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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 26, 2018 22:54:01 GMT 1
[This occurs during the Mummer event]
Laena was running late. Well, walking gracefully late. She made a mental note not to get dressed up with her children nearby again, knowing full well she'd ignore it next time, too. Not much got to her, but she still feels bad sending her children away. She didn't have much time for them recently, so she took whatever time she could get.
Gliding in to the amphitheatre as if she was intentionally fashionably late, she discreetly cast her eyes around. Spotting Lord Leo making his way to present the performers, she had mere moments to find a seat before she stopped being fashionable, and started being gauche. Unfortunately, this event was fully booked, so this late, her options were limited.
Just in time, she spots a lone seat available, and gracefully slides into it. She looks at the lord she sat next to, giving him a generic polite smile-
Which visibly freezes on her face as she recognises Lord Alliser Levalle. Her eyes widen. Her legs jerk reflexively to get her away-
"My Lords and Ladies..." Lord Leo begins, cutting off her last opportunity to escape.
She passes her movement off as just adjusting her skirt so it's not bunched up under her legs, and sits. Next to Lord Alliser. Lacking the ability to wipe the obviously-fake smile off her face, for fear of what may replace it; and not consciously aware of her hands bunching up her skirt on her lap, as her hands clench into almost-fists, clutching her skirt.
All she can do is wait, watch the show, and try to get control of herself before there's a break, and etiquette demands she have some form of social interaction with the (sadly) walking and breathing reminder of her childhood.
Shit.
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Post by Alliser on Sept 27, 2018 0:34:35 GMT 1
I wonder how Regyn is doing. If he was successful in getting in. I certainly hope he does not flounder now, the steaks are higher then back at home. sitting next to his wife he has little thoughts about the chair being open. Most polite folk would not want to associate with him, and this Little detail did not bother him, for her had long ago made peace with his status as a pariah.
Someone was sitting next to him, I wonder who it could be. he had expected it to be the last seat to be filled, so he turned curiously towards the unfortunate victim.
well this is unexpected.
He is able to keep his composure, but it is always a dangerous game, meeting great bastards. Some gave little thought to their mothers, others resented him, a few were quite hostile.
And he didn't know which one this silver haired beauty was.
"My Lady, it is a pleasure to have your company this evening." Banal and courtly, he decided not to take any undue risks.
But he did feel his heart quicken, like when a boar charged and all you had was a metal head and length of wood.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 27, 2018 18:35:31 GMT 1
[Note: Alliser's words & thoughts (paragraphs 3-4) were provided by his player via PM] Laena was a liar. She knew and accepted that. Politics demanded it. She'd been lying habitually at her mother's instruction since almost as soon as she could talk. Deception was so deeply rooted in her that she could only rarely tell the difference between truth and lies, even from her own mouth. And yet, the word 'Likewise' stuck in her throat, a visceral reaction closing her throat before the word could escape. After a moment too long, she managed to choke out a strangled "M'lord.", along with a jerky nod. With the show starting, it is just enough, and she takes the distraction it offers, holding tightly to the distraction of the show to escape the dark memories threatening to engulf her. *** Intermission arrives, and the nervous movements from the two seated figures drew still as the lamps were unhooded, bringing light to Alliser's stiff frame. Well this should be fun. Alliser pats his wife's hand affectionately as she rises up and leaves Alliser to fend for himself. "So the play..." Alliser begins, trying to break the tension. "Has some interesting qualities to it, don't you think?" If the seven are merciful right now I will have simply been misreading the situation...Phantom Pain - RP-guiding Will roll: 4d6 13Laena had managed to get her heart and breathing under control as the play went on, no longer threatened with drowning in memories of her childhood. However, she was still unsettled enough to not guard her tongue well enough. "I assume that's a polite way of saying its message is surprisingly malleable for what was clearly intended as a propaganda piece." She pauses. "Not that I would, of course. But where there is an opportunity, there are opportunists." She hadn't even consciously intended to take a jab at him, but after the words left her mouth, she realised how they could be taken. Not immediately seeing an obvious segue that wouldn't dig her deeper, she shut her mouth, which left the possible-jab as seeming the main point of her response. |
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Post by Alliser on Sept 27, 2018 19:21:08 GMT 1
so it is as I feared... Well shit. But her word choice of propaganda might mean she leans towards supporting her trueborn brother rather then the bastard prince. Maybe I can create some common ground there. Having a great bastard as an enemy is not an ideal position to be in right now. Especially if I am to sit next to her for the second act. "indeed, in the relative safety of the reach it seems the flags of the blackfyre dragon are being stitched in the open." He paused, "and some Lord's may forget their vows when opportunities knock." It seems a tacit admission, conceding to her barb while gentling massaging the conversation back towards the current brewing crisis at hand.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 0:41:48 GMT 1
Laena recognises the diversion for what it is, and dives on it, though being careful as she can in her current state to keep her words from betraying a strong allegiance either way. "It is indeed inevitable that some will forget their oaths." Given that oaths were sworn to both Lord Leo and the King, such a statement was vague enough for her purposes. "After all, it wasn't that long ago that every knight in the realm conveniently forgot one particular oath." No, shit. Move on! Move on!
In her rush to move on from stumbling into another jab at the lord, she speaks overly bluntly again. "And I have serious doubts as to how many are genuinely supportive of my brother, versus how many are happy to sacrifice him for their own advancement. I am sure there are at least some in both camps, but I fear the latter is the majority. Hardly surprising, it wasn't that long ago that all too many were willing to sacrifice their-" No, shit! After fumbling for a moment too long, she grasps an alternative word. "-pride. Yes, their pride." She repeats herself to try and give her time to figure out where she's going with the sentence now. "In ..." She trails off as she has no idea how to finish the sentence without clearly insulting the lord next to her. Again! "The kingdom!" she finally blurts out. "Yes, willing to sacrifice their pride in the kingdom. And now ... they think only of themselves, rather than the kingdom. Some of them!" She blurts out, realising she was waving a particular set of colours rather strongly. "Others are fine men, I'm sure. Great men, even."
Seven preserve me. Is the intermission over yet?
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Post by Alliser on Sept 28, 2018 1:12:46 GMT 1
An eyebrow raises she appears to be obfuscating her intentions. Perhaps if I lead her carefully... "my Lady speaks true. Oaths can be tricky things, and in the end we all make choices on who we support..." He paused casting his eyes about until he seizes his eyes on what he seeks. "It seems that my Lady has much to say. Perhaps a drink would help ease your thoughts?" He gestures over towards a small page, carrying a large platter of glass goblets filled with arbor red.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 2:11:21 GMT 1
Wine! Thank the Seven! Only a little of her relief slips into her voice, though, as she smiles demurely at Lord Alliser. "Wine would be lovely, thank you."
She accepts the glass Lord Alliser offers her with a smile, having kept a careful eye on his hands as he retrieved them, to ensure he didn't slip any poison into it. She savours the scent for a few moments (detecting nothing unexpected), before taking a sip, eyes closed, giving a quiet moan of pleasure as she savours the taste of it. "Mmmm. Wonderful." She uses the time to collect her thoughts.
She waves her free hand dismissively. "I may have a lot to say, but I've no interest in provoking a challenge, which is what would inevitably happen were I to say it. It's not even really *about* you, you're just the only person personally connected who hasn't died yet. So, how about *you* say something? Maybe I'll find a way to *not* segue back to my father. I suggest a topic which involves you doing the majority of the talking."
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Post by Alliser on Sept 28, 2018 2:46:54 GMT 1
He feels his face redden unintentionally, a crack in his otherwise polished armor "of course my Lady. I'm sorry if my presence made you distressed." so there is the truth of it. Perhaps her mother was one of the women who I lead to the Kings bed. If such things bother her, perhaps it would be best not to speak of bastards...
"My Lady is gracious in her forgiveness, " he lies smoothy, attempting to mollify the great bastard. "If I recall correctly you are of house starkwood? Isn't that the house that Ser Mikel is sworn to?" His tone is low and comforting, much like one would use speaking to a skittish horse.
"He has shown great skill so far, advancing even after that incident with the beast correct?" find common ground. Something safe and banal. Complementing knights from her house is a good start right? below his calm exterior Alliser's body is humming. He has not had this much excitement since his days rubbing shoulders with the great Lord's and their courtiers at King's landing.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 4:12:57 GMT 1
She raises an eyebrow at being identified - while hardly low-profile, it felt different to be recognised by a man so close to her father. Still, she nods at his question.
"He did indeed stay fighting after that incident." She purses her lips. "I heard what you said at the time. Making an enemy of House Bracken like that was stupid. But appreciated. There is a fair amount of speculation as to your motives in doing so." She waves a hand. "Not that I expect you to tell me. Honestly, at least. And motives only go so far; in the end, actions are what matter, and your actions were clear." Time to go hunting. "Lucky for you, you are close enough with Ser Daemon that he decided to defend you. It would be a shame if your noble action brought you low."
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Post by Alliser on Sept 28, 2018 6:00:55 GMT 1
Alliser smiles, slightly bemused, "indeed it was. My son has been very vocal in his support of blackfyre, so I guess I am lucky in that way."
He lets out a bit if breath, "although I don't know if making an enemy of bracken would endear me to others that support fire. However, I've not had as much attention from those that support the King as those that support blackfyre." He shrugs, "I guess that the fires feel more desperate if they are willing to seek out the Levalle's." He cracks a self deprecating smile.
He takes a moment to consider her words, chewing his bearded lip as he scrutinized her. Finally coming to a conclusion he leans in towards her, "being a reachmen that openly supports the King is a lonely path to tread during these trying times. Fortunately for us no hard decision has been made, and while I do appreciate Daemon's support in the duel against Otho, I would not be surprised if I were to join the supporters of blackfyres that I might end up with a lance in my back and my lands given to a sycophant." His smile is reptilian, "besides, what is one more betrayal once you have already broken your oath?" His question is rhetorical but needles gently at the wound like a Maester examining putrid flesh.
His eyes flash, "that being the case, I don't see the King riding to my aid either. I am a small house in the middle of reach on the Mander I would just as likely be written off as a loss on the footnote of a ledger should I be open in my support of the king." As he pulls away the smell of lavender comes with him. "But perhaps we could continue this conversation at a later time? I hear the Sept is beautiful at Dawn."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 16:45:48 GMT 1
Talking of desperate... Laena listens attentively to his words as he speaks, her focus on them allowing her to distract herself from her animosity. She could well see the problem he was in - his lands were wealthy, and few would complain should the Levalles pass into history, even his liege lord would likely not be too wroth so long as the coin kept flowing into his coffers. The thought of the Levalles having their collective throats slit, and bodies hurled from the top of one of their towers brought a small smile to her face. Still, desperation for some means opportunities for others. She considers his offer.
Blink.
She's walking down the street towards the Sept in the pre-dawn gloom when a ruffian jumps out from an alley behind her, and, before she can scream, drags her into the alley and draws a knife across her throat. As she bleeds out, the last thing she hears is a whisper in her ears. "Lord Levalle accepts your apology."
Blink.
She's tied up so tightly she can barely wiggle her fingers, and most of her body is numb. To top it off, she has a pretty bow tied to her forehead. Carried by Ser Robyn, with Lord Alliser leading the way, she's handed off to Bittersteel's eager hands. "There you go, Ser. One falcon, wings clipped, as agreed." Alliser says.
Bittersteel nods. "Well done. As agreed, so long as you do not stand against the True King, your rule of your lands is guaranteed. And for now, your reward." He gestures, and a human-sized golden statue of a falcon is pushed forward. It's in horrific shape - cuts everywhere, melted areas, and everything that could be bent out of shape has been. "I've been venting my frustrations on it." He grins at her. "But now I have the real thing, so I don't need to be so restrained."
Blink.
"EAT IT! EAT IT, YOU SHITTING FUCK!!" She screams inside the sept, purple with rage, as she is dragged off by concerned Septons from her attempt to choke Lord Levalle to death on his own testicles. One more Septon attempts to fish the severed genitals from Lord Alliser's mouth, while the last attempts to stem the bleeding from his groin.
Blink.
She's naked and tied spreadeagled on a luxurious bed. She can't see, as her head is under a thick hood, but she can hear muffled words between two men. "...Alliance...ride the dragon...just like her mother...". All too soon, she feels regular vibrations as a ponderous mass waddles closer and closer to the bed.
Blink.
"The name 'Levalle' closes doors, just as the descriptor 'Great Bastard' opens them. I have need of an agent I can trust, to act in my interests where I can't go, and Starkwood honour is legendary..."
Blink.
A moment longer, she considers plots and counter-plots while focusing on Lord Alliser's expression before finally, with a hint of an expression like she'd just bitten into a lemon, she gives a small nod.
"So," She begins, in a tone that she's trying to change the subject to lighter matters. "I'm curious. What was Lady Lyanna up to that provoked the rumour she went missing a few evenings back?"
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Post by Alliser on Sept 28, 2018 17:55:23 GMT 1
Shock at her nod leads to exasperation in the small huff he gives at her question. "The gods and her only know." Reflexively his hand moves to his temple to massage away some strain, the question breaking down his manners with concerned worry of a parent. "No one in my sons camp seems to know anything besides she just left the day after the carousing that my son got up to the night of the hunt. I heard rumors that she was seen at her brothers camp, but nothing since then." His winkled face shows deep lines about his eyes, "Although my son did make a right fool of himself during the gathering of favors event." Mild irritation had entered his tone when he says testily, "I wish the Maesters would make some potion that would stop childrens growth at nine. They were so helpful and observant all those years ago." his tone transfers to wistfulness before he rounds the question back to her, "Do you have any children, my lady?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 18:40:28 GMT 1
"She's still missing?!" Laena exclaims quietly, clearly surprised. She pays attention to what he says about the matter. So, maybe the Silent Sisters, or maybe just changed her name and joined a distant house that owed her brother a favour. Seven watch over you, bold one. Recognising that it was a stressful subject, she let him guide the topic to a safer subject.
Unlike her question to him, she smiles widely at his question to her. "Yes, two, a girl and a boy, both still infants. Without a doubt, the best things in my life, despite how much of a handful they are sometimes." And if you try and harm them, all your titles and wealth will not save you from my wrath. "Both trueborn." She adds. After all, she is a bastard herself. "I believe sons in particular are vexing to their parents - too much freedom - so I can sympathise with your worry. I worry constantly over my son, and he's barely walking on his own. I dread to think how I'll feel once he's old enough to be waving around swords and fathering bastards."
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Post by Alliser on Sept 28, 2018 21:12:44 GMT 1
He smiles, "indeed, trueborn daughters are a blessing. My Ellyn and her twin are true joys." His lips curl into a grin, "although my brother would likely say otherwise about his daughter. I swear that his one daughter has added more years to his face then all my children combined. Although my wife has aged gracefully. The children seem to have barely aged a day." His voice was playful and loving as he spoke about his wife, then he paused adding as he remembers the rumor, "I have heard some vicious rumors about you and your late husband. People can be so cruel at times." He comments taking a moment to study her face for a reaction.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 28, 2018 23:46:04 GMT 1
"Hmm." She hums sadly. "I wish I could say I was surprised by that rumour, but Ser Vernan's death *was* a shock, so it was a fairly obvious attack to make. Honestly, it was almost a relief when I heard it - it both had basic facts about the events wrong, as well as a terrible grasp of political realities. Meaning that it was planted by someone who both isn't a false friend close to me, and is an idiot. If *someone's* speaking ill of you, those are traits you want them to have. From that perspective, I suspect it may be Ser Otho taking an idle swipe due to my sharing a house with Ser Mikel." She shrugs. "But that is just a guess. He's the only person I could come up with any kind of motive for, at least."
While a bit sad over the mention of her late husband, she doesn't seem too concerned over the rumour.
"I have heard good things about your two daughters. May Lady Ellyn find a match as good as her twin." It's bizarre, speaking to him about children like this. It's almost as if he's human, capable of human emotions. After the King kicked his latest victim out of his bed, did Lord Alliser carry the sobbing wreckage to a guest room while telling her enthusiastically about his girls' first steps? And when raising his daughters, did he tell them about all the other ladies he whored out? It was hardly a secret, so he must have done. I wonder how he phrased it to them. 'Don't worry, I won't whore you out...unless you misbehave. Or the price is right. I may see you both as potential whores, but I'll be damned if you're made *cheap* whores.' Maybe they, like me, escaped a terrible fate purely through virtue of youth.
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