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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 21, 2022 20:55:08 GMT 1
[This thread begins at a minor tourney between the Appleton Feast and the Four Weddings event, after my meeting with Bloodraven. After a brief scene, it will jump forwards in time. Keeping it in one thread, as this narrative is fragmented enough as it is.] I wish to discuss a matter of some import with you.
Sooner would be better.
My demense.
Lady Laena PyreSuch was the message she'd sent Ser Robyn. Claiming her tent as her domain could be seen as a joke, or entirely serious. Still, it conveyed the message while being amibiguous enough to give her grounds to critique the young knight depending on how he reacted, if she so chose. She'd decided to speak to him before the joust - he may be keeping maesters company afterwards, however unlikely, and she did not wish to miss this opportunity. She'd set her tent up similarly to how they'd first met. She still wished to seem imposing, but at the same time, somewhat familiar. There was comfort in familiarity. The impact would be less second time around, but he still should not forget who he was addressing. Now, all she had to do was wait. She sips her wine, and turns a page of her book. This one a scholarly work on the Field of Fire and its consequences within Reach politics. |
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 21, 2022 22:14:51 GMT 1
"A matter of some import," Robyn let out a scoff, shaking his head in disbelief; her ambiguity never ceased. He was in the middle of brushing his horse when the letter arrived, only skimming it initially, his mind focused on the challenge ahead. That was until he got to who it was from. Giving a soothing pat to his steed, he sighed, "If I don't come back, win the tourney for me, hm?" The horse let loose a snort, removing a fly that was tickling its nostril, causing a smile to spread across Robyn's face, "Don't say that; you can do it all by yourself."
Shortly after receiving the message his cousin had sent, Robyn arrived at her tent. He was only half dressed, his jerkin left open, and he carried the scabbard of his longsword in his hand. Upon entering, his brow furrowed as he scanned the area for danger, but they slowly relaxed as he realized this wasnt a trap.
At least, he hoped it wasnt.
"Lady Laena," He gave a subtle head bow as he entered further, not as nervous as he was when she pulled this tactic before, "I hope I am not late,"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 21, 2022 23:05:12 GMT 1
Laena raises a pointed eyebrow at his open jerkin. "Not at all. I should perhaps have clarified that the matter was not *so* urgent that you could not get properly dressed first. Rest assured that were that not the case, the letter would read more similarly to 'HELP!' in capital letters, with an exclamation mark. With, of course, 'Yours sincerely, Lady Laena Pyre' afterwards." Presumably a joke, though her tone doesn't betray the fact. "I do hope I didn't interrupt any ... ah, manly activities. I thought those were mostly saved until after victory, which is why I wished to speak with you beforehand - ideally enough beforehand that you can process what I have to say fully and it doesn't affect your performance."
She gestures towards a chair. "Anyway, I'm being a poor host. Please, have a seat, pour yourself a drink if you want. I got you fruit juice, since I thought you would want to avoid alcohol before a joust. I promise, the poison is in neither the mug, nor the juice." Perhaps not as reassuring as she intended. Perhaps it was.
"Anyway, you were so kind as to rush to me so swiftly, so I should repay that by not wasting any time. You no doubt have preparations to make.
"You remember the group we discussed when we first met? The killers of House Blackbar? I have not been idle during the inbetweenwhile. I have investigated, uncovered their identity to my satisfaction - though not to a court's, devised a plan to destroy them, and called in favours to see it done." Her tone is one as if these were minor inconveniences, which *of course* she accomplished, why wouldn't she? "I trust that I am correct that you would be ... let us say 'somewhat put out' were you to be left out of the affair?"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 22, 2022 16:12:36 GMT 1
Looking down at himself, he shrugged, "I favored promptness over propriety; though, if I had received a letter such as that, I would have favored protection first," Robyn couldn't help but smile, joke or not, she was funny, "That would be a trap for certain. I doubt in your hour of need you would call for help, let alone from me, or include 'sincerely', as your sincerity is never in doubt,"
Taking a seat, he left the clothing fall as it willed, not concerned with how much of his torso was exposed. Placing his scabbard on the side of his leg, he reached for a glass and the juice, raising the cup to her before pouring, "I was brushing my horse," the phrase was accompanied by a cheeky grin. While it wasnt meant as a euphemism, it could be interpreted as a very poor attempt at one, "So you only interrupted squirely, not manly, activities."
Redwolf went silent as she got to business, taking a large swig as his eyes listened as much as his ears did. His eyebrow raised slightly as she revealed the nature of the meeting, but his face remained otherwise neutral. Inhaling on her question, he tilted his head from side to side, "Well, I am thankful that you put effort and favors into an affair that was not yours to be concerned with. All that I was able to gather is probably a drop in the bucket compared to that which you have, so thank you. Before I answer, I would like to know what the plan entails: I would hate to give you a false sense of eagerness, especially since you worked so hard,"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 22, 2022 18:30:25 GMT 1
Laena gives a small nod and smaller smile at his responses, noting his composure.
"The plan is simple, as the best plans often are: lure out the killers with some juicy bait - a target they will definitely want to kill - at a time and place of our choosing, with an armed force shadowing the bait. The bait and supporting forces instead kill the ambushers, save their leader - who I believe will be the champion of the Lord behind the attacks. It's very important he survive. For he is then dragged to court for judgement - along with whatever evidence is portable, and it is made clear to him that the only way to save his neck, and be sent to the wall instead, would be for him to testify against his lord.
"The beauty of it is that the lord is unlikely to receive public support from others under the circumstances, and the man accusing him is his own champion. Meaning there will be no escape from justice through a trial by combat. Even if the champion is too wounded to fight for himself, the lord's alternatives should be weak enough to be easily dealt with." She gives a vicious smile. "Simple. Legal. Moral. The rot will be removed at the root, hopefully serving as a clear lesson for any others who might view women and children as acceptable targets."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 22, 2022 19:50:17 GMT 1
Drinking another gulp, he swirled the juice round his mouth before swallowing, allowing the flavor and plan to settle on his tastebuds. Robyn didn't speak for a few seconds, letting her words hang in the air as he considered, before he broke the silence with a single click of his tongue, "It certainly is simple. I have no doubt that the beasts who slaughtered the Blackbars would fall for such a ruse, and I wager that their loyalty to their lord is worth less than their life and limb, but I have a few... clarifying questions,"
"This 'armed force' you speak of: I do not think you would accidentally hire the same vagabonds that attacked the Blackbars, but do you trust they capable enough to kill those who did? How large is the force? Will they be clad in armor, on horseback? How far behind the bait will they be travelling?" After his last question, his brow furrowed as he leaned forward, "Speaking of the 'juicy bait', am I to assume that that role is mine to portray?"
Tilting his head to the right, he didnt give her a moment to answer, rage that he was keeping in check slipping through as he spoke "Act as if you are immortal, and you will be proven otherwise all too soon. Sound familiar? It should. You were the one telling me that I should be more careful, and the next time we speak I am the sitting duck in your plot??!" Stammering slightly, he reigned in his emotion before continuing, "How obscenely hypocritical. I know my death is the last thing you wish for, or I hope it is, but purposefully putting a target on my back doesn't seem like you want me to make it to marriage,"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 22, 2022 20:53:08 GMT 1
Laena is listening carefully to his questions, preparing answers, when he suddenly explodes with rage. At her! As he does, her face ices over, the amiable host disappearing by degrees, until the heat of his rage is matched by the cold of her gaze. When he finishes speaking, she simply stares at him. For a good few breaths. "Are you finished?" She finally asks. [Note the following is non-binding, as this isn't a mechanical Intrigue, but this is Laena pulling a 'watch who you're speaking so disrespectfully to', and this seemed the best roll to represent that, to guide how effective it was. Pretty terrible roll, actually, but hopefully good enough to remind Robyn of his manners.] AtG - Status (Breeding) vs Will(Dedication) +1D from Courteous: 9d6k6 22 |
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 22, 2022 21:23:29 GMT 1
Meeting her gaze, he holds it through the silence, shoulders rising and falling with each breath. When Laena asked, he didn't back down from her eyes, but his demeanor slowly shifted back to neutral. Whatever rage that had peeked through faded back, realizing that she would always have the upper hand if he exposed his emotions as he did.
Despite everything that he was, Robyn doubted Laena would ever view him as anything more than a child.
Robyn didnt apologize for what he said, he meant every word, and as he gathered himself once more with a sip he asked, "Have you told mother, then?"
[It will certainly stay his tongue! I debated rolling a Courage roll, though, I think your Breeding roll speaks for itself]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 22, 2022 22:05:40 GMT 1
Laena accepts his more respectful tone - he's a proud young man. It would do poorly to push him too far. "No. I did not wish to put you in a position where you would have to go against her command if you wished to join.
"For let me be clear: this is a *choice*. I am not forcing you to join. The plan will work without you. Will it work *better* with you? Yes. But you are by no means essential. My brother's troops recently trained in Starkwood lands will complete the task without your martial might, though likely with more casualties, and, while you already have a target on your back, there are other potential pieces of bait I could use. There is little a brave mother wouldn't do to protect her children, for instance. That's actually a preferable choice from my end, for it means I will not be the recipient of her wrath when she learns what I have done. But I am willing to bear your mother's wrath, and take the consequences it entails, for you. Because I believe you deserve this chance.
"It is as I said: I am *offering* you the chance to be a part of taking down the group of butchers who took so much from you." She shrugs. "But if you don't want to, that's fine. No-one outside this tent will learn of this conversation, or your choice."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 22, 2022 23:20:49 GMT 1
"No, now that you have told me, using my mother is out of the question. Despite her potential willingness, I have seen what the bastards do to dornish mothers," Robyn couldnt contain his anger, and he broke eye contact to not be misunderstood in who that rage was directed towards. Visions of Lady Blackbar's final moments flashed in his mind, and he closed his eyes tight to push out the image of his own mother left to the same fate. "I would rather face my mother's wrath every day for a decade than run the risk of that occurring."
Opening his eyes, he finished his drink and set the cup down, leaning back in the chair as he sighed out the tension and spoke plainly, "You weren't there, during the attack, and the only recounting of the tale is the one I gave you, which has only slipped further from my memory since The Riverlands. While this plan works in theory, I fear two possibilities. First, I ride alone, and before I can call for aid I am a pincushion of over 4 dozen crossbow bolts. But, even if I survive the volley, who is to say they will come face me honorably, and not release another? Second, what if they acquire more men to their cause? What if there are over a hundred bastards waiting for us? I made a powerful enemy at the Appleton Feast, whose to say he wont throw in with their lot?"
His head shook back and forth, "By your brother, do you mean Bloodraven?" Assuming she was, he continued, "While I do not doubt the skill of his men or the training they received, I am not sure if I am in his good graces at the moment. What I did during the peace talks at Harrenhal might have soured that relationship in his red eyes, though I do not regret my actions and wouldn't undo a thing. If you trust that he will be true to his word and supply enough men, then I will too, but despite my anger before I meant what I said,"
Looking back into her eyes, Robyn's gaze was imploring, "Valar Morghulis. This plan appears to be begging for death rather than accepting it as a fact. If I do die, what will you do?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jan 23, 2022 1:02:03 GMT 1
"If you do die, your mother will send me to your side to apologise. You may think I am joking, but I assure you I am not. Were I responsible for the death of a *second* child of hers so relatively soon after the first... she would, without a doubt, kill me." She says that while looking down thoughtfully. "And while I would not just lay down and die, mother-to-mother, I would understand.
"However, I obviously do not believe that to be likely. I know enough of the attack to be sure of this: these are not warriors who truly believe in the justness of their cause - a necessary evil for a greater good. Men like that would have given the ladies a swift, merciful death. No, these are bullies and sadists. I am quite literally betting both our lives on that. If you had enough men to be seen as a threat, they likely would take you down with arrows to avoid a threat to themselves. But just you and Ser Davos? They won't see you as a threat. If they were to kill you with arrows, it wouldn't be fun!" Her voice is scornful on that last word. "They want to see you suffer. To see you beg for mercy, just so they can deny it. The very last thing the attack will be is 'quick'.
"I am also confident in the numbers. Simply put, all the killers are limited to a single house. This means that other houses can provide them subtle support, but deny any connection, and thus any harm to their cause, should they be found out. A good portion of the revolutionary movement is consisted of noble knights, paragons of chivalry. Were there evidence of wide-scale complicity in the rape and torture of noble ladies, it could cause their entire movement to collapse. So, the killers will remain limited to that house, and within that, only the men they can trust to remain tight-lipped afterwards. Yes, there is a *chance* others will *independently* try and kill you, but far more likely is that they'd leave it to the Gardener Killers - better that the risk be theirs, if the result is the same. The particular foe you made at the Appleton feast is near-definitely aware of this group, and would near-certainly use them rather than risk his own reputation. And even if they did decide to do it themselves, it's unlikely they'd send a significant force, if they'd be expecting a scant few men. More men is more mouths that might speak about it afterwards. Likely just a few mercenary sellswords. Kill them, too." She shrugs.
"And finally, with regards to Bloodraven, yes, I trust him... In this, at least. He may not like you, but this is a group of killers taking down largely crown-loyalists. He likes them far less. And... he understands and appreciates my abilities. He likes my ire being placed where it currently is. He will not betray me in this."
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 29, 2022 16:19:57 GMT 1
Nodding at all her words, Robyn was silent as he listened. While there were minor changes in his expression when she described the nature of the men that they were dealing with, it remained placid and thoughtful the remainder of the time. Inhaling deeply through his nose, he sighed.
It was risky, to be sure, but as she said he already had a target on his back. This was the only way to lure them out on their terms, and had the best chance for success in securing justice for Lady Falyse's family... He gave it even odds of success: the taking of Warrior's Seat had worse odds.
"Well... I guess the only question I have now is when?"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jan 29, 2022 22:43:08 GMT 1
(smash cut to a quiet road, some time in the future)
"Soon." Davos said to Robyn, carefully keeping his voice calm and casual. The wind in the trees and the sounds of their horses would mask their words, but best not to risk spooking their prey.
Davos was certainly no maester or master schemer, but he did understand warfare. He had spent a good deal of time poring over maps, talking with the leader of the Raven's Teeth, Robyn, and Laena. Each knew their parts, but few knew it all. Especially not Laena. Not that he didn't trust her. Well, he didn't distrust her at least, or else this plan would have never come anywhere near this far. No, it was simply that she couldn't let slip more information than she knows.
"Remember we need their leader alive - better to let him escape and track him down than kill him here."
Of course, there was a plan for that, too. There would be no path home for Marq Warren today.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 31, 2022 19:22:38 GMT 1
Riding alongside Davos, Robyn groaned in frustration. The anticipation for the mission was nearly overwhelming, and while he had learned patience while in the Riverlands, he had been dreaming of a day like this since he had initially been knighted.
"Right, not dead, got it," he looked to the tree line, hoping that there would be something in there that would hold his attention for long enough that maybe they would be ambushed already. His mind started to wander, though, to all the things Robyn could do to Marq Warren that wasnt killing *exactly*, but would certainly be something he deserved...
"Maiming isnt dead, right?"
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Post by Davos Dayne on Feb 1, 2022 4:14:27 GMT 1
"You know what I mean. Use your head a little. He has to believe there is better life waiting for him if he cooperates than if he keeps his silence. Break his will to live and you destroy our best chance, maybe only chance of getting to the dog's master."
He paused, listening to the wind and the trees, listening for the slightest sound out of place - the clink of metal rings, the creak of leather straps, anything.
"You don't want to deny Lady Falyse the justice she seeks, do you?"
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