|
|
Post by Father on Sept 1, 2024 20:14:14 GMT 1
A dinner invitation such as this seems hard to turn down, unsigned, yet rather obvious to those in the know, but rather few were in the know. Besides Laena, and whoever she might have told, the number of people who knew what had happened to Lady Helicent after her disappearance could likely be counted on a single hand. The locale, the townhouse of Myrish merchant, only adds to the secrecy. If, as her host likely anticipates, Laena does attend, she finds that the kitchen is producing a seven course feast for two of dishes prepared by Myrish cooks, though mostly just the spices and wines have been imported, but the cook assures them in broken Valyrian that the markets of Oldtown can provide fish, fruits, fowl, vegetables and meats almost as good as those of Myr. With just the right arrogance of one who dismisses anyone and anything not from Myr as little different from unwashed wildlings gorging on freshly killed mammoth cooked dry. The benefits of tourney winnings, he explains with a smile that smells of hedonism and decadence, but more likely the whole arrangement is meant to make her amenable to some sort of proposal. |
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 2, 2024 17:44:56 GMT 1
Naturally, Laena attended. More than a friend, Lord Marq was interesting, as seemingly so few were nowadays. He no doubt wanted something, but he at least knew how to ask.
If he will permit her, Laena will keep the conversation light and fun during the meal, so they may focus their attention on the food, giving it the appreciation it deserves, rather than being distracted by weighty topics.
[For the sake of expedience, writing this on the above assumption, I can delete this if Marq decides to jump in early.]
"Well, my dear man, that was a truly exceptional feast. My compliments to you and your chef. Thank you for the invitation. It's a grand way to start this .." she waves a hand airily "..situation?
"Speaking of, what are your plans?" And how do you wish for me to fit in them?
|
|
|
|
Post by Father on Sept 10, 2024 17:25:08 GMT 1
"I did wager a dragon with my best friend that I would make him regent, I do so hate to lose those bets" Marq doesn't seem a little too casual about that prospect to be believable, but surely he would desire that outcome. "Not much time for other schemes if I am to pull that off somehow. Ser Farman remains unpunished for the death of my mentor, while the same poison as he used may seem poetic, I wonder if taking away everything he loves and let him live is how to properly serve the memory of Lord Bryce"
"I have some other things on my mind, but your sister would kill me for spoiling the grand surprise of one, and I would have to kill you to safeguard the secret of the other, that would be...wasteful" That last remark is evidently playful, possibly deliberately provocative in how casually he considers the value of Laena's life.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 10, 2024 19:37:39 GMT 1
"I did wager a dragon with my best friend that I would make him regent, I do so hate to lose those bets" Marq doesn't seem a little too casual about that prospect to be believable, but surely he would desire that outcome. "Not much time for other schemes if I am to pull that off somehow. Ser Farman remains unpunished for the death of my mentor, while the same poison as he used may seem poetic, I wonder if taking away everything he loves and let him live is how to properly serve the memory of Lord Bryce" Fairly obvious, but she would throw playful barbs back, rather than simply take them. "And to wager an entire dragon? My, you must be confident. Particularly for someone who's not even really considered to be in the runnings yet. My, however will you manage that?" There's clearly a definite playful twinkle in her eyes, some card yet to be revealed, but she just as clearly wishes to see more of his hand first, if possible. "As for . Lord Farman" she hestiated briefly before giving him his title, having noted Marq's absence of such, but like him or not, deserved or not, the man *was* a lord. The foe you underestimate is a foe more likely to defeat you. "Not only would the same poison lead back to a very small list of suspects - and I seem to recall that Lord Farman was now rather cosy with Lord Eldon - but were he to die from drink, he's as likely to suspect his organs simply giving up on him as he is poison, at least in the few moments he has to consider it. No remorse, no regret. No suffering.
"I honestly have no idea how you could accomplish the feat of taking away all he loves, but if I can help, ask. I won't pretend I knew Bryce long enough to have a bond as strong as the one between the two of you, but we had a bond, and like you, I feel the weight of an unbalanced scale still.""I have some other things on my mind, but your sister would kill me for spoiling the grand surprise of one, and I would have to kill you to safeguard the secret of the other, that would be...wasteful" That last remark is evidently playful, possibly deliberately provocative in how casually he considers the value of Laena's life. Laena raises an eyebrow. "Can you at least tell me which sister it is I should be keeping an ear open for the actions of? My first suspicion is Lady Ysilla, but I would not insult Lady Daena by assuming her incapable of crafting a 'grand surprise'.
"As for the other..." she smirks, clearly unoffended. "Will I at least hear of it sometime, or will it remain forever teasing from the shadows? You can't tell me you wouldn't like an appreciative audience who could understand and appreciate the craft involved, even if it's only after the fact." |
|
|
|
Post by Father on Sept 11, 2024 19:19:47 GMT 1
"And to wager an entire dragon? My, you must be confident. Particularly for someone who's not even really considered to be in the runnings yet. My, however will you manage that?" There's clearly a definite playful twinkle in her eyes, some card yet to be revealed, but she just as clearly wishes to see more of his hand first, if possible. Marq replies casually, as if he himself finds the matter compelling in the same was as he can amuse himself for an entire eve in a complex game of tiles with their mutual half-sister, Lady Daena usually got the better of those engagements, or so Laena had heard. "For Lady Melara and Ser Reynald, that is likely true as it relates to the other one, but it changes nothing for those two if Lady Rhonda or Ser Abelar were to be given the nod, their games will play on. Perhaps also so on Lord Mullendore's watch, but that would be substantially harder.""If the realms can be made to believe the story that Lord Mullendore is the only stable and safe choice for all who cares not for how much the realms will burn to ensure the right color of dragon on the throne, my odds of adding another piece of gold to my prized collection would greatly improve. Good stories holds greater power than all the truths and lies of the world. Sabotaging the standing of those who would not quickly seek to proscribe the other would be what lords and ladies of low scruples might consider.""As for . Lord Farman" she hestiated briefly before giving him his title, having noted Marq's absence of such, but like him or not, deserved or not, the man *was* a lord. The foe you underestimate is a foe more likely to defeat you. "Not only would the same poison lead back to a very small list of suspects - and I seem to recall that Lord Farman was now rather cosy with Lord Eldon - but were he to die from drink, he's as likely to suspect his organs simply giving up on him as he is poison, at least in the few moments he has to consider it. No remorse, no regret. No suffering.
"I honestly have no idea how you could accomplish the feat of taking away all he loves, but if I can help, ask. I won't pretend I knew Bryce long enough to have a bond as strong as the one between the two of you, but we had a bond, and like you, I feel the weight of an unbalanced scale still." He lets the thought hang for a moment, Laena having every reason to suspect he already knows the answer to the question he follows up with. "But did she wed him out of free will? Did she readily give him control of the swords who swore their oaths to her?
And if we assume for a moment that neither is true, what if he and most of those swords were to be delayed in departing Oldtown, while other swords took the opportunity to travel to Laughing Stream to swear their allegiance to the dear lady? To what end would she use such newfound power?"
Laena raises an eyebrow. "Can you at least tell me which sister it is I should be keeping an ear open for the actions of? My first suspicion is Lady Ysilla, but I would not insult Lady Daena by assuming her incapable of crafting a 'grand surprise'.
"As for the other..." she smirks, clearly unoffended. "Will I at least hear of it sometime, or will it remain forever teasing from the shadows? You can't tell me you wouldn't like an appreciative audience who could understand and appreciate the craft involved, even if it's only after the fact."
"I would not worry about offending your sister, let us say that you wanted a little help with humiliating Lord Appleton, say, mostly because it would amuse you greatly because you can, not for any actual purpose that people zealously driven to accomplish an objective would wish to waste time on.
"If I then were to betray your plans and thus ruin at least some of the fun, you would likely be furious, yes?"
"If, however, some nosy palefaced brother of yours were to learn of your scheme independently, and possibly interfere as it suits his agenda, your feelings on the matter would likely not include rage?" |
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 11, 2024 23:20:53 GMT 1
"I suppose it would require the other contestants and their supporters invested into the idea that the others will be a threat to their status and influence should one of them win" Marq replies casually, as if he himself finds the matter compelling in the same was as he can amuse himself for an entire eve in a complex game of tiles with their mutual half-sister, Lady Daena usually got the better of those engagements, or so Laena had heard. "For Lady Melara and Ser Reynald, that is likely true as it relates to the other one, but it changes nothing for those two if Lady Rhonda or Ser Abelar were to be given the nod, their games will play on. Perhaps also so on Lord Mullendore's watch, but that would be substantially harder.""If the realms can be made to believe the story that Lord Mullendore is the only stable and safe choice for all who cares not for how much the realms will burn to ensure the right color of dragon on the throne, my odds of adding another piece of gold to my prized collection would greatly improve. Good stories holds greater power than all the truths and lies of the world. Sabotaging the standing of those who would not quickly seek to proscribe the other would be what lords and ladies of low scruples might consider." Laena flickers a quick smile when he speaks of the power of stories - she's espoused the same philosophy herself more than once before. "I cannot imagine a man as well-connected as yourself has failed to hear me making almost that exact same argument in public before - such as at the Redwyne ball recently. I imagine that has more than a small part with why you raised the matter with me. What you may not know is that I have made efforts to already secure the support of Lady Falyse Blackbar and Ser Eustace Daverhyl - though admittedly, the latter is more conditional.
"Personally, I rather suspect that anonymous rumours airing the family's dirty laundry will start flying pretty quickly once sufficient crowds have gathered in Oldtown. Family can be so cruel, especially when there are more posteriors than desirable seats. If all the candidates are alive - so no consolidation has occurred - and they all hate each other due to said rumours, I suspect Lord Mullendore would have the best chance at winning.""There is one thing that does come to mind, his power comes from being married to the Lady Regnant" He lets the thought hang for a moment, Laena having every reason to suspect he already knows the answer to the question he follows up with. "But did she wed him out of free will? Did she readily give him control of the swords who swore their oaths to her?
And if we assume for a moment that neither is true, what if he and most of those swords were to be delayed in departing Oldtown, while other swords took the opportunity to travel to Laughing Stream to swear their allegiance to the dear lady? To what end would she use such newfound power?"
Laena considers the question for a few moments. "I do not know the woman. I presume she was not raised to power like only-child daughters are. I know what *I* would do in such a situation, but I was recently reminded that such ladies are wont to accept certain death out of the fear of uncertainty a path to possible salvation bore. She may look at the uncertainty of her having some troops, and her husband having some troops, and decide to bear the bad she has now in fear of the worse that may happen should she fail."She shrugs. "Or she may seize the opportunity with both hands. I know not. But given I have neither the troops for such an endeavour nor the money to hire such, my ability to contribute to such a scheme is limited, regardless. And the only idea I could add would be that it would be .. convenient if he drank a bad bottle the night before his return, so that his sight and wits were still not at their best on his return, to ensure the lady has the initiative with whatever she decides to do.""I would not worry about offending your sister, let us say that you wanted a little help with humiliating Lord Appleton, say, mostly because it would amuse you greatly because you can, not for any actual purpose that people zealously driven to accomplish an objective would wish to waste time on."If I then were to betray your plans and thus ruin at least some of the fun, you would likely be furious, yes?""If, however, some nosy palefaced brother of yours were to learn of your scheme independently, and possibly interfere as it suits his agenda, your feelings on the matter would likely not include rage?" Laena, frowning in thought, nods slowly at both questions. "A degree of frustration, most likely, but not rage, no. Some are less 'people', and more 'forces of nature'." Her eyes flicker around and her fingers dance as she attempts to figure out angles, before the number of possibilities spiral into insanity, and she briefly throws her arms up slightly in frustration. "That's my clue, then, is it? To recognise it when it happens?" |
|
|
|
Post by Father on Sept 19, 2024 22:24:28 GMT 1
Laena flickers a quick smile when he speaks of the power of stories - she's espoused the same philosophy herself more than once before. "I cannot imagine a man as well-connected as yourself has failed to hear me making almost that exact same argument in public before - such as at the Redwyne ball recently. I imagine that has more than a small part with why you raised the matter with me. What you may not know is that I have made efforts to already secure the support of Lady Falyse Blackbar and Ser Eustace Daverhyl - though admittedly, the latter is more conditional.
"Personally, I rather suspect that anonymous rumours airing the family's dirty laundry will start flying pretty quickly once sufficient crowds have gathered in Oldtown. Family can be so cruel, especially when there are more posteriors than desirable seats. If all the candidates are alive - so no consolidation has occurred - and they all hate each other due to said rumours, I suspect Lord Mullendore would have the best chance at winning."Marq's interest does seem to pique up at hearing of Laena's machinations. "I would not mind it being that easy, but I prefer not to count on it. We do after all, live in a realm where most of the lords and knights thinks that a bastard is better suited to be king on account of his skill with the sword, nevermind that the actual king governs reasonably well.""Maybe half are willing to turn traitor to overthrow him for a man whose competence at any other field than skill at arms is wholly untested." Marq makes a discrete sound and grimace of disdain. "How many actually have it in their minds that the puppeteers whose hands will then guide the crown are grasping, vindictive people disinclined to share whatever is left after the realms have been set ablaze for their ambitions, hmm?""Stories and a great many arrangements for the support of various notable figures who will be unmoved by stories alone will be needed". Laena considers the question for a few moments. "I do not know the woman. I presume she was not raised to power like only-child daughters are. I know what *I* would do in such a situation, but I was recently reminded that such ladies are wont to accept certain death out of the fear of uncertainty a path to possible salvation bore. She may look at the uncertainty of her having some troops, and her husband having some troops, and decide to bear the bad she has now in fear of the worse that may happen should she fail."She shrugs. "Or she may seize the opportunity with both hands. I know not. But given I have neither the troops for such an endeavour nor the money to hire such, my ability to contribute to such a scheme is limited, regardless. And the only idea I could add would be that it would be .. convenient if he drank a bad bottle the night before his return, so that his sight and wits were still not at their best on his return, to ensure the lady has the initiative with whatever she decides to do." He does seem to have given it a lot of thought already. "First, can the power to decide her own destiny be granted to her? Second, can she be made to feel confident and assured that she can take and wield it to get rid of him, for good and without repercussion? And thirdly, will she act on it? He raises a finger for each question. "For the first, Lady Ysilla is not without friends, or ones who would be her friends if she let them, some of them, such as Ser Mikel and Ser Davos are quite capable and possibly inclined to intervene, others such as Ser Roland can perhaps be moved to assist with a few choice revelations. I am sure that House Levalle could be persuaded to provide additional, if perhaps more anonymous forces. I am not without financial means should the need to bolster the ranks with sellswords arise, but that seems unlikely provided Lady Ysilla can be properly motivated to take action, the guards would likely let her in, and then likely follow the commands of Ladies Alysanne, Ysilla and whoever they put in charge.""The second and third are more difficult, and probably requires Lady Ysilla's cooperation to get past, if Lady Alysanne can be convinced to name a regent, if only temporarily, to take care of things, as it were, then it will be easy enough, if that regent is someone committed to clean up House Bridges and send Ser Farman to the wall, which means it must be someone Ysilla can persuade Alysanne to trust, which means Ysilla needs to trust them, too. And ideally someone who could prevent her from burning down too much in frustration over seeing her brother travelling north in a cage."He does appear to be well aware that the plan has multiple parts that could go blow up like a jar of wildfyre, although it also seems to be one designed with the objective of making someone else than himself taking that blast. ]Laena, frowning in thought, nods slowly at both questions. "A degree of frustration, most likely, but not rage, no. Some are less 'people', and more 'forces of nature'." Her eyes flicker around and her fingers dance as she attempts to figure out angles, before the number of possibilities spiral into insanity, and she briefly throws her arms up slightly in frustration. "That's my clue, then, is it? To recognise it when it happens?" |
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 20, 2024 18:25:22 GMT 1
Marq's interest does seem to pique up at hearing of Laena's machinations. "I would not mind it being that easy, but I prefer not to count on it. We do after all, live in a realm where most of the lords and knights thinks that a bastard is better suited to be king on account of his skill with the sword, nevermind that the actual king governs reasonably well.""Maybe half are willing to turn traitor to overthrow him for a man whose competence at any other field than skill at arms is wholly untested." Marq makes a discrete sound and grimace of disdain. "How many actually have it in their minds that the puppeteers whose hands will then guide the crown are grasping, vindictive people disinclined to share whatever is left after the realms have been set ablaze for their ambitions, hmm?""Stories and a great many arrangements for the support of various notable figures who will be unmoved by stories alone will be needed". Laena gives a small smile. "Oh, I wasn't thinking it would be quite as easy as you may have inferred." Her smile becomes rather wicked. "But after one or two 'pushes' to get the boulder rolling, I suspect it will be beyond anyone's ability to stop. So long as one of us is able to find that initial lever." Her smile becomes more of a smirk, with a hint of worry behind it "And that they don't decide to resolve the matter by a game of 'last man standing'. The more the votes are divided, the better for Lord Lothar."She notes his comments. He'd certainly hinted his allegiance before, but this was the first time she could recall that he'd argued so openly and passionately for it. "When a man is so lacking in other talents that his sense of self-worth is so strongly tied to his ability to wave his sword around, we should not be surprised that he overly values that trait in others."She ponders a moment. "Speaking of, while I make no guarantees, have you been paying attention to the Starling situation? They are divided, with the lady heir on one side, and most of their - very talented - knights on the other. And both sides are drowning in the malice of Lord Eldon. Aware of their fate, struggling, desperate, but unable to overcome or escape their foe.
"Should there exist a man able to solve that little problem, well, he might be able to convince most, if not all, of those knights, to sell their allegiance for rescue from the porkskin noose they have so neatly made for themselves. A good marriage may need to be offered as well to sweeten the deal for a more prominent member or two, for them to bring the rest over - as well as to tie them more securely to their new loyalty. But it would not only be a significant transfer of talented knights from the revolutionaries to the loyalists, but an act the young lady heir would likely not soon forget." She spreads her hands. "As I say, I offer no guarantees, merely an observation as to the situation, and that when hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair, even strongly-held principles may be found to be .. flexible.""There are several questions to such a plot that make it easier to simply kill him, but anyone can hire assassins. He does seem to have given it a lot of thought already. "First, can the power to decide her own destiny be granted to her? Second, can she be made to feel confident and assured that she can take and wield it to get rid of him, for good and without repercussion? And thirdly, will she act on it? He raises a finger for each question. "For the first, Lady Ysilla is not without friends, or ones who would be her friends if she let them, some of them, such as Ser Mikel and Ser Davos are quite capable and possibly inclined to intervene, others such as Ser Roland can perhaps be moved to assist with a few choice revelations. I am sure that House Levalle could be persuaded to provide additional, if perhaps more anonymous forces. I am not without financial means should the need to bolster the ranks with sellswords arise, but that seems unlikely provided Lady Ysilla can be properly motivated to take action, the guards would likely let her in, and then likely follow the commands of Ladies Alysanne, Ysilla and whoever they put in charge.""The second and third are more difficult, and probably requires Lady Ysilla's cooperation to get past, if Lady Alysanne can be convinced to name a regent, if only temporarily, to take care of things, as it were, then it will be easy enough, if that regent is someone committed to clean up House Bridges and send Ser Farman to the wall, which means it must be someone Ysilla can persuade Alysanne to trust, which means Ysilla needs to trust them, too. And ideally someone who could prevent her from burning down too much in frustration over seeing her brother travelling north in a cage."He does appear to be well aware that the plan has multiple parts that could go blow up like a jar of wildfyre, although it also seems to be one designed with the objective of making someone else than himself taking that blast. She locks eyes with him blandly. "Long list of candidates, I assume?" "With my sister, I am not sure if even I would realize what she was up to unless she decided to involve me or other Durwell men, she does have free reign over her royal stipend, meaning she could hire her own agents if she so desires, and I have taught her where in Oldtown to find the good ones. Maybe Bloodraven could track her schemes, some men do accuse him of sorcery, I think he simply has hired eyes and ears in the shadows where he knows that the likes of us goes to find someone to do our dirty business.""With your sister, have you ever known her to be subtle? Laena pauses a moment before answering, and the disappearance of Arys's body from the Silent Sisters after the death of Lady Wenda jumped to mind. "Yes, actually." Her tone slightly surprised - 'subtle' certainly wasn't the first word that came to mind to describe Ysilla. "It was *physically* subtle, rather than *socially* subtle, but I am aware of one occasion where I believe she tweaked the nose of the powerfully abusive and got away clean. I only suspect it to be her due to conversations we had earlier. And if she could accomplish that, she could have accomplished any number of other tasks without me ever realising.
"After all, as the saying goes, if you don't think someone capable of subtlety, that means either they're bad at subtlety, or they're really, really good." She gives an amused smirk and shrugs at him, indicating the comment should not be taken entirely seriously. Neither of them would ever see Ysilla as a Player, but it was still good to not underestimate her. |
|
