Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 5, 2018 18:22:48 GMT 1
As he wandered about Hall of Artists, Malyk examined each painting with interest; sometimes for a short time, sometimes for much longer. He was, however, more interested in the people themselves than the artist renderings. Some he knew. Most he did not. He wondered what their song had been. How had they lived their lives? What had been their loves and hates, their desires? History was a poor paintbrush. Even the ones he knew of were probably painted far brighter or darker than was true. Still, for many, their songs lived on even if their voices were long forgotten.
He felt the presence long before it joined him. Master Regyn's song was smooth, deep and mysterious, like a shawm. He trusted the spymaster implicitly, because his Lord did so and to do otherwise would be counterproductive. What motivated him was unknown, but motivations rarely mattered so long as goals aligned.
"What do you think Regyn? King Mern Gardener reminds me of Lord Willum; all bluster and pride and zest for life. Do you think the battle would have been different if King Loren had been commander instead?"
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Post by Alliser on Nov 5, 2018 19:33:16 GMT 1
Regyn had always enjoyed speaking with the curious boy. He always played funny games with westerosi, and the puzzles trying to figure out what he was trying to convey kept Regyn's understanding of the language sharp.
Albiet the first few times he thought the boy was trying to make a fool if him and his accent, but when he discovered others had the same problem he realized that this zestful boy was not malicious, merely confounding.
Looking to the painting he says, "I imagine that Lord Karl may have been more subtle. For just like rumors history often has a seed of Truth in it's core. But as far as success? Maybe the grander the gesture and it's sincerity may have been enough to throw his more realistic opponents off guard and allow for him to squirrel out a win. But it's doubtful that he could make such surprises last for more then one battle. Gimmicks are good for winning battles, but shit at winning wars from what I remember." He turns towards the normally colorfully dressed boy, "but what do you think?"
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 5, 2018 21:19:00 GMT 1
"I think I would not have mattered, for both were foolish. They actually won the battle, but lost the war. I would have advised both not to face fire breathing dragons in dry fields in the height of summer, but I was not there, and I suspect they would not have listened in any case." He sighed. "Another war may be coming; more death and more suffering just to decide who wears a crown. I have calculated many factors and I believe their effort wasted; the death and suffering wasted. King Daeron II will not be dislodged because good stewardship is based on trust and sound judgement, not treachery from the shadows. They will do great damage. They have already done so and will do much more, but the rot in their ranks is a hurdle they will not be able to overcome. By his actions King Daeron understands co-operation and compromise. By their actions clearly his enemies do not." Malyk wandered the hall with Regyn looking at the painting and speaking softly. "It is rare I ask this, but I need your help. I know your loyalty to the House is sound, but I do not know your aspiration to the greater good. You will already have heard of an incident between myself and a stall-seller in Gardenton. My first inclination was to simply strangle the man in the street, but as satisfying as that may be, it was not a solution to the greater problem, and was an action that would cause greater problems. For the last hour I have been searching for an appropriate solution, and I see only one. The outcasts, misfits, orphans and thieves must join forces. The street urchins of Gardenton must come together for their own protection. It is only together that they will weather the coming storm. If war comes, they will suffer unspeakably, because they already suffer greatly now in a time of peace and prosperity.
However, in order for that to happen they need a leader, someone around their own age and background. An outsider they cannot trust and someone older may seek to use or abuse them. They need someone they can respect with some talent in leadership. Someone who, although probably inexperienced, will see to their welfare, protect them and guide them because they are one of them. Often the only difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is opportunity. Lord Levalle gave me opportunity and you see the result. I intend to give one of the children of the Gardenton streets an opportunity, but I need you to tell me who that will be. Your expertise is vast in this area and your judgement is good. You will also be objective in the matter, choosing someone that has the greatest chance of success."
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Post by Alliser on Nov 5, 2018 22:40:31 GMT 1
Regyn nods, "the greater good... It sure is a slippery idea. I'm sure there are some among the fire supporters that feel casting off the oppressive yolk of false Kings. But more to your point yes, I did not grow up in wealth, and I remember the struggles of growing up without parents."
Regyn sighs, then gestures towards one of the paintings, "for the cost of the phone used to produce this artwork, a common child could be fed for a year during times if plenty. But I fear your concerns are founded."
As he walks on in thought he nods, "there is someone who might fit your description. But I don't know how he will respond once he gains a little power... Power can do funny things to good men. I hope that I will not steer you wrong in showing him to you."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 6, 2018 0:04:21 GMT 1
"I do not pretend to know the future, even if it is often a repeat of the past. I'm sure everyone pictured here sang their song as they thought best, although I have found nobles, even our Lord, take a very narrow view. The hawk and the hound have very different perspectives, as does the snake. I am aware where the path of good intentions can lead, but the alternative is to do nothing, and that is not an acceptable alternative to me. Our time here is short. We can only plant seeds and hope they grow into flowers instead of weeds... and even some weeds have value."
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Post by Alliser on Nov 7, 2018 0:48:07 GMT 1
Day 9 RMP knowledge streetwise candidate for leader of orphans for Malyk: 6d6k4 18"In that we are the same Maester Malyk. But some would claim that your ability to read people can seem nearly magical, even if your explanations are unique. I will ask some questions for you. I hope that you are successful, and I don't see any problem with trying to plant these seeds."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 7, 2018 2:12:29 GMT 1
"Yes, Master Regyn. People use that word about me often. I don't even really know what the word means, and it may someday get me killed. The closest thing to magical I have ever seen is a woman giving birth, and there is no magic or mystery about that whatsoever. People ascribe the term to anything that is strange, different or out of the ordinary. Perhaps I am all those things." He shrugged. "Sometimes I feel a little like the white stag... and perhaps I will someday meet the same fate."
He glanced a a painting of many nobles feasting. "I shall arrange a breakfast for the children of the streets tomorrow morning. If nothing else, I can fill their bellies without fear of the hangman or wanting their souls in exchange. Tell your candidate to come at that time. I expect they will believe it is a trap. I am fine with this. Nothing in life comes without a degree of risk, even if that risk is only perceived, and there is risk in what I will ask of them. They must not only be brave enough for themselves, but brave enough to stand for others."
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