The Manse of the Hightowers in Kings Landing

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

OOC: Yes, but from Lorren's perspective it could have been a ploy. Besides he was furious and disinclined to rational thought.

[Marie]

"Indeed. Leyton really is our best hope of a connection with the Lannisters. I had thought to betroth Izzy to Tynian but she sees him as a younger brother, so that won't do, and he's a younger son besides. I would prefer our daughter to marry an heir if possible. We can do without the Lannisters if we must. Besides, it's as I said. I would not trust my daughters' virtue to be safe under the same roof as Ser Aurane, even if they were wed to his own brother."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"As you know my intention in maintaining friendly relations with the Lannisters was to counter any potential threat from Lord Tyrell. I do have concern about the potential for Leyton to be held as hostage, should matters go awry." he replied. "However as of today, Leyton's father has forfeited any right to make decisions on his behalf."

He thought a minute, dabbing at his lip as he did so.

"I agree to the fostering of Leyton, if the Lannisters agree that one of theirs be fostered at Oldtown. Perhaps a younger son or nephew who wishes to become a maester. He or she doesn't have to be important. It is the perception that counts."

[Marie]

"Of course. That is most fair," Annara observed. "I think we should also make overtures to the Tyrells, truth be told. I know we consider them a threat, but perhaps they can be our friends instead. But what will you do with Lorren? He is your brother, and has served you dutifully for many years. One bad deed does not wash out the good."

OOC - we don't have time to arrange a return fosterling and I don't think the Lannisters have anyone suitable yet

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"Lorren will be punished for striking not only his brother, but his Lord." replied Lothar grimly. "He cannot even say he had just cause."

He moved over to pour himself a cup of wine. "I would not tolerate that behavior from any of my bannerlords, nor will I tolerate it from a man who calls himself my brother. Any other man would lose his hand, possibly his life. He can thank his birth for keeping both. As a start, Lorren's children will be removed from his care. He will be removed from my councils and my presence, as well as the presence of any of our family. As to further punishment I am undecided as yet. However further punishment there will be."

[Marie]

Annara frowned. She didn't like this. It boded ill for the future of their family if Lorren was to be disowned. She leaned close to her husband.

"We cannot present a divided front, my love. You know that. Lorren's actions were my fault. Please, if there must be punishment, let me bear it. It was my fault for not consulting him first. Give your brother a chance to apologise. I will send Gwayne to speak with him on our behalf, perhaps he can persuade Lorren to see sense and offer an apology."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"There is no excuse for his behavior." replied Lothar in a tone that suggested he was not going to yield.

"None at all. And you are not at fault. He presumed that I knew about what you had arranged and he presumed that I had agreed. Neither were correct. Yet he still acted the way that he did. A mere apology will not suffice."

[Marie]

"He is your kin, and the septons teach us that the bond of blood is sacred," Annara persisted. "It was just one act of folly. He has never done anything foolish before, and it was but a fit of temper, and understandable in the circumstances. Please, Lothar, give him another chance."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"I had thought to send him to the Wall for his offence, to join my brother Hugh." replied Lothar grimly. "However I shall modify that if there is an abject and grovelling apology. Five years exile from the Far Reach - one year for each finger of the hand that struck me."

[Marie]

"That would be acceptable. A most merciful decision, and at least then Lorren would have a chance to think things over. I shall send Gwayne to speak with him on the morrow," Annara vowed. "He may have cooled his temper after a night in confinement. But I am not such a fool as to go myself."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Lothar nodded in acceptance.

"Gwayne shall inform Lorren of my decision. The Wall or exile for five years, if an acceptable apology is made to my satisfaction. Gwayne is my heir and as future Lord of the Far Reach he must begin to take these things upon himself." said Lothar.

"But I shall not call Lorren 'brother' again."

[Marie]

"As you wish," Annara sighed, though she thought her lord was being overly harsh considering it was Lorren's only mistake after a lifetime spent attending his duties. Perhaps time would heal the wounds inflicted in a moment of madness. After all, Leyton was but a child and children grew up fast. She hoped Lorren would understand that.

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Lothar had been about to dismiss his wife when a sudden thought struck him. "There is a rumor doing the rounds that Lord Gerion has not been seen for some time now. Is he ill?"

[Marie]

Annara frowned.

"I don't know. Perhaps he is. He was well enough when I saw him last. Perhaps a sudden malady."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Lothar nodded in acceptance.

"Make sure that Ser Lorren is brought to me, before he leaves the Far Reach. Restrained and accompanied. The stupid fool seems to think that I knew about what was to happen to his son before our meeting. That, as you know, was not the case.I was seeking his opinion. I want him to know, before he leaves, that his exile is totally the result of his own actions.