Lord Tyrell and Lord Hightower

[The Smith]

Lord Tyrell sends a invitation to Lord Hightower to speak with him.

[Marie]

Gwayne was curious and didn't know why Tyrell wanted to speak with him, but he dressed himself in a smart blue tunic and grey breeches and went to the meeting.

[The Smith]

Lord Bertrem stood and motioned for the other man to sit down. "I wanted to speak with you Gwayne."

[Marie]

"Of course."

Gwayne had to remind himself that he was not Tyrell's inferior, though the man occasionally made him feel thus, as he did now. But courtesy was important, and he knew he needed to find out why he was visiting Lord Tyrell, so he took a seat and waited.

[The Smith]

"I wished to speak of your support for our young Princess." Bertrem replied.

[Marie]

Gwayne was surprised. He hadn't known what to expect, but it was not that. He was vaguely annoyed that it was being mentioned, when as far as he was concerned it ought to be clear that the princess was their rightful queen.

"Indeed? You need have no fear, my lord. I intend to pledge my fealty at the proper time, as all men must."

[The Smith]

Betrem looked at Gwayne, "I knew you were a man of your word, which is why I have not called you in... before now. I am sure Hightower stands tall for her, but can you say all your bannermen rest easy with a woman ruler?"

[Marie]

"I have not asked them," Gwayne admitted. "I came straight here as soon as I received the letter. I did not hold council with my lords first. But Westeros had a queen before. All men know that Queen Rhaenys founded a stable dynasty and led the seven kingdoms to peace."

[The Smith]

"Men know many things, but they often... ummmmm believe something different." Bertrem replied, "In addition men can be bought and sold. And Damon can make some very good offers."

[Marie]

"How so?" Gwayne asked. "He was exiled for a vile crime. Such a man has little standing when it comes to negotiating. An exile will surely find it difficult to raise an army, and surely nobody will ally with him unless he already has one? Nor would any decent man ally with a would-be kinslayer and kingslayer. Both are accursed by the gods old and new."

He sighed.

"Is there reason to believe some particular lords might be inclined to support the former prince?"

[The Smith]

"The Lannisters court with him already. He and their girl had quite an affair... going on." He replied.

[Marie]

Gwayne frowned. His young cousin was Lord Lannister's squire. If they should favour the exiled prince, Leyton might be put at risk.

"That is most troubling. But I don't know the Lannisters well enough to pass comment or judgement on such a situation. But if the gold of Casterly Rock were to be put to such a use...yes, I see the problem. But are there others who might be so tempted?"

[The Smith]

"Lord Stark and Lord Royce do not come as summoned to this gathering. What does that tell you?" Bertrem asked.

[Marie]

"I was not counting those present," said Gwayne. "I simply thought I had not seen them yet. But that is...troubling. I am sure you could find out their intentions without too much trouble, my lord. Lord Royce is an old man, I know, and his blindness might have impeded him. Perhaps it is no more than that. As for Lord Stark, well, these northerners often keep to themselves, do they not?"

[The Smith]

"Lord Stark has called a gathering of his Lords to Winterfell." Bertrem replied. "I have sent a rider to speak with Barnyard... but we... will... see..."