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Post by Gandalf on Jun 19, 2020 15:42:49 GMT -5
A section of the Red Keep given over to Nymeria Sand and the rest of the Martell representatives in the capital. Men and women are seen entering and leaving in the small hours of the morning. In the day, it is given over to more a respectable purpose.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 19, 2020 15:54:49 GMT -5
Fresh from the council of war, which had turned out hardly to be a council at all, and had less to do with war, Lord Randyll Tarly approaches the room Nymeria Sand has been granted as Dorne's emissary to the capital and declares his presence.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 19, 2020 16:15:38 GMT -5
Lord Tarly is granted entry to the spacious chamber, the former quarters of lord Gyles Rosby utterly transformed. Exotic tapestries now adorn the walls, with the Lady Sand herself seated by the window, lounging on a couch in light and loose silks of lilac and turquoise. A fair haired Dornishman was taking down her sun-kissed likeness, with Nymeria's gaggle of Dornish noblewomen peering over his shoulders as he etched her statuesque features onto the canvas.
"My Lord Tarly."
Nymeria rose from her seat, much to the dismay of the artist. She seemed to float across the ground over to the Reachlord.
"You are one of the last men I would have expected to call at my chambers. But the pleasure is mine, my lord."
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 19, 2020 20:01:12 GMT -5
"I am one of the last men I would expect as well I suppose, but after that meeting I simply could not help thinking," he began, moving further into the room to meet her, checking that the door closed behind him. He made as if he might continue, then paused and cast a glance around the room at the painter and the noblewomen. The question behind his glance was clear: are these trusted ears?
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 19, 2020 20:06:13 GMT -5
Nymeria gave her entourage a sideways glance. They busied themselves with other matters, paying no mind to Lord Tarly's presence. The artist hurriedly left, closing the door behind him.
"Share your thoughts, my Lord. My ladies here keep many secrets."
Sand flashed a tight-lipped smile.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 19, 2020 20:20:37 GMT -5
"This newfound devotion to the crown simply struck me as very odd," he said, face revealing nothing at the moment, "Dorne in particular has plenty of reason to bear resentment against the current ruling family."
He glanced once more around the room, noting that the attendants continued to busy themselves as if no conversation was even happening. "When I myself have even thought on more than one occasion that much more could be gained for the realm if the Dragon of Storm's End were to prove successful." He left the comment hanging.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 19, 2020 20:32:02 GMT -5
"You speak true. We wanted vengeance for Elia, for Aegon, for Rhaenys. For my father, whose head was crushed by Clegane, who all knew was guilty."
Nymeria saw little point in mincing words. Tarly was a different sort of man, straight-forward and unused to the games that men and women played with words in the halls of power. She remained calm and collected, the fiery anger of her kinfolk buried deep beneath her flesh.
"We still do. I represent the interests of my uncle, the Prince. And his interests here are in ensuring the betrothal between Myrcella and Trystane remains intact, and her rights as the heir to the Rock are upheld. Nothing more."
A maidservant brought wine. Two cups of red, swirling pools of crimson. Nymeria took a sip from hers.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 20, 2020 15:29:38 GMT -5
Tarly nodded shortly. "It would be foolish to not think that Dorne has had at least some contact with this Aegon at Storm's End. Tell me, my lady, in your opinion or that of your family, is he truly the dragon he claims to be? Or is this a false dragon?"
He took a sip from his own goblet. The Dornish, the Sand Snakes in particular, were known for their work with poison, but he saw little reason not to trust her at this moment. An if this was how he died, so be it. "False Dragon or not, he might hold the kingdoms together a damn sight better than anyone here can. I imagine you've heard word of Stannis and his efforts in the North by now? Not to mention the Reach is being Reaved by Ironborn even now. As it stands we'll be tearing ourselves apart before any of those forces even become relevant."
He took another sip of the wine, then spoke again, "I understand your interest in Myrcella and her safety, and I share that concern. Fortunate that she has agreed to depart for Dorne and will be well clear of anything else happening, no?"
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2020 15:40:31 GMT -5
"My cousin Princess Arianne was sent to treat with the dragon. False or no, he has won the Stormlands and made Mathis Rowan bend his knee."
Sand watched intently as Lord Tarly drank, lips curled upwards into a half smile. Rowan's defection was not widely known, many had assumed he had simply been killed by the Pretender.
"If he is true, he shares my blood. If he is false, my cousin is to marry him regardless, and their children will share my blood. Whatever he is, he offers a chance for revenge."
She paused, and set down the goblet.
"It is either we bow to Aegon or remain ruled by a fat child; a puppet of Mace Tyrell, Peytr Baelish, or whatever idiot Lannister rides into the capital to take Cersei's place. I believe you have made your choice, my Lord, or we would not be having this conversation."
Either that or Tarly was far more devious than she had taken him for.
"Once Myrcella is out of the capital and Tyrell properly trapped, Dorne will show its true colours."
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 20, 2020 16:00:24 GMT -5
Tarly's eyes betrayed less surprise, and more a suspicion confirmed, when she mentioned Rowan's defection. "I thought the silence from him and his lot was far too deafening. If he had been defeated, at least a handful of his men would have returned and brought news of the battle I am sure."
He nodded in affirmation of her statement. "I had actually planned to have this conversation some time earlier, but events continued to get in the way. I have little love for either of the people who once purported to command my loyalty - Cersei blatantly tried to manipulate me to my face as if I wouldn't figure it out, and I have watched Mace strive for his own glory for far too long. I swore an oath once to serve a Targaryen until I was commanded to betray it, and I would see that oath renewed. Besides that, I look forward to serving a king, and not a series of regents again."
He ran a hand over his beard. "I believe Daven Lannister and I may have an understanding as well. The city should lie open once Tyrell is defeated. Mace's obstruction in the matter of Myrcella's removal is frustrating, but not insurmountable so long as we have enough people working with us."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2020 17:08:59 GMT -5
"A Lannister, in our camp?"
Nymeria raised her eyebrows, visibly surprised at the news.
"I should not be so surprised to see the lions turn on their own king."
Or perhaps Devan was simply weak willed, and followed stronger men. From what she had seen of the Warden of the West, he did not appear all that impressive.
"Soon I shall take Myrcella back to Done, one way or another. Once she is safe, we shall raise our banners for Aegon and fall upon Tyrell as he fumbles in the Kingswood."
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 20, 2020 19:40:18 GMT -5
"I am glad to hear it. While both she and Tommen could represent obstacles, they are but children and I would prefer they not come to any harm. We may have to contend with Aurane Waters after this yet. I imagine it will not suit him well to have a child who is no longer king as hostage."
He turned as if he was making ready to leave, and then paused as something came to mind. "I am concerned that the Faith Militant may prove to be some obstacle. The High Septon is a man of very set principles. I will be thinking of ways to defuse his anger, but I would appreciate it if you might also direct some attention to that particular problem."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2020 19:56:13 GMT -5
"Waters is a sellsail. He will have his price, we need only find it."
Nymeria had known such men all her life. Oberyn surrounded himself with them, collected from his forays into the Disputed Lands.
"The Septon is a different matter. Keep the poor fed and out of harm's way and you will abate his wroth, but he and his ilk cannot be bribed or won by any means."
A man of principle. Admirable, in this cesspit.
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Post by AxBrew Sunster on Jun 21, 2020 1:49:47 GMT -5
"If we can keep soldiers from running amok in the city and having their way with the people and their possessions, it will hopefully go a long way toward earning his approval of this new regime."
He inclined his head respectfully toward Nymeria.
"This conversation has been enlightening, Lady Nymeria, I appreciate your time."
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Post by pontifex on Jun 21, 2020 11:13:10 GMT -5
Dickon Manwoody could hardly believe his own eyes. Nymeria Sand and Myrcella Lannister walking hand in hand out of the Red Keep and down the streets of King's Landing. He had chosen a brothel with a view for this purpose, and he hefted the whore off his knee and called for his men. "Get ready to leave, apparently our stay is to be shorter than we ever expected." He dressed quickly and headed to the stables and soon a dozen mounted DOrnishmen were rushing to join the party headed by what appeared to be the largest knight Manwoody had ever seen.
----
Myrcella made her way confidently, though as ever trying to hide the left side of her face. Ser Strong led the way, and so far, all seemed to be going well.
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