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Post by Gandalf on Jun 5, 2023 18:55:38 GMT -5
”I am no kinslayer, Ser. Bend the knee, speak your oaths, and rise as Lord of Storm’s End.”
The shadow of a smile danced over Rhaegar’s lips, as if something about Baratheon amused him.
”Like your brother, you do not check your tongue. So be it. I shall not check mine either. I mean to foster your brother at Highgarden. A great honour to you both, and insurance that the Lord of Storm’s End remembers his oaths.”
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Post by Grand Admiral Chesser on Jun 5, 2023 20:59:55 GMT -5
He finds him shortly after his conversation with Prince Martell.
“Are the rumours of the King’s… condition true? Last week I called Stark and Tully and Arryn traitor. Now the Prince breaks bread with them and calls them his friends.”
Tyrell scratched his beard skeptically.
“What do you intend to do?”
Tywin says with dry humor. "Whether such loyalties last remains to be seen, though I will say that hostages can make for quite the bargaining piece" The personal implications being unsaid.
"As to your other question." Pausing briefly in anticipation "The king is not the man I once knew, or at least his mind is not. Sadly, he would not be the first of his line to suffer such afflictions."
"I will not try to sway you to a side of this struggle Lord Tyrell, for the needs of your lands and family are your own, but I will tell that intend to do what's best for the Westerlands." Replied Tywin turning to look in the direction of the Prince.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 3:42:42 GMT -5
”Lord Tywin. How soon can your men move to secure the city?”
The Prince now descended from the chamber and moved across to the Lord of the Westerlands.
”With the Master of Ships in my hands, the royal fleet is also there for the taking. We cannot allow any chance of escape by sea.”
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Post by oznerol on Jun 6, 2023 4:18:15 GMT -5
”I am no kinslayer, Ser. Bend the knee, speak your oaths, and rise as Lord of Storm’s End.”The shadow of a smile danced over Rhaegar’s lips, as if something about Baratheon amused him. ”Like your brother, you do not check your tongue. So be it. I shall not check mine either. I mean to foster your brother at Highgarden. A great honour to you both, and insurance that the Lord of Storm’s End remembers his oaths.” Baratheon made a flourish with the cape and kneeled. "I, Stannis, of House Baratheon, son of Steffon, annointed knight, swear to loyally serve thee, as mine liege. I offer thee counsel and support against all ill thought or evil act. I shall bring thee no dishonor or shame. My strenght and sword are thine to support thee in all thine endeavours and shall ride with thee against all foe that dares to raise arms against thee with mine own men and bannermen. In the Light of the Seven, I do swear"
Stannis then waited, knee on floor, with a sullen look. That means he was no longer a second son, but the eldest, and head of house Baratheon, shadowed no longer by Robert or anyone else. Lord of the Stormlands...
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 4:31:59 GMT -5
Rhaegar hobbled forward, leaning on a cane. With his own hands, he lifted Stannis up from the ground. Even for a cripple it seemed a trivial effort, as slender as Baratheon was.
”I accept, and pledge to ask no service of you that would bring dishonour. Rise, cousin, as Lord Baratheon.”
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Post by oznerol on Jun 6, 2023 5:46:32 GMT -5
Rhaegar hobbled forward, leaning on a cane. With his own hands, he lifted Stannis up from the ground. Even for a cripple it seemed a trivial effort, as slender as Baratheon was. ”I accept, and pledge to ask no service of you that would bring dishonour. Rise, cousin, as Lord Baratheon.”Stannis raised, puzzled. He was now a lord, by right. It seemed strange. But, Baratheon did not dwell much on it, simply nodded and did what was customary, kissing and embracing Rhaegar. The man his own brother in a fit of rage had sworn to kill, but he was not Robert, and conflicted times make strange bedfellows.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 6, 2023 9:04:33 GMT -5
"I am no usurper. I am the Dragon, and the realm you claim to serve is mine by rights."Rhaegar let the tip of the blade rest against the ground, leaning on the steel to ease the strain on his leg. "Seize him, but do not harm him. I would not have blood spilt for no good reason."Several lords and knights stepped forward, hands on swords. Others made to block the exit, surrounding the Goldcloaks. So, his father had handed him the Master of Ships on a platter. Seeing himself surrounded, Lucerys sighed and sheathed his sword. He motioned for his companions to do the same. "If you won't face me in combat then I have little choice but to surrender. I am your prisoner. I pray this adventure of yours does not end with all of us burning on the pyres of King's Landing. Your father's fascination with the green flames has only grown stronger since you left the capital."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 9:25:38 GMT -5
Rhaegar paused for a moment, and gestured with a raised hand. The knights stepped away.
”Then you are not as blind as you appear, Lord Velaryon.”
The Prince of Dragonstone descended the steps with a little difficulty, using his sword to balance himself.
”Escort him to confinement.”
…
One of Harrenhal’s numerous towers would be used to house the imprisoned Master of Ships while the council concluded. The quartets were spartan, but not uncomfortable.
Some time later, the Prince would call upon Velaryon, his being presence announced by the guards posted at the door.
”Forgive my earlier theatrics, my lord. I fear my blood has ran hot of late.” Rhaegar said, as he limped into the room. Dreams had began to trouble his sleep again ever since he had set foot in this cursed castle; his eyes were dark with weariness, and in the gloom of dusk they appeared to be almost black. He had surprised himself most of all with his loss of composure.
”I know my father had grown worse, but no man will tell me the truth of it. When I saw him last, it was like looking into the eyes of a stranger.”
He eased himself into a seat opposite Velaryon. A servant poured the two some wine. Rhaegar was not known as a drinker, but he partook all the same.
”I will not ask that you betray your oath. But I will know if harm is to come to my wife and children.”
Rhaegar mourned the man his father once had been. He wondered whether that man still lived somewhere, behind the wild eyes of the creature that now sat the Iron Throne.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 9:29:32 GMT -5
Lord Eddard Stark is summoned to Rhaegar’s chambers, the evening after the fateful events in the council.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Jun 6, 2023 9:57:56 GMT -5
Lord Stark, very weary of the procedings today came before the chambers of the Prince. No doubt the Prince wanted something of him. In the usurpation of his fathers crown perhaps? Eddard truly hoped it would be to travel to his dearly beloved sister.
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trot
Veteran 
Posts: 77
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Post by trot on Jun 6, 2023 10:05:33 GMT -5
"My uncle Lewyn speaks highly of Jamie. Few men have bested him when sparring. It is a shame he could not accompany the prince like most of the other Kingsguard, but I suppose some are needed to protect the Princess and the King still. It does make me glad to know such a strong sword will be nearby should my own sisters life be threatened." He thought Tywin would understand. Tywin mutters. "In these times it would seem that the King needs protection even from himself." With an air of legitimate concern Tywin continues. "For he is not the man I once new, and though it saddens me to say so, I fear of what he may do once word of this meet reach him." Aerys had always been rash of judgement, and had only grown worse with age. Looking around the room at the assembled lords Tywin silently hoped that whatever was being conspired would resolve quickly for word travelled fast in the seven kingdom, and the King had ears everywhere. Doran agrees looking to the man. "Yet to make open moves against him while those we care about are still in the mans power seems ill advised." Doran looks at Tywin a bit more direct. "Who knows what Aerys could do with his love of fire."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 10:12:30 GMT -5
”Lord Eddard.”
Rhaegar was slumped in a chair, reading a thick tome illumined by the flicker of candlelight. A harp lay nearby, unused; the muse had been elusive of late.
”Forgive me if I do not rise.” He shut the book carefully and set it to one side. ”I do not wish to waste your time, for the hour grows late.”
He gazed up at Lord Stark, mouth curled into a grimace.
”I fear that the time of reckoning is at hand. I have given instructions should I not survive.” Death had come close after the battle, a reminder that the Dragon was but a mortal. It was a warning he would heed. ”Your sister waits in the Dornish marches. If you ride to Starfall, they will arrange for you to see her.”
The hardness in his face softened somewhat with the memory of their happiness.
”Keep her safe from the court. And our son. Neither will be safe until I succeed.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 6, 2023 10:30:26 GMT -5
Rhaegar paused for a moment, and gestured with a raised hand. The knights stepped away. ”Then you are not as blind as you appear, Lord Velaryon.”The Prince of Dragonstone descended the steps with a little difficulty, using his sword to balance himself. ”Escort him to confinement.”… One of Harrenhal’s numerous towers would be used to house the imprisoned Master of Ships while the council concluded. The quartets were spartan, but not uncomfortable. Some time later, the Prince would call upon Velaryon, his being presence announced by the guards posted at the door. ”Forgive my earlier theatrics, my lord. I fear my blood has ran hot of late.” Rhaegar said, as he limped into the room. Dreams had began to trouble his sleep again ever since he had set foot in this cursed castle; his eyes were dark with weariness, and in the gloom of dusk they appeared to be almost black. He had surprised himself most of all with his loss of composure. ”I know my father had grown worse, but no man will tell me the truth of it. When I saw him last, it was like looking into the eyes of a stranger.” He eased himself into a seat opposite Velaryon. A servant poured the two some wine. Rhaegar was not known as a drinker, but he partook all the same. ”I will not ask that you betray your oath. But I will know if harm is to come to my wife and children.”Rhaegar mourned the man his father once had been. He wondered whether that man still lived somewhere, behind the wild eyes of the creature that now sat the Iron Throne. Lucerys remained silent while Rhaegar spoke, merely looking at the younger man. He gratefully accepted the wine and took a large swig of it, feeling the liquid fill him with warmth and courage. "May I speak the truth? Your father is a monster. The madness that burns in his eyes makes the court cower in fear. Any slight, real or imagined, is punished. He rules through that fear, though the small council is left to pick up the pieces and make something manageable. You know the decree that I brought? Your father's original manuscript was much more cruel. Thankfully Ser Gerold managed to reason with him and let Pycelle rewrite it."The Lord of Driftmark went quiet for a few moments, pondering his next words. "Despite everything, your father is the king. I swore my oath to him. Even if he is mad, he rightfully sits the Iron Throne. House Velaryon knows all too well what happens when House Targaryen fights itself for the crown. At least there are no Dragons nor Blackfyres left. But that spider... if there's anyone at court that fuels your father's madness, it's Varys. It was his spies that brought rumors of your council at Harrenhal. If I were you, that man's head would be severed from his neck the moment I entered the Red Keep."He put down the half-empty cup. "Your wife and children live, though their position is delicate. The King has got it in his head that Princess Elia is plotting with you to assassinate him. For now they're under armed guard in Maegor's Holdfast, but I fear their lives would be in jeopardy should you act against your father. The very fact that I am your prisoner will be known to him soon enough, and King's Landing will be the greatest fortress in the Seven Kingdoms. You may have many banners, but those walls are not to be trifled with."--- oznerolHoster Tully seeks out Stannis Baratheon after the events of the council. "Lord Baratheon, it's an honor to finally make your acquaintance. I'm Hoster Tully."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 6, 2023 10:44:46 GMT -5
”The oath of a king is like that of a knight.” It came suddenly, after a long silence. ”Protect the innocent. Defend the weak. In the name of the Father, be just and true…” They were words that every true man heard when the sword was dubbed upon his shoulders and the oils rubbed upon his forehead.
”Break those vows, and you are no true knight.” Rhaegar took another sip of wine. It was worse than he imagined. There was no man left to reason with.
He nodded in agreement. ”You are right. I fear what he will do if backed into a corner. Though I mean to surround the city by land and sea, I am not foolish enough to give him no way out.”
A wolf was at the most dangerous when surrounded, caught. It would lash out, at no thought for its own survival.
”Is there a way to bring him out of the city?” He asked suddenly.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Jun 6, 2023 11:22:37 GMT -5
”Lord Eddard.”Rhaegar was slumped in a chair, reading a thick tome illumined by the flicker of candlelight. A harp lay nearby, unused; the muse had been elusive of late. ”Forgive me if I do not rise.” He shut the book carefully and set it to one side. ”I do not wish to waste your time, for the hour grows late.”He gazed up at Lord Stark, mouth curled into a grimace. ”I fear that the time of reckoning is at hand. I have given instructions should I not survive.” Death had come close after the battle, a reminder that the Dragon was but a mortal. It was a warning he would heed. ”Your sister waits in the Dornish marches. If you ride to Starfall, they will arrange for you to see her.” The hardness in his face softened somewhat with the memory of their happiness. ”Keep her safe from the court. And our son. Neither will be safe until I succeed.”
Eddard stepped closer into prince's chambers with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The weariness etched on Rhaegar's face did not escape his notice, and he offered a nod of understanding before taking a seat across from him.
"No need for apologies, Prince Rhaegar," Eddard replied, his voice carrying a solemn tone. "I appreciate you taking the time to see me amidst these trying times."
He leaned forward, his eyes meeting Rhaegar's with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "You speak of a reckoning, my prince. What is it that you foresee? What is this time that you believe is at hand?"
As the words left his lips, Eddard couldn't help but feel a stirring of unease. The notion of instructions given in case of the prince's demise hung heavily in the air. The reminder of mortality lingered, casting a somber shadow over their conversation.
He listened intently as Rhaegar mentioned Eddard's sister waiting in the Dornish marches and the need to keep her and their son safe. A flicker of concern flashed in Eddard's eyes, a mix of protectiveness and determination.
"You have my word, Prince Rhaegar," Eddard responded firmly. "I will ride to Starfall and ensure the safety of my sister your son. They will be shielded from the court's machinations, and I shall see to it that they find sanctuary in the North, far from harm's reach. If need arise."
The weight of their shared past, the moments of happiness and tragedy, settled upon them. Eddard's expression softened as he continued, his voice tinged with both sorrow and determination.
"I understand the stakes, Prince Rhaegar. I will not rest until your son, is safe and the realm is at peace. We have both seen the consequences of unchecked ambition and the devastating toll it takes on the innocent. I pledge to you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that justice prevails and that the sacrifices made were not in vain."
Eddard's gaze met Rhaegar's, a silent pact formed between them. In that moment, he understood the gravity of the situation, the weight of their shared responsibilities, and the path that lay ahead.
"Together, we will see this through, Prince Rhaegar," Eddard concluded, his voice resolute. "We will protect those we hold dear and strive to forge a better future for our children, for the realm."
With that, a sense of purpose and determination settled within Eddard's heart. He was ready to face the challenges ahead, to honor his word, and to fulfill the promise he had made to his sister and to Rhaegar.
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