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Post by pontifex on Jun 10, 2020 19:23:29 GMT -5
"The Grand Maester might disagree, if the gods had seen fit to spare him." Qyburn retorted, enjoying the tet-e-tet. "Your Holiness has been most gracious in this and yet, I am afraid, the business of the Realm has been of overwhelming concern to the Queen. He own uncle and many of her advisers have been slain by daggers in the night, she fears not only for her own safety but that of our noble King. Do not doubt she takes the charges set before her very seriously and yet, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard is absent, her own brother, who has an interest in defending his own honor with regards to the vile accusations leveled against the Queen. I am sure you will agree on two grounds that Ser Jaime must be present before the trial should commence. Firstly, that maimed as though he is, should he prevail, it shall be overwhelming proof of the gods' justice and second, the Queen should have her own choice of champions."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 10, 2020 20:01:47 GMT -5
”Of course, most holy, but you have many admirers in Dorne. I wished to hear your blessed words for myself, and so was honoured and humbled when I was chosen to travel to the capital, to serve the Gods in the holiest of places.”
Tyene chimed. A shadow crossed her face, a look of pain and sadness.
”But things are worse here than I imagined, your holiness. It pains me to see how many are afflicted with hunger and disease.”
Many were dying in the streets, even with Tyrell food now reaching the capital. The war had hit the poorest the hardest, and the overcrowded city was rife with disease, starvation, and corruption. Truly, it was a cesspit, and though Tyene longed for home she had to fulfil her duty.
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Post by perry on Jun 10, 2020 20:20:14 GMT -5
"We shall see. The trial will commence when the Seven will it so." The High Septon replied, bringing his bony hands together in an embrace. "They work in mysterious ways, I have given a generous amount of time. But, if the Seven will that her champions not be present, who am I.." He inclined his head, holding one calloused hand toward the air. "A humble servant, to disagree."
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Post by pontifex on Jun 10, 2020 20:22:51 GMT -5
"very good, Holiness." Qyburn replied. "If I may be of any use to you, you need only ask." He turned as if to leave but quickly turned back. "Holiness, another moment. I speak now as my own man. What would you say if you could be offered a position to advise the Queen, a seat upon the Small Council." He seemed genuine enough. "Would you have any interest in sharing in the direct governance of the Realm?"
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Post by perry on Jun 10, 2020 20:27:37 GMT -5
The High Septon smiled warmly at the Dornish girl's words, even as he worked. "I am but a man, young flower." He replied. "The same as any other, I simple listen to the will of the Seven, a talent many seem to have forgotten in these dark times." His smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, at the thought of the infidelity and corruption in this city. "My predecessor wore fine silks and gold, and a crown crafted of fine crystal. You should have seen how he feasted, even as the good people of this city starved." His voice grew less measured, an anger bubbling behind each word, he let himself calm for a moment. "But, we have rectified that. The brothers and sisters in the faith that is, and the people of this city." He continued to scrub. "They are indeed sister Tyene.. they are indeed." He sighed weakly, though his arms did not waver. "I have seen much of the Seven Kingdoms in my many years, I have been to towns so small they could hardly afford food, let alone a sept. Yet I have never seen a city as impoverished in the soul as this one." he scrunched up his wizened face. "The wealthiest city in Westeros, and yet the people starve for the vanity of a few."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 12, 2020 9:44:18 GMT -5
"I have seen the inside of the Red Keep. To then walk the streets of Flea Bottom... It is like night and day, summer and winter."
Tyene solemnly agreed, beads of sweat forming on her marble-smooth skin. Her golden-spun hair was messily tied into a bun behind her head, though much of it was covered by the traditional Septa's shawl.
"It makes me glad the Lady Margaery was found innocent. She is the only good woman among them on the Hill, pious and devoted to the Seven and our king."
Queen Cersei was a different matter, though Tyene kept that opinion to herself for now.
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Post by perry on Jun 12, 2020 10:16:08 GMT -5
”Lady Margery was framed, but the Seven can reveal any duplicity, Sister.” He replied. “There are many snakes in the Red Keep, I do not believe she is among them. Little Tommen is still young, he cannot see the corruption that abounds.” It felt as if he left a thought unfinished. “The trial to come will reveal the truth.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 12, 2020 17:18:42 GMT -5
The steps of the sept are still swarming with Poor Fellows, some flagellating themselves, other passing out food, one of the High Septons many Sparrows was speaking to a crowd of smallfolk. The great gates of Baelor's Sept were guarded by the Warriors' Sons, the same holy warriors that had guarded Margery during her time in captivity, and during her trial. Queen Margery and her brother Ser Loras are allowed inside, passing beneath the many colored glass globes of the Hall of Lamps. When they make it into the sept proper they see the High Septon busy at work, beneath the watchful eyes of the statues. he is washing the feet of a number of particularly unclean commoners alongside a number of Sparrows and a few of the Most Devouts.
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Post by perry on Jun 12, 2020 17:37:52 GMT -5
The High Septon kissed the foot of his latest lost sheep. “May the Seven watch over you child.” He said, a weary smile on his lips. As the Voice of the Seven on Earth rose to his feet. “Margery.” He said simply, crossing his arms. “I did not expect you so soon.” He admitted, his eyes turning toward unfortunate Loras Tyrell, who had once been considered a beauty with few to compare. “A tragic fate, the will of the Seven can be cruel.” He said, cleaning his hands with an old rag. “War is such a tragic thing, feel blessed child, every day I pray to the Mother to show mercy on those harmed by these wars.. unfortunately the Mother has many broken people to attend to.” He sounded legitimately sorry, the cost of this war impacted every level of society.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 13, 2020 1:56:34 GMT -5
"With my brother finally able to walk again, I thought it prudent to seek the Seven's blessing for his recovery."
Margaery looked up toward the statues of the Seven, apparently contemplating the words of the High Septon. Ever since her trial, the young queen kept her style spartan with a simple green dress without any intricate embroidery, while her curly brown hair hung loose.
"I understand, your Holiness. I saw the masses fleeing the burning Riverlands struggle in the streets, and did what I could to ease their lives with food from the Reach. War is tragic, yes, and I pray that the Warrior puts away his sword soon so that the Father Above can let justice reign once more. Is there anything I can do to help the Faith's mission to aid those in need? I cannot be idle while the people suffer."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 13, 2020 8:46:05 GMT -5
”Lady Margery was framed, but the Seven can reveal any duplicity, Sister.” He replied. “There are many snakes in the Red Keep, I do not believe she is among them. Little Tommen is still young, he cannot see the corruption that abounds.” It felt as if he left a thought unfinished. “The trial to come will reveal the truth.”
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Post by perry on Jun 13, 2020 9:13:08 GMT -5
@jokern The High Septon nodded, his long nose bobbing up and down. “That is good, my child. To care for others brings us closer to the Seven.” He said plainly. “The Riverlands are still in great pain, the path breaking Freys were given more lands and Baelish has done nothing to ease the burden faced by the small folk. We must help to rebuild. There is also the matter of the Warriors’ Sons if any holy knights in your service would seek to serve the Seven I can use as many skilled men as possible to keep the peace. More food and housing throughout Kingslanding would not be amiss either: for the poor, and the refugees. Tyrell bread has fed many, but many more sleep on empty stomachs, and winter is fast approaching..” His words were spoken in a grim tone, grim as he’d ever been. “I would like to send some spiritual guidance to Young Tommen’s side, I fear some of the influences in the keep are not good for his growing mind.”
@gandy
“Yes..” He said, in thought as he worked. “The Queen still has many duplicitous allies that seek to see these charges gone. But, we must have faith in the Seven and in the strength of those that serve the Seven.”
The High Septon did not answer the other suggestion for some time, but eventually broke the silence. “That is a fine suggestion, sister Tyene. I will have to choose carefully, but I believe it would help.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 13, 2020 15:11:10 GMT -5
"Of course, your Holiness. We will do what we can for the Riverlands, it has been the battlefield of the Seven Kingdoms for too long. As for the Faith Militant, I am sure there are many noble warriors from the Reach who are ready to serve the Seven. The Warrior's Sons will have the permission from the Lord Paramount of the Mander to start recruitment in the Reach. Perhaps we can even discuss opening up a new chapter at the Starry Sept in Oldtown with Lord Hightower?"
Margaery showed a dismayed expression when food for the poor of King's Landing was mentioned.
"Winter is indeed fast approaching, and House Tyrell will do what it can for the people of King's Landing. Food and clothing if we can bring it in... however, with the Ironborn heathens raiding and burning the southern Reach, even our bountiful harvests may suffer. They must be stopped for the good of the realm."
When Tommen was mentioned, Margaery nodded and showed renewed resolve.
"I completely agree. My lord husband deserves the education worthy of one who will one day sit on the Iron Throne in his own right. The Faith is more than welcome, by my invitation as Queen Consort."
Finally, she felt the time had come to get to the real topic she was here to discuss.
"Your Holiness, I am aware that her Grace Queen Cersei has chosen trial by combat instead of trial by faith. May I be so bold to ask who will represent the Faith?"
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Post by perry on Jun 13, 2020 15:31:24 GMT -5
“Once matters in Kingslanding have been resolved, and our position solidified I intend to spread the Faith Militant, for too long have pious men been forced to seek protection from the lecherous. The Riverlands will be a priority in that expansion, faithful folk feel unsafe traveling from one village to the next. I can see the benefit in establishing a branch in what was once the heart of the Faith.” He replied, nodding his head, as if in thought. “Yes, the Ironborn are a problem, luckily they are no threat overland. Without the Redwyne fleet I see no way to face them at sea.. Unfortunately with the Targaryens resurgent in the Stormlands, and pirates dominating Blackwater Bay.. I doubt aid will be coming soon.” The High Septon gave a weary smile, hidden beneath his beard. “Good, I will assemble a group of Septons and Septas to come at your earliest cinvience.” He said, though his voice did not seem to imply he would wait long. He thought a moment tugging at his beard, before responding. “It is all right child, it is to be a trial by Seven. Any of the Warriors’ Sons would be honored to serve I suspect, but I am not as knowledgeable in matters of combat as Ser Wells. Do you have an opinion on the matter?”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 14, 2020 13:22:10 GMT -5
"The art of war is not my strong suit either, my lord, and I have little knowledge of he members of the Sons except Ser Wells and Ser Lannister."
Loras suddenly started to cough as he tried to speak. He wheezed with every word, struggling to keep his voice audible.
"Cersei... cannot... be allowed to have... the Kingsguard... *cough* *cough*. We serve... the King... not a... woman... accused of adultery... and murdering... your... predecessor... *cough* *cough*. It... it is not right."
The maimed knight could barely stand and his coughing fit grew uncontrollable. Margaery quickly grabbed his arm to keep him upright.
"Brother! Forgive him your Holiness, he knows not of what he speaks. The milk of the poppy used to numb his pain is numbing his mind as well."
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