|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 24, 2023 18:43:58 GMT 1
[Chronologically, this happens shortly after our meetings with Eustace, but before the trial by combat.] "Brother," Laena greets Daeron with an easy smile, and a brief, casual, chaste hug and a quick peck on his cheek. "You're looking well. Congratulations on achieving the most important part of a war: living to the end of it!" Not the bravest of sentiments, perhaps, but she is a woman, after all. "You even gained a good degree of glory for yourself, what with Mudgrave and all. Though I think my favourite tale is the one of the night attack on your camp by the arsonists. To hear the tale as it is now, attacked in your sleep, you screamed a yell which made your foes freeze in terror and piss themselves, strode out of your tent clad in naught but the flames impotently licking at your skin, slew the three assailants with as many blows, ... and only then actually deigned to wake up, and set about dousing the flames." Her grin clearly indicates she's well aware the tale is mostly lies and exaggeration, but there are definitely hints of admiration and fear under the amusement. Her smile fades, and she asks seriously. "How are you?" |
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 25, 2023 3:37:34 GMT 1
He gives a gormless grin. His sister certainly knew how to flatter and like most young knights he eagerly took it in.
"Some aspects of the truth have been improved upon, but that's mostly accurate. Unfortunately for that blackguard he didn't realize that dragons don't fear flames like the rest of us, though I suspect that the mind behind the attempt wasn't looking to help the Blackwoods as much as he was attempting to hurt House Starling."
He offers the single chair in his quarters and to pour ale while he took a seat on a stump that doubled as a chair and table. Not quite the welcome that the Vulture would have offered, but given that he owed the Roughneck, and by extension his brother, a significant sum of gold he had to limit his luxuries.
"All things considered, I'm quite well. Better than a lot of knights that fought at Battle Valley, I'll get to go home with my limbs intact even if my pride and skull are wounded.
How about you sister? I'm surprised that you traveled all this way to observe the peace conference."
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 26, 2023 1:42:03 GMT 1
Gracefully accepting both the seat and the ale, Laena nods thoughtfully at his claim about the attack, but doesn't otherwise comment. "It is a long way, that is true. But it is also true that this is the first true martial skirmish between the two factions vying for the throne. And I am not one to just sit passively by while history is being written. And.." she twirls her ale between her fingers, and looks down in embarassment. "There were people involved whose bodily integrity I was concerned over." She sucks in a breath and looks back up. "So, between the choices of demurely wearing a track five feet deep from anxious pacing and actually watching history be made right in front of me ... well, it was not *so* great a distance, after all."
She raises an inquisitive eyebrow. "How do you see things, as someone firmly in the revolutionary camp, who put your life at risk to shift the balance? How do you feel about the end result?" Not a snide dig, she sounds genuinely curious.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 28, 2023 14:12:28 GMT 1
He looked sincerely touched that his sister had come all this way to see him, never once considering the dozen or so other Great Bastards, members of House Starkwood, or secret lovers who were all also fighting in the Riverlands.
To her question his brow was furrowed, clearly a question that he had thought about in his long recovery while captive at Raventree Hall.
"On one hand I'm proud of House Bracken and its compatriots for their honorable conduct in the war, you won't find a lot of scorched earth, rape, and pillage in Blackwood lands as a result of the war. This is especially in stark contrast to the actions of beasts like the Ironhand, Roughneck, and Simon Tarly who seemed to go out of their way to harm smallfolk and women.
But on the other hand, did any of it matter? The final outcomes have yet to be established, but it seems like there will be a few mills and hills that get traded and little more for the overall outcome. It's disturbing how many have died for such little gain, despite the intervention of some of the finest knights in the kingdom and the leadership of quality tactical minds. Perhaps if House Bracken had set aside chivalry and taken a more brutal approach as well we could have decisively won? It's a question that concerns me and I fear what others in my camp might consider as well when they see that the honorable approach didn't serve them well in the Riverlands.
It also has me convinced that if any true revolution is to be launched, we will need greater numbers than we have at the moment, but who wants to join the side that couldn't take Raventree Hall, let alone King's Landing?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 29, 2023 2:00:35 GMT 1
Laena nods agreement at his analysis, letting his presumption stand unchallenged. "As one of the aforementioned women, this is obviously a matter close to mine own heart. And I am glad to see you are as insightful as ever, Brother, for your fears are my fears, too. Changing the status quo is inherently riskier and harder than maintaining it. With the bloody stalemate here, I fear all too many, given the seeming choice between abandoning their ambitions and abandoning their morals, will choose the latter course. Not all knights are The Companions, after all. And not all will recognise the fine line between 'opportunism' - bending rules, or letting small evils pass for a greater good to be accomplished - and outright 'unscrupulousness' - where the rules are not even considered, and matters of 'good' and 'evil' are put aside in favour of simple 'expedience'.
"I have already seen that path consume one man in front of my very eyes. I would not wish for others to make the same mistake, only recognising the folly of their actions when the fires of the revolution have died down and they have to live on the land they have abused, and marry the ladies they have .. terrorised."
Laena snorts and makes a dismissive gesture. "My apologies - what hubris I show, discussing honour with one of The Companions. You, above all men, understand how to not let the inevitable minor evils to accomplish a greater good in turn permit greater and greater 'evils' for lesser and lesser 'goods' in their wake. Would that more did."
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 29, 2023 22:05:09 GMT 1
His face reddens and he guffaws,
"I do my best as a Companion to act in a manner that would please Lord Willem or Blackfyre, but I fear that such a life is only an aspiration for myself. Our father's blood runs too thick and too hot in my veins for me to be as effortlessly chivalrous as they are, but they both guiding stars in my life. However, this war in the Riverlands seems to only provide cloudy nights."
His face frowned for a moment as his metaphor began to escape him.
"What I'm trying to say is that even I have found what is right and what is not to be more difficult to discern with everything that has happened in the Riverlands and everything that will likely happen in what conflicts will almost inevitably follow. For example, if there were two evil men out there who both deserved the harshest justice available to them, but punishing one meant that another might go free how does one decide? Is it more just to see one of them go free if it means that the other gets what he deserves or is it a perversion of justice altogether to even consider such a bargain?"
His septa had clearly not prepared him to wrestle with such philosophical and moral quandaries.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 30, 2023 1:33:27 GMT 1
Given she already had a key piece of the puzzle in her possession, it was easy for Laena to see the picture Daeron was laying out. She gives him a friendly smile and briefly rests her free hand reassuringly on his shoulder. "That you would wrestle with this does you credit, brother, for all your claims otherwise. But in truth, you answer your own question: if there are two evil men, and punishing one means the other goes free, there is no moral component to the question. One is punished and one is freed, whatever you may do.
"Thus, the moral course of action in this case is to commit to the course that is most personally advantageous, and use what you gain to do whatever good you can. To not act would at best result in no good being done, and at worst, having a blackguard use the situation to his advantage, and do further evil with what he gains in your stead.
"Remember: when we are called for our final judgement, we are not only guilty of everything we did do, but also everything we sat back and let happen through our inaction."
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 7, 2023 20:57:40 GMT 1
He pondered for a minute and Laena could see the wheels turning in his head as he considered her words before relaxing a bit. It appeared that he had come to a satisfactory decision.
“Wise words as always sister. You have given me much to think about and settled much turmoil.”
He leans forward and cups his chin in his hand.
“So what are you expecting to do to preserve the bodily integrity of those you care about? I know you well enough to know that you have a plan.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on May 8, 2023 2:45:14 GMT 1
"Of course, Brother." She smiles at him. "Should you find yourself troubled by more such issues in the future, my door is always open to you."
Her smile turns coldly amused. "I am expecting to do 'whatever it takes' to preserve the bodily integrity of those I care about, as I ever am. But I am not blind to male pride. Only with my children will I unconditionally sweep in and protect them, no matter the circumstances. With, uh.." she clicks her fingers a moment as she tries to recall "that farmer- Ser Mikel! That's it. I keep forgetting his name. With him, for example - not saying I care about him, his circumstances are just a good example - he is in a bit of trouble, but it's for an act he deliberately chose to do, with predictable consequences. Either he *has* a plan to get out of the trouble, in which case I don't *need* to intervene; or he *doesn't* have a plan, in which case I *shouldn't* intervene, so that he learns to prepare better in the future. Were I to sweep in and help under such circumstances, I am either emasculating him, or teaching him bad habits. So I, as ever, need to be careful."
She turns slightly more awkward. "On the subject of people 'in a spot of bother' ... the situation with Lord Eldon. If you'd rather not say, I understand, but .. you described how he's reaching out. Do you have any hope? Any plans, beyond 'survive whatever he throws at you until he gets frustrated enough to make a mistake'?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 11, 2023 17:21:35 GMT 1
He watched with amazement as she extracted herself from feeling responsible for a member of House Starkwood. Daeron wasn't sure if he was impressed or concerned with her ability to pick her battles wisely, but either way it was something he'd have to remember in the future to do. As he was slowly, but surely, learning he couldn't fight every battle out there and at some point he too would need to be more strategic about his choices.
On the topic of Lord Eldon, he gave what was becoming a characteristic frown.
"We have not been as fortunate in that regard as I would have hoped. For a man with a legion of enemies and no sincere friends, his gold and grunts have gone a long way in deterring any real consequences and his *perceived* political neutrality prevents him from being anybody's primary concern.
Between his immense wealth and influence, and the underhanded, if not effective, skills of his blackguards I don't think we have any real chance of the Father's justice being dispensed. The Stranger might be a better patron for us to pray to in this venture, but such things are far outside the skills of House Starling and certainly outside of what Lord Starling himself would approve of, so for now we're forced to wait with one hand tied behind our backs while we fend off attacks and delay the probable."
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on May 13, 2023 19:14:48 GMT 1
Laena nods, seeing his analysis as reasonable enough. "Yes, and that *is* truly a moral dilemma with no good answer. 'Should you respect Lord Starling's deliberate choice to be a truly good and moral person, even if it will - as it seems it will - doom his house to destruction and his daughter to a fate where a swift death is likely the best possible outcome? Or should you betray the good and honourable man who took you in, inspired you and many others to be better versions of yourselves, and pay a price you cannot afford, likely to a man you cannot abide, in hopes of hastening the Stranger's steps towards your nemesis and seeing at least a chance of a modicum of the Father's justice in this realm?'" Laena gives a helpless shrug. "That one I cannot help you with, I'm afraid. You would be the one forced to pay the price, you would be the one forced to answer for your action or inaction when our Father finally calls you. The choice should be yours, and yours alone." She gives an apologetic smile. "To be clear, I know of no such person who would be willing and able to do such a thing - such a task falls rather outside my area of expertise, I'm afraid - but ... if I do come across such an opportunity, would you wish for me to bring it to your attention, or should I not tempt you with such a dark pact?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 18, 2023 16:33:50 GMT 1
He pondered for an awkwardly long time before nodding his head in agreement.
"I cannot value my sound sleep at night above the lives of others. Lord Merryweather is indisputably evil and has shown that he will take every afforded opportunity to harm others and should an opportunity arise, he must be stopped. The fact that his cancer has been allowed to spread is just another sign of the times and the weak and divided leadership that we suffer under here in the Seven Kingdoms and it must be cut out."
If there was doubt in his voice as he started it was replaced with unyielding iron certainty by the end.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on May 19, 2023 2:47:48 GMT 1
Laena gives an ambiguous smile. "I like this side of you. You give weighty, difficult matters due consideration, then firmly commit to an answer." She gives a gentle shrug. "I do not and cannot make a judgement as to if it's the *right* choice, but it is a definitive one, and I respect that. As such, for what it is worth, you can be sure I will keep an eye open for opportunities in the future, and let you know what I find out."
She takes another sip of her drink, and gives an amused smirk. "Speaking of, ah, 'hunting opportunities', out of idle curiosity - so feel free to decline answering if you so choose - which of the fine ladies of the realm are you seeking to give your . heart to?" Her eyes briefly flicker down notably lower than his heart is located, though she flushes and turns her head aside to seemingly casually assay his quarters immediately afterwards, sipping her ale again. Clearly she has a very low alcohol tolerance for ale alone to have her slipping so.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 21, 2023 21:57:46 GMT 1
Daeron gave a sheepish blush as he tried to pretend that his half-sister wasn't just looking him over. Normally the very concept would be repulsive, but they were both Targaryens after all and general rules of society didn't really apply to them..
With a soft cough he turns the attention back to their conversation.
"Well you know me, I'm interested in most any beautiful highborn woman, especially those who have lands attached to their names. That being said, I did find Lady Mariya Mullendore to be quite interesting at Lord Meadows' wedding and I imagine that there is much value that Lord Lothor and I could find in one another. Did you know that House Mullendore broke with the Hightowers and sided with House Velaryon during the Dance of Dragons?"
Of course Laena knew that, but it was a point of trivia that was only recently discovered by Daeron.
"Otherwise there are other highborn women who might prove to be good pairings as well, such as Ladies Joanna Peake or Alicent Florent, and I hear that Lady Nymella Smallwood will come of age soon and perhaps require a stronger ally in governing her birthright than her uncle.
What about you sister? Are you seeking to remarry or does respectable widowhood suit you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on May 22, 2023 3:41:43 GMT 1
Laena nods, seeing his question as being hypothetical. "There's a saying I've heard 'Once is coincidence, twice is conspiracy', or something like that. Given how much effort the Mullendore's have been through since then, and they are *still* disfavoured compared to the Cuys and Costaynes, I feel they will closely follow House Hightower's lead this time. Were they to break with their lord in two consecutive civil wars, likely trust would never be fully restored, probably resulting in a slow, inevitable decline into obsolescence over the subsequent decades."
When considering the others, she gives an enigmatic smile. "Big names, all. A dragon's appetite." She sounds approving, probably. She clearly hesitates slightly before saying. "If you have not already, I suggest you conjure a pretext to touch Lady Joanna - just an innocent, casual touch, but more unexpected than taking her hand in greeting - and see how she reacts." A quick smile. "Hopefully I'm just reading too much into things. I probably am. But on the off-chance I'm not, it would be best to know sooner."
She frowns slighly at that last name. "Smallwood... Smallwood.. ah!" Her face brightens as she finally places the name. "From the Riverlands? I remember the name, now!" Her face displays a complex emotion momentarily before being replaced by a carefully neutral smile as she remembers the lady's reputation. "I would say to be wary of that one. Not to discourage you, but it could be she is a smart one. While it could be simply House Smallwood has an uncommonly talented cook, overeating can also be caused by stress - such as one might feel, hypothetically speaking, should they feel their uncle intends their demise." She slightly wrinkles her face, and takes another sip of ale to wash the psychosomatic taste of vomit from her own mouth. "Or it could even be deliberate. With her weight cutting down the number of interested suitors, and her publicly-known childish obsession with our brother, it could be she's doing all she can for her uncle to feel she's still firmly under his control for as long as possible, fearing that when it looks like she may fall under the influence of another man is when she is most like to fall prey to bandits when travelling with her sister." She smiles bitterly, shrugs, and sighs. "Or it could be I'm a paranoid cynic, and she's just a silly girl with a good cook and poor impulse control."
She sits back, and gives him a challenging look. "The question you have to be able to answer for all those women is this: you are a handsome, brave, and talented knight. Good breeding stock. But there are quite a few other men who can say the same. What else do you bring? A war is coming in the next few years. Beyond one more sword on the battlefield, what benefit do you bring these big, important houses right now?" She waves a hand dismissively. "Don't worry if you don't have an answer right now. But I suggest you think on it. Find it. Develop it. You can be sure your many rivals for those ladies' hands are."
She lightly snorts at his question. "I would dearly love to get married again. The problem is ..." she waves her hands a bit as she tries to find a way to phrase things. "Ser Vernan was a good, dutiful man. That was what I wanted, that was what I got. But it turned out that isn't what I needed. My husband needs to have something *special* about them. Something to keep me interested in him. I don't even know what, just *something*. Being intelligent and ambitious, maybe; or owning land they don't have much interest in, so I could keep myself interested there instead. The issue obviously is that intelligent and amibitious men, and men with land have their eyes aimed a lot higher than a non-virgin lady above peak marriage age with an estranged relationship with her mother's house, and whose father's house would have to consult a maester's tome to be reminded she even exists." She gives a smile tinged in bitterness and looks away to try and hide the pain in her eyes. "So, 'respectable widowhood' it is, it seems." She concludes softly. "Until and unless I figure out a way to solve the seemingly unsolvable."
|
|
