Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 20, 2019 3:54:26 GMT 1
Malyk smiled at Laena and re-organized his cards again. "None will care the man is gone, and more than a few will rejoice. That is the legacy he leaves, and it is a sad bitter legacy. All men whose song is so discordant with the rest of the world eventually meet such an end; it is simply a matter of time. You are far more ruthless than he ever was, Alexia, but you do not pit your song against the world, you are the deep counterpoint to the world. You are the dark harmony that makes the melody brighter. Many will miss you when the Stranger finally comes, myself included."
The Queen of Thieves nodded in appreciation. Why such polar opposites liked each other might be strange to some, but it seemed perfectly natural to them. Mutual respect seemed to be their common ground. Each respected the other's talent, skill, dedication and, most especially, boundaries. It was obvious the lines had been drawn some time ago, lines neither, as yet, had felt the need to cross.
As Mercer excused himself, the four continued to play cards for some time, enjoying this moment of conviviality. Finally, at a natural point where the evening was winding down, Alexia rose. "Well, young ones. As delightful as this has been, I have duties I must attend to. What is it they say? There is no rest for the wicked."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 20, 2019 15:43:39 GMT 1
"Because the wicked have better things to do with their bed than 'rest'." Laena quips quietly as she stands.
More seriously, she continues. "Thank you for an entertaining, and even informative, evening."
Finishing their goodbyes, she walks out with Malyk to their carriage.
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 20, 2019 15:58:44 GMT 1
Malyk directed the driver to take them to the Raven Company compound as he entered the carriage.
"So... sister. Did you find any of what you were looking for?"
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 20, 2019 21:14:02 GMT 1
Laena looks thoughtfully out the window, and nods, before answering softly. "Yes. More than I thought I would, actually. There was a gap in my education I was unaware of. Not relevant yet. May not ever be. But a gap worth filling, just in case it becomes relevant.
"I honestly never thought I'd ever seek to more like one of the smallfolk, but she is a rather exceptional individual. It's not just the clothes, it's the movements. I suspect were I to simply don attire like hers, the effect wouldn't be anywhere near so impressive. I paid a lot of attention to her movements, and the *will* behind them. It will take a long time, a lot of unlearning how to do things, but I believe I can do it. After all, even if it takes years to learn, I *have* years, and I have the Will to dedicate to this task.
"So, why are we going to the Raven Company compound? Presumably to meet its female leader?"
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 20, 2019 22:53:06 GMT 1
"Yes, for several reasons." he replied. "In part, it will be a good example of another woman with power. It probably won't be as helpful to you. She is not like Alexia. She competes with men in a man's world on their terms with their rules, rather than writing the rules herself. Still, there may be something there you can glean. I value other's perspectives. I find seeing the world through another's eyes gives empathy and understanding of their situation... to either help them, or remove them, depending on your goals or priority."
The Raven compound was fortified with a wooden palisade. It was different than Alexia's home. The latter was designed for absolute security and protection. What the former lacked in security, it made up for in deadliness. It would not withstand a large attack, but the spiked pits, water hazards, sharpened stakes, dead-falls, cauldrons of oil and other implements of destruction would make such an attack extremely costly. It's chief advantage over a more permanent structure is that it could all be re-constructed in a matter of hours or days with sufficient men. Most notable would be that the defenses favor defending infantry and archers, putting attacking cavalry (ie Knights) at a severe disadvantage. Whoever designed them was clearly stating an 'honorable' combatant was a dead combatant.
As they stepped out of the carriage, they were met by a woman in black scale armor, hair clipped short. Not an attractive woman by any standard, but clearly a formidable one. Her armor, the small shield on her back and the ball and chain at her hip were of good quality and very well used. Two other men stood behind her, one stern and hatchet faced, the other short, almost petite, and edging just to the line of what would be considered too pretty for a man.
"You came to see the body." she said bluntly.
"And see to the rescued thralls." he replied. "We may be able to return some to their families, or at least provide them with a life here." He gestured to Laena. "Commander Ceryllia, this is Lady Laena Pyre. She is observing how we handle security here in the Tear."
A curt nod of acknowledgement. To the Raven Commander, Laena was not relevant unless she became relevant in some way. "I suppose I owe you a debt. I've been looking for an excuse to kill that rapist, slaving asshole for years." she said as she strode towards a large stone building.
"You owe me nothing Commander. You are paid to do a job and it is in my interests that you enjoy it."
A nod from Ceryllia. Malyk's answer was the correct one. "The pirate is dead. I chopped off his head myself just to make sure. Not all his men are, although some may not survive the night. We have also arrested his remaining crew on the ship. Most are boys too afraid to be a problem, or greybeards to old to be a threat. His crew hated him as much as anyone, and the loyal or greedy ones accompanied him here. Quarter was given to the couple that were quick enough to ask. The remainder that survive do so at the behest of whatever God they believe in." She turned to the pair, glancing at Laena. "The Lady may wish to wait outside."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 21, 2019 0:55:19 GMT 1
Laena gives a small shrug, being willing to go along with Malyk's suggestion without argument. While his methods may be odd, they were undoubtedly effective.
While she concealed it, the Commander was off-putting to Leana. She had completely rejected her femininity, embracing the masculine conception of 'strength'. It was like watching someone reject a perfectly-cooked steak accompanied by a high-quality wine to eat straight from a pig's trough - not even using her hands or anything. While she would undoubtedly be talented, since she was the leader, and such talent undoubtedly took both considerable effort and passion, Laena could not approve of her choice.
It was a direct insult to the gods, a claim that they had given her the wrong gender.
Still, she returns the curt nod of greeting similarly, with none of this displaying on her face.
When it is suggested that she wait outside, she makes sure to moderate her tone so it comes across as dry, rather than offended. "'The Lady' has seen death before. 'The Lady' will be fine." It wasn't that long ago she'd opened up Lady Helicent's throat. She was most concerned over keeping blood off the lovely gown she was wearing, since it wasn't the right shade of red to conceal dried blood.
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 21, 2019 2:05:10 GMT 1
The woman made no comment, simply opened the door and entered. The mercenaries on guard inside did not so much 'come to attention' as acknowledged her entrance. Still, there was absolute no doubt who was leader here. The main room was clean and well tended. Indeed the entire compound was well organized, but more with military precision. Malyk always tried to balance function and style. Ceryllia was only interested in function. Armor and weapons were well tended because they needed to be, not for looks. The room was clean and organized because it needed to be, not because anyone needed to be impressed.
There was about seven men on pallets all being tended by a healer and his two assistants. The Commander walked up to him. "Your diagnosis?"
"Two are beyond my ability and will not survive the night. Two may die, or may not, it is too soon to tell. Three will survive until Lord Levalle can behead them, should he wish."
Without a word, the Commander took out a dagger and killed the two that would not survive, quickly and cleanly; her version of mercy. Malyk made no comment.
Wiping her blade and replacing it, she gestured to some of her men who carried the bodies to another chamber. "The pirate is in here."
In the other room was a pile of perhaps eight to ten men, all dead. The two bodies were added to the pile. All had already been relieved of anything valuable. Laying on a slab was Andrueon, his armor rent, his ugly head severed from his body. There was actually little blood. "I appreciate your suggestion." said the Commander. "It worked flawlessly. He was cut to pieces before he even realized what was happening."
"He would not believe men he assumed were thralls to be armed or a threat. The lack of armor was a risk, but I believed you would mitigate that."
"As per our contract, what they carried is now ours. I assume his head is worth something?"
Malyk fished out some gold coins and dropped them into Ceryllia's hand. Laena doubted he even counted them, but they seemed to satisfy the Commander. "Whoever survives the morning, transfer them to the castle dungeons. Lord Levalle will deal with them in his own time. I will also compensate your men that were injured in the attack."
"And the ship with it's remaining crew?"
"Guard it for now. The ship is now the property of Lord Levalle. Transfer the 'thralls' to the castle guard. I will see to them. The remaining crew can be kept on the ship until the morning. I will see to them as well." Malyk looked the Commander dead in the eye. "Regardless of their association, the remaining crew is guilty of no crimes in the Tear that I am aware of. They are being held for their own safety until I can determine how they might be best served. Are we clear, Ceryllia?"
"Crystal." replied the Commander. "We serve Lord Levalle as our contract stipulates."
All that settled, Laena and Malyk returned to the carriage and proceeded back to the castle.
"Perhaps you can explain something to *me*, Laena. Alexia is one of the more devious people I have ever met, and I like her very much. Ceryllia is one of the most scrupulous in her dealings I have ever met, and I don't think I like her much at all. It's not just that she can kill so casually, or that she can do so without a ripple of conscience, Alexia can do that as well, or even that she is wrong to do so. Her job is to keep the peace and eliminate threats." He sighed. "I don't know. It's almost like she doesn't have a soul, but everyone has a soul. Even twisted men like Abelar have a soul."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 21, 2019 12:50:38 GMT 1
Laena follows and observes proceedings silently, her feelings on matters remaining hidden.
When back in the carriage, and asked the question, Laena considers her answer for a good few moments. "The obvious answer would be that Alexia is charismatic, charming, and friendly, while Ceryllia is as charming as an axe to the face. But, much as I don't claim to understand you, I think it something other than that.
"I suspect, and I could be wrong, that Alexia views people as *people*. That won't stop her from killing them if she deems it necessary, or from exploiting them if she can, but she has to recognise the value of each individual, just as you do, in order to take best advantage. In her case, it's for her personal benefit, rather than the benefit of all like you do, but you both, for your own reasons, and in your own way, care about *people*. Ceryllia on the other hand, and I'd need to see how she reacts to a loss within her own ranks to be sure of this, views people as *resources*. She's clearly not a monster, else she likely wouldn't have hated Andrueon. Which leads me to suspect she was originally a rather sensitive and caring soul. Hardly surprising - women naturally *create* life, rather than ending it. I understand killing can have quite the impact on such people. And she's killed a *lot* of people. Seen their suffering, their pleas for mercy. And after each one, she lays another layer of armour around her heart and feelings, to insulate herself from the pain. And she can't see people as people without prying up those layers protecting herself from the weight of her own actions. And I suspect this .. depersonalisation strikes at something deep within you."
She shrugs. "But that's just based on a very brief interaction, in which she didn't say much. I'd really need to sit her down, get to know her, and ask a few pointed questions to be sure. I admit that analysis is mainly guesswork."
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 21, 2019 19:50:45 GMT 1
Malyk ponders for a long moment. "I suspect you are right. The Commander 'values' people, but that is not the same as caring about them. Her men respect her for her strength and her obvious leadership qualities; and of course the wealth she brings them. I do not know if they 'like' her, but they are all loyal to her. I do not know her past, but your insights feel correct. Her rabid dislike of slavery and rape might stem from such experiences she has herself had. Certainly in a world where men have most of the power, she has decided to take such power for herself. I don't think I begrudge her that, and her skill and talent can't be denied, but I think she has traded too much for it... and I don't think she is very happy, for all her power.
Because she is so good at her job, is totally scrupulous in her dealings, and our goals align, we work well together, but I admit I avoid her unless absolutely necessary. I wished you to meet her because she *is* a woman of power. I have no expectations you will don armor and lay waste to your enemies with a mace, but thought perhaps something could be gleaned. She does inspire loyalty, which is important for anyone in power, and I firmly believe all women should have some familiarity with weapons, if only for their own defense.
The last woman of power in the city is Marsa, Madam of the Siren's Call. I will let you decide if you wish to meet her. If you have met Lady Alicent Yronwood, then you have largely met Marsa. She is a more extreme version of her. She is ambitious, but not overly so, content with the position she has attained and reveling in it's benefits. She like soft sheets, fine wine and handsome men. She inspires great loyalty in her people, and is fiercely protective of them... which is why I placed her in the position in the first place after the former owner was removed." Not knowing what Laena and Alexia discussed, it is notable how he glosses over this transition that he was almost entirely responsible for, and how he did it. The suspicion would be more humility over his involvement than any shame over his method. "She probably is our greatest source of information and has the largest number of connections in the city. Remarkable in that she rarely leaves her *lair*. She doesn't need to. Many men in the city come to her eventually. A great many people think she is a beautiful air-head; more than a little stupid. A great many people are stupid, or at least blind to anything but her beauty."
He shrugged. "The experience might be instructive... and certainly more pleasant than the Commander."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 21, 2019 23:14:07 GMT 1
Laena frowns in contemplation. "The 'merchants'. The mercenaries. And now your sp- information collectors. It would be rare for even one of these groups to be headed by a woman normally.
"You admit to putting your finger on the scale in the case of Marsa. Did you similarly assist the other women into their current positions? Or did this happen naturally?"
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 22, 2019 0:39:54 GMT 1
"In the case of the Commander, yes. Her stickler for detail, her absolute unwavering commitment to her word and her organizational skills impressed me. She also is merciless when it comes to rape, and that was an issue in the Tear, especially after I closed down and reorganized the brothels. People will often try and take what they cannot or don't wish to purchase, and men are especially prone to this when it comes to women. I suppose I am partially responsible for Alexia as well, but that was more circumstance than design. Situations led me to removing some of her less savory competition. She seized the opportunity and grew to fill the vacuum.
I recognize that men and women have different talents, perspectives and expectations, but so do many men from another or women from another. I try to see things truthfully, Laena, and the truth is that the common perception of women is at best a grievous underestimation, and at worst a flat out lie no matter that is a commonly held belief. Most of Westeros holds to the Seven, yet barring the Stranger they forget that half the Gods are female and perhaps the wisest among them a woman. It is completely out of step with the Seven to believe that women are naturally subservient to men, no matter what the church may teach, when it is clear the Gods hold the genders equal."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 22, 2019 19:48:20 GMT 1
Laena's mouth opens slightly, and there's a few moments' silence when Malyk finishes speaking as she considers his words.
Finally, she responds quietly. "In retrospect, were your beliefs more widely known, we should probably have suspected your lineage before you revealed it."
She was in two minds over meeting the madam. In the end, it was her own discomfort over the idea which decided her. "Let's meet this Marsa, then. Presuming there's a discreet entrance, if we're meeting her at work? This may the Tear, but still, if someone recognises me walking into such a place, by the time the rumour reaches Highgarden, it will state that I indulged in a public orgy involving a horse and a dwarf." She snorts. "And there are quite enough ridiculous rumours about me already."
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 22, 2019 23:28:49 GMT 1
He smiled. "You are not the first to have such concerns, which is why I took steps to alleviate them. Marsa's home abuts the brothel, with access to it but not part of it. The entrance to the brothel faces the market square, while Marsa's home faces onto a quiet street and is just one of several fashionable homes belonging to merchants that need proximity to the market to do their business."
Giving the driver orders, they proceeded through the city until they turned onto a tree lined boulevard. The homes here clearly belonged to those of some wealth, and all were walled although they were not the outright fortresses Alexia's home was. The carriage turned into the gate of one such stately home, most notable for it's intricate gardens that outshone the others on the street. It pulled under a stone canopy, mostly obscured by high hedge-work. Apparently Marsa often had guests that didn't want to make their visits obvious.
A handsome young footman opened the carriage door. A handsome young doormen showed them into the foyer where there were two handsome young guards on duty. The handsome young butler greeted them warmly and a handsome young page was sent to inform Marsa of their arrival.
The foyer was high and luxurious but tasteful. Malyk obviously had had some input into it's construction as it was his style of light and airiness, even at night. The windows were pale milk-glass; able to let light in during the day, but impossible to see through. The room was dominated by a grand staircase; cast iron painted white with various brightly colored birds seeming to flutter amongst the bars.
They did not need to wait long at all before a musical voice wafted through the room like a breeze fluttering wind chimes.
"Malyk. Sweetness!"
The woman at the top of stairs was an absolute vision of loveliness. How much of that was natural and how much was artifice was so masterfully blurred as to be impossible to discern. Obviously Andal by decent, golden blond hair cascaded down one side of her face to nearly cover one of her sapphire blue eyes. Her skin was flawless cream and the confection of her light pale blue gown seemed to both hide and enhance the figure beneath simultaneously as she moved.
Alexia may radiate power, Marsa radiated irresistible innocence. She did not glide down the stairs so much as float. Her gown swirled about her like blue flower petals in the wind, as if at any moment they would flutter away to reveal the perfection of her naked body beneath. She was like a magnificent stained glass window that had suddenly sprung to life, and apparently as much depth. A seductive woman that seemed to seduce completely unintentionally.
It was all a lie, of course, but one men fervently wanted to believe. Every man that desired her convincing himself he would be her first. Every man that lay with her thinking he was the most special to take her 'innocence'. It was a delusion... a fantasy, but there was no stronger delusion than self-delusion. It was a character she played, but one so well practiced as to be second nature. It was hard to imagine the endless hours she had probably spent in front of a mirror perfecting her persona to the point where her smallest gesture portrayed what she wanted. While Alexia exemplified dangerous, Marsa seemed as dangerous as a fluffy white kitten.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs she quickly crossed the foyer and threw her arms around Malyk, kissing him enthusiastically, but innocently; a remarkable feat. Malyk returned her kiss, but it was out of goodwill rather than any passion; as if playing his part but immune to her deceptive charm.
Staying in his arms, her gaze turned to Laena. "And who is this elegant woman you bring with you, sweetness? Should I be jealous?" One of her enameled fingernails playfully fingering Malyk's chest. That she managed this 'sweet' and 'innocent' persona without being cloying was a testament to her abilities. More inexperienced women easily crossed the line from sweet to sickeningly sugary; innocent to childish. Even her eyes seemed an impossible balance between sparkling and vacuous. A woman who had honed underestimation to a fine art. The cleverest of men might forget themselves for a moment, and for Marsa a moment might be all it took.
Releasing Marsa from the embrace, or extricating himself, depending on your point of view, he made introductions. "Marsa, this is my sister Laena."
"Sister?!" Not quite a squeal of delight, but not much short of the mark. "You didn't tell me you had a sister!" She grabbed one of Laena's hands warmly in both of hers. Her smile was incandescent. "Malyk is one of the very best people I know and one of my closest friends. Any sister of Malyk is welcome here and I hope we will be great friends as well!" She seemed completely genuine, but then everything about Marsa seemed completely genuine despite everything known to the contrary. It would be easy to believe everyone liked Marsa. It was as if a damsel had stepped right out of a storybook. She and the Commander were of such complete extremes as to be physically jarring.
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 23, 2019 23:52:09 GMT 1
Marsa was good, no doubt about it. Laena had to admit that if she had not been forewarned, she likely would have been completely taken in. In the back of her mind, she wondered if perhaps Marsa were more dangerous in her way than Alexia.
Laena was happy to watch a master perform her craft, at least for the time being, and merely took note. Not for her to emulate this time, but rather to try and pick up how to spot such deceptions in the future. She didn't have the stomach for this particular role.
"Malyk is one of the best people anyone can know. He is a rare breed." She responds. She doesn't comment that Malyk has a lot more sisters now - the 'real' Marsa undoubtedly knew that, given her stock in trade, so she wouldn't waste her words.
"You have done an excellent job surrounding yourself with beauty." She compliments the other woman with a smile, leaving ambiguous if she included her staff in that assessment. "Few could do so well without risking being overshadowed themselves." Her tone makes clear she considers Marsa within those 'few'.
|
|
Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
|
Post by Malyk on Mar 24, 2019 2:09:04 GMT 1
"Thank you. You're very kind. I think beautiful surroundings bring out the beauty in all of us." smiles the woman. Pinning down her age was difficult. More than twenty, less than forty, but where in between was hard to tell. Most would scew younger, but her skill probably indicated over thirty. She flung open nearby doors revealing a sitting room with high plastered decorative ceilings, furnished in light woods, tasteful florals, and a swirl of pastels. It was exactly the kind of room people would expect of her, down the the smallest detail. "Sweetness, I have your favorite: 84 Winterfell red. What can I get you, Laena? I prefer more floral whites myself. Not many have the sweetness or sweet tooth for the wines Malyk likes."
She opened a nearby standing case that was filled with wine bottles and glasses. The selection was impressive, although not surprising. Alcohol was just another tool in her arsenal.
"Just a small glass, I have had quite a bit already." Malyk replied with a smirk.
"Oh have you?" Flicker in her eyes, easy to miss. "That's unusual for you..." she trailed off, expectantly waiting for him to fill in the gap as she poured his wine.
"We had dinner with Alexia."
"Really? That must have been nice. I hear she is an accomplished hostess, although I have never had the pleasure myself."
|
|