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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 9, 2008 17:56:21 GMT -5
Oliver nodded in acceptance.
"I feared that may be the case. Do you know if he might be returning any time soon - say, within the next week? In the meantime, who is in charge of Storm's End at the moment? Do you think I might have a word?"
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Post by The Smith on Jan 9, 2008 21:29:42 GMT -5
"He left me in charge," Horpse answered, "And I doubt he will reutrn soon. There is a lot of work to do up there."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 10, 2008 9:18:41 GMT -5
"Ah good ser, then I shall speak with you and hope that you shall pass the message along to our dear Prince." He was smiling underneath his beard.
"Might we go somewhere a little more conducive to talk ser? Might I also ask the favour of having my men and their horses fed and watered? It has been a long journey after all..."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 10, 2008 18:37:24 GMT -5
Horpe leads Bulwer up to the keep, and takes him back into a private room. "What do you wish?"
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 10, 2008 19:29:48 GMT -5
Ser Oliver settles down in a chair. There is a pause before he answers Horpe's question.
"I wish to convey the peaceful intentions of the Far Reach."
He'd received no direct instructions from Lord Regent Tarly on what he was to tell the Stormlanders, so he went with his instincts and told Horpe how he interpreted the mood amongst his compatriots.
"And I wish for these to be repeated to Prince Andry when next you meet. We in the Far Reach..." he paused. "We do not want war. It is not long since we were broken away from the Mander Reach and Tyrell rule - not that that was a terrible thing ser. What I am trying to say is that we are still settling into the way things are these days. Links between houses of the Far Reach have become much stronger since the separation, due to us being forced together. The economy of the region is flourishing - we have new roads, new trade links - new life is blooming. Small houses, such as mine own, are suddenly finding themselves going up in the world. Frankly ser, none of my countrymen wish to destroy any of this by bringing war to our lands. We will not choose a side in any upcoming troubles. We will serve whomever holds the crown, but not to the detriment of that which we have built."
He swallows and looks down at the floor, waiting for Horpe's response.
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Post by The Smith on Jan 10, 2008 20:49:20 GMT -5
Horpe nodded, "Of course that is your decision. I can understand why your Lord Regent would feel this way. We seek your friendship, if it takes time that is acceptable."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 10, 2008 20:58:24 GMT -5
Oliver beams. "Ser, it warms my heart to hear you say that. I'm so glad you understand." He licks his lips, shifting forward in his chair. "I do hope you will relay this message to Prince Andry, just as I have told it."
His smile fades somewhat. "Ah, and perhaps you might mention to his grace that the crown still holds a few men of interest to my countrymen in cells at King's Landing. If he were ever to seek our favour - I'm sure the mention of Lords Redwyne, Florent et al might prick up a few ears. Having ridden with a few Redwyne men for the past weeks, I know they do so miss Lord Peyton."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 10, 2008 23:00:25 GMT -5
Horpe looked at Oliver and shook his head, "I am afraid you took my personal opinion as the policy of my Lord. Andry is more warrior then statesmen, there is no guarentee he will not hold enimity with your houses."
Pausing a moment he continued, "But Andry knows he lacks the patience and wisdom of a diplomat and rely heavily on advisors. So I will recommend that he act in accordance with the beliefs I have stated here. And I believe there will be talk of freeing of those prisoners."
Waiting a moment he added, "Would there be any other acts of goodwill that could inspire the favor of the Far Reach. I ask, because I know that the Mander has sent a man to travel with Andry and speak for Rindwynd, and Andry has replied in kind. A retainer of his now sits in Highgarden."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 11, 2008 10:19:22 GMT -5
The Bulwer knight was not ready for the question. He frowned, opening his mouth and then closing it again.
"Well ser... there is nothing that comes to mind straight away, but er..." he paused, thinking, "I am sure the Lords of the Far Reach have issues with the crown that could be resolved. We can cross that bridge as and when we come to it." He made to rise from the chair. "Now ser, I think I have said all that needs to be said of any great import, perhaps we can talk more over bread, cheese and wine - I fear I have built up a mighty hunger."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 11, 2008 11:22:33 GMT -5
Horpe nods and has a servant fetch some bread and cheese. "So then there is a bridge, and we just have to find the proper toll?"
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 11, 2008 12:29:28 GMT -5
Oliver tears at a crusty piece of bread with his teeth. He chews thoughtfully for a moment and then swallows before replying.
"Yes Ser Garth. That is it entirely. Obviously any negotiations cannot be made through me, but with the Lord Regent of the Far Reach, and the banner lords. I've laid the cards out on the table, it is for Prince Andry to make a move now."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 12, 2008 2:27:12 GMT -5
"Then I guess we have nothing else to talk about." replied Ser Horpe.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 12, 2008 9:11:20 GMT -5
"I guess so."
He finishes eating the food that has been laid out before him.
"Ser, would it be much to ask for a bed for the night for myself and my men? We will ride for the Far Reach on the morrow."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 13, 2008 7:44:33 GMT -5
"NO of coure. Storm's End's hospitality is endless. Make your self at ease." He smiles and nods.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 13, 2008 8:53:44 GMT -5
The next morning the heir to Blackcrown and his band ride out from Storm's End for the Far Reach.
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Hope you all are well and happy.