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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 13, 2018 20:44:07 GMT 1
Laena had put a good amount of thought into the location she'd arranged to finally meet Titus Blackbriar , and, for once, she didn't seem to have overlooked anything. The Hall of Artists required they stay standing, allowing her to control the distance between them to her benefit; there was always a wall nearby she could use to back him up against should she desire; and she was waiting for him before one of the paintings more likely to offend Septons - if he was as Ashara described, he'd likely be conflicted from the off, feeling awkward and guilty over the feelings it instilled in him. She stretched her arms, shook her legs, and canted her head from side to side to limber up, preparing herself. Time to see if I can crack his shell, and see what measure of man lies beneath.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Sept 28, 2018 1:01:43 GMT 1
The sound of his footsteps betrayed him before speech or sight. Titus, like his father, was not light footed and the marble floor and stone walls carried the echoes of his heavy boots through the otherwise silent hall.
“My Lady.” Titus was cautious but polite, a combination he mastered from 20 years with the Lady Shiera as mother. He did not know Lady Laena by more than rumour and from what he understood, cautious but polite was the safest way to go here.
“How can I be of service?” Bowing slightly he makes sure to look at her and not the painting behind her.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 1:42:48 GMT 1
"Ser Titus." Laena smiles and gives a small curtsey in response. "As I'm sure you know, I'm doing what I can to bring our houses closer together, to benefit both. Although I admit, I've been rather stuck recently.
"However, it occurred to me that the first step in better relations is better understanding. And, despite your father speaking well of you, and the fact I've spoken to a good portion of the rest of your house, I had yet to speak with you. So, I thought I'd like to get to know you a bit." She shrugs. "Though I must say, your willingness to stand up for what's right, regardless of how much it hurts you personally, says more good about you than even your father could manage. Indeed, it's a trait sadly lacking in the overwhelming majority of people. Morals, ethics, and beliefs only matter when you hold on to them even when it hurts, when it would far easier to just let go, when the weight seems unbearable. To me, that's when a man becomes a Man." The capitalization is obvious in her speech.
"So," and she curtseys again, but deeper this time, as if to an equal. "Respect earned, and given."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Sept 29, 2018 15:53:23 GMT 1
Whatever he had thought this meeting was going to entail, this was not quite it and the perplexion was clear on his face. Returning her bow he replies with caution. “My Lady honours me.” He hesitates but continues. “But I fear you paint me in much fairer light than I deserve.” The news of the challenge between him and Balon was all over Highgarden and it was hardly a position he enjoyed having found himself in. If no man is as cursed as the kinslayer, surely the brother who would bare steel against his own was not far away.
“I do share you want to bridge the gap between our houses, especially to repair resent damage.” What the recent damage is he leaves unsaid but the implication is obvious. “I attempted to speak to the Lady Ashara the other day for this very purpose, but fear I could only offer empty words and little comfort for her. I am no politician, my lady. My father taught me how to wield sword, lance and shield to uphold the oaths we swear but little of the world of diplomacy. If we are of the same goal here I ask you again; how can I be of service?”
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 29, 2018 17:55:53 GMT 1
She gives an enigmatic smile. "Maybe I do, but I believe not. Do not underestimate the importance of the simple, honourable knight. If the realm were filled with nothing but grasping schemers, there would be no trust, and we'd be in constant civil war. For example, peace can only be reasonably achieved through trust in the guest rights given by eating bread and salt. When trust is lost that people will not die in 'accidents' while under guest rights, there will be naught but war. You and others like you provide that trust. You literally help hold the entire realm together." Put another way, you provide the light that gives people like me shadows to hide in.
"Since you spoke with my cousin, I'm sure you're aware that we view your brother's threat to murder Ser Symon credible, serious, and imminent. No words said while calm will convince us that those words were not hurled from the heart. For there to be peace between our houses, your brother has to go. Early in the tourney, I was working towards trying to get him sworn to House Starling, but then his actions destroyed his hopes there, along with any other even vaguely honourable house.
"Unfortunately, but entirely understandably, your father, last we spoke on the idea, if Ser Balon is to leave you, wished for him to only depart to an honourable house, believing that to do otherwise would be to give up on any hope for him.
"You ask for something concrete you can do to advance the cause of reconciliation between our houses: convince your father that it is in everyone's interests to let your brother go, preferably as far away as possible. Personally speaking, I'm not declared for either side, since I am looking for a husband and do not know my future husband's views on the matter, so I'd be happy to put my political muscle, such as it is, behind getting him accepted in an appropriate house, if it is desired."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Sept 29, 2018 23:26:10 GMT 1
And there it was. Balon really did have a knack for making enemies. Later today Titus was to ride against him, but having Balon exiled from their family? A dagger in the back, nothing else and Titus did not want to be the one twisting the blade.
He did not necessarily disagree with the notion; in the short term having Balon leave would lessen the grief between their houses, and the internal stress of his own. But Balon wasn’t just some problem that needed to be removed from an equation. He was his brother, and every word spoken against him felt like betrayal. Perhaps this is why oaths are taken? To make hard decisions simpler.
Mulling over this, he spoke slowly. “Lady Laena. With your permission I shall speak plainly... I known it means little to you and your kin but I do not believe Balon to be bad. I’m sure you are aware of our confrontation after the battle re-enactment. I seem to remember your Ser Symon having been on the same side as us... Balon has acted disgracefully and amends need to be made. No question about it. But he is not the threat to you and yours. Not yet. What men whisper in his ear? If you feel that the heir of your house is in danger it’s not purely from my brother. He’s vainglorious and foolish, not malevolent.” He paused in an attempt to asses the lady’s thoughts but also to gather his own.
“If we lose my brother he is lost...” he trailed off. It was a confusing situation Titus found himself in. He was furious with Balon, he hated him for bringing all this unto them and yesterday he wanted to pummel him and never stop. Yet, he’d never felt more protective about his brother than now.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 30, 2018 3:58:10 GMT 1
Laena nods. "Please do speak plainly. We need to find a solution that works for both parties, and deception won't help with that." she says with a perfectly straight face.
"I agree with you that your brother has *someone* whispering in his ear." She begins in a moderate tone, then snarls, steps forward into the edge of Titus's personal space, and continues in a harsher tone, gesticulating much more emphatically than before. "That's the thing that angers me most about him personally, probably even more than him body-slamming my cousin: I sensed in him the potential for greatness, and he *chose* to be led around by his hatred of strangers by lesser men, becoming nothing more than a disposable puppet." She seems to come back to herself, freezes for a moment, then withdraws back to a respectable distance, and continues in a more normal tone, as if nothing strange had occurred. "If you have any ideas as to find out *who* is manipulating your brother, I would certainly be interested. I know some good gossips who can tell me what people are saying about men I view as marriage candidates; spying more intently than that is beyond me, and I think that *still* qualifies as the closest thing our house has to an actual spy network.
"Not that it makes a big difference in the short term. Just because you can't identify the person wielding the blade, doesn't mean the blade won't kill you.
"An alternative solution would be to cure your brother's hatred. I believe the traditional solution would involve locking him and Ser Symon into a deadly labyrinth, forcing them to work together or die. But I have a horrible suspicion your brother would say 'I may want to live as much as you, but I'd still much rather see you dead'. Plus, I don't have any labyrinths handy. A tragic oversight on my father's part." Her tone seems entirely serious.
"From your brother's own mouth, he'd happily commit wrongdoings to advance his cause, which provides justifications for his hatred, trusting that they will emerge victorious, and that only the losing side will be considered to have done any wrongs. In this way, his cause gives him free reign to act as bad as he likes. If they fail, they're all traitors anyway. If they succeed, all sins are forgiven. In this way, he can justify Ser Symon's death just as easily as he did Ser Walton's. If you don't want to call that 'bad', by all means, but let us at least agree on 'dangerous'.
"I remind you I am talking about him swearing an oath to a lord more aligned with his politics, not shipping him off to the Dothraki plains. The way things are going, likely within a few years things will either have calmed down somehow, or blown up completely and settled down again. In either case, without tensions making the situation worse, it would probably be fine for your brother to return, especially if he's married - a good wife can do wonders settling a young man. I doubt either you or your father, however well-intentioned, can pry him away from his cause. By letting him go now, before matters become irreversible internally, you can let him go lightly, and he knows he has a place with the rest of you still. If you try and hold on tight, there's a very real chance that, sooner or later, someone will say or do something that can't be taken back, and he'll leave and not come back."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Oct 1, 2018 10:09:36 GMT 1
He sighs. “I shall speak to my father. But you will forgive me if I do so after today.” Had he not done enough allready? Perhaps it was to much to expect a woman to understand... A challenge was noting to scoff at and in a few hours he was to bare steel against his own blood, blunted or not the risk was substantial, as the tournament so far had proven.
“Is there anything else I can do to be of service, my lady? If not I have my tilts to prepare for.” It was not meant to be rude nor abrupt but if the conversation was to stay on House Starkwood’s grudge towards his brother he did not wish to continue it for now.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 2, 2018 18:29:38 GMT 1
Laena freezes for a moment, then sags slightly and replies in a softer, gentler voice.
"I owe you an apology.
"When you asked me how you could be of service, I *should* have said 'nothing that will not keep 'til the morrow'. I'd even directly acknowledged how much stress you must be under right now.
"But I didn't.
"I've been chasing shadows for days, trying to play politics beyond my means, and illuminate deep shadows with a cheap candle, trying to figure out where the threat will come from, an-" She cuts herself off with a sigh, and closes her eyes. "-And I'm not actually apologising, I'm just making excuses for my behaviour."
She opens her eyes again, though keeping them downcast, and gives a curtsey. "My apologies, Ser. I acted selfishly, and was wilfully inconsiderate of your feelings, despite being fully aware of them.
"If you would be willing, I would like to spend some time on the original goal of this meeting, that of creating a better understanding by getting to know each other better. However, I do understand if you wish to limit your time with people of our house until matters are more settled, and will take no offence should you prefer to leave."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Oct 3, 2018 18:51:15 GMT 1
"I feel, my lady, we just did take a step towards that original goal." he offered with a troubled but reassuring smile. "No apology needed, but I appreciate your understanding. Less than a year ago I was just a squire under my father and while life was far from easy back then everything was... simpler." the longing in his words his obvious. "Everything was clear and the rules laid out. When I was anointed and swore the oaths I thought everything would remain the same. Live by the Seven, honour your Father, your Lord and your King. Simple rules... no?" He sighs. "I've prayed all night, asking for something to say I'm doing the right thing but sometimes they test us with their silence, don't they?" Catching himself he clears his throat and straightens up.
"My lady must forgive me for rambling. I've slept little and..." he sighs, smiles and continues "I am not in a rush, shall we walk?" as he gestures down the hall of the gallery, towards what happens to more... proper paintings than the one he had found Lady Laena by.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 5, 2018 4:51:38 GMT 1
Laena draws herself up, smiles, and offers him an arm to walk her down the row of paintings. "Believe it or not, I do understand, at least somewhat. A year ago, I was still married to Vernan. All I had to worry about was helping him keep his little corner of land well-run, and raising my two children. It was a small corner, but it was ours. Not important enough to really worry about any big events building up outside. And then ..." She sighs. "The walls came crashing down, and we were ripped out, and thrown into the biggest storm for decades. Seeking safe harbour at such a time is ... difficult. I am fortunate that our house doesn't seem to be suffering any major internal divisions - long may it continue - but I need to leave this house, and enter another, and relatively few others can claim the same. The ... not 'easy' but at least 'straightforward' life I saw before me has been ripped away, and all there is is chaos and confusion and deception ... and whining." She sighs. "Sorry. I'm alive and well, my children are alive and well, and I have the looks and wits to attract a reasonable husband. A lot of women have it worse than me."
She goes to carry on, then hesitates. "I was going to comment on the lack of response from the Seven, but I think instead, you will witness a truly rare event: I will be quiet. Your situation is a very masculine one. However well-intentioned, I feel commentary from me is likely beyond the bounds of propriety. What I will say regardless is that I am absolutely convinced the Seven are still with you. Maybe testing you. Maybe judging you. But still with you. Do not doubt that."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Oct 8, 2018 23:46:40 GMT 1
Any rumours circling Laena and her late husband's cause of death had been lost on Titus, he'd been to wrapped up in his own feud with Balon to care, nor would he have found it likely - such maliciousness and deviousness was not possible for women, ladies even less so. "I'm sure my lady will have no problems finding herself a lord-husband. We are in short supply of them at Gyldenhaal, I'm afraid, but the realm is vast! Not the my lady would have to search that far, I mean. Suitors must be in no short supply... I mean-" thinking (incorrectly) that he somewhat had offended he started tripping over himself, a common pattern for Titus when addressing ladies.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 9, 2018 14:31:14 GMT 1
Laena sharply turns towards Titus, leaving them facing each other close-up, and presses the forefinger of her free hand against Titus' lips to silence him, while giving him a firm look. "You are wise to fear that which you do not understand. But you are a warrior. You should already know that it is when you are afraid that you must appear bravest. If you give offence unwittingly, most will simply brush it aside. If they ask for apology, give it freely, but otherwise learn and move on. Weakness? Indecisiveness? They are traits of women and boys. Not men." She removes her finger from his mouth, and points it in his face. "Not men." she repeats, firmly.
She then seems to realise she's pointing her finger in the face of a knight she's trying to *improve* relations with, and smoothly withdraws back to their side-by-side walking position, before clearing her throat. "And yes, I have prospects. We will see what comes of them. Nothing is certain until it happens, and even then, it may not be, depending on how many witness it.
"What of yourself?" She asks in a light voice. "Are you looking for a wife already? Or are you seeking to further establish your martial credentials against other knights before hunting more dangerous prey?" she gives an amused smile. "Before I send you into another panic, rest assured I do not view you as one of my prospects."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Oct 12, 2018 10:43:31 GMT 1
As the lady abruptly turns to silence him Titus stands dumbstruck. What he first feared to be a woman insulted turned to be a lady firmly directing him, something oddly secure to the young knight. As she finishes he smiles and bows to her lightly. "Of course, Lady Laena. Thank you. I shall keep that in mind." Great Bastards really had their own way about them, no doubt. He had to remember this if he was to speak to Lady Deana Flowers again, something he hoped to to do - he had carried her favour into the last thirty-six after all.
She continued. Again her forwardness regarding marriage struck him as unorthodox but enjoyable, even if she just dismissed him. "I have no doubt my mother would see me and my brother married as soon as possible. Father was older than me once he wed mother so he can wait a few years, I'm sure." He paused and looked at her, realising "but, you are asking me. Not my parents." clearing his throat he continues with some difficulty, it is easier to say what other wants of your life than what you yourself want. "I've little head for politics, my lady, and I'm afraid that is what it often comes to in the union of Houses. Now, I am the second son of a second son and can offer little part from what I take with me; my name, my reputation and my talents. I was knighted less than a year ago and I fear that at the moment, that's not quite enough... so, using your words my lady, that most dangerous of prey might still be a bit out of my reach."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 12, 2018 12:57:53 GMT 1
She gives him an encouraging smile when he realises she seeks his opinion, rather than that of his parents. She gives him an assessing look when he is done. "So, you are not seriously pursuing my sister, Lady Daena? I trust you have made her aware of this? I married when I was her age, so I imagine it is at least somewhere in her mind." She cants her head. "I can at least be reassured that a knight of your good character wouldn't approach her aiming to take advantage of a natural-born daughter's reputed wantonness." Despite her words, her tone carries a subtle protective warning undertone of 'I'd *better* be right about this'.
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