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Post by Pinkerton on May 22, 2023 17:26:29 GMT -5
Ser Lonmouth felt relief as the Prince hugged him, as it was something he ached to do, but dared not.
"Squire! Prepare his Majesty a worthy bath" he barked at young Lord Fell and turned back to Rhaegar
"That is Lord Fell now. His Old Silveraxe died in Summerhall, the Thrice-Damned Usurper killed him with his own hands. I had to show up here with what remained of my men to guarantee their loyalty, and even then I still sleep weary of being stabbed in the back."
Lonmouth lowered his head, unwilling to meet the Prince's eyes.
"I am afraid morale is low. Those who haven't joined Baratheon are not willing to fight for your father either, your Majesty. These weeks have been difficult."
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Post by Gandalf on May 22, 2023 17:48:16 GMT -5
Usurper? Rhaegar looked perturbed at the thought that his cousin would even think to call himself a King. Perhaps he was more dangerous than the Prince had anticipated.
"May he rest well in the arms of the Mother. A fine man, and a fine soldier." Rhaegar shook his head in solemnity. Nonetheless, he could not help looking a touch amused to see the Lord of the Castle running around at Lonmouth's beck and call.
Rhaegar then turned to cast his eyes over the men Lonmouth had assembled. They were indeed a sorry lot. "You have done well, Richard. All that you can. To survive a battle is no easy thing, and you made the best of it." He paused to allow the words to sink in. "But you are not needed here, Ser. Whether this castle flies the Stag or the Dragon shall make no difference."
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Post by Pinkerton on May 22, 2023 23:03:44 GMT -5
"And where am I needed, milord?" Ser Richard asks "My family's lands have been occupied by the rebels. I have nothing but my sword arm and my command of these poor sods"
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Post by Gandalf on May 23, 2023 8:33:40 GMT -5
The Prince put a hand upon Richard’s shoulder. ”I ride to end the madness, Ser Richard. I would have you ride with me.”
Then he turned to the others, voice rising to carry across the courtyard, as if he were not ragged and dirty but in armour on the battlefield. ”And these men, who have passed through the fires of hell for their King. Defeat you may have suffered, but I see no man here yet defeated, with the dragon banner flying high on these walls. Will you ride with me under the dragon again, to avenge your brothers and fathers? Or does the Prince of Dragonstone ride alone?” He turned back to look at Ser Richard with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
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Post by Pinkerton on May 23, 2023 10:07:04 GMT -5
"Huzzah for the Prince! For the Prince! For the Prince" cheer the Skulls of Summerhall
"I am your most faithful servant, milord. Guide me towards your enemies and they will be defeated, or I shall die. Both, I'll do gladly and with a smile if under your command"
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Post by Gandalf on May 23, 2023 13:37:07 GMT -5
"I will wash, first. Then we can talk of it over a supper." Rhaegar's stomach ached for a decent meal. "But we will be riding to King's Landing. There are things to set in order before we take the fight to Robert Baratheon."
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Post by Pinkerton on May 23, 2023 18:45:48 GMT -5
After his bath, the Prince is taken to the main hall of Felwood, where a sham of a banquet has been prepared.
He is taken to the seat of honor and at his side Lonmouth takes his place, Lord Fell sitting next to him.
"Squire! Bring us some wine, will you?" the Knight barks at the adolescent, who beginning to sit, races off to bring the men something to drink
"He was practically drooling when he learned I squired for you, your majesty. I believe it was only that that made him open the doors for our men. You are much beloved. I don't know if that's a boon or a curse."
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Post by Gandalf on May 24, 2023 10:21:21 GMT -5
”That is what it means to carry the burden of a Prince.” Replied Rhaegar, who was restraining himself from eating too greedily and sipping wine between mouthfuls. ”I have returned because I must. Not just to defeat the rebels, but to remove my father. His mind is broken.” There was little point in hiding his intentions from Richard. ”If there is to be any end to this bloodshed then he must be unseated, or else we are doomed to see another thousand rebellions, and the end of these kingdoms as we know them.”
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Post by Pinkerton on May 25, 2023 14:59:14 GMT -5
Ser Richard's eyes widen and he turns his sight away from the prince
"I-I-I am a bit shocked, milord"
He sighs
"A regency. A regency council. You, the Martells, that fat ass Tyrell. And the return of Tywin Lannister."
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Post by Gandalf on May 25, 2023 15:22:57 GMT -5
Rhaegar nodded grimly as his gaze hardened.
"It is no easy thing to stomach. But I know my father, and the man that sits the throne now is not he. A monster wears my father's face and crown." He set down his goblet and ceased chewing. "That does not mean I wish to see him dead." Then his voice grew quiet, his solemnity speaking of a pain beyond words. A pain of fearing his own father, and the burning shame of seeing him lain so low.
"But he cannot be allowed to rule. He cannot."
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