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Post by Father on Sept 15, 2018 14:49:38 GMT 1
"He indicated that he do not intent to return, my lady. Desmond replies, withholding judgement.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 15, 2018 21:11:34 GMT 1
"And yet, you have just admitted that his presence would be of benefit to you, at least in the relatively short term - which should hopefully include any upcoming troubles. From what I understand, his presence here was certainly necessary for him to heal after his loss. Do you think it still is? Or has it become a comforting rut?"
She leans forward slightly. "I wish to help him, Ser Desmond. I have approximately one tenth of an idea of how much pain he's been through, and still is." She swallows. "I believe this place is an escape. A beautiful escape, but just an escape. The pain is still there, under the surface. I feel I should be encouraging him to return to his duties. Well, to helping you with his duties, anyway. To finally accept the pain and loss, and finally find a way to forgive yourself for surviving. But..." she trails off, and licks her lips nervously. "I'm just not *sure*. If I'm wrong... but if I'm right..." She trails off each time before shaking her head. "Everything I know about you tells me you're a sensible, level-headed man with only your house's best interests at heart. You knew him before. You've known him your whole life. I would like your opinion."
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Post by Father on Sept 16, 2018 13:43:56 GMT 1
"He is not wrong in so far that his absence will make it easier to be Eamon's regent when I already have been Lord Bryce's for a few years on his own bidding" He thinks hard on it for a moment. "But I do not think Ser Farman would have the required support to make anything more than a little noise anyhow, and the Tyrells knows that I am the one best able to pay the tithes they are due without issue"
"But even if he were to return, his age is such that we know not for how long he would be with us. I suppose a talented wife with the right connections would be desirable, but to find one who's father is willing to give her hand to one with a Dornish mother is proving exceedingly difficult"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 16, 2018 16:14:10 GMT 1
Laena purses her lips. "I don't want to worry you unnecessarily," she lies, "but Ser Farman joined Bittersteel on his hunt on the first day of this tourney, and they spoke extensively about your house - Bittersteel was very interested, and asked a lot of questions. And it's hardly a secret that Bittersteel only cares about one thing.
"I have warned Lord Bryce of this, so he knows to be careful, but I feel you deserve the warning as well. Ser Farman may not be able to muster a lot of support on his own, but if Bittersteel decides to put his weight behind him in order to flip the loyalties of the house, then the threat Ser Farman represents should not be underestimated. After all, it is known that technically his claim on the lordship is stronger than yours, for all that he would be an unwise ruler. And it is far from unknown for an incapable heir to be passed over entirely. And, while you are correct about the tithes, if rumours are to be believed, Lord Leo and Ser Farman share political leanings, which may well weigh more on his mind.
"If you do find an answer to the marriage problem, please let us know. Ser Symon is in a near-identical position." And if you're hinting at what I think you are: no. Nononononnononono. No. I don't care if you wield the power of a lord and I could wrap you around my finger with a look. You're boring, and that crime I will never forgive.
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Post by Father on Sept 16, 2018 23:33:12 GMT 1
"This is true, but only an issue if Eamon is set aside. It is not in Lord Tyrell's nature to set aside the wishes of Lord Bryce in this matter. He shakes his head. "Ser Farman is many things, but no murderer." His mind seems to already have jumped ahead to the one scenario where the competing claims might become an issue. Namely one where Bryce and Eamon both were dead.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 17, 2018 1:52:51 GMT 1
"Ser Farman? No, from what I know, I agree, he's not the threat. I doubt he'd even be made aware of any threat. I cannot attest to the accuracy of recent rumours, but I do suspect that Bittersteel is the one to be wary of. Not personally, in Master Eamon's case, perhaps, but he has resources, and a man so ... innocent would likely not be too hard a target for professionals."
She holds up a hand. "I am not saying this *will* happen. Bittersteel has many houses he would like to flip or draw over, and he has to balance risk and effort against reward. Lord Bryce, while old, is hardly infirm, and Master Eamon is distant. It could well be he's considered the possibility and rejected it, instead merely seeking to recruit Ser Farman with the promise that should they take the throne, he will be installed as the head of your house. I just feel it right that you be aware of the possible threat, so that, should it arise, it at least does not take you unaware."
She mentally files away the knowledge that even now, Lords Bryce and Leo are seemingly closer than the rumour she heard of a strained relationship would imply. Or, at least, if otherwise, Lord Bryce is keeping it a closely-guarded secret.
So, unless Ser Farman or Bittersteel make a serious play, I think their house's position is more stable than it seemed, so long as Lords Bryce and Leo really are and remain close, so the latter respects the former's wishes for inheritance. It seems likely that pushing for Bryce to return home is the wrong play, still, I could probably make a play for Eamon's regent when the time comes, without too much opposition. And were I to provide an heir, that would likely solve the inheritance problem for the next generation as well. But if I don't, the regency may swing to Desmond, just to strengthen his claim.
She leans back. "Thank you, Ser Desmond. You've been a big help. I wish you the best, until we meet again."
Unless there's a matter he wants to cover, I think we've covered everything I wanted from this meeting.
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Post by Father on Sept 18, 2018 14:44:54 GMT 1
[/scene, then]
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