Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 13, 2019 21:06:55 GMT 1
He pondered. "When I don't know the way, I look for a light in the distance." He gazed out towards the city in thought. "Laena, how would you like to meet the most beautiful, dangerous and terrifying women in the Tear? Mistress Alexia Pierce is head of the merchant guild, or at least that is her official title. For all practical purposes she is actually the head of the thieves of the city and runs the black market with ruthless efficiency. I have helped her make them even more efficient, and in return she has helped me institute many of the reforms of the city. She is a good person, and a very bad person. I'm sure I could arrange an invitation to dine with her this evening. She calls me 'the little meerkat', although to be honest I don't know why, but it is always with affection so I don't mind." He probably wouldn't mind even if it wasn't.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 13, 2019 23:26:55 GMT 1
"'Beautiful, Dangerous, and Terrifying'?" A small smile. "She sounds interesting. Will she accept that I am under your protection? If so, I think that's an excellent idea."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 14, 2019 0:56:59 GMT 1
"She will know you are a guest of Lord Levalle, not that it really matters. She would have no reason to harm you. The first rule I instituted in the Tear was, to put it bluntly, one does not shit where one eats. It's sort of a variation on guest right. She would never harm you in her own home. When one often operates outside the law, having a home to go to where you fear less being stabbed in the back is far more valuable than any amount of gold. The pirate captain today acceded to my ruling because, through Lord Levalle, I hold the one thing that none of them can do without. I can remove their welcome in the Tear. I can bar a pirate or merchant's ships from the docks. The black market will not deal with them. A rogue thief would be banished from the city. A mercenary or his company would have to seek coin elsewhere.
Laena, goodwill has value in itself. They may all benefit from my kindness, but they also all know my kindness can be withdrawn. Aside from the enormous coin and opportunity they would lose from banishment, there are few other places in Westeros they can go knowing they will be treated fairly and without prejudice. Criminals have friends and family too, and they all crave safety and security like everyone else. Criminals even more so, because for them it is a rarer commodity that they do not take for granted. I have no real power over them, but the one power I do have is to kick them out of 'utopia'. There isn't a one of them that would dare risk that. You understand balance of power. I have here balance of self-interest. If one steps too far out of line, the others quickly gang up on them to eliminate the threat to their own safety and security."
He looked her reflection up and down. "We need to dress you differently though. She has very little respect for noble women. She views them as vacuous air heads. She considers most of them simply amateur whores without the skill of the real thing. We will dress you like the dragon you are, and always look her directly in the eye. She can smell fear and only truly respects the bold and the brave. I have no idea how many simpering merchants she has ruined in her lifetime, but it has probably been legion."
Stepping onto the balcony, Malyk said a few words. Within a minute staff appeared in the room and he began giving orders. The co-ordination of his staff was impressive. All they required was his direction. Runners were sent. An invitation was secured. A gown was brought for Laena, red, the colour of blood, with ruby embroidery. Her hair and makeup was done and Malyk pulled out a folding screen for her to change behind. Searching through the numerous racks, he quickly pulled out a short kid-skin black jacket to wear over it. It added texture to the outfit, accentuated her figure, and gave line to her already straight posture.
He stood back and gauged his work. "You need something to draw the eye up to your eyes." Opening one of the large chests, he rummaged through a number of small boxes. Finally he pulled out a necklace of small fire opals and draped it around her neck, affixing the clasp. "This was worn by the wife of a merchant of Lannisport on a visit a few years ago. Lord Levalle refused the contract and he came to me to demand why. I told him there was no point as he would be dead in six months. I didn't actually tell him his wife was having an affair with his bodyguard. It wasn't my place. However he was a clever man and my predictions often come true. Some time later he sent me this necklace. I was going to have the opals embroidered onto a jacket, but I never got around to it. Bit ostentatious for me, but they look lovely on you. You are welcome to them if you like."
He stepped back to admire her. "How do you feel Laena? In order to be something you must feel something. To be powerful you must feel powerful. To be beautiful you must feel beautiful."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 14, 2019 13:22:38 GMT 1
Laena listens as carefully to Malyk's instructions as she ever did in her etiquette classes, though in this case, it seems to be more a case of un-learning habits.
Putting her trust in her brother, Laena offers no input into his clothing selection, or makeup choices, letting him do as he willed. Red gown, black jacket, fire opal necklace. Red and Black, the colours of House Targaryen.
"Well, I feel powerful, certainly - having your people attend me like that has that effect. Especially in these colours. Beautiful ..." she grimaces slightly. "I'll make do with 'confident'." She stands back straight, neck straight, looking around with a clear, confident gaze. A woman who knows what she wants, and won't stop until she gets it. "You do good work."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 14, 2019 19:25:20 GMT 1
"There is still something missing." He mused. "William, go get one of Lady Delana's fans. The black lace one, I think."
As William ran off, Malyk turned his attention to his own apparel. He chose a midnight blue brushed silk shirt with a colarless neck and loose pants in a similar color that draped his legs well. He added beaten silver belt to accentuate his narrow waist, a knotted silver and crystal long chain, and a matching long earring in his right ear that dangled down and brought attention to his sharp jaw and line of his neck. He finished off the outfit with soft pearl grey suede boots. He wore no make-up, but took a moment to style his hair with small amount of a mixture of tallow, jasmine and cobalt. It slightly darkened his hair and gave it a subtle blue sheen only noticeable for brief flashes in certain lights.
He looked very fetching, but the outfit was not just designed to make him look attractive, not that much was needed, but to compliment and enhance her outfit. He was dressed almost as her accessory. She was the comet in red, and he the background of the night, starry sky. As they stood in the mirror, his darkness, made her brighter.
William returned with the fan "With Lady Delana's compliments. She hopes you have a good time."
Malyk took the fan. "More ladies should carry fans." He remarked. "They are very useful tools. A woman can be thoughtful..." He tapped the fan against his cheek in thought. "enticing..." He ran the fan along William's neck and down his chest. "show her displeasure..." He snapped the fan open angrily. "or demure." He brought the fan to hide part of his face. "There are a hundred other ways to use it, but most importantly it is something for a woman to do with her hands rather than sitting demurely with them in her lap."
Handing her the fan he looked at her in the mirror. "I think you are beautiful, but you will never see yourself as beautiful until you feel beautiful. However you *are* memorable, which is at least part of what you asked." He affixed his whip to his belt. "I expect no trouble, but if I tell you to run you will do so without question or hesitation. The carriage will be waiting outside, the driver armed and we will pass the Raven Company compound about five blocks from Alexia's home. You will be safe there. One must always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Are you ready to meet the Queen of Thieves in the Tear?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 14, 2019 20:48:49 GMT 1
Laena accepts the fan, and practices opening and closing it with a flick of the wrist a few times, getting used to exactly how much effort is required for this particular fan to open and close smoothly and gracefully. Then, with it closed, she practices rapping her own arm with it, getting a feel for how much it stings. Opening it once again, she half-conceals her face and looks into the mirror, getting a feel for how the black lace offset and emphasised her pale skin, before she snaps it shut, and nods, satisfied.
While far from confident she has the stamina to run five blocks, it's not like Malyk could move the two locations closer if she can't, so she'll just have to hope she doesn't have to find out. "I'm ready." She responds, with apparent complete confidence.
In truth, she was excited more than scared. Meeting a crime boss was exactly the kind of new experience she'd hoped to have on her travels. The risk only made it more fun.
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 14, 2019 22:16:24 GMT 1
Malyk nods. "The fan suits you. Alexia carries a silver handled walking stick. It's an open secret it conceals a poisoned stiletto. I don't know if it is true, but I have no reason to believe it isn't."
He escorts her to the carriage. It is black with no ornamentation or sigil. The two men in the driving seat are armored in scale and well armed. "These men are personally trained by Ser Robyn. You have seen him fight, yes? He does not train honorable men, merely efficient ones.
As they traveled through the city Malyk pointed out a number of the sights, including the Raven compound. The streets were clean and free of beggers. Finally they arrived a small manor, more an elaborate house. The walled structure was no fortress, but taking the house with a large number of men would be costly. The pointed cast iron 'decoration' that topped the wall could prove lethal to the careless. The house itself was granite; not particularly pretty, but elegant in it's simplicity. The ground floor had no windows and the windows in the upper two floors were narrow and shuttered. A group of archers could hold the building against a much larger force for days. The flagstone path led to a thick oak and iron door. An elderly servant opened the door and granted them entry. There were no apparent guards as they entered the oak paneled foyer.
"My little meerkat. It is so good to see you. You have been naughty keeping yourself away for so long. I look forward to hear all your stories about the jewel of the Reach that is Highgarden."
Alexia Pierce stood on the balcony looking down on them, looking down on them as she probably looked down on everyone; perhaps not in actual practice, but certainly a subtle reminder of whose home they were in. Laena would eventually notice that the entire home was constructed to put guests at a disadvantage. It was subtle, the less perceptive would miss it, but it was there and all designed to have a cumulative effect.
Their host was a woman in her late fifties, perhaps early sixties, but she still retained her vibrancy. Long silver hair was coiled up on her head like a crown, strands of onyx entwined in them. She wore a tight bodice, probably concealing armor, and long skirts that ended at the ankle so as not to inhibit her movement. Her boots were probably high as they disappeared under her skirts, as were their heels. In them, she was a good six feet in height, enough to look most men in the eye. She wore a long flowing coat with tight sleeves and high collar over her gown. What lay hidden in it's folds was anyone's guess. As she glided down the stairs it was easy to believe she had once been a thief or an cat burglar. Her silver handled thin walking stick was more affectation, and weapon if Malyk was to be believed, than tool required for walking. She did not so much scream power as radiate it. It was like some great black panther had taken human form in search for new and novel ways to play.
At the base of the stairs she crossed, he dramatic entrance fixed in their minds. She extended her hand and Malyk dutifully brushed his lips across the back as any good gentleman wood. "It has been a long time since Lord Levalle has paid me a visit. I hope he his well?" She had a slight accent, although what it was and from where was difficult to determine.
"He is milady." replied Malyk smoothly. "He is very busy." The truth, but not the reason, and they both knew it.
"Ah well." she sighed. "I much prefer your company anyway."
The brief interaction made two things crystal clear. Malyk wasn't even the slightest bit afraid of her, and that fact fascinated her. The average person probably melted down in terror at her slightest frown, however Malyk was far and away not the average person. Even not knowing her authority and background, most would sense that uncomfortable prickling at the back of their neck and be wary. The Seneschal was not being wary, so much as 'careful'.
"And who do you escort this evening?" Her gaze turned to Laena. Not so much as a flicker of assessment. The woman had probably made that assessment before she even reached the base of the stairs. Simply an inquiry and a warm smile. She may be frightening, but she was not cold. Indeed her manner was welcoming, like a cozy hearth fire... that could conceivably burn a house down if one was careless or negligent.
Malyk allowed Laena to introduce herself, in part because he did not know if she wanted to use her title, and in part to avoid a man being needed to speak for her. This was her evening and she was the one in control.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 15, 2019 0:19:59 GMT 1
Laena makes sure to take in everything, and remember as much as possible - their guards' faces, and the location of as many landmarks as possible in the city, making a mental map, in case she needed it later.
When they entered the house, Laena was impressed, though she didn't show it. Everywhere she looked, more signs of dominance. All subconsciously attacking the confidence and composure of any guest. She made sure to note each one she found, face it consciously, and quash it. While she doubted her efforts would be entirely effective, every little would help in a battle of wills.
As Alexia walks down the stairs, Laena makes sure to commit every moment to memory - her poise, her clothes, her words. While she already knew she didn't want this woman's style exactly - were she to wear heels tall enough to let her see eye-to-eye with men, she'd look ridiculous and probably break an ankle, for example - she could see what parts were likely to work for her.
Laena paid particular attention to her movements - graceful power. While Laena lacked physical power, she began to see ways she could use her existing grace to imply the presence of power she didn't actually have.
"I am Laena." She introduced herself simply, looking the other woman dead in the eyes as she did so, and giving her a small nod of respectful greeting. According to what Malyk had told her, given titles like 'Lady', or even 'Pyre' were unlikely to impress her. Only achievements. While not cold, she refrains from smiling for now. She rather suspects any smile would be too feral, too challenging, to lead off with, she's just too excited. While the time would probably come that they would push their wills against each other - two predators sharing space could not resist for long - it was far too early. "I wanted to meet you. Malyk" looking across at her brother briefly, breaking the stare before it became a challenge neither woman would back down from "describes you as a singularly formidable woman".
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 15, 2019 1:59:42 GMT 1
"Be welcome, Laena. I am under no illusions that Malyk has not already informed you who I am. It interests me that you came anyway. We have a little time before dinner, let us have drinks in the receiving room." She turned to lead them. "Meerkat, my youngest son insisted on joining us. You have been entirely too good an influence on him." Amused sarcasm. "He has a favor to ask and we need a fourth for cards after dinner."
A dark haired, pale skinned young man waits in the next room and is introduced as Barce. His eyes and cheekbones are proof of his kinship to Alexia. During the evening he would be wary of his Mother, polite to Laena, but almost doting on Malyk. It was hard to say if this was hero worship, respect, love, desire, or a path from out under his Mother; perhaps all of the above, but the attitude was not feigned. A pleasant looking young man around Malyk's age; sharp of eye, short of words, graceful like his Mother, but not predatory.
The receiving room would more aptly be described as a trophy room. In it were an odd and eclectic collection of objects from across Westeros and beyond. Some of the more notable objects were a ships wheel, a stuffed raven, a battered pewter mug, a valyrian steel dagger, the folded robes of a red priest stained redder with blood, and what appeared to be a man's cock and balls preserved in a crystal jar.
Sitting down in comfortable chairs, drinks are served. "So I am interested at what stories the two of you may have of Highgarden. If the rumors are to be believed, the jewel of the Reach has more cutthroats than the Tear. They should hold more such tourneys. It would cull the nobility immensely."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 15, 2019 3:24:49 GMT 1
Laena is polite but distant with Barce. Once she'd made her initial judgement of the young man, she was interested predominantly in the relationship between the two. At first blush, it made her more determined than ever to find a good knight for Landar to squire under when he was old enough, however much she'd miss him.
Her mood sours slightly when she sees the Valyrian dagger, but raises again in amusement when she sees the cock and balls. That looked like a good vengeance.
"If you enjoy hearing of noble deaths, you have but to wait a short while. The tourney made clear that civil war is coming. No-one knows exactly when, but all but the most naive now believe it inevitable. Lord Jon Hightower died, leaving his house in turmoil, ripe to be torn apart by internal divisions. Lord Bryce Bridges died, leaving his house in a similar state." Her voice doesn't even hitch. "Ser Donnel Blackbriar died, and his house is already falling apart in division. A septon attempting to kill a particularly vile noble provoked a riot, and succeeded in killing almost everyone in the area, *except* for his intended target. Ser Walton Wyl, the king's master at arms, died, leaving the king militarily weaker. Other killings to further undermine his capability to wage war are sure to follow. Lord Blackwood was killed by a Bracken, so that conflict will undoubtedly flare up again. And that's far from all." She smirks, swirls her drink with one hand and spreads the other in a shrug. "You delight in noble blood? Eat and drink your fill, for all but the most gluttonous will be full to bursting before this is through.
"I do not know if your business thrives more when trade is plentiful, or when instability rules, but if it is the former, you have hard times ahead."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 15, 2019 5:30:53 GMT 1
"Both, actually." she replies before taking a sip of her drink. "Turmoil is always profitable. War even more so, if one has the good sense not to be embroiled in it one's self. Taking a side by it's very nature limits ones options, and I do not *do* limited options if at all possible. I understand that most nobles do not have that luxury. Some will side with the King. Some will side with the Bastard. Others will try to play both sides and fail miserably. Many will hide under their beds and hope they still live when it's all over." Her disgust for this last group was obvious. "It was inevitable, of course. Nobles and Knights cannot endure peace for very long, for they really have no purpose otherwise. Without conflict, how could they justify their existence? Most do not run their own lands, and the few that do often do it badly because they attained their position through random birth rather than merit."
Malyk took a sip of his drink, but made no comment.
"You disagree with me Meerkat?"
"Not substantively of the facts... unfortunately. However choosing a side is necessary even if it is not mandatory. The only question being what are the sides and what is the character of the person making the choice. Choosing to do nothing is also a choice. I may not always agree with your choices, Alexia, but you have rarely chosen to do nothing."
The woman nodded and smiled. "The Meerkat and I are an interesting pair. He, a young man with no fear. Me an old woman with no conscience. It is no secret Meerkat runs the Tear so the clever Lord Levalle can play noble on the larger stage. I might do the same if I had someone I could trust implicitly, but I probably wouldn't recognize such a jewel even if I found one... or should I say, another one. I tried to recruit him years ago as a spy when he was in the castle kitchens. I thought he was touched in the head when he turned down coin most others would kill for. How many others have tried to buy you out from under Lord Levalle?"
"Twenty-three." Malyk replied simply.
"And your answer every time?"
"I am happy."
"There you go, Laena. He is happy. I think I can count the occasions he has been unhappy on one hand. Constantly, infuriatingly happy. Although," She smiled, baiting him. "I understand you were very unhappy over this Septon and his riot."
He did not rise to the bait. "I was, and just as unhappy with Lord Tyrell who killed almost as many as Abelar got killed, but I do my best and can do no more. Evil was in the world before I was born and will be here long after I am gone."
"Well, at least in the case of this wayward Septon I agree with you. Imagine spending so much blood only to fail miserably. I despise incompetence. He should be removed from the world for that reason alone. There is nothing worse than the stupid given any measure of power." She smiled. "Speaking of, Merchant Taxys is dead."
"Really?" replied Malyk completely unsurprised.
"You didn't have anything to do with that did you?"
"I did have a word with his son, explaining that we do not allow unsanctioned brothels in the Tear and 'steps would be taken'. How did he die?"
"Strangler poison."
"Ah... probably the only time in his life he has ever stopped eating. Did this inconvenience you?"
"Not at all. The son is more or less competent, and far more reasonable to deal with. I expect he will do well. He is learning quickly." Her gaze returned to Laena. "So, young Lady, what is your assessment of the two sides. Will the King keep his crown or will the Bastard take the Iron Throne." There was no hint as to which outcome she preferred, or if she even had a preference.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 15, 2019 13:41:39 GMT 1
Laena muses on the merchant's death when she hears of it. Was there more hatred there than was being revealed, or were these people so rich that money had effectively lost all meaning? Strangler was so expensive that most minor lords at least would think twice over the expense. When the conversation moves on, she dismisses the thought.
"The first thing I observe is that this whole situation is the King's fault. The Unworthy cared for little but sating his own desires, but even he managed to prevent rebellion by recognising the most dangerous nobles, and keeping them satisfied. King Daeron cared not for politics, and did the worst thing possible: he *slightly* reduced their power. Wounding their pride, but not hindering their ability to avenge it in the slightest. He should have either kept them happy, neutered their ability to wield their power, or crushed them utterly. I can only imagine how much weaker the brewing rebellion would be had he done that with Lord Gorman Peake alone. It should have been obvious to anyone how the Great Bastards would cause instability, prompting extra care. Yet he didn't.
"Further, at the current time, the initiative is firmly in the revolutionaries' hands. They are acting firmly, precisely, and decisively, leaving the crown-loyalists scrambling to react, if they do at all.
"Having said all that, I have a hard time seeing how the revolutionaries can win, barring an incredible stroke of luck. Their twin arguments to corral the weak-minded into their camp - anti-Dornish sentiment and protecting chivalry - carry less and less weight the further you go from the Reach. It might be different were Ser Daemon older than King Daeron, but as it is, he has no valid claim. To claim to be fighting for chivalry, yet to do so pushing a non-existent claim creates a contradiction in the minds of too many not blinded by empty rhetoric. All the King has to do is ensure him and his entire line don't die before the rest of the realm can gather their forces, and the revolution is doomed."
She shrugs, and sips her wine. "But Lord Gorman at least is no fool, and yet he's continuing his actions. So, it's entirely possible he's seen some path to victory I have not."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 15, 2019 20:51:37 GMT 1
She turned her gaze. "And what of you, Meerkat. What is your assessment."
Malyk pondered for a long moment. "I think the King is using the rebellion to determine who is loyal and who is not. Bringing Dorne into the fold was necessary, but he had to know it would be unpopular, especially in the Reach. It's likely he knew a rebellion would be inevitable, although perhaps not what form it would take or what figurehead they would use. Crushing Lord Gorman without cause he would appear as a tyrant, or worse, as his Father. However a civil war is an opportunity to discover the truth of who the dissidents are, and the excuse to eliminate them at a stroke. He need only wait until they make the first move and prepare for that inevitability. He has the weight of the other six Kingdoms behind him, including Dorne. Lord Peake is a master opportunist, but I do not think he is a careful strategist. The King may very well be, and he has the one quality Lord Peake lacks: patience. I do not think he is as weak as he would like the dissidents to believe. He shows them his throat so men like Gorman will lunge for it, and they do so ignoring the blade at their belly."
"Interesting." Alexia mused. "While you have vastly different assessments of the King, you are both mostly in agreement as to the outcome." Her gaze turned to Barce. "What is your assessment."
The boy stammered something about the King having greater numbers and larger numbers unusually winning wars. A true statement, and largely in agreement with Laena and Malyk, but not overly helpful.
Alexia sighed. The boy was not stupid, but not clever either. Earnest, but insecure. Observant, but not insightful. "You had a favor to ask Malyk?"
"I understand Lord Levalle may be going to Old Town, and you obviously going with him as well. I was hoping to accompany you. I wish to enter the Citadel, perhaps even become a Maester, but Mother will not allow me to go on my own."
Malyk arched an eyebrow and gazed at Alexia. "You agree to this?" He was just curious. It would have no bearing on his decision.
"If that is where his 'song' leads, as you so often put it, who am I to stand in his way. He wishes to study trade and economics. Perhaps the Citadel has knowledge I do not know on the subject." Her tone implied she very much doubted it. To a woman like her, life was the greatest teacher, not dusty books, but she was not so arrogant as to assume she knew everything.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with you wanting to get someone into the harbormaster's office, would it? You've been trying to replace the ones you lost for five years. Will we be sitting here again in three or four years with you extolling Barce's learned skill and how well suited he is for the office?"
She sat back in her chair and smiled softly. "Oh, I *do* like you Meerkat. Who is to say what the situation will be in three or four years time."
Barce stared at his Mother. The thought obviously hadn't occurred to him.
Malyk turned to Barce. "You are welcome to join us, if that is your wish. I think the Citadel is a worthy path and you are well suited for it."
"There you are, now if you would see if dinner is ready." ordered Alexia
Barce looked like he had emotional whiplash. Grateful for his impending freedom and his new life at the Citadel, reticent at the subtexts of the conversion he did not understand. After a brief hesitation he did as he mother asked. The boy was prey in the midst of three predators.
"Is everyone a pawn to you, Alexia, even your children?"
"No, some are Knights and Rooks. You are more a bishop, although your diagonal moves are sometimes unpredictable. Not in this case. You care for Barce and would have no reason to refuse him in this instance. Your kindness is both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness. People are either craftsman or tools. You understand this even if you will not say it. The only real difference between us is that I use the tools for my own profit and you use the tools for the profit of society in general. You do this every time you build a mill, remake a garden, or prepare a pretty young lady for dinner."
"My people are not tools." replied Malyk evenly.
"Oh, but they are." she smiled. "The fact that they are happy does not make them any less tools. The fact that you care for your tools as any good craftsman would does not make them any less tools. The fact you use your tools to carve beautiful things for all to appreciate does not make them any less tools. You pretend they aren't tools, that they have choices, but the truth is very few people have any choice over their lives. The choice you do give them is an illusion. It is a pretty lie that we all want to believe. Tell me Meerkat, how much did you actually accomplish in Highgarden without your full range of tools? More than many, I would wager, given your talent to make willing tools wherever you go, but was it enough to make a difference? Did it actually change things?"
"Not in large ways." He replied softly. "In small ways. If a stableboy suffers a little less at the loss of his Father because I comfort him, I have achieved something. If a family will survive hardship and grow stronger, I have achieved something. If one person lives today that might not otherwise, I have achieved something. You, like most in power, focus on the destination and not the journey. You fixate on goals you may never achieve forgetting to enjoy the steps it took to get there. Most look back to a yesterday that cannot be changed, or to a tomorrow that may never come; forgetting that today is all we really have and it is only by the grace of the Seven that we get any more.
You have plots and plans that may take years to unfold, if ever. You think about them even now. I on the other hand am thinking how much Barce will enjoy the Citadel and perhaps grow into the man he was meant to be outside your shadow. I am thinking what a comfortable room this is, and what a lovely wine this is. I am looking forward to the delicious meal I can smell cooking in kitchen. I savor this moment, even this conversation and your's and Laena's company. We are all craftman at times, and all tools at times. That is what it means to be in a community; to help each other make our community better and all may enjoy the fruits of that labor. Indeed, you are right that I cannot do much alone, nor would I wish to. One man working alone might move a boulder, many together can move a mountain."
Alexia laughs. For some reason she enjoys being challenged by Malyk. It is clear she respects backbone more than any other quality. It might be a different matter in one of her servants or underlings, although even then the suspicion is she would respect it. "And what of you Laena? This is an old argument and one we rehash over and over. I try to give him claws, and he tries to give me a heart. Neither has been very successful. I would be interested in your view."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 15, 2019 23:43:24 GMT 1
Laena is a little disturbed. She had thought she and Alexia would see almost completely eye-to-eye, yet she found herself agreeing with her brother on at least one of his points.
"I find myself somewhat between you." She can't entirely hide her perturbation at the idea. "Wealth and power are certainly good things, and I do spend a fair amount of time attempting to accumulate them, but they hold true value only when converted into something else that gives me pleasure, or another form of happiness. What use a plan to get me power in five years if I spend those five years miserable and alone? That is a significant portion of my life, especially when none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
"Life is for the enjoying. Everything else - power, wealth, and so on - is solely for the facilitation thereof.
"Malyk finds happiness in the happiness of others. I don't, barring my own children. I think you and I don't have something Malyk does, that means we will ever be thus, however eloquently he speaks. Where is my happiness should another gain lands that could have been mine? What good does that loss do my children?
"I agree that most, if not all of us, are craftspeople some times, and tools others. The proportion depending on the individual. I know for certain I have been both, even relatively recently. Malyk denies that his people are tools, which implies to me he sees that relationship as inherently exploitative. I don't. It can be, certainly. But I myself have a tool who I am trying to shape into a better version of himself, for my own personal reasons. Should I succeed, it will be nothing but good for him, but he is undoubtedly my tool, and I am ultimately doing it for my good, rather than his. Honestly, my relationship with my own children is similar - I certainly don't trust their judgement on matters, and I make choices for them, with our best interests at heart. If that's not a tool, I don't know what is, yet I would end anyone who would harm either of them." Her statement isn't passionate, rather a simple statement of fact.
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Mar 16, 2019 3:30:30 GMT 1
Alexia smiled softly to herself. "Meerkat you are completely selfless. I admit I don't understand how you are so successful in a world that exploits the selfless and crushes them underfoot. You want for nothing except what you already have, and if you suddenly had nothing you would be just as happy."
"Happiness is a choice, Alexia." He smiled. "How much better is this remarkable wine if may never have it's like again. How much more can I appreciate this fine silk shirt, the way it looks on me, the way it feels against my skin, if I must wear rough homespun tomorrow and ever after. In the end, this wine, this shirt, the cozy fire, my freedom, even my life can be taken from me, but the memories and experiences I have had, the good I have done, even the parry and thrust of our little debates, they cannot be taken from me. Even if my life was taken this very moment, my song would live on in the hearts of those who care about me. So long as even one person remembers me fondly my soul shall be at peace. You do not understand because you are the Queen of Thieves and everything I value the most cannot be stolen. If I lost everything tomorrow I would start again on a new chapter of my life filled with new friends, new experiences and new adventures. Perhaps I would go to Braavos or Sunspear and see what those places hold for me.
You claim you would give me claws, when you know better than anyone I have them, I am just very judicious about when I use them. You claim you have no heart, but I know you love Barce in spite of him not being how you would wish; and there is much to love about him. Are you entirely sure the 'beautiful lie' is the one I am telling?"
The elderly Matriarch sat back, thinking of a response, but it was difficult to formulate a counter to Malyk's philosophy of pure joy of living; that someone could simply choose to be happy in a world full of misery. To her the idea was ludicrous on it's face, yet here it sat in her receiving room before her and the results he created could not be denied. The fact was that his presence made those around him happier, even her, and that happiness endured even after he was gone.
"Mother. Dinner is ready."
With that, they were shown to a well appointed dining room. Unlike the receiving room, this room was designed to be more convivial, although even here the large ornate high-backed chair at the head of the table spoke volumes on whose house this was. The food was excellent; slighty more spiced than what many of Westeros would be used to, but not unpleasantly so. The conversation was considerably lighter, with much laughter to be had. Malyk was obviously making a point to draw Barce into the conversation. Naturally shy, he was really quite charming when he felt he was on solid footing. He had a beautiful smile when he used it; and it was genuine.
Several things became clear to Laena during the meal. Barce was madly infatuated with Malyk. It was too obvious to miss, so Alexia must see it as well. Malyk, for his part, had firmly planted their relationship in friendship. There was absolutely no judgement, he simply didn't return Barce's feelings to the same degree. That did not stop him from caring about the boy and wishing him well. During the meal he deftly smoothed away insecurities and bolstered the excitement for his new life in the Citadel. For his part, Barce seemed to accept the level of their relationship. Perhaps he was used to most often being denied what he most wanted; more likely Malyk had taught him to appreciate what he had. If one wanted the sun, better to lay in the shade than sit alone in the dark.
After an entertaining dinner, Alexia rose. "I think we will allow the boys some time together before cards. Will you join me in my study, Laena?"
Malyk and Alexia exchanged glances. Be very careful. He seemed to say. I always am. Seemed her reply.
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