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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 11, 2018 21:05:31 GMT 1
By the time the day's entertainment is done, Laena is seething. Ser Balon had followed through on completely ignoring her warning, which completely wrecked her very neat little plan, which of course wrecked all her subsequent plans dependent on that one; and Ser Otho had attempted to blatantly kill one of *her* knights, and very, very almost succeeded (and may yet, still, if what others around her were saying to each other about his injury were true). Adding wildfire to the conflagration was her rage over her own impotence in the situation, feeling the limited strings of her control fall more and more out of her reach.
Striding along, not paying attention to if her chaperone were keeping pace, she was looking for an opportunity to lash out. Then, she spotted Roland Cordwayner. He'd caught her attention earlier, partly due to being a Cordwayner, and partly due to his prior interaction with Ashara, but she'd never prioritised meeting him. But right now? An honourable knight seemed just perfect.
She strode right up to him, stopping just a bit too close - not enough to provoke remarks, but close enough to subconsciously encourage him to take a small step back, which would help put him on the defensive emotionally. "Ser Roland Cordwayner? Your reputation precedes you." Not specifying exactly what reputation, of course, keeping him guessing. "I am Laena Pyre." She gives him a small curtsey, enough to satisfy decorum. "I would have words with you." She gestures towards a location away from the milling crowds enough that they may speak privately, without leaving their sight entirely.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 12, 2018 20:00:27 GMT 1
"I am indeed he, for better or worse my lady."
Given his height, Roland was not used to people standing so close to him. He stepped back in reflex, just about managing to turn it in to a bow.
Fool, this is high nobility, not some Dornish assassin. She's not like to produce a broadsword from beneath her skirts, is she?
"It is an honour to have caught your attention my lady," he said as he straightened, not one overly troubled by double meanings or ambiguity.
He gestured towards his squire, Hugh Blackwood.
"See to Verity, lad and we'll try to get you a few tilts at the quintain tonight."
Roland then followed to where Laena Pyre had indicated. One of the Great Bastards. This was likely to be more dangerous than yesterday's ambush...
He suddenly felt conscious of his humble grey garb, chosen to match House Hightower's sigil. It suddenly seemed inadequate for such an impromptu audience.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 12, 2018 21:47:41 GMT 1
Laena leads a powerful stride to the location she picked. She was tempted to slow down, to keep him to her pace as another power-game, but slow equalled weak, and she refused to show weakness. Still, when she arrived, she stopped and turned abruptly back to the knight, aiming to subtly make him slightly off-balance, while she looked firmly up at his face.
"I want you to explain some things to me, Ser. For it is beyond my female understanding. To start with, those who claim to support my brother are constantly yelling 'Chivalry! Chivalry!' and 'Knights! Knights!', along with a few other things that aren't relevant yet. And then, here we are, in the first day of the joust, two knights, deep in the cause, one, Ser Otho, publicly attempts, and fortunately fails, to *murder* a man who I personally know to be a good, honest knight, with all the virtues one would want from one in that position. The other, Ser Balon, fought an inferior opponent he forced into the position with blatant slander, before riding in such a way as to kill the man. Accidents may happen in tourneys, but the thing about accidents is that they are random. When a supposed 'accident' occurs to a man forced into that particular situation, with a man who has made no secret of the hatred he feels, it is obvious to all but the most indoctrinated that it is no such thing.
"So, my first question is this: why would those so deeply involved in a cause which champions chivalry and the importance of knights publicly act in such a way? After all, if this is the quality of the chivalry and knights they wish to represent, what exactly is their cause defending?"
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 13, 2018 11:35:00 GMT 1
Roland stopped abruptly, doing his best not to loom over this dragon-blooded force of nature.
At Laena's tirade, Roland finds himself nodding in agreement with her assessment of Ser Otho and Ser Balon.
When she queries their claim to knighthood, Roland reflexively clutches his seven pointed star necklace, perhaps to remind himself of his own vows.
He shook his head at the question.
"I ask myself the same question my lady. I have spoken with Ser Mikel and verified by his own account that Ser Otho's blow was no accident. He struck to kill. I believe the same of Ser Balon, given the lurid tales he has told of the late Ser Walton and his own knighthood by by vanquished opponent, Ser Quentyn Ball."
Few would have missed his surprisingly brief match, but Roland was not above a small boast where the deed permitted it.
"Mayhap a scheme to vacate the role of Master of Arms at the Red Keep? Both Ser Balon and Ser Otho have disgraced the family names they borrowed from their fathers. Both men are not true knights."
Having done his best to answer Laena's question, as grim as the answer was, he did his best to reassure what he took for a flustered noblewoman, concerned at the company her brother kept.
"If you fear for your brother's company, I would caution my lady that my namesake Ser Roland Redwyne is much closer to Ser Daemon Blackfyre than Ser Balon, and at least as close as Fireball."
Blackfyre, the telltale name hinting at those agitating for Ser Daemon to claim the throne. Such sympathies were not unknown among House Starling's companions, and Ser Roland Cordwayner was a martial man...
"Ser Roland is an honourable man and gave me my own spurs. He can be relied upon to argue for what is right, rather than merely what is expedient. He and Ser Daemon are alike in their adherence to their vows."
[OOC: Roland is quite unable to read Laena's intentions and is initially going to go in the wrong direction, given the blood link to Ser Daemon url=http://orokos.com/roll/651610]D4 - Awareness Laena (Naive)[/url]: 3d6k2 6
Pretty sure I can't pass that roll, but wanted to play up Romantic.]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 13, 2018 16:48:40 GMT 1
As Ser Roland gives his answer, Laena gives him her full attention, but only nods when he mentions Ser Roland Redwyne's chivalry. "I have heard nothing but good things about Ser Roland Redwyne. Though that their cause contains both the likes of him and Ser Otho adds weight to the idea that chivalry is not the uniting factor.
"My next question, then. I appreciate this one will be rather more difficult. You have a connection to two houses, Cordwayner and Starling. What I would like you to do first is close your eyes, and think: if all the current tensions fade away without igniting into anything, and King Daeron remains king; where do you see your two houses being in ... say, five years? Don't tell me. Just think on it. How has their situation changed from today? I appreciate unexpected events happen, so it is just a guess, but just make your best guess." She gives him a few moments. "Okay? Now, secondly, I want you to imagine King Daeron shows up here unannounced later today. He makes a proclamation that he has decided to abdicate, naming Ser Daemon as his heir, who is crowned first thing tomorrow, with no further bloodshed occurring. Now, close your eyes again, and think: under these changed circumstances, where do you see your two houses being in five years? Again, don't tell me. What I want to know is: what is the *difference* in your houses' situations between these two scenarios? At least, your best guess."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 13, 2018 21:02:26 GMT 1
What game is this? Still, the Great Bastards were known to be capricious, and it was perhaps best to play along. "House Starling would be exalted in your latter scenario, for what is a warrior king without a war? Perhaps it would come against Dorne as the crown sought to claim back its privileges, or mayhap in the Stepstones or Free Cities. The Companions would doubtless carve a path in to history and the Realm is strong enough for such a venture." "My birth House may not fare so kindly - my older brother is better suited to peace that war." Truth be told he was ill-suited to both, but peace was less like to expose a man's frailties. "I think the situation would be reversed under King Daeron's continued steady rule: the realm prospers and new Septs are constructed with each passing year." "House Starling's Companions would be of less use, while House Cordwayner would be able to grow and prosper." He nods with satisfaction at the thought, then frowns and looks at his own hands. "Do I guess at your purpose my lady? I fear that the scenario in which the Realm bleeds is a better one for me, I am no maester or administrator. Mayhap my fellow knights think the same?" "Under King Daemon I might win a fine keep and a highborn wife for heroics against some foreign foe, while under King Daeron I am like as not to marry the third daughter of some lesser house, my only prize a small tower to die in. Many men could say the same." [OOC: D4 - Warfare (Strategy) Laena: 4d6k3 12 as Roland ponders the likely outcomes, particularly from a "King Daemon"]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 13, 2018 21:50:01 GMT 1
Laena gives a small nod at his question, again clearly paying close attention to his answer. "So, lest I misrepresent what you say, 'war' is the prime differentiator between these futures? So, and I by no means put this forward as a likely scenario, but were King Daeron to use the opportunity of an integrated rather than opposed Dorne to declare war on the Steptones, with an eye towards using the trade tariffs that could be generated to help fund further developments of the realm, you would consider that to reduce the differential between the two possible futures?"
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 14, 2018 9:46:29 GMT 1
"Aye my lady, war and what it means for the families I feel closest to by birth and service. It elevates some and casts down others."
He paused for a second or two in further thought.
"Such a united force would indeed be formidable, and if it carried the day could indeed prove a long term blessing to the realm. It may inflame Essos and provoke a united Triarchy in turn, but I am afraid from here I am better on my history than on the current situation to the East."
"It would indeed reduce the difference between the two paths you lay out for me, to the advantage of some and the demerit of others. As a middle path, it may expel the excess energy the Kingdom burns with, or create a vacuum at home for the disloyal to take advantage of. Worse still, tensions at home may lead to only a small muster as lord retain forces in their own fiefs. Defeat may then lead to further rancour and upheaval."
"My lady must forgive me if I find such talk diverting but fanciful. Our King is a wise man but cautious and most unwarlike. He may rightly fear the consequences of the defeat I outline, weighing it unfavourably against the gains from unity and victory."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 14, 2018 15:20:06 GMT 1
Despite him exposing how her idea could not be implemented now, Laena seems rather pleased by his answer.
"My next question, then - and I thank you for you indulgence, and promise I am leading up to something: there is open and near-open talk of overthrowing - and hence, I feel it is worth emphasising, *murdering* - King Daeron. To the best of my knowledge, my father suffered no rebellions, and only a single assassination attempt, though there may have been others not entered into the history books.
"What has King Daeron done deserving of censure that my father did not do nine hundred times worse?" Unlike before, her tone is implying she has an answer already in her mind, though without the impishness that might imply a trick question.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 14, 2018 15:47:33 GMT 1
A shorter answer than previously, delivered with little delay.
"Dorne. Bringing it in to the realm by quill and ink rather than Fire and Blood, with all the attendant privileges to be expected from a peace treaty."
Roland sighed.
"I know you only by reputation my lady, but you have seen your share of losses already. Many of Ser Daemon's supporters are fine men who lost friends and comrades to Dornish treachery. These men see titles granted to old foes, exemptions from royal tax inspections, the retention of Princely titles and other indignities and wonder what they fought for."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 14, 2018 18:27:43 GMT 1
She gives a small smile at that. "I saw two possible answers. It's interesting that's the one you chose. So, let us deconstruct it a bit. King Daeron I managed to conquer Dorne in .. 158. But he could never control it. Lord Lyonel Tyrell, at least remembered as a competent man, tried his best, and failed. Dorne was in full revolt by 160, and independent again by the following year, at a total cost of tens of thousands of lives. It is worth remembering that this modest achievement was still more than Aegon the Conqueror managed, even with his dragons. "So, I'd like to know: what's different? Daeron I was a brilliant commander, by all accounts. Let us assume Ser Daemon is equivalent - I'm not sure if he is, command is rather different from fighting directly, but let's assume he is, he's brilliant at everything else martial. So, let us assume he becomes king and declares war on Dorne. We can assume a roughly similar result - Dorne conquered within a year. Then what? What did they do so wrong back then that you are confident could be done right this time? What did a genius commander miss? "Because if you can't answer that, then those who seek to repeat it are just seeking to replicate the deaths of tens of thousands of good men for *nothing*. As someone who's already been widowed once, I can tell you it is .. not an experience I would wish on many. Though it is at least one that can eventually be recovered from, mostly at least, which is more than the husband can say. "Fire and Blood *failed*, Ser Roland. Twice. At horrific cost. And nothing of import has changed since the last attempt. It would be madness or folly worthy of my father to try a third time." She pauses. "Oh, wait. He *did*. And didn't even manage to do the conquering part right." She shakes her head disgustedly. "Quill and Ink was tried once, and succeeded. Though at a cost, I admit. So, let's discuss those costs: tax inspection exemptions? As far as I can see, that only negatively affects the Crown. Retention of the title of 'Prince'? Very nice for him, but he has no more power than any other Lord Paramount, whatever word we use. If he needs his own special word to make him feel good about giving up his independence without a fight, let him have it. Which leaves us with titles and honours given to foes ... which is certainly galling, I admit. But then, we are talking about knights literally seeking to murder the King for this. "So, is that, to you, justifiable in some way? A reasonable response?"
I feel like this is the turning point where I start actually making my point, so here's my roll to guide the RP, as we agreed: Question of Honour - Persuade (Convince) +1D from GB - TN10?: 6d6k5 21 3 DoS, I believe?
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 14, 2018 19:46:19 GMT 1
"This is true."
"A man could quibble on issues such as taxes, for if one Lord shorts the crown others must make up the shortfall, or perhaps a Dornish lord rises in fortune due to being undertaxed in contrast to his rivals in the Reach or Stormlands."
Still, Laena's logic was irresistible, particularly when piled on top of the failure of many of Ser Daemon's supporters to live up to their knightly vows.
"Measure for measure, justice must be proportionate. Nothing I have seen so far has been within a yard of proportionate."
Roland pounded his left hand against his sword hilt in anger.
"Forgive, my lady, these false friends of Ser Daemon Blackfyre go too far. These outraged cannot and will not go unanswered. On my honour as a knight I will not allow plotters to abuse Lord Tyrell's tournament to undermine King Daeron."
His vehemence on this issue surprised himself, such was the passion Laena had provoked on the matter.
[OOC: ID is indeed 10, so 3 DoS.
We went with a simple intrigue and DoS as Roland can't really lay a hand on Laena in an intrigue. This will push Roland towards Blood, at least in the short term. Going for quite a strong, minimum three day push in that direction given the 3 DoS and previous IC events. It's just a simple intrigue so he retains his fondness for Ser Daemon who has done little wrong.]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 14, 2018 21:05:00 GMT 1
Laena smiles. "I am glad you used the term 'false friends' there. For there is a distinction to be made there. But to elaborate on it, I need to expand on the other answer I expected to my last question, the one you didn't say.
"King Daeron's true 'crime' - if it could be called such - was to reduce the power of powerful men. Men who bribed themselves into favour with my father, and lost it on his death, since King Daeron is not a man to be influenced by how many maidenheads are thrown his direction. They, not Ser Daemon, are the true heart of the rebellion. They are the ones who stand to gain the most - other than Ser Daemon, and even then it's arguable - should it succeed. A return to the halls of power. *That* is the true purpose behind this rebellious talk. These men understand how to move men to their cause - encourage them to hate Dorne, encourage them to love Ser Daemon. By using Hate and Love, they move those with little to gain to blindly support their return to power." Her eyes blaze with fury. "They seek to use my brother as a *figurehead* to facilitate their own return to power. Have him risk his neck for their cause.
"My brother may have dismissed the notion of heading a rebellion every time it's come up, but powerful men *will* find a way to drag him into their web, sooner or later. These are the falsest of friends. And should they succeed, his true friends will follow him, for what else could they do? And the pawns, blinded by Love and Hate, will follow, too. And the realm will bleed for their ambition."
She sighs, looking dispirited. "And I have absolutely no idea what can be done to stop it. These men at the heart are far too powerful for the likes of us to do anything about. They will use my brother up - should they succeed, they will gorge themselves at the trough of power; should they fail, they will claim they were blinded by his charisma, they're really very sorry, could they please have their smack on the wrist now? Since their houses are too powerful for any serious punishment to be likely, since the King would have to work with who replaces the punished. Meanwhile, my brother, and quite likely his immediate family as well, will die, through means official or unofficial."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Aug 14, 2018 22:17:32 GMT 1
Ser Roland Redwyne, dead for the sake of friendship and the plots of powerful men. This must not come to pass.
Laena saw more deeply than Roland, who comprehended the surface well enough but not the more subtle plots. He briefly felt ashamed - it all seemed so convincing, so obvious after she had said it. He caught himself - this was not his battlefield.
"I will not stand idly by while the my friends and the man they admire, the noble Ser Daemon Blackfyre, are sacrificed on the altar of ambition."
"My lady, we are of one mind on this matter."
He paused.
"Or perhaps better, your mind and my sword arm. If there is aught I can do to prevent such a tragedy from coming to pass, you have but to direct my sword."
"For the realm."
He nods, seemingly satisfied that the two of them will be enough to unpick a score of great lords and plots year in the making. Better to take action and lessen a storm of sorrows than to succumb to futility and despair.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Aug 15, 2018 0:00:53 GMT 1
She gives a wan smile. Careful now she warns herself. "I thank you for your courage in saying that, Ser. There is but one thing I can think for you to do, and to be honest, I am not certain how big of an effect it may have. But I believe it is better to try and fail, than to stand back, and simply watch. After all, all men must pass the Final Judgement of the Seven, and how could you justify such inaction?
"I mentioned before how the powerful men grow their power: through building hatred of Dorne, and love of Ser Daemon. The latter, we could and should do nothing about - my brother is my brother, even if we could lower his reputation, he does not deserve such. The former, however, you could, if you have the courage.
"You, like many of your fellows, have fought the Dornish. I am not suggesting you start liking the Dornish, or, Seven forfend, actually *trust* them - trust must be earned, after all. But when you hear hatred of the Dornish being spread, remember that, wittingly or not, each time those words are repeated brings death closer to both your Ser Roland, and my brother, and do what you can to make the hatred less blind. Ask questions rather than blindly accept their words. Point out logical inconsistencies, or double standards - say, if they condemn a Dornishman for reportedly doing something which they let, say, Ser Balon do without remark. Remind them of their oaths, that if Reachmen are to remain truly Reachmen, you must stay true to your honour. Dornish poison can kill individuals; blind hatred is the poison that can kill *cultures*, for it can slowly and subtly turn you into your enemy. Just look at Ser Otho's actions today: does that remind you of an Andal, or a Dornishman? And what one man does, a hundred men think."
She purses her lips briefly. "I do have an unrelated request: the behaviour I saw today has prompted me to act rashly. I am seeking remarriage, and should not betray any political allegiance until I am married and know my husband's position, so that I may support him, rather than undermine him. After all, a wife should follow her husband's lead in matters political, just as knights follow their .." she frowns "..lord." she trails off.
She clearly ponders something in confusion. "I've heard quite a number of your fellow Companions speak up in favour of Ser Daemon. Loudly. But I can't remember hearing Lord Starling do so. They *are* following his lead, are they not? Rather than attempting to control the position of the House through their declarations?"
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