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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 9, 2018 15:19:38 GMT 1
Laena directed Roslyn and Selsa in laying out the large picnic blanket on the grass, as well as her portion of the food. She'd made sure that the portion of the food allocated for the adults was of a high quality, but nothing was so good that it could not be improved by proper presentation.
Septa Arrei was managing to keep both Sylvina and Landar under control, at least for now, though Laena was well aware it was a race between them finishing the preparations and the children's attention spans reaching their end.
Still, things were looking good. She should be ready in time for the Blackbriar delegation.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 9, 2018 20:28:02 GMT 1
The Blackbriars arrive with only a single servant. Lady Shiera and Lady Elena walks on opposite sides of Ser Donnel.
Ser Donnel himself carries a basket in one hand, which is filled with an assortment of hams and a few bottles of wine, in his other arm, the one closest to Elena, he holds a small child, which mist be the future lord of Gyllenhaal.
"Lady Laena! Good of you to have set up the picnic already. Your brother proved quite a knight!" As he looks over at Laenas son he tells her: "your children will have the blood of knights!"
When they come close ser Donnel asks: "How are things in your pavillion? I suppose they know of your presence here?" Ser Donnel murmurs the last question, as the park is public after all!
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 10, 2018 0:17:37 GMT 1
Oh, they're planning to murder me already? I thought that would take longer.
"Yes, Ser. People in the Starkwood camp know of my presence here, and who I am meeting."
Given that she's trying to be polite, she doesn't remind the older knight from whom her brother received their shared 'knight's blood', and lets the comment pass. Oh, yes. I hope so much Landar takes after his mass-rapist grandfather. Butter-drowned quails, anyone?
"Lady Elena, Lady Shiera." She gives them both an appropriate curtsey. "Thank you both for coming. Lady Elena, your caring, nurturing nature as a mother is known even outside Gyldenhaal; Lady Shiera, while I have only met your eldest personally, who certainly lived up to his reputation, your ability to raise three fine children so well speaks mountains as to your capabilities. It is my hope that, if nothing else, I may learn a thing or two from conversing with such paragons of motherhood here today.
Finally, she curtseys to the young heir. "And a greeting to you, young master."
Introducing herself formally to those she has not met, she begins. "As you no doubt know, I am Laena Pyre. May I introduce my daughter, Sylvina, and my son, Landar, both children of my late husband, Ser Vernan Pyre, and their tutor, Septa Arrei." She makes a pre-arranged gesture, and Septa Arrei gently pushes them forwards. Sylvina manages to step forward and give a not-awful curtsey, before staring rather bluntly at the new child before her. Landar manages to totter forward a few steps before deciding there was a particularly fascinating strand of grass he absolutely had to pull up and stare at, to the exclusion of all else.
Suppressing a sigh, Laena clasps her hands together, and smiles. "Wine, anyone?"
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 10, 2018 12:25:47 GMT 1
Ser Donnel laughs as Landar inspects the grass: "It must be true then: Starkwoods lineage truly runs back to Garth Greenhand."
Ser Donnel gives the basket to the servant before squatting down with Lady Elenas child: "Being down to earth certainly takes on a new meaning. What do you see little one?" Pointing at a small beetle that crawls through the grass he tells Landar: "That is a deathwatch beetle, they can eat trees, they get so hungry!" He then turns to the child in his lap: "This is Joffrey we have looked a lot at nature together too. Perhaps you two would want to explore for other beetles together?"
He then proceeds to put the child on the ground and stands up. "Wine would be nice!" Ser Donnel speaks for all three.
As they settle ser Donnel asks: "I trust nobody gave you trouble for coming to meet us?"
"We bought these eels, the cook brought them this very morning." Ser Donnel takes the tray from the servant before offering them to Laena.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 10, 2018 18:15:33 GMT 1
Laena picks one of the bottles, hands it to Roslyn, who opens it and serves it to each guest in order of propriety, before serving some to Laena, who immediately takes a dainty sip, so that any waiting for such a thing are not left awkwardly holding a full wine glass.
"Thank you, kind Ser." She smiles, while taking an eel onto her plate. "Seafood isn't something we can get fresh back home, after all. We should enjoy it while we can."
She takes a deep breath. "There was no problem with me meeting you." She clearly considers for a moment before continuing. "So you do not feel tricked later on, part of the reason there is no problem is that I do have a House-related agenda to discuss with you all. Nothing formal, I have no arbitration power here, it is simply to see if there is support from within the house for the idea. I was thinking we could all get to know each other a bit before we spoke about such matters, but if you would sooner discuss that matter first now, rather than have it hanging over our heads, I would be amenable."
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 10, 2018 20:05:10 GMT 1
Ser Donnel starts to gulp down the wine, then, seeing the stare his wife gives him, he wisely stops and takes a small sip instead.
"A Hippocras? A local variant?" Ser Donnel asks after having tasted the wine.
Ser Donnel chuckles as Laena voices her concern: "Lady Laena" Ser Donnel uses the first name amiably: "I hope not to have mislead you! None of us here speaks for house Blackbriar."
"I think you are wise to listen before making a commitment. I put little stock in announcements, words can have whatever meaning you want them to. I advice people to rather look for intentions, what people want their words to say."
"I know knights who can name a hundred friends, and knights with the same amount of relations, who only consider a few as theirs. The word friend is the same for both, but the intention is very different.""
"We can discuss politics, or we can talk talk about childrearing, the important thing is character. Now, what is your interest here? The mantra all knights of quality lives for is after all: Ladies first."
Ser Donnel smiles as he points over at the two children: "When someone is comfortable they are a lot more likely to show their true colors." Ser Donnel laughingly refers to Joffrey, who is intensely studying a booger on his finger.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 11, 2018 0:06:23 GMT 1
She nods at the inquiry into the wine. "I feel it a shame to spend time here and not reacquaint myself with the local specialties we just can't get back home, at a reasonable price, anyway.
"While it is true that none of you speak for House Blackbriar, you are all of you part of what I would term the 'inner circle'. People of influence within the house, who understand its wants and needs. By being aware of the issues you raise, and hopefully taking account of them while in a less formal context, when our respective lords speak formally to come to an agreement, the process will hopefully be smooth and painless."
She shrugs. "Having said so much, we might as well cover the business first, so that we may get it out of the way, and focus on enjoying ourselves. Lord Ulbert has informed the house that he wishes Peace between houses Starkwood and Blackbriar. There is a very real chance of troubled times ahead. As tensions rise, ... mistakes can happen. Regardless of how things shake out, both houses bleeding out strength better kept reserved benefits no-one save the undertaker. Personally, I wish to do what I can to make that objective possible, as a 'thank you' gift to the house for taking care of me after I lost my husband, before I - hopefully - remarry and leave again.
"Both houses have reputations for honour and integrity - at least with their current lords. While there is a history of bad blood, we are not Blackwood and Bracken, with a hatred so deep-set as to be impossible to remove. We can - and with trouble brewing, I would argue 'should' - work to overcome that, so that both houses may marshal strength so as to best weather any oncoming storm, rather than focusing on the past, and risk wasting what strength we have on petty border disputes that will be forgotten within a decade, aside as yet more reason to deepen animosity."
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 11, 2018 12:49:31 GMT 1
"Wise of you! Enjoy the wine when it is available." Ser Donnel compliments.
"We do have some influence over house policy, I must admit, and agreeing here will go a long way in swaying our house." Ser Donnel tells her before hurriedly adding: "But Jon is of course the man who makes the decisions. " Ser Donnel seems keen to make that point.
"There are a few different issues that will have to be adressed. I am old enough to realize that the past should be left in the past. Nothing recent have happened that needs to be talked about. The present is a different matter, it needs to be discussed. My son is strong willed, and he is fiery, to put it like that." Ser Donnel clumsily works his words to avoid using the terms fire or blood. "However, I think you will find that those of us that has been more blooded in combat are both loyal, and will steer our policies."
"From what I have heard lord Ulbert is loyal to his words, but the influx of certain... offspring from court raises concern. We will not agree to friendship if we in the next moment will have to decide between our king and our neighbor." After he sips his wine Ser Donnel adds: "I hope you do not feel offended, butt we need to speak clearly if we are to avoid future grievances." He explains.
"if that concern is settled to satisfaction, we know that Starkwood has honorable knights in their service, and I know a few of my boys soon are of an age where they will need some guidance away from our roof!"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 11, 2018 19:55:51 GMT 1
"We do have s ome influence over house policy, I must admit, and agreeing here will go a long way in swaying our house." Ser Donnel tells her before hurriedly adding: "But Jon is of course the man who makes the decisions. " Ser Donnel seems keen to make that point. "Of course." Laena readily agrees. "Just as Lord Ulbert makes the decisions for House Starkwood. Nothing any one of us says here today should be considered in any way binding. We are simply doing what we can to support our respective Lords in this endeavour." "The present is a different matter, it needs to be discussed. My son is strong willed, and he is fiery, to put it like that." Ser Donnel clumsily works his words to avoid using the terms fire or blood. "However, I think you will find that those of us that has been more blooded in combat are both loyal, and will steer our policies." Laena gives a small smile. "Your son certainly has his passions, as young men are often wont to do, it is true. "I can tell you with high certainty that Lord Ulbert will be pleased by your words - it would be a great weight off his mind to know that we do not need to fear a repeat of what happened in the Dance. "From what I have heard lord Ulbert is loyal to his words, but the influx of certain... offspring from court raises concern. We will not agree to friendship if we in the next moment will have to decide between our king and our neighbor." After he sips his wine Ser Donnel adds: "I hope you do not feel offended, butt we need to speak clearly if we are to avoid future grievances." He explains. "You profess the need to speak clearly, but speak in riddles as to identity. I can only presume that you refer to my brother. I do not take offence, for I agree that the purpose here is to dispel concerns clearly, not create new muddled ambiguities for new misunderstandings to hide behind. "Let me see if I can put your fears to rest. To House Starkwood's north is the Westerlands. Should - and let us be clear, I'm sure we all hope it doesn't - but *should* a large conflict break out, each region would look to itself first, so they may be ignored for now. To our east is House Caswell - a highly honourable and loyal house, as I'm sure you well know from your own Ser Malcolm; not to mention one unlikely to find joy in siding with House Hightower, whose dissatisfaction with the crown is a matter of public knowledge. To our west to southwest is the powerful House Rowan, whose loyalty to the throne is unsurpassed. If what you say is true - and I have no reason to doubt it - that House Blackbriar will stay loyal to the throne through any hypothetical future conflict, then House Starkwood is surrounded by throne loyalists. You may perhaps throw some accusations at my brother, but even if some unspeakable catastrophe were to befall the house and he were to inherit, he will not make a decision that would result in the house being surrounded by enemies. He is not an idiot. Except sometimes around women. Nor is he a fanatic. And those are the only two reasons I can come up with why someone would make such a choice. And that is if he were even inclined to do otherwise to begin with, and I, his sister, have seen no inclination of that to date." "if that concern is settled to satisfaction, we know that Starkwood has honorable knights in their service, and I know a few of my boys soon are of an age where they will need some guidance away from our roof!" "I do not wish to limit our respective Lord's options in their talks, but I too am aware that the age Sylvina should be fostered away is approaching, and it would be good if she were sent to a place which would continue Septa Arrei's good work in raising a proper, pious lady." She shrugs. "Or maybe our Lords will come up with another idea. There are certainly ... options available." Sylvina looks over from where she's hovering near the two boys on hearing her name. Laena gives her a reassuring smile, and shakes her head, waving her back to whatever she was doing.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 11, 2018 22:42:27 GMT 1
"You profess the need to speak clearly, but speak in riddles as to identity. I can only presume that you refer to my brother. I do not take offence, for I agree that the purpose here is to dispel concerns clearly, not create new muddled ambiguities for new misunderstandings to hide behind. "Let me see if I can put your fears to rest. To House Starkwood's north is the Westerlands. Should - and let us be clear, I'm sure we all hope it doesn't - but *should* a large conflict break out, each region would look to itself first, so they may be ignored for now. To our east is House Caswell - a highly honourable and loyal house, as I'm sure you well know from your own Ser Malcolm; not to mention one unlikely to find joy in siding with House Hightower, whose dissatisfaction with the crown is a matter of public knowledge. To our west to southwest is the powerful House Rowan, whose loyalty to the throne is unsurpassed. If what you say is true - and I have no reason to doubt it - that House Blackbriar will stay loyal to the throne through any hypothetical future conflict, then House Starkwood is surrounded by throne loyalists. You may perhaps throw some accusations at my brother, but even if some unspeakable catastrophe were to befall the house and he were to inherit, he will not make a decision that would result in the house being surrounded by enemies. He is not an idiot. Except sometimes around women. Nor is he a fanatic. And those are the only two reasons I can come up with why someone would make such a choice. And that is if he were even inclined to do otherwise to begin with, and I, his sister, have seen no inclination of that to date." Ser Donnel guiltily admits: "Yes, I talk about your brother... It's hard for an old knight to inquire plainly if somebody has a traitor brother." Ser Donnel laughs at Laenas long rethoric: "Indeed it is hard for an old knight to even see things that precisely. Your forethought is truly a gift my lady. Does your forethought find any other undiscussed matters that would be easier to solve now, in a less formal setting, then between my brother and Lord Starkwood?" Ser Donnel seems eager to be done with this subject, but also curious as to if Lady Laena has any other considerations.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 11, 2018 23:09:15 GMT 1
"Such things certainly cannot be said by Lords without giving offence. And had you said 'I believe your brother to be a traitor', *I* would certainly take offence. But you did not - you voiced a fear, so that it may be put at ease." She gives a slightly guilty smile. "And I'm afraid I cannot take credit for the analysis beyond its repetition. More martially-inclined and experienced minds than mine gave me the words to say, so I must be grateful you did not ask penetrating questions regarding it, for I lack the expertise to answer.
"As for any other undiscussed matters regarding this, I have none. However, we have two ladies with us as well, with wisdom and knowledge that we should not overlook. I would wish that they would both have their say, before we put this matter behind us."
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Post by Father on Jul 12, 2018 12:38:27 GMT 1
"I must wonder, if Lord Ulbert indeed cared at all for such things, why have we never heard a single word from him concerning this matter? Why does he send a cousin, or niece or whatever my lady is to be considered as?" Her eyes also mentions the result of her mother being whored out to the unworthy king. Lady Erena simply exchanges a glance with Laena being at once apologetic and stating "here we go again" at the same time. Laena also notices a signal to her handmaiden who immediately seems to understands a command that to her interpretation must be something like "make sure my son hears nothing of this filth."
Shiera's got unattractive, perhaps more so from her attitude and demeanor than being outright ugly, just in case you're feeling not very much for finding her likable.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 12, 2018 18:22:25 GMT 1
Laena's smile doesn't waver any more than it reaches her eyes. "The Lord is the House, manifest. Should a Lord stumble, the world sees the House stumble. Should a Lord show weakness, the world sees the House as weak. And should a Lord reach out and attempt a task which turns out to be impossible, the world sees it as the House stumbling, and showing weakness, regardless of where the impossibility actually lies.
"Whereas, if a 'cousin, or niece, or whatever' should reach out and fail? Well," she shrugs. "It's just an uppity woman getting too big for her position, reflecting badly on her, but barely impacting the House at all.
"And lest I mislead you, he did not *order* me into this position. He made his desires known to the House, and I *volunteered*, since I felt I could best support my House this way."
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Post by Father on Jul 15, 2018 9:30:14 GMT 1
"Is that so?" Shiera doesn't seem much mollified. "A lord might wish many things, my lady, but effort and action speaks much and more about his priorities, would you not say?"
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 15, 2018 10:01:34 GMT 1
Ser Donnel scoots over next to his wife and puts his arm around her shoulder: "A busy lord acts, a wise lord delegates, would you not agree sweetpea?" Ser Donnel asks amiably.
He then turns to Laena: "But she is right about one thing. We need Lord Ulbert to make some official movements to confirm that peace is indeed his wish. If Lord Ulbert would come to talk with my brother himself, I am sure the seven will guide them in their deliberations!"
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