Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 12, 2018 10:43:36 GMT 1
"In 178 AC, Aegon caught one of his Kingsguard knights, Ser Terrence Toyne, sleeping with one of his mistresses, Lady Bethany Bracken. Even though they proclaimed love, Aegon had them both executed. Terrence was dismembered piece by piece, while Bethany was forced to watch before meeting her own death. Aegon also had Bethany's father, Lord Bracken, who had once served as his Hand of the King, executed just for spite."
A shadow flickered across Malyk's face as these words were read. He lounged in the library window seat, outlined in moonlight, listening to the scholars words, his eyes closed as he seemed to drink up the information.
"Are you well, milord? We can stop if you wish."
"I am fine." He replied with a weary smile. "Aegon's lusts are common knowledge, but I was not aware he was so unnecessarily cruel. It just took me by surprise. These words are accurate?"
"Yes, milord. There are some points of controversy and conjecture over Aegon IV's reign, but the executions are well documented."
Malyk nodded and closed his eyes again. "Continue please."
While the text the scholar read attempted to be neutral and objective, simply relaying the known facts, the horrors of Aegon's reign could not be denied. One would have thought that after twelve years of leadership by such a monster, the realm would have been grateful for the sound leadership of King Daeron. Had they forgotten so much in just ten short years?
The scholar continued the liturgy of death, destruction and corruption as Malyk listened carefully to every word until another passage elicited a reaction.
"In the last few years of Aegon's corrupt reign, his heir, Daeron, became one of the biggest obstacles to Aegon's misrule. While some lords saw opportunity in the gluttonous, corpulent king who could easily be convinced to part with honors, offices and treasures for a chance at pleasure, many others who condemned the king's behavior flocked to Daeron. Aegon, despite all the threats, japes and disparities he heaped upon his son, never formally disowned Daeron. Accounts differ as to why, the most likely explanation being that Aegon knew that his hold on his throne would not be secure if he disowned his son. It would mean civil war, as many lords who were sickened by Aegon's depravity would defend Daeron's rights."
"Do you think Aegon hated his son because he reminded him of his brother Aemon?"
The scholar paused a moment. "I do not know, milord, but it is certainly possible. Aemon was everything Aegon was not, and Daeron had far more in common with Aemon than his Father."
The reading continued until it came to the King's death at a relatively young age. If Aegon's life had been horrific, his death was sickening. Bedbound, rotting, putrid and riddled with worms. His final act was to legitimize all his bastards.
"I wonder why he did that?" Malyk murmured softly.
"Milord?"
"Why legitimize all his bastards? He had already done so for Daemon, the bastard he favored and would see as his Heir had he been brave enough. Why legitimize the others?"
"Perhaps he had a pang of conscience at the end. Many do when faced with death."
"Really? Have you not been listening to the words you have been reading? Do you detect even a fleeting glimpse of conscience or compassion anywhere in that life." Malyk thought for a long moment. "No. He was dying; rotting in his own body. He knew the end was near, and he knew his hated son was about to take his throne. I think it was the last stab open to him. One last spit in the face of all he hated. One last way to reach beyond the grave and ensure Daeron's failure. One last vindictive act in a lifetime of vindictive acts."
Malyk felt unclean just from hearing the story. He could not imagine what other's felt who had known and served the man. He could not imagine what his Lord had gone through just to try and please such a man. Aegon IV had been a vile infection, and it seemed he had infected almost everyone around him one way or another.
There was one other question in Malyk's mind, but he did not voice it.
I wonder if Daeron was actually Aemon's son.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 13, 2018 12:04:51 GMT 1
From nearby hidden behind other aisles a book can be heard to close then moments later a man emerges who offers a friendly smile and greeting.
"Do you mind if I sit? I heard the reading and the discussion and found it quite interesting. I would appreciate just such a distraction after as long as I have spent combing through these books and finding naught aside from some rather... disturbing passages I shall spare you both from." If Mikel is encouraged to sit he then introduces himself. "Thank you, I am Ser Mikel of Harroway and appreciate your kindness. Please, continue. Perhaps something on justice?"
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 13, 2018 13:43:13 GMT 1
The young man gives the stranger a warm smile. "You are welcome to join us, if you wish. I am Malyk." The absence of his title was telling, but not unusual for him. He introduces the scholar as well. "You are known to me, Ser Mikel. You did quite well in the joust." He glances at the book. "Our scholar here was just indulging me, for I cannot read any of these books myself." There seemed no embarrassment in his admitting what might be considered a great flaw in one of his position. "I sometimes find to understand the path ahead one must understand the path that lead up to the current location. Tell me. What is your opinion of our former King, Aegon IV Targaryen?"
OOC: While the scholar has a name, I have not named him as I generally consider that to be Father's purview.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 15, 2018 0:58:19 GMT 1
"Thank you Master Malyk, I agree that to know where to go one should know where they have been. To answer your question honestly I only know what is most commonly said. That he was a slave to his desires and the Realm suffered for it, some far more then others. Corruption and indulgence are said to have been his hallmarks and he was never fit to be King. So my opinion of him is that he should never have been King, and he brought only dishonor to any of the titles he was granted by rights of birth."
Mikel found a seat and made himself comfortable. "It would be nice to think that such days are behind us, but I fear there are still those of power who resemble him in one way or another. Yet thankfully the man who sits upon the Iron throne now is not one of them."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 15, 2018 1:11:51 GMT 1
"I admit that is what most confuses me about out current situation. Perhaps as a Knight you will have some perspective. It seems to me that the King we have now is infinitely preferable to the former in every measurable way, but there was no calls for open rebellion during Aegon's time that I am aware of. I am sure there were many who mumbled under their breath or looked upon Aegon disapprovingly. There were a few attempts to shorten his life, but few voiced their disapproval openly, perhaps because they feared the King's reprisal. Many may be more approving of King Daeron, but they obviously do not fear him as they did Aegon, perhaps because he seems to be a good man and will not react as Aegon did. It makes me wonder if we want good Kings on our thrones. The evidence would seem otherwise."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 15, 2018 3:42:18 GMT 1
"I fear I may be even less well equipped to answer this question but I will try. One possibility strikes me as the most likely. That the men of power who would rise up now are those who had been spoiled under Aegon's reign. Men who were granted position for their compliance in his corruption and cruelty, then had their preferential treatment taken from them. They are those who take their personal desires and hold them above the oaths they took and the small folk under their care. Which in my opinion is quite ironic, because if their small folk did the same to them I cannot fathom that there would be any trace of understanding but only the feeling that they had been betrayed by beasts without honor."
"Perhaps what they might see as a lack of strength helps to embolden them. They might believe his choice in absorbing Dorn through peace reflects his lack of an ability to wage war competently, or that even if they should fight and fail he will grant them mercy as he lacks the stomach for any violence. Yet as much as I hope this war does not come to pass, a just and competent king is worth fighting for in my opinion."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 15, 2018 5:20:57 GMT 1
"I think you have the right of it, Ser. It easy to believe that those who flourished under an incompetent King are not doing so well under a competent one. I am a little surprised though, at some who flock to the Fire banner. Some I would count as good men, although I will not judge them without knowing their reasons. My Lord also believes that many believe King Daeron will be merciful if they should happen to lose. I am unconvinced. I do not know his personal beliefs, but the attempts to conquer Dorne cost his family and the realm much. His actions in finding another way speak of someone who can steel himself to do things they might consider distasteful when serving the greater good. If we go to war and the Fires lose, the mercy they expect may not be as forthcoming as they would have hoped. Daeron did not just have Aegon as a model, but Ser Aemon as well. The Dragonknight was famed to be many things: strong, powerful, honorable, just, but I do not recall many stories where he was described as merciful."
Malyk shrugged. "We will all sing our own songs and reap the consequences of our choices." He smiled. "Tell me Ser Mikel. You came here in search of something. What is it you search for? Perhaps we can be of help to you?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 15, 2018 6:33:47 GMT 1
"I have to agree with your thoughts on the matter. If he made the efforts and sacrifices necessary to conquer Dorn by the quill I imagine that should war break out he will act in such a way as to strongly discourage such happening again. There is also like to be plenty of grey in this matter which I have described as black and white. In the course of traveling the realms I've seen that most men, from any of the seven kingdoms, are not so different whether they be of low or high birth apart from the tasks or duties which consume their day. And often enough there are more difficult choices in obscure circumstance then easy ones which are plain to see."
"This tournament has held plenty of upset for anyone and I was searching these tomes hoping to see sometime which bore similarities with a satisfying resolution. So many great lords and powerful houses gathered together yet the only justice which has been found of consequence was that of the thugs hired to carry out another man's murderous plots. Even Lord Merryweather has escaped any justice, though it seems his guilt is common knowledge. I wonder, Master Malyk, have you heard of a tale when a situation such as Lord Merryweathers where justice was the result? Such a tale would return some optimism to my heart."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 15, 2018 8:20:32 GMT 1
"I have thought much about justice lately. I helped capture one of Jorah Cuy's attempted kidnappers only today. I admit I bore some hatred in my heart for the man, the attacking of a child is a grievous sin, but the Mother took that away when I questioned him. He was not evil, just greedy, stupid and pathetic; a puppet on someone else strings, unworthy of hate. I hope the Stranger has some mercy upon him. He deserves to hang, but I am unsure the seven hells are the place for men who are simply desperate or weak. "Maegor the Cruel died impaled on the Iron Throne. I am sure there is some ironic justice there. Aegon died riddles with worms. Another example of men reaping what they sow." Malyk pondered for a moment. "Justice delivered by a man's hand? I am not sure. If you will forgive the observation, much of what Knights do is entangled in pride and politics; even that of the Dragonknight." He thought for several moments. "Baelor Targaryen walking into the snake pit to free Aemon was bravery, honor and justice, though it cost him dearly." He paused. "Perhaps the Targaryens are not a good example. The Seven have rarely been kind to even the good ones." "Criston Cole who was instrumental in starting the Dance of Dragons was slain by arrows. Was that justice? I don't know. Ser Ryam Redwyne is storied for vanquishing many terrible foes and brigands, until he was appointed Hand of the King, a position he did not want and was ill-equipped to fulfill. The Cargyill twins killed each other. The..." He trailed off. He was not helping. "Ser Mikel, perhaps the histories are not the place to look when one seeks justice, for history loves tragedy and the people love nothing more than raising heroes and then bringing them low. The guards that patrol the roads every day to keep us safe are heroes, though you will never find their name in song and story. Those of the faith that are pure in their conviction and labor each day to make people's lives better will never appear in the history books. In the Tear we have many liars and thieves, but every once in a while one will wind up dead because he has crossed an unspoken line by killing someone or stealing from someone they should not. In most communities people look to their own and justice is a necessary part of the survival of that community. My staff come to me all the time with their problems and sometimes they have done terrible things in the heat of the moment. My job is to sort out these problems and provide some sort of solution. You may call that providing justice if you like, but I do not hold what I do to such a high ideal. I believe justice is fairness in a world that is decidedly unfair. If you seek an ideal, you may go forever unsatisfied. The Lord Merryweathers of this world escape justice because the others of his community, the Lords, allow it. Knights with dark hearts operate because the rest of their community, the other Knights, allow it. Neither would do half of what they do if they didn't know they could. When a community stands together, be that Lords or thieves, those who jeopardize that community are killed or cast out. No one Lord, Knight, smallfolk or thief can do much alone, but as a community bound together, they are often unassailable. Perhaps it is not my place to say, but if Knights spent as much time standing together seeking justice as they do in competition with each other seeking personal glory, the world might be a much better place.
I hope I have not offended you. It is not my intent. I sought only to answer your question to the best of my ability."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 15, 2018 9:35:39 GMT 1
"I traveled to see the realms and to see how others who inhabit it lived, your perspective does not offend me and I appreciate that you are willing to share it. And as to you having a hand in young Jorah's rescue I say well done, Master Malyk. Truly. I do not believe we have entirely different notions of justice though I would say that by my thinking you are speaking about where justice comes from and its philosophy while I had the act of it more in my mind when I spoke. Perhaps that justice is absent is simply a sign of just how divided the community - as you refer to it - has become and perhaps that is the biggest indication that soon the community will be at each others throats."
"I do not know if you are aware but I was not born to one day hold this position. I am the son of a blacksmith who was fortunate enough to become a squire and lucky enough to be Knighted after surviving an ambush in the Vale. Once Knighted I made a living through finding success in tournaments as I traveled. Through all of this my opinion towards justice - to steal your words - is to reap what you sow. It is not only for the unlawful who are hung for a murder they committed but in recognizing and rewarding the man who stopped that murderer from escape. It punishes and rewards based on what actions the community believes are praise worthy and which are despicable. I am afraid I may not be well equipped to state more on the matter then my simple opinion."
"So perhaps to alter my question to make it easier to answer, do you know of a time similar to this when at an event such as the one we are at something brought a community which was divided back together and allowed for justice to return? Though given your mention that the histories are not fond of happy endings, I am braced for an answer which will not satisfy me."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 15, 2018 10:58:51 GMT 1
"I admit to a bit a jealousy." He smiled. "This is the first time I have been out of the Tear. For the first few days I was all but useless to my Lord, seeking to take in the wonder that is Highgarden and explore every nook and cranny I was allowed. Later the events of the Tourney brought me back to reality, but they did not poison my wonder nor appreciation of the place. I tell myself that a few evil men cannot tear down the beauty and achievement that so many thousands have built. I would dearly love to travel, but my life and duty lie elsewhere." He smirked. "Besides, I do not think one such as I would survive long in the real world without the protection and support of my Lord.
You are right. A community that stands together is strong. One divided is weak and brittle. Members turn on each other. They see enemies where none are, and are blind to the ones that stand beside them. I think war will come, and I fear nothing good will come of it. I hope I am wrong on both counts.
I saw you joust, Ser Mikel. I do not think luck or fortune has anything to do with your rise. I suspect it was entirely hard work and talent. One of the more notable virtues of Knighthood is that any may rise in their ranks regardless of birth. One of the benefits of intense competition is it forges men on their merit, not the circumstances of birth. There have been many bastards who became Lords of the Kingsguard, and even one or two commoners. I would argue luck and kindness has more to due with my current position than yours. I cannot read, I am an exceptionally poor liar, and my concept of money is tenuous at best. Any one of those things should disqualify me from the position I hold. I do have some small talent for organization, and I generally have a different perspective on many issues which my Lord luckily finds refreshing.
As to punishment, punishing the fool who made the stupid choice of accepting the gold is little comfort, I think. I do not believe the hooded man will be found, but I do believe his path will end badly and abruptly because either those who protect him will betray him or his actions will eventually catch up with him. Good people do not always have good lives, but bad people almost always have lives that end badly. History is very clear on that point.
As to reward. I think doing good is it's own reward. Because I was there by sheer chance and chose to act, a boy still lives and will hopefully grow up to be a good man What better reward could I possibly ask for? If there was a fire and people in danger, I would attempt to save them, even if one was Lord Eldon." He paused for a moment and chuckled softly. "Although perhaps I might save him last."
He thought for a long moment. "I suppose the best story I know is that of the First Men. When they first arrived, there was much conflict between them and the Children of the Forest, if you believe the tales. They fought for many years until they came together. The stories hint at a common enemy, but I do not know if this is true or who that enemy was. This was long before the arrival of the Andals. In any case, the stories are clear. They united and it forged a bond between them that lasted thousands of years.
Aegon the Conquerer did exactly the same thing. Before him the Kingdoms were a patchwork of petty Kings, some good, some not. When he came, they united against a common enemy. They ultimately lost but the unification remained. Had Dorne fallen at that time along with the others, it would be a much different story today. In victory or in defeat, those who suffer and fight together form lasting bonds. By not succumbing to Aegon, Dorne maintained it's liberty and way of life, but they forever marked themselves as outsider, whether that was due to jealousy, resentment or fear I cannot say.
So perhaps that is the answer to your question, and why we will have a war, and why the people will survive that war whatever happens. So long as good men choose to do good, no matter how few, and so long as those men stand together to protect their community, that is all that can be expected. Win or lose, their actions will be remembered, even if their names are lost to history. I believe in the Seven, and I believe we are better now than we have ever been, and I believe long into the future we will be better still, but such things take time. More time than any one person has. Perhaps more time than any one community has. Like your Father creating the perfect sword, it takes time, effort, and no small amount of heat. I do not know how long it will take, but I see their plan in the histories. It may seem to me an incredibly long, incremental and often painful process, but I am but a mortal with a short time in this world."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 17, 2018 7:23:15 GMT 1
Mikel smiles as they speak on traveling, clearly a fond memory for him. "I imagine you are understating your talent for organization and a fresh perspective can be invaluable to somebody willing to listen. You would likely find a place for yourself where ever you went in your travels should you ever follow that urge, though it would certainly be a loss for your Lord. "
"I should say that you sound more like to find the good in people that I am. As you say a good deed is a reward unto itself - and I cannot disagree with that - yet what about when the good deed offers too much risk? A father running into his neighbors house as it burns may not come out and thereby leave his family behind, so why should he risk it at all? There is the idea that the neighbor would do the same for him but that is nothing to count on. At least rewarding the deed would show that it is special and to be striven for, perhaps even give somebody in the moment of making such a decision the extra push to do the right thing, even if it is for the wrong reasons."
"Your position on how Dorn came to be an outsider is also interesting and gives credit to what you called your knack for having a different perspective. I had never considered that, like most others I simply believed it all came from hundreds of years of border disputes and countless military acts back and forth and the lack of any progress in any campaigns against it."
"The final point you make I agree with to an extent. Men doing the right thing is something which I hope never ends, yet in a war - even if one side is clearly in the wrong - that doesn't mean the majority of the men fighting for that army are bad men. Each side will have men doing good things which would likely come out as heroic military acts to preserve their allies and destroy their enemies. Hopefully they will only see their enemies as those who bear arms against them. Do not confuse me, I hope the good cause will always win, and the good men will always thrive. But the brutal truth is that the fighting is never about who is right or wrong, who is good or bad, it is only about who is left."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 17, 2018 9:40:12 GMT 1
"You are right. I try to see the good in others, and we can often find some even in the unlikeliest of places. Perhaps I am a bit naive in that, but it is rare I find a truly evil person. At least, it has been up till recently. This tourney has tested my faith to a degree. We all make choices. I would not begrudge anyone who chooses their family over strangers. There is always a risk in our choices. I would gamble my life in many cases, but I would be loathe to gamble the lives of others and would never judge anyone who chose not to do so."
Malyk gazes out the window towards Dorne. "We usually respect and admire those who are winners. Dorne is reviled for it." He shrugs. "There is no lack of hypocrisy in this world. They are maligned for the deaths they have caused, but there are deaths on both sides in any war. Aegon killed tens of thousands of their people in his quest to conquer them, still more by Daeron I and Ser Aemon, then we blame them for the deaths they caused in fighting back. They are despised for their treachery and open rebellion, coincidentally by the same men who now plot treachery and open rebellion." He sighed. "From what I can see, Dorne has as much reason to hate us as we hate them, perhaps more as they were not the original aggressors. It is said ten thousand men died conquering Dorne, four times that many at least, trying to keep it. That was just our side. We don't know how many of Dorne died. At least that many. Probably much more, though many might prefer to forget that. So much blood wasted. Baelor the Blessed wished peace with Dorne. There were no calls for rebellion then, but the war was still fresh and perhaps both sides were tired of their loved ones being slaughtered. It was Baelor that arranged Daeron II's marriage to Princess Myriah Martell, yet many blame Daeron for even that. I respect Dorne for considering peace in the face of all that happened. It seems we are not so forgiving, or perhaps it is just a convenient excuse for those who would seek power by whatever means they can. I have no doubt there are bitter resentments on both sides. I would guess there are many Dornishmen who loathe this peace treaty as much as some of us and for exactly the same reasons." He shrugged. "Perhaps if Daeron had become King after Baelor, things would be different, but Aegon the Unworthy hated Dorne with a passion and sought to claim the glory his namesake had failed to achieve. There is that word again. 'Glory.' Perhaps you can explain a Knight's quest for glory, for, from what I can see, every Knight pursues it. I admit I do not understand it myself, but I am not a Knight nor ever desired to be one. I understand having pride in one's accomplishments, but not the need for those accomplishments be recognized by others. I take great pride in saving Jorah, but have no need for any to throw accolades at my feet for it."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Nov 19, 2018 7:34:04 GMT 1
"Even something like glory can be different for each man. Some may wish to hear their name in a song one day. Others not so much for the fame but the recognition of their superiority in arms over others. The benefits of glory are easy enough to see, a position in a prosperous house, perhaps being showered with silver, gold, women, arms, and anything else they think might tempt you into staying beside them - your glory rubbing off on them so long as you do. Whether you want to bask in the fame your glory brings or not, it will open doors for you that might remain closed without it. It could be a comfort on a day of doubt, the reputation people know you by giving you strength that day when you are weak as it reminds who you are. Since coming here I have been told more then once then planning to win the melee is not the true heart of it, instead you should conduct yourself in a way to most impress others. That strikes me as odd, given the point of a tournament, and jousting and a melee is to prepare yourself for combat. At least in my mind." He shakes his head as he realizes he has begun to ramble. "I believe you watch a person you can see what is important to them and even figure out why." If Mikel had more to say he lost it. He shrugged his shoulders as if that alone would convey what he meant to say better then anything he might say could.
[OOC: Ill leave it up to you if we should /scene for D10 or continue, if we do end it would be more then happy to find a reason to share another scene on D10]
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Nov 19, 2018 8:21:21 GMT 1
"I think I understand." He paused for a long moment in thought. "I guess glory is like anything else, coin, position, your sword. All are tools that let us take action in the world. Whether that action be good or evil is dependent on the wielder." He gave a sigh, rubbing his eyes wearily with a delicate hand. "I am afraid Ser Mikel that I am burdened by thoughts I know others do not have. I think of Jorah. There are those who believe if you save a life they are indebted to you. I believe the reverse; that if you save a life you bear some responsibility for what they will do in the future. Will he grow into a good man? Will he do good in the world; or will he succumb to the worlds temptations? I wonder if I had been around decades ago and if it were Aegon as a boy that needed saving, would I? Of course I would, for I would not have knowledge of the future. Would I be partially responsible for the misery he would later cause?" He trailed off... unsure. He sighed. "I'm sorry, Ser Mikel. You came here looking for justice, but what I think you sought is hope, and I have failed you by giving you precious little." He smiled softly. "Strange, as I am usually the most optimistic of anyone. Perhaps this tourney has taken a greater toll than I realize. I hear the music of the world around me, and it gives me hope, but so much of what has happened is noise and confusion with dark purpose and I struggle to understand much of it. I feel like I walk through a thick and acidic fog. I feel it in my chest and cannot see the path before me other than to put one foot in front of the other and help whomever I happen to trip over. What bothers me most is that many around me cannot see the fog, or if they do they do not care." He pauses, then grins, "and to top it all off, I spout nonsense at you. Perhaps they are right and I am mad. I don't think I am, but then I doubt madmen know they are mad."
[OOC: We can start to finish this up if you like. Malyk is due to stay up all night in a brothel. I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to pick it up again. +1 Disposition to Ser Mikel.]
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