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Post by Horas on Jun 30, 2007 14:58:24 GMT -5
A grand and open chamber lavishly decorated with the arms of House Blackwood. A great balcony looks out over the rivers and forests around Raventree Hall. The Solar is often used for intimate meetings with important guests.
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Post by Horas on Jun 30, 2007 15:08:38 GMT -5
Horas smiles and seats himself in a comfortable armchair just to the right of the largest one in the room, probably intended for the Lord Blackwood. He then motions his Lannister guests towards two empty seats across from him.
"I've told my man to bring up food and wine. Now, what is it you'd like to discuss?" Horas smiles and waits, every inch the gracious host.
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Post by Axell Lannister on Jun 30, 2007 15:16:29 GMT -5
Steffen seats himself in front of his host, and Daena sits next to him. He glances at her nervously. Evidently he does not want her in the room. Nevertheless, he turns to his host.
"Ser, i am sorry Lord Blackwood is not here, we had an excellent conversation the last time we met. I am sure you will suffice however. I have come to discuss the Lords of the riverlands. As im sure you know, there is still a lot of loyalist feeling to the old king. As Lord paramounts, King Aegon would like the Blackwood's assurity that they will support him, which means working closely with myself. Im sure you understand what dire remefications a petty rebellion here would have for the riverlands."
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Post by Horas on Jun 30, 2007 16:11:19 GMT -5
Horas listens to the Lannister as wine is brought in. He pours himself a cup, then takes a slow drink before answering.
"I am but newly arrived here at Raventree, Lord Steffen, but have no fear that the Blackwoods will have a firm grip on the Riverlands... with or without Lannister aid. The king trusts my Lord Uncle. He granted him lordship over the Riverlands, after all." And not you, my Lord of Lannister.
Horas smiles, then takes another sip of the Tyroshi wine. "In fact, it may be best if you tone down your activities. Your house does have a certain reputation, after all, and the Riverlands will be more comfortable under the rule of a house that has dwelled here for generations -- they may chafe if they feel Westermen are meddling too much in their affairs."
"There may, however, be a matter in which your aid would be appreciated. My house has a longstanding feud with the Brackens. I doubt they feel highly of the King's decision to establish my house as the Lord Paramounts of the Trident. I fear they would refuse to listen to anything an emissary from the Blackwoods had to say. You, however, are quite unafilliated with my house. And you are known as a man with a way with words. If you truly wish to aid the King's peace, go to the Brackens and see if you can calm them before they attempt anything unwise."
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Post by Axell Lannister on Jun 30, 2007 16:21:23 GMT -5
Steffen raised his eyebrows at the last bit. He took a sip of wine, before shrugging.
"What you say is quite true of course. It would be unwise for a foreigner such as myself to be too forthright in my demands of the rivermen, but i cannot accept your request, Horas. I'm afraid i am too busy to get involved with house squabbles, and in any case, i have taken a dislike to the role of emissary. It bears... painful memories. Im sure the Blackwoods will be more than able to deal with such things. If you have problems, then by all means seek out my assistance."
He took another drink of wine. Im not your fucking emissary. Daena sat, with a smile on her face, taking in what was being said.
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Post by Horas on Jun 30, 2007 16:47:47 GMT -5
Horas gives a sympathetic nod.
"That is regrettable, Lord Steffen. Your aid would have been appreciated. Nevertheless, House Blackwood has many friends. I have no doubt another house will be happy to treat with the Brackens for us."
Horas turns curiously towards the Lady Daena. Her mood did not seem to mirror her husbands -- indeed, for some reason, Steffen seems almost uncomfortable with her in the room. I have been away from Westeros for too long, Horas decided. He did not like being uninformed.
With a tone of ending business, Horas turns to the Lady Lannister. "I do hope the two of you enjoy Riverrun. The view of the rivers from the wall is breathtaking. It almost makes me wish I was an artist, so I could capture its majesty. Did you grow up in the riverlands, my lady?"
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Post by Axell Lannister on Jun 30, 2007 17:46:18 GMT -5
Daena laughed at that.
"Unfortunately not, Ser Horas. My kin and i have sorely missed the temperate nature of Westeros, having not set foot here for some time." She smiled at Horas. "It is a beautiful place though no doubt. I am sure you have many memories growing up ser."
Steffen coughed before Horas could respond.
"Ahh, yes. Well, it has been an interesting meeting ser. Thankyou for your time, and hospitality, but as i said, i am a busy man, and i must take my leave."
Steffen got up, preparing to leave, before he hesitated.
"Daena, could you leave us for a second?"
She raised her eyebrows, but obeyed, leaving the room. As the door closed, Steffen looked at Horas.
"Now then. Why i am really here. You seem to be knewly returned to Westeros, so you obviously wouldnt know. So i will tell you. My uncle, Lord Lannister, and I, have had... disagreements. Now. I greatly wish to tighten the bond between myself and house Blackwood. Once my wife conceives, which, should be soon, i want my children to foster here. I am a busy man, and will most like have little time for them." He put a hand on Horas' shoulder, and grinned. "I like you. You seem like a clever man, and not one of those honour-drunk buffons most nobles seem to be." He shrugged. "Perhaps, one day, Lannister and Blackwood could be united through marraige. It would benefit both houses for sure."
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Post by Horas on Jun 30, 2007 23:51:16 GMT -5
Horas considered for a moment. "I see no harm in fostering a little lion here, and perhaps the possibility for great mutual benefit. I will be sure to discuss it with my lord uncle when he returns."
Horas rose and shook the Lannister's hand. "May the Mother bless your wife with a safe childbirth and a healthy child."
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Post by Axell Lannister on Jul 1, 2007 5:38:41 GMT -5
Steffen smiled.
"Farewell ser."
He left the room, before departing Raventree hall with his wife and escort.
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Post by Horas on Oct 8, 2007 12:23:09 GMT -5
///////////////////////
Odovacar Blackwood and Leobald Magnar are led into the lord's solar, where Ryan Blackwood sits at work.
Ryan does not seem particularly remarkable at first glance. He is neither tall nor short, but is broad in the shoulders. His hair is black and close cropped, and his face is plain. Nonetheless, the man seems to give off an air of quiet capability.
"Odovacar," Ryan says, "It's been a long time. What brings you back to Raventree Hall?"
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Post by stalhrim on Oct 8, 2007 21:42:09 GMT -5
Odo looks carefully at his cousin then takes a seat. Leobald sits too, his arrow no longer nocked and his bow in his hands.
"Ryan," says Odovacar, "Eslaf Blackwood - my father - is dead. I have come to our seat, to beg some boon for the passing of my father. I understand that my father possessed some sort of towerhouse here, due to his blood. Understandably, I would like to have taken this up with Horas."
Leaning to the left, then swaying forward to the right, he bends inwards to mutter to Ryan.
"Cousin. Skagos despises me and they tolerated my father uneasily. I was exiled. But I did not come alone. This man," he signals to Leobald, "Is Leobald Magnar. He is the son of the Lord of Skagos, of House Magnar. I bring with me the fastest ship in the Narrow Sea, this side of Westeros, and a crew of the finest cutthroats."
"There are two boons that I would ask of you."
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Post by Horas on Oct 8, 2007 21:54:54 GMT -5
Ryan nods. "I'm sorry to hear about your father, Odo. I had not heard. Regardless of what the Skagosi think of you, a Blackwood will always be welcome in Raventree Hall."
"What boons do you ask for?"
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Post by stalhrim on Oct 8, 2007 22:25:28 GMT -5
Carefully considering how to word it, he regards Ryan once more, before speaking. "The two boons I ask for are: 1) a lordship... some land and a towerhouse. 2) some peasants and either a knight or ten men-at-arms to help defend my property. Land as close to the river as possible. My sloop will be able to come and go along the Riverlands once I use portage to bring it across country from King's Landing."
"These are the boons I request, so that I might take and care for lands in the name of mighty House Blackwood, and as a cousin to the Lord Paramount."
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Post by Horas on Oct 8, 2007 23:09:27 GMT -5
"As Eslaf's son, you are certainly entitled to his lands and peasantry, Odovocar. It is a seat, though not a particularly grand one, I'm afraid."
Ryan shifts in his seat, looking at Odo carefully. Evaluating him.
"That's not to say there aren't greater prizes in store for those who serve well. You have been gone for many years, Odo. We're family, but I barely know you." Ryan scratches his chin. "Perhaps you should go to King's Landing and see Warren. I'm just the castellan -- Warren's the lord, and I'm sure he'd have a use for a man of your talents."
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Post by stalhrim on Oct 9, 2007 0:58:18 GMT -5
Odo released a small grin. "Aye... I like the sound of that. I need to return back to get my ship as well... tell me. Where are my lord father's lands situated? I wish to evaluate things and set them to rights before I leave for King's Landing. I thank you, cousin, for your help. Warren... I remember the name... I should see him and cousin Horas too. My fondest memories are of Horas." He finished with a smile and awaited the final answer.
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Hope you all are well and happy.