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Post by Gandalf on Jun 13, 2023 9:25:37 GMT -5
Wip
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 15, 2023 10:38:29 GMT -5
A raven arrives, bringing a summons by Lord Arryn to Eustace Waynwood to come to the Eyrie.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jun 23, 2023 21:07:49 GMT -5
A dozen or so men arrive at Ironoaks. At their head is Ser Richard Lonmouth, Lord Marshal of the Seven Kingdoms. They kindly ask for warm food and a place to stay the night. Magnate Lucius AxBrew Sunster (feel free to join in as Dayne and Mooton!) |
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 24, 2023 9:10:38 GMT -5
Ironoaks was a stout and square keep that sat atop a pine-covered hill, with large and pointed towers of black and grey marking each corner of the outer wall. The nearby lake had been funnelled into a dyke at the base of the hillock; a natural moat that could only be safely crossed at a stone bridge to the outer gates. Banners of black and green fluttered above the gatehouse alongside the white falcon of the Arryns, a symbol of loyalty present on every castle from the Sisters to the Bloody Gate.
It was under these banners that Lonmouth’s party would ride, the portcullis of black iron screeching upwards to let them pass through the outer walls. An equal party of men came to greet them, headed by a fire-haired man of long limb and fair face.
”Hail, my lord Lonmouth.” Greeted the redheaded man, who was flanked by both a moustached knight and a rather plain looking woman who seemed to resemble him closely. His green eyes seemed to drift and linger on the Sword of the Morning, then on Mooton in turn. ”An honour it is to receive so distinguished a party of travellers. On the King’s business, I expect?”
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Post by Pinkerton on Jun 24, 2023 9:40:00 GMT -5
"Aye, you expect correctly. Lord Waynwood is it? Lord Caswell almost salivated when he described you. Something about your calves and fiery hair, if I remember."
Caswell was not in the wrong. There was something in the man in front of Richard that irked him at the same time that excited him. It was refreshing to see someone alive, with true lifeforce. Lonmouth had grown bored of the courtiers at Dragonstone and their talk of food, fashion and feudal contracts; Lord Waynwood was a welcome contrast. Yet. He had a reputation, and Richard was aware of it.
"I would be in your debt if you allowed our party to stay the night. The road to the Eyre is long and nights are still cold, even if Summer is finally here. The men ache for a warm room"
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 24, 2023 12:54:20 GMT -5
Waynwood’s lips tugged into a rogueish smile. His eyes seemed to glint in the manner of a wolf eyeing up a meal.
”Caswell is a good friend.” He answered vaguely, gesturing behind him to the Keep. ”Any friend of his is one of mine. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you wish. The road to the Eyrie is treacherous even in the summer, and our forests are full of game should any of you wish to hunt.”
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Post by Pinkerton on Jun 24, 2023 20:37:26 GMT -5
"We shall only stay for one night, milord. But once the affairs of the realm are settled, I'd be more than willing to take you on your offer to go on a hunt. There is little game in Dragonstone, only rocks and salt."
Hastily, Lonmouth's retinue made themselves at home at Ironoaks. They put their horses on the stables and gathered at the hall for a hearty meal.
***
Later that day, the Lord Marshall knocked on Waynwood's door. He asked if the Lord could indulge him in a little chat.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 25, 2023 9:01:25 GMT -5
"We shall only stay for one night, milord. But once the affairs of the realm are settled, I'd be more than willing to take you on your offer to go on a hunt. There is little game in Dragonstone, only rocks and salt."
Hastily, Lonmouth's retinue made themselves at home at Ironoaks. They put their horses on the stables and gathered at the hall for a hearty meal. *** Later that day, the Lord Marshall knocked on Waynwood's door. He asked if the Lord could indulge him in a little chat. Lonmouth is given a few moments to wait before he is allowed to enter; several candles and incense burners fill the air with a thick perfumed vapour. Eustace was entertaining a guest merely moments ago, apparently, for the lord of Ironoaks was unkempt and sweating in his silk shirt and breeches, face as red as his ruffled hair. "Open a damn window." He grunted at the servant, who duly allowed some air to enter the room while Waynwood stood before the Stormlander with his hands upon his hips. The freckles on his nose seemed especially prominent in the heat. "I did not expect your company, Lord Lonmouth. What can I do for you? I have enough wine to drown a ship, if that is to your liking."
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Ironoaks
Jun 28, 2023 19:40:17 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 28, 2023 19:40:17 GMT -5
Myles Mooton, armor still brightl and well-maintained, but face now hardened by what he had witnessed in the relatively brief course of the rebellion, and moreso by the flames that had come in the aftermath, was seated near his friend and recent co-conspirator, now risen to great stature. As the lord had. greeted their arrival, Mooton offered a sharp bow, but said little else as they were seated and conversation began.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 3, 2023 17:38:50 GMT -5
"We shall only stay for one night, milord. But once the affairs of the realm are settled, I'd be more than willing to take you on your offer to go on a hunt. There is little game in Dragonstone, only rocks and salt."
Hastily, Lonmouth's retinue made themselves at home at Ironoaks. They put their horses on the stables and gathered at the hall for a hearty meal. *** Later that day, the Lord Marshall knocked on Waynwood's door. He asked if the Lord could indulge him in a little chat. Lonmouth is given a few moments to wait before he is allowed to enter; several candles and incense burners fill the air with a thick perfumed vapour. Eustace was entertaining a guest merely moments ago, apparently, for the lord of Ironoaks was unkempt and sweating in his silk shirt and breeches, face as red as his ruffled hair. "Open a damn window." He grunted at the servant, who duly allowed some air to enter the room while Waynwood stood before the Stormlander with his hands upon his hips. The freckles on his nose seemed especially prominent in the heat. "I did not expect your company, Lord Lonmouth. What can I do for you? I have enough wine to drown a ship, if that is to your liking." Lonmouth's eyes wide open, for a second or two. This man, for the Seven. Everything he said and did rocked Lonmouth's austere calm. He was so exciting. But no "I'm so sorry to interrupt your business, milord." He said with a bit sarcasm. Lonmouth eyed his companion, Mooton, who nodded "We'd like some wine, for sure." Then a long breath. "But I came with a request. I am embarrassed at the lack of knowledge I have about the Vale and the situation here. As the King's servant, 'tis my duty to be informed and I would love to hear what you have to say, what you know but also your thoughts and opinions, Lord Waynwood."
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 3, 2023 18:15:08 GMT -5
Waynwood nodded to a servant. Soon enough, three cups were produced. Still bare chested, the lord of Ironoaks sat upon his bedside and began to drink.
"The Vale is ruled by my cousin by marriage, the Lord Denys. He bought off my loyalty with the wardship of his son." Eustace said candidly. "He has adopted my other cousin Harrold as his own child, due to his kinship with the Arryns. Denys knows his own claim is precarious, and has taken action accordingly to secure himself. No matter what his honourable lordship will tell you about his high minded virtues, he has played the game rather well." He took another sip then tossed the goblet aside. A basin of water was brought to him; bronze patterned with intricate swirls, and he took a moment to splash some onto his reddened skin.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 3, 2023 18:34:09 GMT -5
"Hmm. Really? Young Osric? That's his name innit?"
How much did he want to tell this man? Soon everyone would know, Richard argued against himself, trying to not allow himself to be distracted by the glistening skin of the redhead. It was not easy.
"We are here to bring the young Hardying to Dragonstone. Lord Arryn will have his two heirs raised away from the Eyre and his direct supervision? It is a bit... unconventional."
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 3, 2023 18:58:36 GMT -5
Eustace frowned momentarily, then gave an impatient nod. One of the female servants dried him with a towel, and he laid a hand on the small of her back almost unconsciously.
”Denys is an unconventional man. He approaches the marriage bed as solemnly as you or me might approach the battlefield.” He chuckled, letting the hand fall abruptly to push the serving girl aside. ”Handsome enough, but his true brides are duty and honour. Both are cold bitches at the best of times. But from what I hear, having two wives isn’t so strange anymore.”
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 3, 2023 19:21:34 GMT -5
"Duty and honour to whom? To the Crown? He was so eager and quick to raise his sword against the Dragon. To the late Lord Arryn? His entrails were warm and shit was still leaving Old Jon's body when the Darling took the knee. To the Vale? That's a rather vaporous concept, wouldn't you say?"
His face transformed for a second. Such bitterness. Such harshness.
"We're all subjects of a fair King now. We should be grateful."
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 3, 2023 19:49:48 GMT -5
”It all worked out very well for honourable Denys. Jon’s nephew killed by the Mad King, Jon himself by the current fair King. I am sure he is very grateful.” Eustace seemed amused by Lonmouth’s anger, his own face twisting into a smirk that seemed more of a sneer. ”The Arryns were kings in their Vale while the first Valyrians were cleaning up sheep shit under the shade of the Fourteen Flames. They are proud men, even ones like Denys. Especially ones like Denys, who grew up with nothing but his name.” Waynwood shrugged, as if it mattered not to him. ”I think you will get on splendidly with him.”
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