Meeting of Gwayne and Gareth

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Gareth meets with Gwayne in the solar of the Hightower Manse. 

[Marie]

Gwayne poured himself another drink. He was still smarting after his failure to woo the queen and so he felt the need to console himself with drink, though he'd be sure to stop before he lost control of his faculties. He indicated that Gareth might serve himself if he chose.

"Wat's on your mind, brother?"

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"This war against the Starks. Is it sanctioned by the Crown?" said Gareth coming straight to the point.

[Marie]

"As yet, I am not sure. I would not say that the crown is particularly against it, because there have been no specific signs to that effect, but when I have spoken to the queen or Lord Tyrell, neither of them have seemed particularly to favour war. Perhaps we shall learn more in due course," Gwayne sighed.

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"If it is not sanctioned by the Crown, then any who take part in any hostile act against the Starks could be accused of breaking the Queen's peace." replied Gareth. "That could have serious ramifications for the likes of our cousin."

[Marie]

"It could, but I fear Leyton is deaf to such practicalities," Gwayne sighed. "I am hoping to continue courting the queen. Perhaps I might ask her, if she will consent to see me after my misstep tonight. I feel half a fool, truth be told, but I am not used to women like our queen."

He took a drink.

"I personally think the crown nay accept this call to arms,and those who wish it to go, but not promote the matter."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"And if they do, perhaps I might be in a position to help that cause and increase the Hightower holdings." replied Gareth. "And demonstrate our loyalty to the Crown at the same time."

[Marie]

"That would be suitable, certainly. You know I trust you to put the interests of our house first, as you have always done." He favoured his brother with a half-smile. "If nothing else, perhaps you can temper Leyton's fervour with some good sense. I don't want him to die so young. After all that happened with his father, it would be most unfortunate if the son were to perish in such a cause."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"If he does, then like his father, his downfall will be of his own making." replied Gareth with a frown. "Lorren made his own bed and suffered the consequences of his actions. His son may be cut from the same cloth. And I can't imagine the influence of the Lannisters has been overly positive either, but I'll reserve mu judgement on that.

[Marie]

Gwayne raised an eyebrow. "I have my doubts about the Lannister influence too, but I cannot believe they share Leyton's piety. But whether it is his own doing or not, he is still of our blood, and he has been away too long. He is but newly returned to us and I had hoped to win his friendship and loyalty. But it seems our young cousin would rather fight for the Faith than dedicate himself to his house."

He frowned.

"It would be churlish to refuse Leyton in this matter. He must learn to make his own decisions. In time he may change his mind. But a young man is entitled to be passionate, and I do not believe Leyton has discovered women yet. Give it time, Gareth. I'll wager his first woman will change our cousin's mind."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Gareth gave a broad grin. "Perhaps. I think young Leyton will prove to a bit more stubborn than that."

Gareth's grin faded and he leaned forward in his seat.

"This is my plan brother. If war comes with the Starks, then I want to move against their keep in the Stepstones and take it for ourselves."

[Marie]

"What use is that?" Gwayne asked. "You've your own keep in the Stepstones. You don't need another. I don't believe commanding the Starks' keep will be of much strategic importance to us when any conflict will take place largely in the North."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

Gareth looked at him in surprise. "I would suggest Gwayne, that the Hightowers staying out of any conflict fought on the Stark's terms in the North would be a wise move. The Baratheons, Tyrells and Martells have multiple keeps in the Stepstones. For our efforts in six long years of war we were gifted one. This is an opportunity to increase our influence there in a region that is most closer to us than the North. If the Stepstones were not strategically important, why did we fight such a long war to control them in the first place?"

[Marie]

"The Stepstones keeps are of strategic importance in defending against enemies in that region, I do not deny that," Gwayne sighed. "But, I am not sure we ought to attack the Stark keep unless the crown wishes us to do so. Or if whoever holds that keep attacks us first. However, if there is to be war with the Starks, it will take place in the North. I understand why you do not wish to fight in their territory - the native will always have a certain advantage in that respect - but I fear we must be guided by the crown in this matter."

He took a swallow of wine.

"I am willing to suggest this approach to the queen if it does come to war," he said. "But only if that occur."

[Lord Gareth Hightower]

"That was always my intention." replied Gareth. "Only if it comes to war. However if the High Septon's folly is allowed to proceed it will be war. How can the Starks see any incursion against their lands as not sanctioned by the Crown? In the event of a war I want to act quickly. And do so before the Baratheons or Tyrells can move against the Starks." He smiled a wolfish grin. "After all, possession is nine-tenths of the law."