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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 6:06:02 GMT -5
The camp of the men from the Far Reach.
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 6:07:05 GMT -5
Gwayne sat around a fire with a group of his highborn companions around him, including his brother Gareth.
"Well, brother, what do you make of all this?" He asked. "I never did thank you for coming to my aid. I'm most grateful."
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 6:19:15 GMT -5
Gareth stared into the contents of his cup of ale for a moment and then eyed his brother with a wry smile.
"A near thing Gwayne. You should have no fear of my loyalty. But for my own actions I would now likely be Lord of the Far Reach."
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 7:04:03 GMT -5
"Then I'm thankful you are not as ambitious as that," Gwayne replied with a nervous laugh. "Your courage and skill does you credit, Gareth. It was a close run thing, indeed. Once I became separated from the bulk of our men...I was sure I was going to die, and damned if I'd do anything other than die fighting. Yet here I stand. I suppose the Warrior himself must have been protecting me, and lending strength to us both. That is...something."
He sighed and drank deep from his wineskin.
"I shall not forget your courage, I swear it."
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 7:15:39 GMT -5
Gareth clapped Gwayne on the shoulder. "We have fought together as not only blood brothers but as brothers-in-arms. Doubly the reason I could not let you fall in the battle.
Gareth rose and dipped his empty cup into the barrel of ale that had been broken out after the battle. After he re-seated himself, he took a long draught.
"There are rumors that the Hand is planning to grant the keeps that we have captured to each of the Lords Paramounts."
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 7:48:38 GMT -5
Gwayne nodded. "Yes. That is true, Gareth. A decent enough reward though made slightly less so by the fact that every house is to be granted the same honour. Not that I am ungrateful, of course. Though I have to wonder how useful the keep will be to us here."
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 8:01:52 GMT -5
"It will generate taxes and give as a foothold to the east. Useful for trade and the like I imagine. A man could make his future and reputation here." replied Gareth.
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 8:09:54 GMT -5
"I suppose he could," Gwayne mused. "What is your suggestion, then? I am sure you have one."
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 8:14:42 GMT -5
"Second sons generally rely on heiresses or conquest to gain lands of their own." replied Gareth. "You will need to return to Oldtown to rule the Far Reach. I have no such obligation. I have no lands, no wife and little prospect of gaining either in the near future. Unless you grant this new keep to me to rule as your bannerman."
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 8:40:30 GMT -5
Gwayne smiled. "I would not be unwilling, certainly, though I am concerned that it would mean I would lose your valuable support at home. I would like to see you ruling lands of your own, of course, but the thought of losing you to this godsforsaken place does trouble me."
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 8:46:08 GMT -5
"I need not remain in the Stepstones all of the time." replied Gareth. "Indeed I intend returning to the Far Reach with you. Albeit temporarily. But to have lands of my own when I need to call upon them is something I have always desired. And if you have need of me, brother I shall always answer the call of the Far Reach."
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 9:01:24 GMT -5
"Then, yes, if the circumstances are indeed favourable, and you can recruit the necessary servants and garrison, you may command the new keep," Gwayne replied.
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 17:06:56 GMT -5
Well pleased, Gareth nodded.
"I have made certain inquiries about this keep Gwayne. Our keep is Gale's Wind, made famous by our uncle Hugh."
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Post by Marie on Sept 21, 2013 17:12:40 GMT -5
"Then I am sure Unle Hugh would be honoured to see it in our hands." Gwayne frowned, thinking. "We shall have to see about getting you a bride to match. You'll be an even better catch than before. Tell me about this keep, though, do you know anything more about it?"
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Post by Lord Gareth Hightower on Sept 21, 2013 17:42:58 GMT -5
Gareth shook his head. "Only what's told in the stories about our uncle. I have half a mind to take a few men and go out and look at it for myself."
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Hope you all are well and happy.
Feb 9, 2021 15:35:26 GMT -5
Hope you all are well and happy.
Feb 9, 2021 15:35:26 GMT -5