[day 3] brothers Levalle, (open, during jolly time)

"Malyk truly is special. Also him finding huntsmen Erik was invaluable to our endeavor."


Lord Alliser smiles sadly when Aladale mentioned the meeting with Lord Leo, "oh brother, I very much doubt that it was the strength of your arguments that made Lord Leo falter as much as who your brother is. I am under no illusions that I'm popular in the reach, it is part of the reason we send you out touring the circuit in the first place." It would be nice to be a little more well liked though. I do miss being part of all the intrigue. And it would be easier to get beneficial arraignments for the house. That and Lord Florent requested it is the reason why I'm here in the first place.

"I do think you and Malyk and were wise in counseling against having Lord Caswell join us. It's one thing for me to be held up by Lord Leo's indecision, having Lord Caswell have to wait." Lord Alliser shook his head, "it's bad optics, to say the least."

Lord Alliser gives a sly smile, "Of course we should invest some of our coffers in the Caswells. Few things gain gratitude faster then providing relief to an uncomfortable situation. Just as Lady Leana did for Ser Balion during the bread and salt. As Lord Florent mentioned, it is unfortunate that they are so far away from us, but as such things are it is better to be owed a favor by an ancient house rather then ignored." Lord Alliser stroked his goatee and lowered his voice, "As far as other houses go, perhaps a house with a strong military might be helpful. We are rather undefended, at least against a full scale invasion. Our smallfolk levies leave much to be desired in a pitched battle, and it would be nice to be able to leave our household guard at the castle. Our ballista crews are plenty to keep the ironborn at bay, but should we have a real army at the gates..." Lord Alliser shakes his head. "I doubt that we would be much more then a minor annoyance to such a force. I am just glad we do not have dragons to deal with." Lord Alliser makes the sign of the seven over his chest, "Gods be good if we had to face the likes of Aegon the conqueror."

Lord Allisers eyes browse appraisingly through the gathered knights, "It seems that most of the houses here are leaning strongly towards the fires, but it would be nice to have friends with strong military on both sides of this fight, in case Lord Florent decides it is more advantageous to join the Royalists, rather then Ser Daemon. Do you know of any such houses who might lean towards supporting the bloods?"

Lord Alliser sighs, "God's be good, we could hire support. But the only thing about men who fight for money is that it's the only thing they understand. Things are great while you are winning, as soon as the tide turns."

Lord Alliser sighs, "I feel that if we commit to early it will be as a bride giving herself away before the wedding night. After all, we would not want to give away our maidenhead before we were sure about the man we were giving it to no? But if we wait too long, there might not be a suitable husband for our dowry." Lord Alliser pats his abdomen, "As far as were to focus?" Alliser breaths heavily through his lips, then glances around fugitively, "The safe bet would to be as my son says, Declare for Daemon and hope to get rewarded if we win. There is little risk of being completely wiped out, as we would be following our liege. However imagine how much the king would be indebted towards our house if we were to declare for him? He would have a port on the mander that could bring in troops quickly to the heart of the rebellion. We could also work as double agents for the king, I imagine that even if we were to declare for Daemon, our household name would still have men who are in the rebellion think we are already working for the king, and likely try to have our troops in the vanguard to be killed off in order to weaken our house."


Alliser takes another glance around, then continues, "Lord Florent already knows that we might seek to make friends with Bryden Rivers, so he might be open to the possibility of declaring for the king as well."
Alliser looks to his brother, "However should the rebellion win, I doubt that we will be as opened into the fold from bittersteel. He would likely kill all the male Heirs of our house and marry off our daughters to knights who supported him and his rebellion." Lord Alliser speaks as calmly about his death as if discussing the next rotation of crops instead of the rotation of power. "So I can see the appeal of playing it safe. But we are Levalle's, we have always taken a poorly dealt hand and tried to make the best of it." Lord Alliser turns towards Aladale his face not betraying any emotions, "So what do you think? Is it better to risk our lives for greater rewards? Or be safe and not face the wrath of bittersteel? I feel that our wait and see approach may no longer be viable, with the death of Lord Hightower I think that the war has moved forward precipitously."

"True..." Lord Alliser hums to himself, "Let me first see if I can make a friend in Bryden Rivers. If so, I suggest we support the bloods, otherwise we shall start supporting the Fyres. Supporting the bloods is a big risk here in the reach, but greater the risk greater the reward. You are correct about waiting too long. Best start acting sooner rather then later, for the early bird receives the worm."

A look of sadness passes over Allisers face, "I have already sided with one unpopular king. Perhaps two negatives will make a positive?" The Lord chuckles at the reference to arithmetic then looks around the room, searching for someone. "It might be time for me to try and seek out Lord Caswell. Would you mind seeking Bloodraven? Letting him know that I would like to speak with him discreetly?"