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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 18, 2022 17:50:11 GMT 1
The mood at the Redwyne Ball was festive, at least for Ser Daeron who not only had enjoyed several glasses of excellent wine, but also managed to cut a striking figure and make a good impression on many of the guests, including the vivacious Lady Mariya Mullendore. It also seemed that his tirade against Lord Merryweather had been surprisingly well-received (at least he thought so) and had effectively turned the crowd against his dire enemy. Nothing could spoil his grand mood, or so he thought. Having just grabbed a fresh glass of Arbor Red he was about to seek out Lady Mariya for another round of charming banter in the hope that it could lead to more "banter" when he bumped into some lace-wearing dandy causing wine to splatter across his new boots. Were he at one of the rowdier winesinks in Oldtown he would have likely blamed the man for the bump, shoved him across the room, and shared some vulgar opinions about his mother, but amongst the highest of society in the Reach he had to modify his behavior accordingly.
"Many pardons Ser, I did not see you there." He apologizes through gritted teeth before noticing the black fox sewn into the man's lapel and the outrageous amount of wealth on display.
"Ser Thaddeus Levalle," he says, holding the traditional spit after the word "Levalle", "what brings the Heir to the Tear to the Arbor?"
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on May 19, 2022 2:25:05 GMT 1
The night had been long yet very pleasant thus far for Thaddeus, so he was not overly troubled when a passerby made contact and the force jostled his half-empty wineglass. He rolled with the motion enough to preserve his remains of his drink before turning slightly to view the newcomer. His ears took in the man's words as he turned while his eyes first noted the mans attire- full of black, green... and biceps on display. Moving his vision to the man's face, silver gold hair and violet eyes stared back at him from a knight deservedly well known at Reach tourneys. His smile expands back to a charming grin as he returns the knights greeting.
"Ahh Ser Daeron, how nice of us to bump into each other so it seems. Surely through no fault of such graceful nobles as ourselves but merely a byproduct of the flowing wine and splendid festivities."
He raises his glass slightly with one hand and holds the other out to the room. "Good company, great wine and a quick sea trip were the primary draws for myself...and thus far I feel well satisfied on all counts. I do hope you've found the evening enjoyable as well Ser?"
He mentally walked through what he knew of the knight. Great Bastard, House Starling, Fierce and aggressive fighter and rumored to be temperamental...a man better met with wine and words than across a tourney field.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 21, 2022 23:51:00 GMT 1
Capricious as a dragon, Daeron would either hold a grudge against Thaddeus forever or quickly move on from (what he considered) a minor slight. Thankfully for both parties this time would be the latter as he found Ser Thaddeus' million-stag-smile much more convincing than that of his Spongeholder father. Besides, even though Ser Thaddeus himself was a soft man he commanded The Mauler whom Ser Daeron was in no hurry to face down.
Allowing his face to split into the smallest of smiles he responds,
"Much the same, though I did not know you were a lover of the sea. Growing up on Driftmark I was once as comfortable on the water as I was on land and though my years at Kingsbridge has done much to improve many of my skills, I fear that I have allowed my seamanship to grow rusty."
He drains what was left in his glass, perhaps not wanting to risk a second spill.
"To be honest though, I also appreciate that our hosts do a better job than most at keeping the worst of guests off The Arbor." Ser Thaddeus having heard Ser Daeron's polemic against on Lord Merryweather at dinner could have zero illusions about who he was referring to. Whether he was making an oblique attack against House Levalle though was open to interpretation.
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on May 23, 2022 20:27:54 GMT 1
"Ah well perhaps not a love of the sea, but at least a fondness I'd say. Earned honestly on well remembered trips to the Free cities, Summer Isles or whatever Westerosi port we found ourselves docked at."The smile does not waver at Ser Daeron's words but the eyes perhaps could be seen to shift slightly for a moment. Not in any surprise or anger but maybe in consideration...or mayhap it was just a reflex from the final touch of a far away mild sea breeze. A light chuckle emits from his mouth before he raises his glass again in a semi-toast. His pitched his voice down before he continued. "I had my first sip of Arbor Red while squiring for Lord Florent as a lad and daresay I'd be depressed if I were to find tonight was my last sip. I learned many things over the years as Lord Reynald Florent's squire, then a few more from my father after I returned to Tear. A quick drink and a shrug before he continues. "I hope it would not shock you to find I even learned a few things on my own outside of their watchful eyes. So for my part, if local Weather kept those less Merry from our midst and as such left the night perhaps more peaceful, pleasant and profitable...you will get no disappointment from me Ser.""Beware though, I fear weather nor tide has kept all those away who might hawk suspect wares in Arbor Markets. Why the other day, I spied a travelling merchant's wife trying to sell a pair of flowery sandals for the same amount of coin as a fine handcrafted pair of noble boots from the reputed craftsman down the street no less. Some even seemed interested, drawn by the darker shade of the sandal it seems. Yet for myself...I'd put my coin or trust behind a fine noble boot-no matter the color. I see you as a man who might trust in a good noble boot Ser or do I guess wrong?"Thaddeus looked on curiously at the knight. Would he follow the indirect tide of his words...if so would he confirm support of a brother in arms or distance himself to stand in the darker yet likely safer corner of the room. Either way it would tell him something more of the man. 
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 26, 2022 20:55:57 GMT 1
To his credit, Daeron managed to follow the first part of Ser Thaddeus' euphemisms and gave a wry grin to know that even among the Spongholder's family, Lord Piggy was held in low regard. But when he started going on about boots and sandals, Daeron found himself feeling a little lost. He knew that Ser Thaddeus was speaking about something political and didn't want to seem the provincial rube so he attempted to respond in a confident manner and hoped that he wasn't saying the wrong thing.
"I'm a practical man myself, so I suppose that I've always preferred a sturdy pair of boots. As I learned up north one needs a reliable pair if one wishes to keep his feet dry."
He hoped that he hadn't accidentally bound himself to the Spongeholder's service or declared war on one of his friends with his confident response.
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on May 30, 2022 23:57:03 GMT 1
Thaddeus watches Ser Daeron closely before breaking out into a good natured if exaggerated nod of agreement.
"Of Course! Just as I expected from such a skilled warrior and a Companion no less, a good boot is worth ten times any sandal. I'm almost certain there are others at Kingsbridge who would echo the sentiment."
A slight pause before continuing forward, a shift in the conversation.
"You know as we are talking it dawns on me we have a shared kinship it seems. A brother to you, a cousin-2nd I believe...to yours truly. And now also a Knight of Kingsbridge via marriage. Surely that makes us..." a short pause, a big laugh and even bigger smile before finishing... "not remotely related at all but surely a basis for future friendship perhaps! Consider this an open invitation to visit Tear Ser. Why we could drink, spar, feast and roam port or town for distractions aplenty."
The fox looks on with large eyes and a smile, by all accounts genuinely interested in the esteemed knight's response both verbal and otherwise. It was tiresome making friends with his surname, truly it was. But fair words and coin worked sometimes, and politics aside...Thaddeus was always on the look out for a new one to add to his list.
(Based on the cast of thousands and Setting Information, Ser Aemon Flowers is a natural nephew of Lord Florent and Lady Levalle is listed as a cousin to Lord Florent, so assuming a cousin to Ser Aemon's mother also. He could have the degree of cousin wrong perhaps but close enough I believe for the purposes of his conversation.)
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 1, 2022 3:41:09 GMT 1
Daeron briefly considered telling the Spongeholder's son where he could stick his invitation and that he would never be caught dead in that hive of scum and villainy. So he was quite surprised when the words that spilled from his mouth were not the ones in his head.
"A trip to visit a half-brother's distant relation? That sounds like it could be a productive jaunt.
I have plans to visit Oldtown for a tourney later this year so a short trip to the Tear beforehand would be a good way to unwind in advance of the tourney. I suspect that House Hightower will do what they can to make sure that I have an early and painful exit from the tourney, so a lighter fare would be appreciated."
He thought back to his earlier visit to Highever to visit Ser Parmen and how enjoyable that had been and Ser Parmen *was* a member of House Levalle, so they all couldn't be too bad. He also considered judging Ser Thaddeus as his own man rather than that of his father, after all Daeron would have hated to be judged based on his own father's shortcomings. Aegon the Unworthy was probably the only man in the Seven Kingdoms who was more reviled than the Spongeholder.
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on Jun 2, 2022 17:54:48 GMT 1
Thaddeus lifts his wine goblet in the air in a manner of recognition towards the knight before draining the remaining drops of wine present within it. He seems well pleased with the response.
"Splendid! I will endeavor to ensure House Levalle is prepared to host a knight of your stature. Though it does seem we are both needing refills Ser, I suggest we remedy that misfortune."
He takes a step forward and waves a hand for Ser Daeron to lead the way towards a full serving tray of goblets or a nearby wine tasting booth. As Daeron moves forward, he will step next to him and drop his voice an octave.
"If you have words of a more urgent or selective nature, I will be taking a respite at the Captain's Call near the docks tomorrow. Else I hope to see you at Tear in the future Ser."
Thaddeus would walk along with Daeron until they receive their next goblet of wine and then take the knight's cue if their conversation should continue or drift towards other opportunities.
(Will follow Daeron's lead here, I think this was about setting up possibilities but if there is any current thoughts-stopping by would probably lead to an intrigue option for either Charm or Bargain probably...depending on if I come up with anything for bargain. From what I can tell Daeron/Thaddeus would be pretty fairly close in intrigue so it should be interesting and at the mercy of the dice).
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 5, 2022 3:50:08 GMT 1
Daeron didn't trust this Levalle; he didn't trust any of them, but sometimes to fight a devil one needed to befriend a demon. The Levalles weren't known for their generosity and open-handedness, but he could trust them to follow their own self-interest he just needed to figure out what he could offer.
"The Captain's Call? It's been a while since I've ventured there, perhaps it's time to visit again."
He accepted the wine glass from Ser Thaddeus' hand before nonchalantly drifting back into the crowd.
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on Jun 5, 2022 14:56:10 GMT 1
Thaddeus sat with Ser Robyn and an aging guardsman at a larger table near the back of the crowded common room. There was noticeably more distance between it and the rest of the tables in the room, somehow seeming both part of the crowd and yet apart from it at the same time. The Captain's Call was not a noble establishment per say though it hosted some from time to time. Rather true to its name, a place intended for well to do ship captains, their officers or successful merchants to gather for equal parts business and leisure.
He wore a green and gold ensemble befitting a reachman with the only nod towards his house being a small onyx fox's head that served to as the clasp for his golden cloak. The best wine available sat on the table in front of the nobleman, while his companions seem to have chosen tankards of ale instead. He conversed primarily with the aging guardsman while Ser Robyn occasionally grunted in agreement rarely adding much more than an additional word or two.
He didn't expect to see a crowd of other nobles here. Many may have already departed while others likely would choose other establishments of higher repute.
I wonder if Ser Daeron will stop by and if running into him was happenstance or something more targeted. If it was more than happenstance, the subject seemed a fair guess given Ser Daeron's words at the previous gathering...but the specifics he could not be certain of. Either way he would listen, review the ledger and see if the reward outweighed the risk...admittedly however the risks directly poking those at Longtable did seem to be rather high.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 5, 2022 16:28:56 GMT 1
Daeron didn't come to the Arbor with expectations of cloak and dagger, but when he accidentally bumped into that Levalle, he did exactly what he imagined his sister would have done and created an opportunity for himself. He considered attending in a completely black cloak with the hood up, but that would only draw more attention than conceal it, so he opted for his salt-crusted travel clothes, though Sers Thaddeus and Robyn definitely noticed the slight curve of a breastplate underneath his cloak. It's masterful craftsmanship made it easy for other patrons to miss, but in close quarters it was apparent enough to the trained eye.
Although the Arbor was known for its wine, it produced some excellent ale as well, which Daeron was happy to enjoy a flagon of while forcing his way through the obligatory small-talk; potential marriage prospects, upcoming tourneys, the quality of yesterday's wine, and the like to make it seem like they could be friends as well as business partners before finally leaning in to get to what he *really* wanted.
"Ser, as you are aware, a certain boarish lord has been an exceptional thorn in the side of my family's house. Now we are mighty when it comes to our sword arms, but weak when it comes to our underhands and it has become painfully obvious that we need some friends in that regard. What I'm looking for is a fox in the hog pen who can help us eliminate this problem.
I'm not expecting friendship for free, there is much that Kingsbridge can do for the Tear, even more if facilitated through our mutual friends at Brightwater Keep."
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on Jun 6, 2022 14:07:06 GMT 1
Thaddeus turns to his companions, and offers a few coins to the aging guardsman. "Benfred, why don't you and Ser Robyn see if there's anything special you may enjoy at the bar." As the two men leave, he taps on the table lightly while he thinks for a moment. For the first time since meeting Ser Daeron, his ever-present smile disappears. In its place is a more thoughtful, serious expression likely often seen by few outside the walls of Tear.
"Ser, certainly I sympathize with the situation and there are those I also would do my best to keep from the savagery of a wild boar. Nor do I doubt the value of Ser's friendship or that of some at Kingsbridge, though I doubt your Lord would be one open to such. For my part, my friendship comes at no cost- I offer it freely to you. Though at times friendship can take some effort to maintain, I find small favors between friends easy to work out...Larger ones are of course more complicated particularly as others might need to be involved say at Kingsbridge, Brightwater, Tear or elsewhere."
"Though I do fear a fox set alone against a wild boar may find itself at a deadly disadvantage, I could perhaps endeavor to dig into various possibilities...for a friend. But I could promise consideration only today with more conversation likely required in the future if anything were to move forward.
As we are both aware, I am not as accomplished a man of sword or spurs as you Ser...However I am at times very generous to certain people and in kind, they sometimes bring certain things to my attention. Perhaps there are others of interest or difficulty outside of the main dish discussed that I could more personally assist with?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 7, 2022 3:34:23 GMT 1
"Boars are destructive animals and will ravage whatever they can get their tusks into. Some might think that they can befriend them but boars will eventually destroy them as well. As I've learned in my experience hunting boars lining up a single, powerful thrust is the best way to slay them. All we need is some help lining up the thrust.
As for negotiations, my lord uncle might not be the best one to represent our interests, but perhaps my brother or cousin could speak with greater authority?"
He pulls a dagger from his belt to pick at underneath his fingers. Not nobleman behavior by any means, but it fit right in at The Captain's Call.
"From a friend.. all I can ask for right now is consideration. What I'm looking for is no small task, but it's one that would make the Reach safer for all of us, and it might help to elevate your House's reputation.
If you're looking for something smaller, there is a second. Not quite as powerful as a boar, but no less dangerous when drinking especially for young noblewomen and unlucky squires. He's escaped justice up north, but I believe in second chances... at vengeance that is."
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Post by Thaddeus Levalle on Jun 7, 2022 13:41:15 GMT 1
Thaddeus listened to the implied threat neutrally, he was well aware that trust had to be earned but that cut both ways to be fair.
"Indeed I have heard of your past success in hunting boar, I am certain this hunt will eventually end similarly."
"Either of your Kingsbridge kin would be welcome in any future discussion, somewhere on our mutual friend's lands might suit. We would all have cause to be seen coming or going from such. As a friend, I will explore how myself or my House might best aid in this larger matter before we next meet."
His smile finally returns as he continues on to the next opportunity.
"Ah yes I do know the prey you speak of, powerful when challenged directly but not known to be near as crafty as the Boar. I may well have contacts that could assist in such a matter, perhaps an excellent opportunity to build faith and trust in new friends."
He refills his wineglass before raising it to propose a toast. " To new friends Ser and the thrill of the hunt. May our eyes and wits be as sharp as your spear in the days to come."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 12, 2022 23:14:00 GMT 1
He raises his cup to return the toast,
"Any may my spear be as sharp as your wits."
What the Levalle heir got out of hurting Ser Simon, he wasn't sure yet. Maybe he had a soft spot for victims of the world or didn't love the precedent of noblewomen being raped without consequence? Maybe Ser Thaddeus thought he was an ass who deserved to be put in his place? Maybe it removed a potentially rival suitor from getting in the way of a preferred noblewoman? Whatever the fox's reasons, Daeron was happy to have his aid, but wary of what it might cost.
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