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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 1, 2019 22:04:39 GMT 1
The *Great* Black Tourney had finally come to a close. What Balon had imagined vs. what'd happened could not have been more different. His affair with Jeyne Cuy, the death of Walton Wyl, ...the riot. The dynamic at Gyldenhaal and within his immediate family had changed drastically after Abelar's ill-fated attempt at mob justice.
Despite the anger Balon had for his father he missed him. Despite the anger he had for Delia and that fucking mouth of hers he wanted to protect her. Despite the anger he had for Titus he worried. The maesters said it was a miracle he survived but there was going to be lasting effects. How do I tell Titus he'll never be the knight he dreamed of becoming? He didn't know exactly what he was going to say but he owed it to his brother to visit him before he left.
Titus had been moved to his own room to recover, an honor well deserved. After lightly knocking he entered. Balon grabbed a chair and pulled it beside the bed. Sitting down he sighed, where do I start? "Well.... at least you aren't uglier." he smiled. He'd heard one of Eldon's men had survived but his face had been horribly burned by a torch. "How are you feeling?"
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 3, 2019 14:03:01 GMT 1
"That's funny." he scoffed "I was going to say the same to you." He was awake and had been given enough Milk of the Poppy to dull the pain. His voice was flat and soft-spoken and in his eyes there where a distance, a seperation. But he did not seem to be suffering. "I'm alright... feel weak. The maesters say it's a miracle that I even draw breath, "the blessings of strong Blackbriar stock" they call it." A small smile, their father used to say the same. "But what comes next is uncertain. Only the Gods know and only time will tell.
"Father's rememberance. How was it? And how is mother and Del taking it?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 4, 2019 21:56:56 GMT 1
"That's funny." he scoffed "I was going to say the same to you." The quick retort made Balon laugh. He pointed to his own face, "The ladies love this. Do you have any idea how many women have been unable to resist me these last couple of weeks?" The number was paltry three but if Titus asked he'd double it to be safe. ...His voice was flat and soft-spoken and in his eyes there where a distance, a separation. But he did not seem to be suffering. "I'm alright... feel weak. The maesters say it's a miracle that I even draw breath, "the blessings of strong Blackbriar stock" they call it." A small smile, their father used to say the same. "But what comes next is uncertain. Only the Gods know and only time will tell.
"Father's rememberance. How was it? And how is mother and Del taking it?" "What you went through..." Balon was quieter, thinking of his brother when he first saw him after the riot, "No man should've been able to withstand that. And yet here you are." Balon cleared his throat, not wanting to relive that day. "You're under the care of some of the best maesters in the Reach. If anyone can get back on their feet, it's you." Balon didn't know how much he believed that. Titus looked like he may never ride a horse again and if he did he'd be at a great disadvantage but none of that was information Titus needed to hear. A positive attitude would go a long way in his lengthy recovery. "Lord Jon hasn't taken our father's death well. I spoke with Lady Erena briefly about it while talking about another matter. As for mother and Delia." Balon sighed, wondering how much he should share. "Delia was devastated and I imagine if I handed her a sword she'd kill Abelar with it." He sniffed in contempt at the name of Abelar, "Can't say I'd blame her... or stop her." "Mother is mother. Some saw a stoic widow, being the strong woman Delia needed for support. Some saw a woman that lost a husband she never cared for. I think her concern is her children." Balon chose not to mention she wanted to sell Delia off to Lord Eldon.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 7, 2019 1:26:28 GMT 1
”Before you leave, would you light a candle for him? If I could I would myself but as it stands I can’t even leave this accursed bed.” The frustration is written clearly on his face, a man used to days filled with exercise and labour could go mad in such confinement. “He used to say a funny thing, father. In his youth he would pray to the Warrior but as he grew older, brought forth sons and daughters and grew wiser, it would be the Smith and Father h sent his prayers to. I don’t know which would be the most fitting now. The Stranger? I suppose You, Me, Wart and Dell are the reasons he prayed to the Smith so maybe he is the most fitting... Father would say he did not need prayer, rather spend it on us!” It was an attempt to laugh but the strain of the days past, along with the sedation the Maesters has administered made it more of a cough and a smile.
Hi nods along solemnly to Balon’s description of Delia and their Mother. ”Blackbriar men are fierce but by the gods our women are damn near fiercer!” The mention of Abelar casts a shadow across his face. Whatever he thinks or wants know om the matter is unclear as of now. ”And you? How are you?”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 7, 2019 22:33:13 GMT 1
”Before you leave, would you light a candle for him? If I could I would myself but as it stands I can’t even leave this accursed bed.” The frustration is written clearly on his face, a man used to days filled with exercise and labour could go mad in such confinement.... "Absolutely. One for the Smith and one for the Stranger." He'd honor his father's past and help light the way forward in the afterlife. "As for you, I know laying in this bed will drive you crazy but you need to keep your mind occupied. Request some books on military history and study up. The knowledge gained will prove useful in the future." Balon smiled at the memories of Balon and Titus at Starpike, "Gormon likes knights when they're dangerous *and* smart." Balon was also dropping a subtle hint that if his body was broken beyond repair he needed to find a way to make himself useful. "Honestly?" Balon didn't know how much he should share. "This tournament has been bizarre. I both loved it and hated it." He leaned back in his chair. "What'd you like to know?"
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 12, 2019 15:16:05 GMT 1
”It’s been but a few days and I already feel as if I’m going insane. Reading is not a bad idea but it’s not scroll and pen I need to grasp but a sword! The sooner the better!” His eagerness might have been commerable had it not been for the edge of desperation that clang to it.
”You both loved and hated it? Funny way to look at it, Balon.” His eyes turn dark but his voice and expression remains as soft as before. ”whatever good I’ve seen in this place seems abysmal compared to the rest. All the...” his jaw clenched ”All the ugliness drowns it out.” Whatever happy memories Titus would have of this tournament; his first victory, reaching the semi-finals along with their Father, Lady Daena’s favour or Ashara’s... whatever that was, they where all worth nought to him now. And Balon, in characteristic care-freeness still found things to love about this fourthnight? He was either fool or a bastard.
”What have you loved, brother?”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 12, 2019 21:32:26 GMT 1
”It’s been but a few days and I already feel as if I’m going insane. Reading is not a bad idea but it’s not scroll and pen I need to grasp but a sword! The sooner the better!” His eagerness might have been commerable had it not been for the edge of desperation that clang to it. "Patience is a virtue brother. You're going to need it until you get back on your feet." Balon tried to cheer him up. "Instead of a sword you need to be grasping a woman!" He laughed. "Maye Lady Daena Flowers? Did you leave a good enough impression on her that she'll want to *reward* the hero of the riots?" Balon scratched his chin in thought, "If you're too injured I could accept on your behalf..." he laughed even harder. "Failing that I could send a woman from the Perfumed Lady. Some of them look Valyrian. Is that good enough for you?"”You both loved and hated it? Funny way to look at it, Balon.” His eyes turn dark but his voice and expression remains as soft as before. ”whatever good I’ve seen in this place seems abysmal compared to the rest. All the...” his jaw clenched ”All the ugliness drowns it out.” Whatever happy memories Titus would have of this tournament; his first victory, reaching the semi-finals along with their Father, Lady Daena’s favour or Ashara’s... whatever that was, they were all worth nought to him now. And Balon, in characteristic care-freeness still found things to love about this fourthnight? He was either fool or a bastard. ”What have you loved, brother?” "Life is funny." Life was cruel too, his brother's current state being evidence of that. "If you do nothing but focus on the ugliness it'll poison your soul. If you do nothing but focus on the good you're ignorant. It's ok to come away from this tournament with mixed feelings. Fuck, that's life."Balon sighed, he wasn't going to share the majority of his experiences with Titus. While the death of Donnel still hung heavy on his mind he was dead and that was that. Balon had enjoyed rescuing Ser Aladore, he enjoyed saving Lady Lyanna from the Mander. He enjoyed fighting in the melee and damn near lasting to the end. Then there were the other things, his sexual liaisons with several women, his plotting with mother. When the Black Tourney had ended the winds blew with Blackfyre. That was good to Balon. "What have I loved? A woman." Balon didn't feel like he needed to remain silent about Laena. He'd spoke with the bulk of his family about her and several Starkwoods. Titus would find out eventually. "Specifically Lady Laena Pyre. I asked for her hand you know." Balon's face turned dark when he continued, "But Lady Erena opposes it. In fact she implied her and Lord Jon would deny any marriage proposal I bring forward." Fucking bitch. "Mother wasn't very thrilled about it either. But by the Seven does she have her hooks in me." Balon smiled while he thought of her, "Smart, funny, gorgeous," Balon leaned in with a wicked smile, "and a fucking great kisser."
"So yes, it is possible to come away from this tourney with a positive outlook. That doesn't mean I don't miss father, wish I could've done more for you, or punished Abelar myself. But I'm going to stop praying for a better past."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 16, 2019 15:40:32 GMT 1
He stares at his brother, dumbstruck for a moment before the words settle. ”Lady Laena Pyre? And you? Seven Hells, Balon where did that come from? Does that mean you and Lady Ashara have atleast found a truce?” Upon hearing the response of their elders he hardly looks surprised but just as confused as before. ”Well... what did you expect? Do not get me wrong, brother. I am happy for you... but I wouldn’t have expected it from you. Did you speak to Lord Ulbert?” Or her... Lady Laena hardly struck him as a woman that would invite such adoration unless she wished it for one purpose or another.
And what of Lady Laena? What did she say?”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 18, 2019 21:18:37 GMT 1
He stares at his brother, dumbstruck for a moment before the words settle. "... Does that mean you and Lady Ashara have at least found a truce?” Fuck that bitch. Balon held his tongue knowing his brother's opinion on Ashara was the antithesis of his own. "We have not." There was a finality in his words. He paused for a moment recalling the ordeal at the river. "Do you know her and I saved Lady Lyanna Levalle from drowning in the Mander the other day? Never in a thousand years would I've imagined the two of us working together." He shook his head in disbelief, "And as soon as Lyanna drew breath Lady Ashara went right back to the vitriol I expect." That wasn't 100% accurate but she had threatened to kill him. "Let's just say we agree Laena is special but disagree on us being married." Upon hearing the response of their elders he hardly looks surprised but just as confused as before. ”Well... what did you expect? Do not get me wrong, brother. I am happy for you... but I wouldn’t have expected it from you. Did you speak to Lord Ulbert?” Or her... Lady Laena hardly struck him as a woman that would invite such adoration unless she wished it for one purpose or another. And what of Lady Laena? What did she say?” "What do I expect? I dunno, Lord Ulbert wants peace, Lord Jon and Lady Erena want peace, father wanted peace. Fuck, practically everyone wants peace between our houses and I drop a huge gift in everyone's lap and what do they do? They all take a big shit on it." Balon was clearly agitated. "A marriage would have secured peace between us but no, we can't approve of anything that makes Balon happy can we?"Balon began a non-sequitur, "Everyone thinks I'm the brute but it was Ashara's brother Symon that killed Scorpionbane in the melee. It was Symon that tried to have his way with our cousin Lady Tanda." Might as well begin the lie now, "I heard he raped Lady Alicent Florent." He added sarcastically, "But I'm the bad guy."Balon sighed, "As for Laena, I don't know what to think. One minute I think she likes the idea, the next I think she's toying with me. Her hand is her own to give but I don't think she's going to give it freely. I imagine she wants me to work for it. Or she'll consider it before a better offer comes along. I don't fucking know."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 18, 2019 22:38:09 GMT 1
"You saved Lady Lyanna Levalle from drowning? With the aid of Ash- Lady Ashara?" He blinks and runs his hand through over his face and through his hair. "You never cease to surprise, do you Balon?" Some men where bad. Some good. Then there was his brother. A bad person doing good things or a good person doing bad things? Or maybe just an idiot..."Father would be proud. How is the Lady Lyanna?"
As Balon describes how their elders, parents and Lords seem to conspire against him, Titus' face hardens and his eyes grow more distant. When his brother is finished he speaks slowly and firmly.
"I fear that they would rather see a peace forged between our families that in no way involves you... I'd imagine you being somewhere else would have to be part of the conditions for an alliance to even be considered. I think it has very little to do with your happiness." Uncharacteristically blunt but Titus was being honest. "This tournament you've slandered and fought what... three duels of honour? Seven hells, Balon we rode against each other! Ser Walton lays dead and Blackfyre all but renounced your support in the most public way a man can." He raises a hand to stop his brother from responding. "I'm not arguing with you. I am not accusing you. I think we are past that..." He lowers his head and continues, the tiredness returning to his voice. A hollow sound.
"After the riot... they say I almost died. That I should have died. That any other man would have died but they're wrong, Balon. I did die. I know it. Not once, not twice, not thrice... I don't know how many times. But I died. Over and over again. When I sleep I still die. Every night. I see Lady Marianne. Young Simon. I see Ser Roland, Lord Eldon... I see father. I see father dying. And then I die. Over and over again. Only difference is that father stayed dead. I didn't." He catches himself, not having intended to say any of this out loud to anyone. "Please. Just listen... No one owes you anything so stop acting like a boy who's had his toy-horse taken from him. You don't think, thats your problem. Always has been. You just don't think. Why would Lady Laena wed you? What do you have to offer a daughter of Kingsblood? Unless she loves you, then you have all my blessings. Hells I'll pay for the wedding myself! But do you think she does Balon? Or are you just being led on by your cock?"
He slumps, clearly having spent to much energy. He covers his eyes and rubs his forehead. "I'm sorry, I... I just don't want you to get hurt."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 19, 2019 0:39:43 GMT 1
"You saved Lady Lyanna Levalle from drowning? With the aid of Ash- Lady Ashara?" He blinks and runs his hand through over his face and through his hair. "You never cease to surprise, do you Balon?" Some men were bad. Some good. Then there was his brother. A bad person doing good things or a good person doing bad things? Or maybe just an idiot... "Father would be proud. How is the Lady Lyanna?" Balon retold the story of how Lyanna was saved. Malyk's smoke signal, Balon swimming out and bringing her back to shore, Ashara's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, carrying her back to the Starkwood camp. "Lady Lyanna is recovering." He considered telling Titus he thought she tried to kill herself but decided against it. "I plan to speak with Lord Reynald about her before I leave."As Balon describes how their elders, parents and Lords seem to conspire against him, Titus' face hardens and his eyes grow more distant. When his brother is finished he speaks slowly and firmly. "I fear that they would rather see a peace forged between our families that in no way involves you... I'd imagine you being somewhere else would have to be part of the conditions for an alliance to even be considered. I think it has very little to do with your happiness." Uncharacteristically blunt but Titus was being honest. "That seems fairly stupid doesn't it? Lots of Blackbriar knights hate the Starkwoods and would love to fight them. Seeing me, one of their biggest critics, extend an olive branch by marrying Laena would go a long way to ending the feud." Balon laughed, "Do you know both Lady Erena and Lord Ulbert suggested Delia marry Symon!? Balon laughed at the absurdity, "They thought that had a better chance of working than Laena and me. Delia laughed in their face." He waved a hand dismissively, "As if she'd debase herself marrying that fuck stain. Better yet as if mother or I would allow it."
"After the riot... they say I almost died. That I should have died. That any other man would have died but they're wrong, Balon. I did die. I know it. Not once, not twice, not thrice... I don't know how many times. But I died. Over and over again. When I sleep I still die. Every night. I see Lady Marianne. Young Simon. I see Ser Roland, Lord Eldon... I see father. I see father dying. And then I die. Over and over again. Only difference is that father stayed dead. I didn't." He catches himself, not having intended to say any of this out loud to anyone. "Please. Just listen... No one owes you anything so stop acting like a boy who's had his toy-horse taken from him. You don't think, thats your problem. Always has been. You just don't think. Why would Lady Laena wed you? What do you have to offer a daughter of Kingsblood? Unless she loves you, then you have all my blessings. Hells I'll pay for the wedding myself! But do you think she does Balon? Or are you just being led on by your cock?"He slumps, clearly having spent to much energy. He covers his eyes and rubs his forehead. "I'm sorry, I... I just don't want you to get hurt." "You saved Lady Marianne and Simon. You saved Lord Eldon. Father wasn't yours to save. He saved you. Don't let the guilt destroy you. Father would beat your ass if he sacrificed himself only for you to mope around like a little girl that lost her doll." Balon put a hand on his arm, "It will get better with time."
"I know this seems impossible for everyone to believe but Laena actually enjoys being with me. I know I'm not perfect, she's pointed it out several times, but she does like me. Does she love me? No. But that doesn't mean she won't in time. What do I have to offer?" Balon considered it for a moment, "Ambition and a will to use it." Balon gave him a devious smile, "And enough endurance to wear her out on a nightly basis."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 19, 2019 1:04:08 GMT 1
"I'd say a Stupidity and the Stubbornness to use it rather. Dragonfire might melt stone but if Harren the Black had built his castle out of your thick skull, Harrenhall might still be standing." His expression is dead-pan apart from a raised eye-brow, reminding Balon of their mother. "So how do you intend to convince her then?" Arguing with Balon was like beating your head against a stonewall, better to give up and find a way around it. "And don't say..." he gestures towards Balon's groin.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 19, 2019 8:07:17 GMT 1
"So how do you intend to convince her then? And don't say..." he gestures towards Balon's groin. Balon pointed to his face with both hands, barely suppressing his laughter, "She'll be riding this plenty too. But honestly?" Balon scratched his chin in thought, "She sees in me potential while most see some loud-mouth brute. I have to show her that I'm more than a highly skilled sworn sword." Balon remembered his conversation with her, I want to see that you're capable of using this," she taps his forehead, "these," pointing fingers at his eyes "and this," lowing her fingers again, entering his mouth with one and gently rubbing the end of his tongue briefly. "I'm good at arguing but I need to show her I can convince people. I can win a fight but I need to show her I can win a battle. I need to show her I can think two moves ahead, not just bludgeon what's in front of me." How Balon planned to do that was to be decided.
"Her and I are alike in a way. We both have something to offer but find ourselves wasting away at irrelevant houses, overlooked by everyone." Balon didn't hate Gyldenhaal but its position in the hierarchy of Reach Houses was low. "I want to convince her that together we can far exceed what we could accomplish by ourselves. Hell, I even told her I'd raise her children as if they were my own." Balon leaned back in his chair, "But none of that matters if Lord Jon says no."
"But I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket. I've inquired with other lords about daughters within their household. If Laena doesn't want me I'll move on. I won't like it but if it's what I have to do I'll do it." Balon added, "I understand her hesitation. I'm not set to inherit, I'm not a landed knight, even if we did wed I might die in the war to come and she'd be twice widowed with even more children. That's a heavy burden.""I'd say a Stupidity and the Stubbornness to use it rather. Dragonfire might melt stone but if Harren the Black had built his castle out of your thick skull, Harrenhall might still be standing." His expression is dead-pan apart from a raised eye-brow, reminding Balon of their mother. " "It's gotten me this far hasn't it?" Balon wagged his finger at him, "And don't tell me if things got nasty you'd want anyone else at your side."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 19, 2019 23:15:56 GMT 1
"Then heed her advice, Balon. Think two steps ahead. Mother's been telling you that since we were babes and you've yet to listen..." he stops then adds with a smirk "She does remind you of mother, does she not? I think there is book by Maester Sygmund on that topic... Butterbump might lend it to you!" He chuckles at his own joke, but it seems to hurt and leads to a coughing fit. It's a coarse and vicious sound, hacking away at him and leaving him teary-eyed. When offered help he refutes it.
"I'm just surprised..." a rattling whisper as he regains his breath. "I always pegged you for going after land of your own, she comes with none - and I'm sure there would be Lords willing to grant you a daughter and some land for your sword in battle. What of cousin Joanna? Lord Gormon might see you wed and granted Whitegrove eventually." An honest adivce but not whole-heartedly given, growing up, the few times they'd met, Titus had alaways had a soft spot for their cousin. More so than for Tanda who had always struck him as vain and spoiled.
He laughs again, more carefully this time. "I'd much more like to have you by my side than opposite me. I tried that. You're a damn cheat!"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 20, 2019 7:52:02 GMT 1
"Then heed her advice, Balon. Think two steps ahead. Mother's been telling you that since we were babes and you've yet to listen..." he stops then adds with a smirk "She does remind you of mother, does she not? I think there is book by Maester Sygmund on that topic... Butterbump might lend it to you!" He chuckles at his own joke, but it seems to hurt and leads to a coughing fit. It's a coarse and vicious sound, hacking away at him and leaving him teary-eyed. When offered help he refutes it. I *am* thinking ahead. Ser Walton's death. Lord Reynald supporting Fire. Reigniting the Bracken and Blackwood feud. It's all part of a grander scheme. There was so much Balon wanted to share with his brother but he knew he couldn't. Titus was too much like Donnel and if Balon told him what he was thinking the honorable bastard might go and do something stupid. "There are similarities between the two. Comely, cunning, strong heredity, ... dangerous." While Shiera had been beautiful in her youth bitterness had robbed her of it in her later years. "I'd be lucky to end up with a woman like mother, especially if they desire to be with me." When Titus refused his help after his coughing fit Balon scowled, "And you call me stubborn." "I'm just surprised..." a rattling whisper as he regains his breath. "I always pegged you for going after land of your own, she comes with none - and I'm sure there would be Lords willing to grant you a daughter and some land for your sword in battle. What of cousin Joanna? Lord Gormon might see you wed and granted Whitegrove eventually." An honest advice but not whole-heartedly given, growing up, the few times they'd met, Titus had always had a soft spot for their cousin. More so than for Tanda who had always struck him as vain and spoiled. He laughs again, more carefully this time. "I'd much more like to have you by my side than opposite me. I tried that. You're a damn cheat!"
"Lady Laena doesn't come with land but that can be earned in time. Honestly I'd rather marry for love. Land and a castle are nice but you can't fuck either." Balon gave his brother a wink. "Gyldenhaal is home but I don't see a scenario where I become its lord." There was a way of course. One Balon thought a lot about but it involved kinslaying. "Becoming a Lord Protector is appealing and it might be something I still pursue." Daena Roxton had been at the top of his list when they arrived at Highgarden but Redtusk's interest in her had ended that. "As for Lady Joanna - No. Don't get me wrong she's quite stunning but she never recovered from her mother's death. I don't want a wife that mopes about a castle all day. I'd wed Lady Tanda in a heartbeat but she's so far above my station even *I* can't make a jape about it." Balon leaned in, whispering in a conspiratorial tone, "Plus if you believe the rumors Tanda and the heir to Storm's End are... swapping lineage if you catch my meaning."" When I helped rescue Ser Aladore Lord Reynald offered Ser Addam and I a place at Brightwater Keep. I'm leaning towards accepting it. He has a cousin, Lady Lyanna, by the Seven she's comely. And talk about heredity. He brother Patrek is the champion of Brightwater and her natural brother is Ser Aemon Flowers. You take that and combine it with us robust Blackbriars you have yourself some invincible sons.""And if all else fails Lord Gareth Middlebury would marry me to his daughter Perianne immediately. ""What about you and Lady Daena Flowers? Who are you eyeing for when you get out of this bed."Balon let the cheating comment go. "You me and Vort. What could stop us?"
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