Foul Mood - Entrance - Status (Rep) + Virtue - TN12:
6d6k5+6 31Have you learned nothing from all you have already lost?Laena had expected those daring to try and enjoy themselves, but she had underestimated the vitriol that would be present. A day ago, she likely would have thrown herself into the melee, but she felt nothing but disgust now.
One of you here took something valuable from me, and I have yet to return the favour.She hadn't been herself all day. Right now, paranoia was in full control. She ate and drank sparingly, never from servants who approached her - those were too likely bearing poison - always from ones she accosted at random heading elsewhere, making sure to never present a pattern which may be exploited. Some part of her argued that there was no real reason for anyone to want her dead, so no reason for her to be poisoned. The rest of her pointed out that Lord Bryce thought the same, and now look where he is.
She still lacked an appetite, but after a day of not eating and barely drinking, her body was desperate enough she could choke some food down, at least.
Still, she was not here for that.
Foul Mood - Honouring Dead (Bryce) - Persuade (Charm) - TN12:
6d6k4+3 26 3 DoS
+1 disposition with members of House Bridges, +1 disposition Lord Durwell, Lord Tyrell, Lady Ysilla, & Lord Mullendore
"It seems bizarre to think back and realise I knew Lord Bryce for less than a week.
"It feels so much more.
"He filled up the space around him with his charisma, and regularly did his best to ensure it was equally filled with smiles and laughter. That was the kind of man he was,
"A Showman.
"I can't do as many of you have done, and give stories from past decades of him, so I have but a simple wish.
"Like others who knew him, I found it hard, if not impossible, to smile or laugh today. But I believe I knew him well enough to say with confidence that this is not what he would want for those closest to him.
"While such a wish may seem difficult to imagine right now, I feel the best memorial for Lord Bryce would be for us to find our smiles and laughter again, as soon as possible."
By discovering his murderer, and exterminating that walking shit-pile. She doesn't say, but those she'd spoken with today would understand the implication.
"There may not be much reason to smile or laugh, but that never stopped Lord Bryce. He was the light in the darkness, and he deserves to be remembered as such.
"Thank you."
* * *
Foul Mood - Audience with Lord Tyrell - Status (Rep) + Virtue - TN18:
6d6k5+6 21[Note that this is a lowered TN, because this is done purely for narrative, rather than mechanical, effect]
When she was done, she attempted to approach Lord Tyrell. Maybe he'd heard and liked her words, maybe he was drunk enough to be more approachable, maybe he recognised her as his former squire's sister. Whatever the reason, she was allowed to approach him.
She gives a respectful curtsey. "Lord Tyrell, thank you for seeing me.
"I know you were a good friend of Lord Bryce, and you did a lot for him when he needed it the most.
"Maybe you heard through other means, but I'm sure Lord Bryce would want you, of all people, to know, so I wish to make sure you do.
"You likely had seen Lord Bryce behaving more theatrically, and perhaps wondered if he'd genuinely recovered his love of life, or if he was just putting on an empty show for an audience, with no heart behind it.
"I can tell you with confidence, from both his words stating such directly, and his deeds supporting it, that, at least at the end, he had recovered his love of life. And while many helped with that, including myself, the man who was undoubtedly most responsible for that was you.
"You may feel like that only enhances the tragedy, but, with respect, I vehemently disagree.
"I didn't know him then, but I do not doubt that the man who first approached you was a broken man, full of loss and despair. That may have been Lord Bryce's body, but it wasn't his self. I'm sure everything seemed black to him, and there looked to be no way out, but you helped him find it. With your help, he overcame a darkness that seemed unassailable, and became someone who brightened the lives of those around him again, proving that no matter how deep the darkness and despair seems, victory is possible.
"Even his murder, tragic as it is, cannot take that victory from him, or you. I do not feel it is too presumptuous to say that, if he could right now, Lord Bryce would thank you for everything you did."
"Since he cannot, inadequate as it may be, I offer mine in his stead." She gives a deep curtsey. "Thank you, Lord Leo Tyrell. For everything."
* * *
When she's done, Laena examines the room. Challenges continue to fly as a few noble souls vainly try and quench the fires burning the Reach, with as much effect as if they tried to use a thimble to douse a barn fire.
Whoever she ended up marrying, if she could get anyone at this point, would not be half the man Lord Bryce was. And one way or another, this conflict was certainly to blame.
"A pox on both your houses." Laena mutters, as she turns and leaves, as feuds continue to start and grow behind her.
+1 Virtue from 1 honourable action