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Post by oznerol on May 29, 2023 9:57:11 GMT -5
For a moment he said nothing, and the pools of lilac in his eyes seemed to swirl and harden. Even Ser Selmy flinched as if struck, and rest a hand on his sword reflexively. "You know nothing of what I know." Iron and hard was the voice that snapped back, with a cutting edge of restrained anger. Like fire, it threatened to overtake, to consume. To eat him from the inside and out. It would be easy to surrender, as weak and tired as he was. I could have him killed with a word. No, a gesture. Disgust contorted his face, and he let the fire go. "Save your pity for those who need it. They are of the Kingsguard, and they know their duty. As do we both, though you hide from it behind your cheap mockery."Said Oberyn. "I always was curious about if the famous Selmy was as good as they say... We only crossed steel in tourneys, but that is nothing like a true fight... It would be something to behold"Martell looked at the knight with pondering eye. "But, we both know your throne is partly held by Dornish spears and bows, so..."He shrugs. The prince looked amused. "You have a duty as well, prince. It is about time you went back to your wife. Surely the libels they spread are but gross lies and you will soon be back to my sister, my dearest Elia. My brother and I are troubled by the rumours and the tales spread far and wide, not only by Rebels and their ilk. But, we both know better: that you're kin and a man of honor"
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on May 29, 2023 10:48:36 GMT -5
Marching along the Gold Road towards Kings Landing was a long procession of men and wagons that spanned for miles, as the army of the Westerlands slowly made its way toward the Capital. At the front of the column, Tywin rode astride a large white destrier, his piercing gaze taking in the landscape around him; his mind awash in thoughts. All morning, forward scouts and outriders had reported signs of a massive battle near the Blackwater crossing. Apparently the Royalist and Rebels had finally grown tired of trading blows and went for a decisive fight; with the Royalist coming out ahead. Though other rumors claimed that the Prince had been fell in battle, so who knew what to believe. The march would continue for several hours before Tywin was finally be able to see for himself the carnage that had unfolded. All along the river signs of battle were apparent as bodies littered the ground and floated in the murky waters. The smell of blood, waste, and death permeated the air, and flocks of carrion birds littered the sky. In the distance he could just make out a series of large tents; the royal standard rising overhead one of them. With a destination in sight, Tywin Lannister rode onwards in search of the Prince. Lord Lannister found Rhaegar seated on an impromptu throne, his right leg bound in dressing with a splint and raised onto a cushioned chair in front of him. Ser Barristan stood at his side, his white shadow. "My Lord Tywin, you will forgive me if I do not rise." He smiled thinly. Some weight and colour had returned to his face over the previous days. "I fear you have missed the battle."Ser Myles Mooton, likewise cleansed of much of the residue of the battle, made his way to the tent at his prince’s summons. Removed from the adrenaline of the battle, his participation was now visible in his gait, a slight limp borne more of sore weariness than any particular wound, as well as the map of bruises and scratches tracing across his skin. Nevertheless his smile was bright, as it had been since word of the prince’s survival was confirmed, when he pushed his way into the tent, bowing deeply, followed by the slightest twist of pain across his lips.
The Prince was propped up on his elbows in a raised bed. With a wince, he tried to move to face his friend directly. "They tell me I must try to walk soon." The leg was barely visible, bound up in bandages tied between two ashwood splints. "I broke almost every bone I had. Almost lost the whole thing, could you imagine? What a sight I would make for the smallfolk."The laughter was hoarse. With a wave of the hand, Rhaegar beckoned him closer to the bedside. "What is the life of a prince worth?" He asked earnestly. Mooton allowed himself a laugh at the jest, as the prince had, but soon that fell away at the next question. He seemed stricken, worrying that Rhaegar was beginning to sink into self-doubt, thinking that perhaps the prince blamed himself for the lives lost on their flank, and felt unworthy of the exchange. “To those who follow him, those who love him, what is it not worth?” He said simply, “And to those who live in the realm, who will come to be protected by him, though perhaps they do not yet know it, it is worth everything to them too, for the future it promises.” He wondered again at the strange question, determined not to let the prince become mired in self-loathing |
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Post by Magnate Lucius on May 29, 2023 12:28:25 GMT -5
"That will be acceptable. Once prince Rheagar has recovered enough to receive visitors you will renew your oaths to him. Until then I will provide you with suitable accommodations befitting your station here in my camp." He sighs as Robert speaks up. He had hoped the man would be more gracious in defeat, but it seemed the ego remains as ever. The Arryn family had fallen on hard times in terms of its membership. Denys was a distant cousin of Jon Arryn, related more closely due to the marriage of the late Jon's niece by his sister and her marriage to a Waynwood. A sister-in-law of his married a Hardyng, mothering Harrold, who was now to be second-in-line to the Lord Paramountcy of the Vale. Another one of these females was taken away by the Hill Tribes on her way to marry House Bracken. Two others lived, but one was a Silent Sister after the death of her bastard by a sellsword while another was proven to be barren. Lord Jon's brother, Ronnel, died of a bad belly at the time of his son's, Elbert, birth. And Elbert... Elbert fate the same fate as those who went to the Mad King, dying alongside Lord Rickard Stark, Brandon Stark, and others. Only himself and his son, Osric, were of the Arryn surname. Thank you, Ser Lewyn. I will show my utmost gratitude to His Grace when he has the time to meet.
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Post by Gandalf on May 29, 2023 12:48:34 GMT -5
For a moment he said nothing, and the pools of lilac in his eyes seemed to swirl and harden. Even Ser Selmy flinched as if struck, and rest a hand on his sword reflexively. "You know nothing of what I know." Iron and hard was the voice that snapped back, with a cutting edge of restrained anger. Like fire, it threatened to overtake, to consume. To eat him from the inside and out. It would be easy to surrender, as weak and tired as he was. I could have him killed with a word. No, a gesture. Disgust contorted his face, and he let the fire go. "Save your pity for those who need it. They are of the Kingsguard, and they know their duty. As do we both, though you hide from it behind your cheap mockery."Said Oberyn. "I always was curious about if the famous Selmy was as good as they say... We only crossed steel in tourneys, but that is nothing like a true fight... It would be something to behold"Martell looked at the knight with pondering eye. "But, we both know your throne is partly held by Dornish spears and bows, so..."He shrugs. The prince looked amused. "You have a duty as well, prince. It is about time you went back to your wife. Surely the libels they spread are but gross lies and you will soon be back to my sister, my dearest Elia. My brother and I are troubled by the rumours and the tales spread far and wide, not only by Rebels and their ilk. But, we both know better: that you're kin and a man of honor" Lord Lannister found Rhaegar seated on an impromptu throne, his right leg bound in dressing with a splint and raised onto a cushioned chair in front of him. Ser Barristan stood at his side, his white shadow. "My Lord Tywin, you will forgive me if I do not rise." He smiled thinly. Some weight and colour had returned to his face over the previous days. "I fear you have missed the battle."
The Prince was propped up on his elbows in a raised bed. With a wince, he tried to move to face his friend directly. "They tell me I must try to walk soon." The leg was barely visible, bound up in bandages tied between two ashwood splints. "I broke almost every bone I had. Almost lost the whole thing, could you imagine? What a sight I would make for the smallfolk."The laughter was hoarse. With a wave of the hand, Rhaegar beckoned him closer to the bedside. "What is the life of a prince worth?" He asked earnestly.Mooton allowed himself a laugh at the jest, as the prince had, but soon that fell away at the next question. He seemed stricken, worrying that Rhaegar was beginning to sink into self-doubt, thinking that perhaps the prince blamed himself for the lives lost on their flank, and felt unworthy of the exchange. “To those who follow him, those who love him, what is it not worth?” He said simply, “And to those who live in the realm, who will come to be protected by him, though perhaps they do not yet know it, it is worth everything to them too, for the future it promises.” He wondered again at the strange question, determined not to let the prince become mired in self-loathing
Rhaegar laughed again at the sincerity. "I fear I cannot reward you with a mere promise of the future." He said through his chuckle. "Will it be enough that I am in your debt? Any favour that I have the power to give, it is yours."
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Post by oznerol on May 29, 2023 13:04:50 GMT -5
"Oh, I do not dare to presume what a prince knows or doesn't know. Sometimes is better not to"Said Oberyn. "I always was curious about if the famous Selmy was as good as they say... We only crossed steel in tourneys, but that is nothing like a true fight... It would be something to behold"Martell looked at the knight with pondering eye. "But, we both know your throne is partly held by Dornish spears and bows, so..."He shrugs. The prince looked amused. "You have a duty as well, prince. It is about time you went back to your wife. Surely the libels they spread are but gross lies and you will soon be back to my sister, my dearest Elia. My brother and I are troubled by the rumours and the tales spread far and wide, not only by Rebels and their ilk. But, we both know better: that you're kin and a man of honor" Mooton allowed himself a laugh at the jest, as the prince had, but soon that fell away at the next question. He seemed stricken, worrying that Rhaegar was beginning to sink into self-doubt, thinking that perhaps the prince blamed himself for the lives lost on their flank, and felt unworthy of the exchange. “To those who follow him, those who love him, what is it not worth?” He said simply, “And to those who live in the realm, who will come to be protected by him, though perhaps they do not yet know it, it is worth everything to them too, for the future it promises.” He wondered again at the strange question, determined not to let the prince become mired in self-loathing
Rhaegar laughed again at the sincerity. "I fear I cannot reward you with a mere promise of the future." He said through his chuckle. "Will it be enough that I am in your debt? Any favour that I have the power to give, it is yours."
Oberyn granted. "If she is to be queen consort and her offspring rules after Gods claim you, that is such a relief to my brother and I. She is no woman to be discarded, but a princess of Sunspear"
Oberyn crossed arms over the chest. "I shall see whatever you have to say in Harrenhal. But I doubt the king is... forthcoming on these matters, he is no man to compromise, that much is known"
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on May 29, 2023 13:41:59 GMT -5
Lord Lannister found Rhaegar seated on an impromptu throne, his right leg bound in dressing with a splint and raised onto a cushioned chair in front of him. Ser Barristan stood at his side, his white shadow. "My Lord Tywin, you will forgive me if I do not rise." He smiled thinly. Some weight and colour had returned to his face over the previous days. "I fear you have missed the battle." Tywin studied the prince for a moment before responding, "If only these rebels had not been so quick to seek their own destruction." Giving a brief pause "Though, from what I have heard of the rout, perhaps it was for the better, lest there not be a lord left alive to kneel in its aftermath." As it stood there would likely be a few new lordships in the coming months as things resolved. Glancing over to Ser Barristan then back to the Prince. "Was my son among your company at the battle?" Tywin asks with an air of concern.
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Post by Gandalf on May 29, 2023 14:26:47 GMT -5
"I have made my peace with my wife." Rhaegar replied absently. He forced a smile. "Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. Elia can bear me no more children, but that does not mean I intend to set her aside. She is the mother to the next King, and will sit at my side when I bear the crown."Not a lie, but not the entire truth. That revelation was coming soon, though not soon enough. Deception felt odious to him, like drinking water fouled by muck and filth. "My duty is to the realm. Soon we shall march to Harrenhal, where I shall hold a council. Will Dorne's spears and bows ride with me?"---
Rhaegar laughed again at the sincerity. "I fear I cannot reward you with a mere promise of the future." He said through his chuckle. "Will it be enough that I am in your debt? Any favour that I have the power to give, it is yours."
Oberyn granted. "If she is to be queen consort and her offspring rules after Gods claim you, that is such a relief to my brother and I. She is no woman to be discarded, but a princess of Sunspear"
Oberyn crossed arms over the chest. "I shall see whatever you have to say in Harrenhal. But I doubt the king is... forthcoming on these matters, he is no man to compromise, that much is known"
No doubt the King would not be happy. Not happy at all. Rhaegar expected Lord Chelsted to ride in and demand his head any morning now. But if he was to do this, then there would be at least some honour in it, some respect for the man that his father once was. There would be no bare-faced usurpation.
"We will leave as soon as I receive Lord Hoster's surrender. My terms have been generous and he is a man of sense. I have no wish for any more blood to be spilt on my account." Lord Lannister found Rhaegar seated on an impromptu throne, his right leg bound in dressing with a splint and raised onto a cushioned chair in front of him. Ser Barristan stood at his side, his white shadow. "My Lord Tywin, you will forgive me if I do not rise." He smiled thinly. Some weight and colour had returned to his face over the previous days. "I fear you have missed the battle." Tywin studied the prince for a moment before responding, "If only these rebels had not been so quick to seek their own destruction." Giving a brief pause "Though, from what I have heard of the rout, perhaps it was for the better, lest there not be a lord left alive to kneel in its aftermath." As it stood there would likely be a few new lordships in the coming months as things resolved. Glancing over to Ser Barristan then back to the Prince. "Was my son among your company at the battle?" Tywin asks with an air of concern.
He paused, and took a cup of water. "I intend to make him accept myself as regent. Elsewise I intend to have him resign the crown, and live out his days in the care of those who will tend to his growing madness rather than feed it."
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Post by poach on May 29, 2023 14:41:02 GMT -5
[OOC: There is no Westerlands army thread so here shall have to do!]
Lord Harmund Lefford and his son and heir, Ser Raymar Lefford, set about preparing the Westerlands camp, one of many camps in the vicinity of the battlefield. They post the Lefford contribution to the camp's sentries and manage the erection of tents, securing of the baggage train, and feeding of the men, horses, and pack animals. They, along with the rest of the Westermen nobility present, await Tywin's return from the Targaryen camp, hoping to hear their liege's intentions.
Leaving his son in command of the Lefford contingent for the time being, Harmund rides out with a small party to inspect the battlefield, still littered with corpses and the debris of battle, though working parties of surrendered rebel troops had already begun the task of clearing the bodies under supervision of loyalist guards.
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Post by oznerol on May 29, 2023 16:35:01 GMT -5
"If she is well and has no grievances with you, I can hardly harbor one. Men are no foreign to dalliances outside wedlock, peasants and princes alike"
Oberyn granted. "If she is to be queen consort and her offspring rules after Gods claim you, that is such a relief to my brother and I. She is no woman to be discarded, but a princess of Sunspear"
Oberyn crossed arms over the chest. "I shall see whatever you have to say in Harrenhal. But I doubt the king is... forthcoming on these matters, he is no man to compromise, that much is known"
No doubt the King would not be happy. Not happy at all. Rhaegar expected Lord Chelsted to ride in and demand his head any morning now. But if he was to do this, then there would be at least some honour in it, some respect for the man that his father once was. There would be no bare-faced usurpation.
"We will leave as soon as I receive Lord Hoster's surrender. My terms have been generous and he is a man of sense. I have no wish for any more blood to be spilt on my account." Tywin studied the prince for a moment before responding, "If only these rebels had not been so quick to seek their own destruction." Giving a brief pause "Though, from what I have heard of the rout, perhaps it was for the better, lest there not be a lord left alive to kneel in its aftermath." As it stood there would likely be a few new lordships in the coming months as things resolved. Glancing over to Ser Barristan then back to the Prince. "Was my son among your company at the battle?" Tywin asks with an air of concern.
He paused, and took a cup of water. "I intend to make him accept myself as regent. Elsewise I intend to have him resign the crown, and live out his days in the care of those who will tend to his growing madness rather than feed it." Oberyn leaped from the table.
"I will need some wine and nightly delights before mounting the saddle again. Seven blessings"He added, with the body half turned towards the entrance, hands on the belt.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on May 30, 2023 8:48:05 GMT -5
"I have made my peace with my wife." Rhaegar replied absently. He forced a smile. "Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. Elia can bear me no more children, but that does not mean I intend to set her aside. She is the mother to the next King, and will sit at my side when I bear the crown."Not a lie, but not the entire truth. That revelation was coming soon, though not soon enough. Deception felt odious to him, like drinking water fouled by muck and filth. "My duty is to the realm. Soon we shall march to Harrenhal, where I shall hold a council. Will Dorne's spears and bows ride with me?"---
Rhaegar laughed again at the sincerity. "I fear I cannot reward you with a mere promise of the future." He said through his chuckle. "Will it be enough that I am in your debt? Any favour that I have the power to give, it is yours."
Oberyn granted. "If she is to be queen consort and her offspring rules after Gods claim you, that is such a relief to my brother and I. She is no woman to be discarded, but a princess of Sunspear"
Oberyn crossed arms over the chest. "I shall see whatever you have to say in Harrenhal. But I doubt the king is... forthcoming on these matters, he is no man to compromise, that much is known" Grasping the prince’s meaning suddenly, Mooton seemed almost more shaken, if it was possible. “I swore a vow when I was knighted, my prince, bound to service of the Seven, the realm, and your person, and have done nothing more than what that oath would require of me. It is a shame that oaths mean so little that upholding them is something which requires additional reward.” His mouth was set in a hard line as he spoke, but looking at the prince, warn, pale, but still smiling he seemed to recover his temper slightly, bowing again. “Nevertheless, I shall not do you the dishonor of attempting to reject your reward. Though,” he added, a wry smile a match to the prince’s own laugh, “by virtue of both your reputation for generosity and what I have observed through all the time of our acquaintance, I suspect you would not have denied me that anyway.” |
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on May 30, 2023 12:03:54 GMT -5
Lewyn nods and bows to the Prince. "I will ensure the prisoners are treated well." Doran would need to be informed of the council. "By your leave." Once the prince assents Lewyn returns to the Dornish encampment and issues orders to several men, and then turns to get himself cleaned and ready to receive the rebels. It would be several hours before the prisoners were brought under armed guard to the Dornish portion of the the camp. Their wounds had been cared for and they were given a chance to clean up. Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Ser Denys Arryn were presented to the Prince Lewyn now in a clean White cloak. The man examines the traitors for a moment before speaking. "My lords it's time for this rebellion to come to an intend. Your armies have been broken and there is little to be gained by continuing this affair. Prince Rheagar has little desire to see more bloodshed. He is offering you all clemency. You will reswear your oaths to the crown, and each of your houses will provide a family member to be fostered at the capital." He pauses looking at the rebel lords. "Are these terms acceptable my lords?"
Eddard Stark's eyes burned with a mix of anger and defiance as Lord Lewyn presented the terms of surrender. His wounds throbbed, a constant reminder of his defeat on the battlefield, fueling his vengeful spirit. He listened to the Dornish lord's words, his jaw clenched tightly, and his voice came out gruff and filled with bitterness.
"Clemency?" Eddard scoffed, his tone laced with scorn. "You speak of clemency after all the bloodshed, the lives lost, the atrocities committed? We took up arms to fight for justice, to see my sister safely returned, and now you offer us this... surrender? My father and brother burned at the hands of the mad King and you want me to surrender?"
His gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Lord Lewyn. "My loyalty lies with Robert Baratheon. I will not bend the knee to a sister snatcher or kin burner. The Targaryens have taken everything from me, and I will not rest until justice is served."
Eddard's voice carried a steely resolve, his determination unyielding. "I will not reswear my oaths to a false king. I will not sacrifice the honor and integrity of House Stark for empty promises. The North remembers, and we will fight on, whether it be in chains or on the battlefield."
He glanced at Robert Baratheon and Ser Denys Arryn, hoping to see the fire of rebellion still burning within their eyes. "Robert, Denys, do you not feel the same? Will you bend the knee and forsake the righteous cause we fought for?"
Eddard stood tall, a symbol of unyielding loyalty and defiance. The weight of his wounds and the odds stacked against him did not deter his determination. His voice resonated with the conviction of a man driven by vengeance and justice.
"Lord Lewyn, tell your Targaryen master that he will face me or suffer the wrath of the North. The North Remembers.. I may be your prisoners but the spirit of the North is unbroken. We will fight on, for the memory of those we've lost, for the future of Westeros, and for a rightful king who will bring justice to the realm."
Eddard's words echoed in the air, a testament to his unyielding loyalty and his unwavering resolve to seek retribution for his sister's fate. The rebellion might have suffered a setback, but the flame of defiance burned bright within him.
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Post by Royal Joker on May 30, 2023 12:23:27 GMT -5
A rider in Tully colors arrives at Prince Rhaegar's camp, carrying the sign of a neutral arbiter. He delivers a message from Riverrun to the Prince himself.
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A royal messenger arrives at camp from King's Landing, carrying a letter sealed with the King's seal. The king congratulates the Prince of Dragonstone on his victory against the rebels. Further, the Prince is ordered to return to King's Landing and present all the rebel prisoners before the Iron Throne.
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trot
Veteran 
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Post by trot on May 30, 2023 12:58:50 GMT -5
"That will be acceptable. Once prince Rheagar has recovered enough to receive visitors you will renew your oaths to him. Until then I will provide you with suitable accommodations befitting your station here in my camp." He sighs as Robert speaks up. He had hoped the man would be more gracious in defeat, but it seemed the ego remains as ever. The Arryn family had fallen on hard times in terms of its membership. Denys was a distant cousin of Jon Arryn, related more closely due to the marriage of the late Jon's niece by his sister and her marriage to a Waynwood. A sister-in-law of his married a Hardyng, mothering Harrold, who was now to be second-in-line to the Lord Paramountcy of the Vale. Another one of these females was taken away by the Hill Tribes on her way to marry House Bracken. Two others lived, but one was a Silent Sister after the death of her bastard by a sellsword while another was proven to be barren. Lord Jon's brother, Ronnel, died of a bad belly at the time of his son's, Elbert, birth. And Elbert... Elbert fate the same fate as those who went to the Mad King, dying alongside Lord Rickard Stark, Brandon Stark, and others. Only himself and his son, Osric, were of the Arryn surname. Thank you, Ser Lewyn. I will show my utmost gratitude to His Grace when he has the time to meet. Lewyn turns to his guards. "Take Lord Arryn and find him suitable accommodations. He is now my guest and shall have free reign to move about the camp as he pleases." Lewyn nods and bows to the Prince. "I will ensure the prisoners are treated well." Doran would need to be informed of the council. "By your leave." Once the prince assents Lewyn returns to the Dornish encampment and issues orders to several men, and then turns to get himself cleaned and ready to receive the rebels. It would be several hours before the prisoners were brought under armed guard to the Dornish portion of the the camp. Their wounds had been cared for and they were given a chance to clean up. Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Ser Denys Arryn were presented to the Prince Lewyn now in a clean White cloak. The man examines the traitors for a moment before speaking. "My lords it's time for this rebellion to come to an intend. Your armies have been broken and there is little to be gained by continuing this affair. Prince Rheagar has little desire to see more bloodshed. He is offering you all clemency. You will reswear your oaths to the crown, and each of your houses will provide a family member to be fostered at the capital." He pauses looking at the rebel lords. "Are these terms acceptable my lords?"Eddard Stark's eyes burned with a mix of anger and defiance as Lord Lewyn presented the terms of surrender. His wounds throbbed, a constant reminder of his defeat on the battlefield, fueling his vengeful spirit. He listened to the Dornish lord's words, his jaw clenched tightly, and his voice came out gruff and filled with bitterness.
"Clemency?" Eddard scoffed, his tone laced with scorn. "You speak of clemency after all the bloodshed, the lives lost, the atrocities committed? We took up arms to fight for justice, to see my sister safely returned, and now you offer us this... surrender? My father and brother burned at the hands of the mad King and you want me to surrender?"
His gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Lord Lewyn. "My loyalty lies with Robert Baratheon. I will not bend the knee to a sister snatcher or kin burner. The Targaryens have taken everything from me, and I will not rest until justice is served."
Eddard's voice carried a steely resolve, his determination unyielding. "I will not reswear my oaths to a false king. I will not sacrifice the honor and integrity of House Stark for empty promises. The North remembers, and we will fight on, whether it be in chains or on the battlefield."
He glanced at Robert Baratheon and Ser Denys Arryn, hoping to see the fire of rebellion still burning within their eyes. "Robert, Denys, do you not feel the same? Will you bend the knee and forsake the righteous cause we fought for?"
Eddard stood tall, a symbol of unyielding loyalty and defiance. The weight of his wounds and the odds stacked against him did not deter his determination. His voice resonated with the conviction of a man driven by vengeance and justice.
"Lord Lewyn, tell your Targaryen master that he will face me or suffer the wrath of the North. The North Remembers.. I may be your prisoners but the spirit of the North is unbroken. We will fight on, for the memory of those we've lost, for the future of Westeros, and for a rightful king who will bring justice to the realm."
Eddard's words echoed in the air, a testament to his unyielding loyalty and his unwavering resolve to seek retribution for his sister's fate. The rebellion might have suffered a setback, but the flame of defiance burned bright within him.
Prince Lewyn's eyes fall slightly as his mind flashes back to the screams of Lord Stark dying roasted alive in his armor. Eddard Stark had good cause to rise up as he did, and still he needed the man to accept he was beaten.
"Lord Stark be reasonable. Your cause was just yes, but the gods did not favor you. As I understand it you were wed recently. Go home to your wife and Winterfell. No one here wants more blood to be spilled."He sighs turning to the guards. "Give Lords Stark and Baratheon accommodations befitting their station in the camp. Keep them under guard. Perhaps in time they will come around." Or at Least Rheagar would be able to deal with them
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Post by Gandalf on May 30, 2023 13:33:15 GMT -5
"These days, when men so easily forget their oaths, it is no bad thing to reward those who remember."Rhaegar smiled faintly."Anything in my power to grant, I shall."
It was not long before the assembled forces marched for Harrenhal, singing songs of their victory. To their disappointment, Rhaegar did not go amongst them, for his leg was still too weak to risk mounting and riding a horse. Instead the Prince was carried within a litter, like one of the merchant princes of the east, flanked by the great lords paramount. The parade of banners brought their prisoners, too. Robert Baratheon was allowed to ride in a cart, for he was the King's own blood, though the proud lord of Storm's End was still bound in fetters. Ser Arryn, by contrast, was given a place of honour at the Prince's side. With Lord Jon dead, the Vale's succession was the Crown's to settle, and so it was in Denys' best interests to stay as close as possible to the centre of power. The remaining noble prisoners walked, like common men. The common men went free, provided they re-swore their oaths to the King and Prince.
FieldMarshal BismarckLord Stark had been trudging along with the other prisoners when, one morning, he was woken a few hours before the usual time of rising by a pair of knights. Though they kept him bound, they did not treat him as roughly as the common footmen did. He was led away from the camp, taken to a spot overlooking the shores of the lake, with a few oak and willow trees rustling in the breeze before him. Dawn was coming, the sun rising above the God's Eye to part the milky clouds above and make the water glitter. Winter had died with the war, and spring had finally come. In the distance, Harrenhal loomed, the blackened spires of Lord Whent's fortress seeming to weep like melting candles. There waited Ser Barristan Selmy, the white shadow to Kings and Princes. He who cast the shadow waited alongside, leaning on a cane for balance. A gift from the Lord Goodbury, whose castle the Prince had been entertained in on his road north. Eddard would doubtless remember Rhaegar as he was; the great champion of Harrenhal, the hope of the realm, the flower of royal chivalry. As it was, his leg was twisted at the knee and ankle, right foot jutting awkwardly out to one side. But still, he stood, hiding the pain of the exertion just to keep upright. With a wave of his left hand, the knights departed, leaving just the three men. "Lord Stark. I was glad to find you alive." He began, soft and solemn. "I was sorry to hear for the death of your kinsmen. That was not our intent. Lyanna..."The Prince's purple eyes lowered with a touch of shame. He forced himself to raise them, to meet Stark's gaze."You should know that she came to me willingly. I fled from my father, and she from a marriage that she did not want." First a trickle, then a flood. Words came tumbling out of him. "I swore to her you would come to no harm, even as I rode to war."He grimaced. It was time to unburden himself, to lift this great weight. Stark had to know."She is with child, Eddard. My child. We said vows before a heart tree." The Dragon can do as it pleases, he had said. She had laughed at him. But The Conqueror had taken two wives, and they were his sisters. Visenya for duty, Rhaenys for love. The Dragon had three heads.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on May 30, 2023 15:44:14 GMT -5
"These days, when men so easily forget their oaths, it is no bad thing to reward those who remember."Rhaegar smiled faintly."Anything in my power to grant, I shall."
It was not long before the assembled forces marched for Harrenhal, singing songs of their victory. To their disappointment, Rhaegar did not go amongst them, for his leg was still too weak to risk mounting and riding a horse. Instead the Prince was carried within a litter, like one of the merchant princes of the east, flanked by the great lords paramount. The parade of banners brought their prisoners, too. Robert Baratheon was allowed to ride in a cart, for he was the King's own blood, though the proud lord of Storm's End was still bound in fetters. Ser Arryn, by contrast, was given a place of honour at the Prince's side. With Lord Jon dead, the Vale's succession was the Crown's to settle, and so it was in Denys' best interests to stay as close as possible to the centre of power. The remaining noble prisoners walked, like common men. The common men went free, provided they re-swore their oaths to the King and Prince.
FieldMarshal Bismarck Lord Stark had been trudging along with the other prisoners when, one morning, he was woken a few hours before the usual time of rising by a pair of knights. Though they kept him bound, they did not treat him as roughly as the common footmen did. He was led away from the camp, taken to a spot overlooking the shores of the lake, with a few oak and willow trees rustling in the breeze before him. Dawn was coming, the sun rising above the God's Eye to part the milky clouds above and make the water glitter. Winter had died with the war, and spring had finally come. In the distance, Harrenhal loomed, the blackened spires of Lord Whent's fortress seeming to weep like melting candles. There waited Ser Barristan Selmy, the white shadow to Kings and Princes. He who cast the shadow waited alongside, leaning on a cane for balance. A gift from the Lord Goodbury, whose castle the Prince had been entertained in on his road north. Eddard would doubtless remember Rhaegar as he was; the great champion of Harrenhal, the hope of the realm, the flower of royal chivalry. As it was, his leg was twisted at the knee and ankle, right foot jutting awkwardly out to one side. But still, he stood, hiding the pain of the exertion just to keep upright. With a wave of his left hand, the knights departed, leaving just the three men. "Lord Stark. I was glad to find you alive." He began, soft and solemn. "I was sorry to hear for the death of your kinsmen. That was not our intent. Lyanna..."The Prince's purple eyes lowered with a touch of shame. He forced himself to raise them, to meet Stark's gaze."You should know that she came to me willingly. I fled from my father, and she from a marriage that she did not want." First a trickle, then a flood. Words came tumbling out of him. "I swore to her you would come to no harm, even as I rode to war."He grimaced. It was time to unburden himself, to lift this great weight. Stark had to know."She is with child, Eddard. My child. We said vows before a heart tree." The Dragon can do as it pleases, he had said. She had laughed at him. But The Conqueror had taken two wives, and they were his sisters. Visenya for duty, Rhaenys for love. The Dragon had three heads.
Eddard Stark stood before Rhaegar Targaryen, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow, anger, and disbelief. The Prince's words hung heavy in the air, stirring a tumult of emotions within him. His mind raced, trying to process the revelation that Lyanna had willingly gone with Rhaegar and that she carried his child.
"You speak of vows before a heart tree, of love and duty. Love is the death of duty." Eddard's voice was thick with emotion. "But what of the vows she made to my family? What of the love we shared as brother and sister? You claim that she came willingly, but I cannot believe it. Lyanna would never betray her family, her honor."
Eddard's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white. His gaze hardened, locked onto Rhaegar's face, searching for any signs of deception. "And what of the realm, Prince Rhaegar? Did you not consider the consequences of your actions? Your supposed love for Lyanna has brought war and bloodshed upon the Seven Kingdoms. Innocent lives have been lost, families torn apart. The North bled because you wouldn't face your duties. My Brother BURNED!" he exclaimed loudly. Undoubtedly bystanders would hear it.
His voice grew ever more stern, laced with righteous anger. "The actions of a selfish man who puts his desires above the welfare of the realm. The Targaryen dynasty has brought enough pain and suffering to Westeros and you dare insult me further by sending your.. your.. your henchmen to demand I send hostages?! This war started over you taking my sister hostage. I will not give you more!"
Eddard's gaze turned resolute as he continued, his words carrying the weight of his unwavering loyalty to his family, his friend Robert and the cause they had fought for. "I will not stand idle while you try to justify your actions. My sister is gone, taken from me, from us, and I have your word that she is unharmed? The word of someone who lacks honor. Who has forsaken oaths. The Starks and our loyal bannermen will not rest until I see my sister and they shall not stand idle as your father burns me as well."
He took a step forward, meeting Rhaegar's gaze with unyielding determination. "You may have your empty words. The rebellion will not end with my capture, for the North remembers, and the fire of vengeance burns within our hearts."
Eddard's words echoed with the weight of his conviction, his loyalty to his family and his unwavering resolve to see justice served. The realm may be plagued by turmoil, but he knew that their cause was just, and he would fight for it until his last breath.`
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