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Post by Royal Joker on May 22, 2023 16:48:06 GMT -5
"As His Grace wills."Rhaegar executed a stiff bowed and departed, knowing better to bite at his father using him as an errand boy. But he did not go to find Rossart. For a time he lingered in the courtyard, before he took his chance to dart after Pycelle into the rookery. Grand Maester Pycelle, despite his old age of 66, had somehow already made his way up to the rookery by the time the Prince of Dragonstone caught up with him. He was dictating the message to the subordinate maester in charge of the rookery when he noticed Rhaegar. Taken aback, he quickly composes himself and offers a bow. "Your Grace, how unexpected to see you here. I was just composing the King's message as instructed. How may I be of service?"
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Post by Gandalf on May 22, 2023 17:05:07 GMT -5
The Prince of Dragonstone entered with a look of feigned concern at the subordinate. A face he did not remember. "My lady wife is in pain and requires Milk of the Poppy. Fetch her some." He commanded, and waited until the man obeyed.
Once the other Maester had gone, he looked to Pycelle, and put on his most well-worn smile.
"Pycelle. Just the man I was searching for. I have a message of my own for Lord Lannister."
Rhaegar closed the distance between them with two long and graceful strides to tower over him. Pycelle's habit of stooping made him seem even taller than he was.
"You know how my father has been of late... Forgetful, at the best of times. The burden of the crown and the rebellion lies heavily on him, and his commitment to his duty we cannot fault."
The Prince gave Pycelle a gentle pat on the arm.
"I wish to remind my Lord of Lannister that my father and myself are still his friends, which can be lost over the formal words of a letter from court. So be a good man, Pycelle, and let me do the writing."
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Post by Royal Joker on May 23, 2023 14:07:28 GMT -5
The aging grand maester was obviously flustered by Rhaegar's words, nervously stroking his beard while trying to find the right words.
"Well... ah, your Grace... this is a highly unconventional request. Your father's word is law and the duty of composing the king's messages usually falls on his grand maester. Such has been the custom since your forefather King Aegon III, ascended the throne. It would be... it would be unseemly for the Prince of Dragonstone to assume such duties that the king has not explicitly granted him."
Pycelle's eyes nervously looked, trying not to meet the prince's purple eyes.
"But, ah... it would not be without complete precedent, I suppose. Lord Tywin is a highly respectable man and his loyalty to your house unquestionable. I am sure it would gladden him to receive a personal letter from Your Grace. Please, let this old man aid in any way I can."
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Post by Gandalf on May 23, 2023 14:24:11 GMT -5
"You are truly our house's most noble servant." Rhaegar replied graciously, feeling a little sordid at his own deception. A sad necessity. Every man in the capital held some hidden loyalty, perhaps even Pycelle. Bidding the Maester fetch him some ink and a quill, he set about composing a letter in his own writing to the Lord of Casterly Rock.
"I have always enjoyed watching the ravens let loose from the tower." He remarked, as he pushed the King's seal into the parchment. A drop of wax had melted on his finger, though he seemed to show no reaction as he smiled up at Pycelle, presenting the rolled-up missive.
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trot
Veteran 
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Post by trot on May 23, 2023 17:57:31 GMT -5
It was late in the day when the host became visible marching up the Rose Road in the direction of the Capital. There was initially panic on the walls until the Sun and Spear of became visible on the banners of the host and the armor and spears of the Dornish came into view. Riders were sent ahead announcing the arrival of the Dornish forces.
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Post by Gandalf on May 23, 2023 18:15:32 GMT -5
Most of the King's great knights and nobles were fighting in the north, but enough men of rank remained to form a reasonably dignified procession that emerged from the gates under the fluttering banner of the Red Dragon. The Prince of Dragonstone was recognisable at its head, flanked by all-white Ser Selmy. Just behind trotted Richard Lonmouth, who had been given the honour of bearing the Prince's standard.
Rhaegar saluted with a gloved hand as the procession of men came to a halt before the Dornish columns. A herald announced him as coming on behalf of King Aerys the Second of His Name, and so forth.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on May 23, 2023 20:48:29 GMT -5
As was often the case, Ser Myles Mooton rode near his Prince’s side, the young Riverland knight resplendent in his polished armor, as yet largely free from the marks of battle, a sign of both its wearer’s relative inexperience as well as the fact that he still retained enough joy and awe for the rank that he now held to see to its cafe. Whether this youthful optimism could withstand these times of treachery and strife remained to be seen, but for the moment it made him worthy to be a part of the spectacle that was the bright, shining Prince of Dragonstone and his retinue. He rode close to his lord, not presuming to be at either right hand nor left, but near enough that he could be easily addressed, and that the two of them might share quiet conversation or a jest as the procession had ridden on. For the moment however, sensing the gravity of the situation and somewhat awed by the mighty Dornish procession, he sat in still, stoic silence.
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trot
Veteran
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Post by trot on May 23, 2023 21:10:57 GMT -5
The Procession was led deep into the camp where the a tent with a banner swinging the personal Heraldry of prince Doran Martel had been erected. As the prince rode he was followed by the glares of many of the knights and retainers. As the Prince arrives guards make way for the Prince and a few guards to accompany him into the tent. Inside they find Prince Doran sitting in a chair erected. Doran doesn't rise as the prince enters his eyes are cool as he examines the prince.
"Well if it isn't Prince Rheagar, what an... Unexpected surprise." He pauses. "Back from his mysterious and unexplained disappearance." There was no sympathy in Doran as he looked at the Prince. The man that had disrespected his house and started a war was now sitting in the capital while others died for his foolishness. It was all he could do to keep Oberyn from this meeting.
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Post by Gandalf on May 24, 2023 4:48:45 GMT -5
”I could say the same to you, good-brother. His Grace called your banners many moons ago now. The hour grows late.” The Prince replied coolly but courteously, bowing his head in deference. ”Nonetheless I am glad to see you in good health, and honoured that you would come in person.” He had expected Oberyn or Lewyn to be in command rather than Doran, who managed to look soft and fleshy even in mail and plate.
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trot
Veteran
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Post by trot on May 24, 2023 6:34:27 GMT -5
Doran daze remains cool. "Someone has brought danger down on my sister so I have come." His tone made it clear who he was referring to. "As I understand it the forces of Tyrell and the Lord hand were defeated and the rebels have a straight path towards the capital."
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Post by Gandalf on May 24, 2023 7:06:38 GMT -5
”Dangers lie both within the city and without.” He replied levelly. ”His Grace believes traitors stalk the city, and therefore unsafe for my wife and children to leave.”
At the mention of matters military, he merely nodded. ”Defeated but not destroyed. Soon I shall ride to take command of what remains myself.” News from Connington had been suspiciously quiet. Likely he feared the King’s wroth; Aerys did not tolerate failure of any kind.
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trot
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Post by trot on May 24, 2023 9:07:42 GMT -5
"It is strange the King keeps them in the city if their are traitors about. Dragonstone is safer I would think." Doran says dryly. whatever Aerys fears Elia remained where she was to ensure compliance. "Where has the army withdrawn to?"
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Post by Gandalf on May 24, 2023 9:24:54 GMT -5
”I would have advised the same. Sadly my father values the counsel of his pyromancers over that of his son.” Rhaegar solemnly replied. ”Last I heard they had fallen back to Darry, likely to hold the road against Baratheon.”
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trot
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Post by trot on May 24, 2023 10:23:17 GMT -5
Of course the King was keeping Elia under his thumb. He was dangerous, and something should have to be done there regardless of the outcome of this war.
"The King seems to be keeping his council close. He sent Prince Lewyn away from the city." He pauses before continuing.
"What of the Rebels do we know where they intend to March?"
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Post by Gandalf on May 24, 2023 10:55:08 GMT -5
”We welcome his return.” Rhaegar intoned.
”Lord Robert will attack the capital unless I reveal myself to him.” His brow furrowed thoughtfully. ”Then he would not be able to resist coming to crush me directly, no matter where I had marched.”
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