|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 13:37:45 GMT -5
Grafton and Wydman arrive to speak with the Queen.
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 13:39:41 GMT -5
As they enter, Talyn stands and gives them both a smart salute.
"My lords welcome. I thank you very much for coming. I regret to tell you, that her grace unfortunately was forced to depart. She is coordinating with her Lord Hand at Old Oaks. She took the dragon, which flies swiftly, but even so, it may be several days before her return. Can I offer either of you wine, or something to eat, it is a long journey."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 13:41:02 GMT -5
Grafton nodded, and move forward returning the salute.
Wydman just licked his lips and wandered about the room. "We have come a ways."
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 13:43:30 GMT -5
Talyn rang a bell, and Jax stuck his head in.
"Wine, bread, cheeses, and perhaps some ham for our guests Jax," he said, "I appreciate that you have come a long way, my lords. I am authorized by Queen Rhaenys to discuss matters of the Vale and the larger conflict, if you'd be willing to do so with me, although I can understand certainly that you expected her grace to be here, and I apologize that it is not so."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 13:45:08 GMT -5
Wydman spat out an open window as he thought.
Grafton rubbed at his chin whiskers as if to make sure they were still there. "Well... I guess... we have things to discuss." He looked at Wydman for support.
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 13:49:10 GMT -5
"We do. We are glad that the Vale Lords have agreed to return to the Queen's Peace. It is a great relief. Unfortunately, the realm remains at war, and we have need of the Vale's swords, as well as her ships. Now that both Lord Mallister has surrendered, and the Ironborn have sailed far to the south, I am hoping that this will be possible?" Talyn said.
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 13:52:26 GMT -5
Wydman nodded curtly.
Grafton spoke in his young squeaky voice, "What is to happen to... Aaron?"
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 13:55:17 GMT -5
"Aaron Royce has abdicated on behalf of his entire line. He is no longer a Lord of the Vale nor of any land in Westeros, he is just a man. Because he agreed to do so, and thus spare the realm bloodshed, her grace showed mercy. When the war comes to an end, he would have been a free man to do as he pleases. However, Royce decided that absent land and title, he preferred to take the black. That is his right, and arrangements are being made to see him brought safely to the Wall. You will understand that he was not required to take the black, he did so freely."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 13:58:09 GMT -5
Wydman shrugged, "It is a fair sentence, even if he was commanded to take the black."
Grafton nodded, "We will need some time but our will march for the Queen."
Wydman added, "She can have my force at the Bloody Gate immediately, but taking Moat Cailin and the Twins is not going to be fun."
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 14:04:31 GMT -5
"As it stands, The Lady of the Crossing has not been officially declared outside the Queen's Peace, Lord Wydman, even though we hold her responsible for Mallister's reaching the Gate and when peace is reached there will needst be some kind of recompense for that. I'd ask that you march your Army to join my man Ser William Hill, just south of the Neck. He's on the King's Road, you should not miss him. Lord Grafton, the most important issue for us is the Ironborn. Would you be able to dispatch your fleet to join Lord Eustace's fleet at Storm's End? You may have to hustle to catch them, if they have already departed to join Baratheon at Old Oaks, but it ought be possible."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 14:24:53 GMT -5
Wydman nodded silently.
Grafton spoke, "It will take some doing. I will send word, and then arrange for them to gather me in at Saltpans or Duskendale."
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 14:29:56 GMT -5
Talyn nodded, "Understood. Obviously certain matters as to the Vale, require a little more discussion. There is, notably, the Eyrie and the position of Lord Paramount to be resolved."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 31, 2009 14:35:18 GMT -5
Wydmna looked at Grafton, and for a long time they were silent. He asked, "Who does the Queen have in mind?"
|
|
|
Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2009 14:38:58 GMT -5
"At present the crown is undecided. It is admitted that we've little information about the Vale's politics. Lord Brynden's presence cast quite a shadow. It was hoped that the best choice for Lord paramount would become apparent during the course of the conflict."
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Nov 1, 2009 1:20:24 GMT -5
Wydman shrugged, "As you say. We will accept her decision."
|
|