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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jan 23, 2019 3:44:58 GMT 1
Although the Black Tourney had come to an end, its consequences continued to reverberate throughout Highgarden. Even as most of the other knights departed for their homelands, Daeron stayed behind in order to recover from his wounds so that he could stand as Lady Johanna's unlikely champion. Despite offering his sword to her, he had never really interacted with the woman and took the opportunity one day during his recovery to meet and measure the woman who he was risking his neck for.
Knocking on the door of the sparse apartment that functioned as her cell as she awaited her trial, he announced his presence.
"Lady Johanna, it is I, Ser Daeron here to speak with you."
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Post by Father on Jan 24, 2019 20:09:06 GMT 1
"What can I do for you, good ser?" Johanna is cold and straight to the point, a man might wonder if she even knows how to smile.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jan 25, 2019 6:28:43 GMT 1
No matter what, this will not go the way I expect.
Daeron shuffles into her apartment, still bruised and covered in bandages from his earlier encounter with Otho.
"My lady, I was hoping to speak with you so that we may best prepare for my duel with Ser Manfryd. He will be a challenging opponent and I will need every advantage I can acquire if I am to win and prove your innocence."
"The first will be to improve my panoply of weapons and armor. Lord Durwell will surely have Ser Manfryd equipped with the finest weapons, armor, and mount, and I will require the same. I doubt that we have the luxury of time for new plate armor to be forged for me, and I already have one fine sword, but from what I have seen during this tourney, it is likely that I will require a better shield and a backup blade."
"Second, I need you to make a request to Lord Leo that the duel be held on foot, rather than mounted. Ser Manfryd, like me is more skilled on foot, but I believe that I have better odds out of a saddle. Lord Leo granted similar permission to Ser Dagos for his trial, and if he's willing to offer such a reprieve to some Dornish warrior, then he should be willing to offer the same to a proper Andal lady, with the right words."
Daeron's face made it clear that he had a final request, but was waiting for confirmation on these first two before he forwarded his third.
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Post by Father on Jan 26, 2019 16:56:04 GMT 1
"I see, yes sword and shield should be possible" Johanna agrees. "Though Lord Leo would be deaf to any such pleas, hardened by the lies of Lady Laena and the Spongeholder, no doubt Lord Durwell hold both their strings and those of Lady Amerei whispering in her father's ear, you could gamble that Ser Manfryd is gallant enough to dismount should you bring no steed of your own, surely Lord Durwell would be most displeased with him if he does not at least allow warhorse and lance to be brought to you, and Lord Durwell is conscious about his image and does not retain mad dogs in his service that might tarnish it."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jan 26, 2019 18:24:06 GMT 1
Daeron nods. It's not as if Ser Manfryd was an easier opponent on foot, but Daeron wasn't confident that his jousting strategy would work well against him either. "Perhaps we should add a new horse and pike to that list as well, just to be safe. Lord Durwell might permit himself a moment of indiscretion if it means installing his man as your replacement."
Satisfied that his first two requests would be met to the best of Lady Johanna's abilities, his eyes grew wide and a false smile carved itself into his face. For a moment Lady Johanna could've sworn that she was looking at Aegon the Unworthy again.
"Two more things then. Firstly, should conflict ever break out, I ask that you remember who came to defend your son's seat and who attempted to strip it from him.
Secondly. Kingsbridge is a noble keep, but Starling lands provide only enough wealth for an austere and frugal living. Perhaps you would be interested in a free will donation... for the betterment of its knights of course, so that we may continue to defend the innocent and provide justice without having to fret about our financial wellbeing? I'm sure that Lord Durwell is equally open-handed with his friends."
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Post by Father on Jan 27, 2019 18:29:57 GMT 1
"Do you not have a horse, ser?" Johanna looks at him coldly, and when Daeron asks for coin, she turns downright chilly like the old-wives tales of the white walkers. "Are you implying, ser. That I should bid Ser Normyn ride? A sellsword sees gold as his incentive, whereas a knight should only be motivated by the purity of his intent.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jan 28, 2019 0:33:12 GMT 1
Daeron backpedals without trying to appear that he is retreating.
"Argent is a noble steed, but is outclassed by a more powerful destrier. If Ser Mark has one of exceptional quality that he would permit me to ride in your honor, that would be just as effective."
"Ser Normyn was hardly willing to risk injury to counter those disgusting rumors against him, I don't foresee him risking himself more for you."
"Regardless of reward, I will give my all for your cause."
Disgusting Daeron. There might be doubt who Lord Lucas' father is, but there is no doubt who yours is. Attempting to extort a besieged widow is not your finest moment.
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Post by Father on Jan 28, 2019 18:53:43 GMT 1
"I am afraid that he does not, but surely your rich companions might be able to lend you such a beast?" Cold she might be, but she remains practical and desiring of victory.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jan 28, 2019 21:34:59 GMT 1
He chews his lip in thought.
"Ser Roland might have one for me to borrow, assuming it wasn't killed in the riots. I will ask him if he is willing to lend its use, though he might be difficult to persuade."
Seeing that he had accomplished what goals were realistic, he gave a bow to Lady Johanna.
"Thank you for your time My Lady. Is there any other way in which I might be of service to you while we both remain at Highgarden?"
He doubted that there was, but he asked for politeness sake. Daeron had serious reservations that they would be close allies after her trial, but if he could lead her towards Blackfyre's cause, he would consider it a personal victory.
[/scene?]
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Post by Father on Jan 29, 2019 7:15:02 GMT 1
/Scene
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