:41 GMT 1
Balon sat up and rested on an elbow as she both confessed her love and demanded to know the truth about Riverthorn. He did his best to remain stone faced as she laid out the options available to him. Though he'd won a reprieve earlier in the evening he hadn't expected it to be so short. Buy time. Allow yourself to think. Don't be rash and for the love of the Seven don't tell her what actually happened. "It's late... let us retire for the evening and talk about this in the morning." He let out a long sigh, "I've been away for months and I want just one night where we can simply be. Let me have this day be the one where you wake up in my arms." He motioned for her to crawl up next to him and brought up his arm to pull her in close. After a gentle kiss he said, "I'll always love you." Balon already knew what he had to do.
Once Laena had fallen asleep Balon stared at the ceiling. For all his bluster and bravado he'd done something truly wrong. He killed an innocent woman to ensure a war between blood enemies started. In the past when he was alone with his thoughts Balon would ask himself what it'd cost when it was all said and done. The things he did in the name of overthrowing the king would come with a steep price and he always believed he'd be able to pay it. Reputation, friends, family, all could be lost along the way, possibly even his life. But never had he thought it'd cost him love.
Balon watched her sleep, the expression on her face one of tranquility. He thought back to all the times they'd talked sharing each other's hopes and fears. Balon had never met Laena's mother but he hated her. Hated how she'd treated Laena, hated how she'd mentally abused her, hated that she'd destroyed something so innocent and beautiful. There was nothing special about Balon but Laena had chosen to love him because he cared. He cared about her for who she was, not her status as a Great Bastard. He wanted to help her to cast off the remnants of her mother's horrific lessons. And now that would never happen because of what he'd done. What he would continue to do until the war came.
He leaned in and kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent. It was one he'd memorized long ago, something sweet and familiar. His mind drifted to the first gift he'd given her. Her guard had come down for just a moment and the expression on her face was one of true joy. One of many I'd hoped to give her over the years. Now it seemed like a foolish dream. She rustled a bit and Balon stroked her shoulder until she calmed down. I have to leave her...
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Morning came and when Laena awoke she saw a tired-looking Balon, as if hadn't slept at all. When she was fully cognizant Balon let her know what his decision was... in a round about way.
"When I went to Highgarden for Lord Leo's tourney I had a very specific plan. I wanted to achieve glory in the jousts. I wanted to win the melee." Balon started to laugh, "I wanted to find a buxom young Andal woman with birthing hips to marry who could supply me with an army of spoiled children who'd fight over my accumulated wealth when I died. But what I wanted and what happened were two different things. Instead of finding all of those things I found love. Something I'd never expected to happen. And I didn't fall in love with any lady but a Great Bastard. A beautiful, cunning, witty lady who was kind to me. A lady who in time returned that love. You were a revelation. A dream made reality. You inspired me and I took great pride in making you appreciate yourself and not see yourself through the warped lens your mother had crafted for you."
"Our time together was something songs are written about. I, ME," he thumped his chest, "of all people wrote poetry about it. That's the kind of effect you had on me. I'm not one for bastards and yet every time we had sex I prayed that you didn't take moon tea, just so I could have the honor of having a child with you." He reached up and touched the necklace she'd given him long ago. "I've almost never taken this off, did you know that? In some of my darker moments when I questioned myself I opened up this locket and looked at the painting of you and it inspired me. It made me put one foot in front of the next."
"I love you, with all my heart and soul." He paused, seemingly having difficulty with what was to come next, "Which is why this ends. Today. I don't want to put you in danger. I can't stand the thought of you dying because of my actions. It'd haunt me until my death... and probably beyond. But it's not just that. If we were to wed we'd need to be of the same mind and we're not. You talk of stability. I talk of unity. I can't be with you if your choices increase the chances of my death in the war to come. I don't want politics to ruin what we have." Balon could feel the corners of his eye welling up. "I've told no one of us and while my family knows I was courting you no one is aware of our... secret rendezvous." He looked away and wiped the corner of his eyes.
Turning back he held his voice steady, "I won't interfere with any suitors you have, unless they support the king, and then I will treat them like I already do, as an enemy. I know what you're capable of, remeber? He forced a sad, weak smile. "It'll pain me to see it but I won't stand in your way." Balon cleared his throat, "Just promise you'll still come to me and talk. I don't want to see you become all dragon."
He didn't know what her response would be but he was ready for anything.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 24, 2021 13:23:50 GMT 1
Balon sat up and rested on an elbow as she both confessed her love and demanded to know the truth about Riverthorn. He did his best to remain stone faced as she laid out the options available to him. Though he'd won a reprieve earlier in the evening he hadn't expected it to be so short. Buy time. Allow yourself to think. Don't be rash and for the love of the Seven don't tell her what actually happened. "It's late... let us retire for the evening and talk about this in the morning." He let out a long sigh, "I've been away for months and I want just one night where we can simply be. Let me have this day be the one where you wake up in my arms." He motioned for her to crawl up next to him and brought up his arm to pull her in close. Laena's face softened. "Of course. It's a tough question to spring on you with so little warning. I just ... if this was to be the end, I wanted it to be .. beautiful." She crawls up and snuggles into his chest, briefly stroking his latest scar. Morning came and when Laena awoke she saw a tired-looking Balon, as if hadn't slept at all. When she was fully cognizant Balon let her know what his decision was... in a round about way. "When I went to Highgarden for Lord Leo's tourney I had a very specific plan. I wanted to achieve glory in the jousts. I wanted to win the melee." Balon started to laugh, "I wanted to find a buxom young Andal woman with birthing hips to marry who could supply me with an army of spoiled children who'd fight over my accumulated wealth when I died. But what I wanted and what happened were two different things. Instead of finding all of those things I found love. Something I'd never expected to happen. And I didn't fall in love with any lady but a Great Bastard. A beautiful, cunning, witty lady who was kind to me. A lady who in time returned that love. You were a revelation. A dream made reality. You inspired me and I took great pride in making you appreciate yourself and not see yourself through the warped lens your mother had crafted for you."
"Our time together was something songs are written about. I, ME," he thumped his chest, "of all people wrote poetry about it. That's the kind of effect you had on me. I'm not one for bastards and yet every time we had sex I prayed that you didn't take moon tea, just so I could have the honor of having a child with you." He reached up and touched the necklace she'd given him long ago. "I've almost never taken this off, did you know that? In some of my darker moments when I questioned myself I opened up this locket and looked at the painting of you and it inspired me. It made me put one foot in front of the next."
"I love you, with all my heart and soul." He paused, seemingly having difficulty with what was to come next, "Which is why this ends. Today. I don't want to put you in danger. I can't stand the thought of you dying because of my actions. It'd haunt me until my death... and probably beyond. But it's not just that. If we were to wed we'd need to be of the same mind and we're not. You talk of stability. I talk of unity. I can't be with you if your choices increase the chances of my death in the war to come. I don't want politics to ruin what we have." Balon could feel the corners of his eye welling up. "I've told no one of us and while my family knows I was courting you no one is aware of our... secret rendezvous." He looked away and wiped the corner of his eyes. Turning back he held his voice steady, "I won't interfere with any suitors you have, unless they support the king, and then I will treat them like I already do, as an enemy. I know what you're capable of, remeber? He forced a sad, weak smile. "It'll pain me to see it but I won't stand in your way." Balon cleared his throat, "Just promise you'll still come to me and talk. I don't want to see you become all dragon."
He didn't know what her response would be but he was ready for anything. Having gotten dressed, deciding that this conversation was best had without distractions on either side, Laena listens carefully and patiently to his words, not interrupting until he was done. Finally, before she says anything, she leans forward and hugs him tightly. "Thank you. I know ... I *know* how hard that choice was to make. That you could reach into your own chest and rip out your heart to keep me safe ... that's not lust. That's not even a deep fondness. That's true love. For me." She releases him, and takes a step back, letting Balon see tears falling down her cheeks. Mostly, she was relieved she wouldn't have to kill him after all, but there was also genuine sadness there. For all that it was doomed from the start, he genuinely made her happy. "Thank you for everything you've done for me." A quirk of a smile. "And to me.
"Erm." She coughs awkwardly. "You can keep the locket if you want, but I ... the painting of me, it..." She trails off awkwardly, waving her hands searching for words for a few moments before blurting out "I need the painting back. It's the last obvious link between us." She looks down. "Sorry. You'll still have Legacy's hilt." She offers, as weak compensation. "I consider that a better likeness, for what it's worth."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 26, 2021 8:03:09 GMT 1
Having gotten dressed, deciding that this conversation was best had without distractions on either side, Laena listens carefully and patiently to his words, not interrupting until he was done. Finally, before she says anything, she leans forward and hugs him tightly. "Thank you. I know ... I *know* how hard that choice was to make. That you could reach into your own chest and rip out your heart to keep me safe ... that's not lust. That's not even a deep fondness. That's true love. For me." She releases him, and takes a step back, letting Balon see tears falling down her cheeks. Mostly, she was relieved she wouldn't have to kill him after all, but there was also genuine sadness there. For all that it was doomed from the start, he genuinely made her happy. "Thank you for everything you've done for me." A quirk of a smile. "And to me."Unlike Laena, Balon was only partially dressed. He'd put on his trousers but left his tunic and boots off. As she pressed against his bare chest he returned her embrace with his own bear hug, kissing the top of her head as she spoke. When she pulled away and he saw her tears he went to gently wipe them away. "Ñuha gevie zaldrīzes." He smiled, "If the Seven favor me then our story will continue. Not today. Not tomorrow. Probably not for a long time. But some day, our story will begin again." He thought ending things with her would be freeing but it felt more like an anchor around his neck, pulling him under a bottomless sea. His mother had once said it was better to have loved and lost than never loved at all. At this point in time he didn't believe her. It felt like a hole had been ripped open inside him and nothing could ever fill it. When she added the playful 'And to me'he tried to think of something witty, something to let her know how much he'd enjoyed their carnality but all he could think about was the mistake he was making. Instead all he could manage was a pursed lip smile. She coughs awkwardly. "You can keep the locket if you want, but I ... the painting of me, it..." She trails off awkwardly, waving her hands searching for words for a few moments before blurting out "I need the painting back. It's the last obvious link between us." She looks down. "Sorry. You'll still have Legacy's hilt." She offers, as weak compensation. "I consider that a better likeness, for what it's worth."Balon slowly took the necklace off and held it by the chain with his right hand. He lifted his arm up and let the locket dangle, taking one last look at it before holding it out for Laena to take. She held her palm out and he carefully set the necklace down into her hand. As she closed her fingers around the locket Balon took both of his hands and gently squeezed Laena's fist. He said softly, "This... this is the real you." He glanced over to Legacy, "That is what you show the world," He squeezed her fist again for emphasis, "But I know who you really are." When the tender moment had passed Balon moved to put on his boots and tunic, "There is one last thing. Something I was going to ask you in the coming days but I hadn't planned on," He waived his hand around as if that would explain everything, "this to end the way it did." He cocked his head to one side in thought, "Think of it as a gift, a final act of love before we... move on. Information, about a couple of knights I'm trying to find." He finished dressing himself and stood up, every emotion playing across his face, "Can you do that for me?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 26, 2021 15:36:54 GMT 1
"Ñuha gevie zaldrīzes." He smiled, "If the Seven favor me then our story will continue. Not today. Not tomorrow. Probably not for a long time. But some day, our story will begin again." Laena opens her mouth, but cannot bring herself to crush his hopes. "Then we leave it in the hands of the Seven, Sȳz azantys." She responds softly, calling him by the same nickname she'd used on their first meeting. Balon slowly took the necklace off and held it by the chain with his right hand. He lifted his arm up and let the locket dangle, taking one last look at it before holding it out for Laena to take. She held her palm out and he carefully set the necklace down into her hand. As she closed her fingers around the locket Balon took both of his hands and gently squeezed Laena's fist. He said softly, "This... this is the real you." He glanced over to Legacy, "That is what you show the world," He squeezed her fist again for emphasis, "But I know who you really are." Laena meets his eyes for a moment, then gives a small, bashful nod of acknowledgement. When the tender moment had passed Balon moved to put on his boots and tunic, "There is one last thing. Something I was going to ask you in the coming days but I hadn't planned on," He waived his hand around as if that would explain everything, "this to end the way it did." He cocked his head to one side in thought, "Think of it as a gift, a final act of love before we... move on. Information, about a couple of knights I'm trying to find." He finished dressing himself and stood up, every emotion playing across his face, "Can you do that for me?" She gives a small smile. "Of course. What are-" friends for? her throat chokes up before she can finish the sentence. Clearing it with a cough, she resumes. "What are the details? I'll do what I can, just be aware that I'm no spymaster. Still, what capabilities I have are yours."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 27, 2021 7:43:36 GMT 1
She gives a small smile. "Of course. What are-" friends for? her throat chokes up before she can finish the sentence. Clearing it with a cough, she resumes. "What are the details? I'll do what I can, just be aware that I'm no spymaster. Still, what capabilities I have are yours." "I wouldn't ask if I didn't have confidence in your abilities, my lady." He couldn't remember the last time he'd called her 'lady' in private but it felt appropriate. Not desirable, but appropriate. Balon thought back to his conversation with the old hedge knight Ser Morys, "I'm looking for three knights, none of significance in the grand scheme of things but important to me. We have business to attend to." If one considered murder business, which Balon of course did. "The first is Ser Ondrew the Ox. He has a widow's peak, gray and black hair that's receding at the temples. Teeth stained red from sourleaf. The second is Ser Brynden Rivers," Balon held up a hand before Laena could interject, "No, not your natural brother just some clot who happens to have the same name. Black hair, normal height and build, a beard similar to mine. Older, on the wrong side of thirty. Possibly almost forty. Last is a man that goes by Ser Jon of Maidenpool, though it's possible he isn't actually a knight. At best he lives in the hedges. Brown hair, clean shaven, an ugly white scar running down his cheek. Similar in age as Ser Brynden. On the short side."While searching for the trio in a place as large as the Reach seemed impossible, he trusted Laena and her skill. "I know it's not much to go on but each has a his own unique feature that sets him apart. Ondrew and his red teeth, Bryden sharing a name with Bloodraven, Jon and his ugly facial scar." He moved over to a table and poured a glass of wine. He took a large drink, swishing it in his mouth before swallowing, "When I said you were cunning I meant it. You're resourceful, smart, and you *act*. However if you think you'll need some coin to help facilitate finding them let me know, I have plenty.Balon began to put on his tunic and tucked it into his trousers. "These aren't just honeyed words being used to get a taste of that sweet custard of yours." He looked over with a devilish smile. One last time. "And you could be a spymaster if the opportunity presented itself."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 27, 2021 13:04:45 GMT 1
Laena listens carefully as he lists out the details, fingers silently tapping the air as she does. "You have business with them? Then presumably, the easiest way to find them would be for me to simply spread word to that effect, emphasising the coin available, along with a location to meet - few would turn down the opportunity for coin, and from your description, they are hardly affluent. Unless, of course, I am being denied critical, need-to-know information?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jun 27, 2021 23:18:43 GMT 1
Laena listens carefully as he lists out the details, fingers silently tapping the air as she does. "You have business with them? Then presumably, the easiest way to find them would be for me to simply spread word to that effect, emphasising the coin available, along with a location to meet - few would turn down the opportunity for coin, and from your description, they are hardly affluent. Unless, of course, I am being denied critical, need-to-know information?" "What? No." He shook his head emphatically. "No, no, no. They're avoiding me. Letting the Reach know I'm looking for them will only push them further into hiding. I need to know where they are without them knowing I've found them." Balon tried to think of a way to express his thoughts without revealing anything. "They have something I want and a negotiation is needed but they're reluctant to give it up." Using a sword is technically aggressive negotiation.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jun 28, 2021 0:37:47 GMT 1
Laena raises an eyebrow. "So, they are *already* in hiding? That's the kind of 'critical, need-to-know information' I was talking about. Finding people in hiding requires different tools than people who you just don't know where they are." She strokes her chin. "However, you said they were hiding from *you*, meaning they'd only be taking precautions against the kind of scrutiny a knight could typically bring to bear, so they shouldn't be hiding as deeply as if Lords Oakheart or Peake were after them." She raises an eyebrow at him again. "Right?"
She thinks further. "They have something you want, but you're not even suggesting I try and steal it. Likely meaning it is something that cannot be stolen. Such as information you want. So, do you actually need all three? Or if I find one, is that enough for you to, ah, 'negotiate' the information you need out of him?"
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