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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 25, 2020 19:17:52 GMT -5
Alysanne spoke of the times before. Of the lively Casterly Rock ruled by his ancestors, both King and Lord Paramount before. She painted a colorful picture with the mentions of riches, candlelight, tapestries, laughter and such. The Rock was said to once have been filled to the brim, causing Lannisport to become a place where the cousins may live, both legitimate and bastards. When Lady Lefford addressed Martyn, he stopped and looked at her. The lion that returns to the den...Lord Lannister repeated. He had heard the knights call him 'the Young Lion' before. ...I hope I can be, Lady Lefford. I am not as able as Tywin, as resolute as my father nor as rich as others before, but I can strive to be someone they would be proud of.Martyn had been thinking of this question many times over: what sort of Lannister could he be? The Lady was quiet after the youth spoke, as if already contemplating something entirely different. But at last she returned to her companion. " We are westermen, and you our lord." The final syllable echoed softly. " I do not desire much, far less than the lords that will come to see you in the years before you. But my desires have often been promised, repeated by one after another and yet they are never satsified. I want a lord who looks to their people as a father looks to their children, as a husband their wife. A lord who does not interest themselves in Kingslanding and talk of crowns and thrones made of swords." The lady Alysanne splayed her hands, the faint ghost of a smile on her lips. It soften her features. " Tywin spent his best years being humiliated by kings. It did not matter how great he was, nor will it matter how much pride we bear for you. The crown will spit on your every triumph." Her smile, or the risk of it, faded away. " Be present in the lives of your subjects, the lord they need, in prosperity and in judgement. For that you have my unwavering loyalty in any measure you deem me: confidante, advisor, mind, and body."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 25, 2020 21:21:44 GMT -5
Addam stood silent for a moment before walking up to Martyn, standing mere inches away. His eyes gave the young lord a menacing stare while gripping the dirk in his belt."Because I could kill you now before the guards would even have a chance to piss themselves."With those words he stepped back, asking for forgiveness with a smile and a look."My point is that the heat of battle is a chaotic place, and even the most guarded commander may find himself surrounded by enemies. Then you must be able to defend yourself until your loyal knights can return to your side. Even your uncle Lord Tywin, who preferred to command his troops from the rear, was able enough to defend himself in melee. I'm not asking my lord to become the next Arthur Dayne, but to hone your body for war is just as important as sharpening your wits with those books, wouldn't you say, Maester?" Martyn yells, immediately dropping the book and moving back. Memories flashing of men coming into their cell and drawing their swords. Willem pleaded for his life and so did Tion. The Northmen raised their weapons and cut down both. Blood was everywhere and Willem's head rolled into view. The young male was wide-eyed at this moment, his heart rate faster than before. The maester glances between the two, looking at Ser Addam. Ser Marbrand!The old man croaked. You forget what Martyn endured as a young boy. The message would have clear even without the intimidation.The maester sets down the books and walks over. Martyn's head jerked when the maester came into view. Lord Lannister looked between the two as his chest began to heave less and less. The memories disappearing and fading away as the maester lowered his arms which were raised defensively. A servant was called in, bringing a glass of wine which Martyn drank thoroughly and quickly. With his muscles less tense, than before, Martyn exhales deeply and closes his eyes. If I had a sword back then... maybe I could have saved Willem.He says to himself before looking at Ser Addam. His mind more calm. I understand your reasoning. I cannot panic like that... I have to get used to the sword once again.The young lion admits, sinking back into his chair. I would be viewed as Tytos if I reacted like that in a battle.The Lady was quiet after the youth spoke, as if already contemplating something entirely different. But at last she returned to her companion. " We are westermen, and you our lord." The final syllable echoed softly. " I do not desire much, far less than the lords that will come to see you in the years before you. But my desires have often been promised, repeated by one after another and yet they are never satsified. I want a lord who looks to their people as a father looks to their children, as a husband their wife. A lord who does not interest themselves in Kingslanding and talk of crowns and thrones made of swords." The lady Alysanne splayed her hands, the faint ghost of a smile on her lips. It soften her features. " Tywin spent his best years being humiliated by kings. It did not matter how great he was, nor will it matter how much pride we bear for you. The crown will spit on your every triumph." Her smile, or the risk of it, faded away. " Be present in the lives of your subjects, the lord they need, in prosperity and in judgement. For that you have my unwavering loyalty in any measure you deem me: confidante, advisor, mind, and body." Martyn says, knowing that Damion could not easily leave the Rock. He was old and feeble. His days likely numbered. Lucion was relatively in his prime and had a good mind. Nothing like Tywin, but capable enough to serve the Crown and represent the Lannisters at court. His nobles would want Martyn to stay and be among the Westerlands, as Lady Lefford said. When war began, little was seen of Tywin, of Tyrion, of Jaime, and Cersei. When he died, Devan was named Warden of the West, but that is nothing like a true Paramount ruling from the Rock. For eventually, he too went away. I am younger than most other Lords in this realm. Jon Snow, Harrold Arryn, and Willas Tyrell are young, but not like me. I am truly the green horn among the high nobles.Martyn was the pup of those great names; Baratheon, Tyrell, Stark, Arryn, and so forth. He looks at Lady Lefford. I will try my best to be deserving of your unwavering loyalty. You need not give me much, for I am still learning.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 26, 2020 5:59:45 GMT -5
GET AWAY!Martyn yells, immediately dropping the book and moving back. Memories flashing of men coming into their cell and drawing their swords. Willem pleaded for his life and so did Tion. The Northmen raised their weapons and cut down both. Blood was everywhere and Willem's head rolled into view. The young male was wide-eyed at this moment, his heart rate faster than before. The maester glances between the two, looking at Ser Addam. Ser Marbrand!The old man croaked. You forget what Martyn endured as a young boy. The message would have clear even without the intimidation.The maester sets down the books and walks over. Martyn's head jerked when the maester came into view. Lord Lannister looked between the two as his chest began to heave less and less. The memories disappearing and fading away as the maester lowered his arms which were raised defensively. A servant was called in, bringing a glass of wine which Martyn drank thoroughly and quickly. With his muscles less tense, than before, Martyn exhales deeply and closes his eyes. If I had a sword back then... maybe I could have saved Willem.He says to himself before looking at Ser Addam. His mind more calm. I understand your reasoning. I cannot panic like that... I have to get used to the sword once again.The young lion admits, sinking back into his chair. I would be viewed as Tytos if I reacted like that in a battle.
"I knew well enough what he had endured, but I needed to see with my own eyes how bad it was. I've seen this before from men in battle, their minds addled by the violence and brutality to such an extent that they become paralyzed. It's a death sentence on the battlefield."
He turned back to the still recovering Martyn and bowed."Forgive me, my lord. War is a terrible beast, and none are left without scars on the mind and body. I can give you the training to be able to defend yourself in battle, but the panic you felt is not so easily defeated. It'll take time and patience, but it can be done."
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 26, 2020 11:36:21 GMT -5
I believe that is why Ser Lucion was called for. He is better able thanks to his father.Martyn says, knowing that Damion could not easily leave the Rock. He was old and feeble. His days likely numbered. Lucion was relatively in his prime and had a good mind. Nothing like Tywin, but capable enough to serve the Crown and represent the Lannisters at court. His nobles would want Martyn to stay and be among the Westerlands, as Lady Lefford said. When war began, little was seen of Tywin, of Tyrion, of Jaime, and Cersei. When he died, Devan was named Warden of the West, but that is nothing like a true Paramount ruling from the Rock. For eventually, he too went away. I am younger than most other Lords in this realm. Jon Snow, Harrold Arryn, and Willas Tyrell are young, but not like me. I am truly the green horn among the high nobles.Martyn was the pup of those great names; Baratheon, Tyrell, Stark, Arryn, and so forth. He looks at Lady Lefford. I will try my best to be deserving of your unwavering loyalty. You need not give me much, for I am still learning. Lady Lefford, listening to the youth speak, allowed her eyes to pass over the boy and return to the bare walls of Casterly Rock's forgotten heart. Green horn. The term was distasteful to her, when she had known the lord of Casterly Rock to forever be a man of power and respect. How would the realm react, if this was how the new one regarded himself? She did not like the answer that seemed most plausible. "Your youth is not a handicap. Men twice your age see my body and my sex as all I am, and I have managed to educate them all on that falsehood. You are wiser than you think, my lord, more deserving than them of station and affection. But if I can only give you one word at the last: do not show them your worries. Not the crown, nor the faith, not even your own court. You are the lion, whether you believe it or not, and others will draw strength from that. When you feel weak or lost come to me, when all options presented seem unacceptable find me and we will make another that pleases. And in time it will be your name told in the great stories of the generations to come." She allowed her words to sing themselves to silence, until all that could be heard was the soft scuff of her shoes as they marked her passage. "I think this is enough adventuring for one day, my lord. I am sure that I am keeping you from that education you so love." She smiled with that, as her attendants closed to her side. She offered a deep curtsey. "My lord." The smile stayed.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 28, 2020 12:03:37 GMT -5
Addam sighed and scratched his head. It was worse than he thought, and getting the young lord back into fighting shape would take a lot more than he initially had thought. He looked over at the maester."I knew well enough what he had endured, but I needed to see with my own eyes how bad it was. I've seen this before from men in battle, their minds addled by the violence and brutality to such an extent that they become paralyzed. It's a death sentence on the battlefield."He turned back to the still recovering Martyn and bowed."Forgive me, my lord. War is a terrible beast, and none are left without scars on the mind and body. I can give you the training to be able to defend yourself in battle, but the panic you felt is not so easily defeated. It'll take time and patience, but it can be done." Martyn had a defeated look on his face as he glanced away. Ever since becoming Lord of Casterly Rock, he had done his best to hide the fear within him. Lucion probably didn't even know. A fear that caused him recall the vivid memories of Willem's pleads for mercy and the blood that followed. His head rolling into view of Martyn, the lifeless eyes gazing directly at him. They haunted his dreams and visited him when his mind was most vulnerable. Lord Lannister then looks at Ser Marbrand. I... I will name you as my Master of Arms, a high ranking title among my household.Martyn states as he looks at Addam. I will need a day to mentally prepare. It's been a long time since I have touched the hilt of a sword. Tomorrow, we can begin my training. I will ensure that my mornings are available after breakfast for your lessons and a middle time, a smaller session, in the afternoon. I still have to learn other things after all.Lannister says, outlining a suggested time frame for Ser Marbrand to teach him. Is this agreeable?Lady Lefford, listening to the youth speak, allowed her eyes to pass over the boy and return to the bare walls of Casterly Rock's forgotten heart. Green horn. The term was distasteful to her, when she had known the lord of Casterly Rock to forever be a man of power and respect. How would the realm react, if this was how the new one regarded himself? She did not like the answer that seemed most plausible. "Your youth is not a handicap. Men twice your age see my body and my sex as all I am, and I have managed to educate them all on that falsehood. You are wiser than you think, my lord, more deserving than them of station and affection. But if I can only give you one word at the last: do not show them your worries. Not the crown, nor the faith, not even your own court. You are the lion, whether you believe it or not, and others will draw strength from that. When you feel weak or lost come to me, when all options presented seem unacceptable find me and we will make another that pleases. And in time it will be your name told in the great stories of the generations to come." She allowed her words to sing themselves to silence, until all that could be heard was the soft scuff of her shoes as they marked her passage. "I think this is enough adventuring for one day, my lord. I am sure that I am keeping you from that education you so love." She smiled with that, as her attendants closed to her side. She offered a deep curtsey. "My lord." The smile stayed. Martyn's mind was not entirely sound, this was a hidden fact. As Ser Marbrand saw, he was still haunted by the murder and brutal execution of Willem, his twin brother. He had not seen the death of his father, but knew that was murder too. He did his best to remain as sound as possible, but he worried that, with time, mental barriers would break and things could get worse. He was Lord of Casterly Rock, Tywin's accepted heir, by King Stannis Baratheon. Stannis had men of steel and iron hearts at his side. Many of the knights that returned to the Westerlands were of the same quality. How could they follow a lion who wasn't sound? Lady Lefford's words spoke true. It was clear that there was still much to learn. Marbrand to teach him how to fight, a maester to educate him, Damion to teach him coin and management, and Lady Lefford to... confide in? Martyn looks to his right, seeing an outline where a tapestry once stood. Likely removed some time ago and stored for safekeeping. He turns to Alysanne and bows his head. Thank you, Lady Protector. I can see why Tywin allowed you to rule Golden Tooth after your father's death.She was wise. I... will remember your words. I still have much to learn.The young male says. But I do know that I will do what is best for the West and the future of my subjects and my family.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 28, 2020 12:07:49 GMT -5
XionironaquiliferRoyal JokerSeveral nobles were called forth to Lord Lannister's presence. Lord Damon Marbrand, Lady Alysanne Lefford, Lord Gawen Westerling, Lord Elwood Silverhill, Lord Lewys Lydden, and, finally, Lord Harys Swyft. The purpose of which was to discuss an economic venture that involved the lands that surrounded the fiefs and domains of the nobles called forth.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 28, 2020 13:48:43 GMT -5
Martyn had a defeated look on his face as he glanced away. Ever since becoming Lord of Casterly Rock, he had done his best to hide the fear within him. Lucion probably didn't even know. A fear that caused him recall the vivid memories of Willem's pleads for mercy and the blood that followed. His head rolling into view of Martyn, the lifeless eyes gazing directly at him. They haunted his dreams and visited him when his mind was most vulnerable. Lord Lannister then looks at Ser Marbrand. I... I will name you as my Master of Arms, a high ranking title among my household.Martyn states as he looks at Addam. I will need a day to mentally prepare. It's been a long time since I have touched the hilt of a sword. Tomorrow, we can begin my training. I will ensure that my mornings are available after breakfast for your lessons and a middle time, a smaller session, in the afternoon. I still have to learn other things after all.Lannister says, outlining a suggested time frame for Ser Marbrand to teach him. Is this agreeable?Addam nodded in agreement. "Aye, I can agree to that. Just need to freshen up and rest after days on the road, so I'll retire to my new quarters for tonight. See you tomorrow, my lord."Xion ironaquilifer Royal Joker Several nobles were called forth to Lord Lannister's presence. Lord Damon Marbrand, Lady Alysanne Lefford, Lord Gawen Westerling, Lord Elwood Silverhill, Lord Lewys Lydden, and, finally, Lord Harys Swyft. The purpose of which was to discuss an economic venture that involved the lands that surrounded the fiefs and domains of the nobles called forth.
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 28, 2020 15:51:39 GMT -5
The Lady Alysanne, having taken to wearing dresses that were growing in fashion in the eastern marches of the westerlands, low cut with modesty maintained only by porous native westerland lace. She offered her lord what could be assumed as a reassuring smile as she took her place among the ushered nobility.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 29, 2020 10:29:32 GMT -5
The Lady Alysanne, having taken to wearing dresses that were growing in fashion in the eastern marches of the westerlands, low cut with modesty maintained only by porous native westerland lace. She offered her lord what could be assumed as a reassuring smile as she took her place among the ushered nobility. Lord Damon Marbrand rode at the head of a column of Ashemark knights in red and black armor, shining brightly in the sun. While he was getting on in the years, Damon still looked like he could fight off ten men in combat. When they reached Casterly Rock, the Lord of Ashemark's presence was announced and he made his way to Lord Martyn Lannister. Ser Damion sat in a chair beside the Lord Lannister. His bones were getting old after all and they didn't seem happy with him standing today. The young Martyn acknowledges his vassals when they bow their heads in respect. My lords and ladies, with the war over and our men returning home, we must look to our economy and its recovery.Martyn begins to speak. It is my intention that I begin repaying my debt to the Crown though. As such, with the approval of Ser Lucion before his departure, a plan has been developed to see to both ideas fulfillment.He stands up from his seat. The Pendric Hills and the hills to the south have enriched the West for generations and centuries. There are likely still untouched veins of gold and silver. I task to you, my nobility, to gather men in order to survey the hills within your domains to discover new veins to mine. A collection of these mines, as well as existing ones, will be leased to the Crown for a period of time in order to pay off debts owed. The West will repay its debt so that His Grace may repay others. And those mines found will serve both Crown and the West.Martyn states before looking at those gathered, waiting to see if there were any questions, arguments, and such.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 29, 2020 14:55:38 GMT -5
Damon Marbrand, among the oldest lords in the Westerlands, listened in silence before speaking. His grizzled face looked skeptical to the proposal.
"Didn't King Robert owe Lord Tywin large sums of dragons? What debts does the West owe to his brother?"
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 29, 2020 18:01:21 GMT -5
The words of her lord did not seem to reach her ears, the youthful woman not reacting as Lannister declared that they were to pay debts no lord had amassed. Instead she would fine the eyes of the youth and smile, offering mute support as he led the conversation.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 29, 2020 18:08:54 GMT -5
Damon Marbrand, among the oldest lords in the Westerlands, listened in silence before speaking. His grizzled face looked skeptical to the proposal."Didn't King Robert owe Lord Tywin large sums of dragons? What debts does the West owe to his brother?" Martyn turns to Damon Marbrand. The debt owed by the Rock is acknowledging my claim, Lord Marbrand.He glances at Damion for a second then turns his gaze to the lords present. When there were those willing to see the claim of Myrcella Waters be recognized, before she was named a bastard, it was Stannis who saw my claim as the most valid and legitimate.The young lion states. And despite all the sins committed by the children of Tywin, House Lannister remained as Lord of the Rock and our lands were left untouched by his fury. The Stags banners did not march into our lands and ravage them in revenge for what my cousins had done to this realm... we should be happy that our homes were untouched by such vengeance.Martyn looks at the old Lord of Ashemark. He gestures to a maester who brings some parchment over, one of which was retrieved by him. Lucion tells me that Stannis intends to honor the debts owed to the Westerlands by Robert. If he wishes to show honor by repaying debts owed to my family, then I shall see to it that I give my services and repay my debt to the King. Ser Lucion wishes to see our image be remade from what it was before and I agree with that idea.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 30, 2020 14:26:04 GMT -5
Damon Marbrand looks over the parchment, his skeptical gaze never changing. He looked back at Martyn and Damion, clearly not amused.
"So the lords of the West are to lease OUR lands to the king for an undetermined number of years, to pay off YOUR supposed 'debt' at an undetermined sum? At the same time that the previous king's debts to Casterly Rock are acknowledged? Excuse me if I'm not too convinced, I'd like to see Stannis' demands for Lannister gold in payment for recognizing your claim, my lord."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 30, 2020 19:19:55 GMT -5
Damon Marbrand looks over the parchment, his skeptical gaze never changing. He looked back at Martyn and Damion, clearly not amused."So the lords of the West are to lease OUR lands to the king for an undetermined number of years, to pay off YOUR supposed 'debt' at an undetermined sum? At the same time that the previous king's debts to Casterly Rock are acknowledged? Excuse me if I'm not too convinced, I'd like to see Stannis' demands for Lannister gold in payment for recognizing your claim, my lord." Damion clears his throat slightly. Mi'lord, the parchment says for ten years. Not an undetermined amount of time.Martyn nods his head before turning back to Lord Marbrand. There were no demands made by the King, my Lord. As he is honorable in repaying the debt owed to the House Lannister, I desire to repay what I view as a debt to him in return. As he is honorable in agreeing to see my claim recognized, for not bringing retribution upon the West, and such, I too wish to be honorable and help him repay debts owed.The young lion felt that he owed the King for acknowledging his claim at a time when the Westerlands were divided between two camps. When the King's victory was not a certain. I would not agree to this if there were undetermined factors, Lord Marbrand. I wish to see the Westerlands contribute to the Crown in a way that is both productive and that will mend our image.It was Martyn's desire to rewrite the reputation of the West and see it restored.
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Xion
Veteran 
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Post by Xion on Jul 30, 2020 21:46:56 GMT -5
"Ten years is still enough time for this to have quite the impact on our lands, my lords and lady." Elwood says, before turning his glance to the parchment for a few moments, then back to the two Lannisters. "You said a collection of the new mines, presuming the surveying expeditions meet with success, along with existing ones, will be leased, my lord?" Serrett pauses for a moment. "Do you have an estimate of how many existing mines each of our lordships would have to lease for this..repayment..even if some are temporary until the establishment of the new mines?"
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