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Post by theother on Oct 30, 2007 7:28:29 GMT -5
Perched on high cliffs behind the Titan, stands the Arsenal of Braavos. It is a huge fortress, hewn into the rock. The hollowed out structure stretches down the side of the cliff-face and has a large port/jetty structure below with several warships docked at all times.
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Post by theother on Oct 30, 2007 7:34:17 GMT -5
The bravo leads Erik Pyke up to the gates of the fortress. After a quick whispered conversation they are led deep into the bowels of the Arsenal. The tunnels are are roughly carved out of the very rock of the cliffs and as Erik gets further in the air becomes stale and the walls begin to feel oppressive. The bravo, obviously used to this environment, moves quickly and sure-footedly but without any markings present, Erik is soon hopelessly lost in the maze of tunnels. After about 15 minutes of walking, the bravo leds Erik to a large wooden door embossed with the Titan's Head symbol of Braavos. He knocks once and enters. The sea air hits Erik from the large window in the room, which is currently open. From it, Erik can see the rear side of the Braavos and clear out into the ocean beyond.
A tall, lithe man with iron-grey hair and close cropped beard stands by the window, gazing out to sea. He has a rapier at his side but is plainly dressed with little visible jewellery bar a pendant medallion round his neck. Turning to face them he nods at the bravo, who leaves, closing the door behind him. "I am Belnasi " he says simply.
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Post by Erik on Oct 30, 2007 10:36:12 GMT -5
Erik holds his hand out to the man, telling him, "Captain Erik Pyke, my lord. Ambassador to Braavos from Lord Dickon Harlaw, Lord of the Iron Islands and a whole mess of titles after that. Your man suggested that you'd be someone to talk to, with the Sealord being rather...nonexistent."
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Post by theother on Oct 30, 2007 10:42:27 GMT -5
Lord Belnasi smiled at the young man and shook his hand. "Dead would be a more accurate assessment. Then the usual rush afterwards for the title but it appears Sergyo will be our new Sealord. I though, am happy where I am" he says confidently if somewhat unconvincingly. "So, the ironborn have a new leader too it seems. I had half expected to encounter you when we took Dragonstone. I am happy to have been proved wrong. So what exactly does your Lord Harlaw want with Braavos?"
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Post by Erik on Oct 30, 2007 12:33:59 GMT -5
"I'm not certain how familiar you are with the Iron Islands, my lord. We have never gotten on well with the other people of Westeros. We are warriors, they are farmers. And for the last five hundred years, it has only been worse. They try to impose their laws on us, and we resist, but we cannot stand against the whole of Westeros. There have been rebellions, and they have always been defeated. But there is a saying among our people - What is dead can never die, but rises again, harder and stronger. We would rise again. So, my lord Harlaw has sent me to find allies."
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Post by theother on Oct 30, 2007 15:02:41 GMT -5
As Erik spoke, Lord Belnasi went to a cabinent and retrieved a crystal decanter of wine and withdrew two glasses. He poured one for himself and another for Captain Pyke which he offered out to the other man as he finished speaking.
Taking a sip from his own glass he appraised Erik and then carefully replied. "I can see why the other Westerosi can be hard to get on with. Their arrogance astounds even me at times. although, personally, I was against the invasion of Dragonstone. I felt it was a needless provocation" he paused, and walked to the window, looking westwards out to see. He took another sip and frowned. "Still, this Callen Baratheon fellow does concern me. I dislike some of the rumours I've been hearing about him. Hasn't he recently organised an army and a master of colonies? I dislike that title a great deal. If he carries on his course, perhaps conflict will be inevitable. If it is, having the ironborn with us could be advantageous..." he smiled at Pyke. "Such friendships are not easily forgotten by myself or my people, Captain Pyke. Strong men I can admire, those who sneak and seek to take by guile and theft I do not. Perhaps this Lord Harlaw is someone I can do business with, should the need arise..."
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Post by Erik on Oct 30, 2007 21:35:49 GMT -5
Erik grains his glass and sets it down before continuing. "Aye, we Ironmen are not folk who engage in skulduggery. And Lord Harlaw...he is such, as well. As for the stag king, he seems to have delusions of grandeur. I was in King's Landing when he announced the plans for a master of colonies. From what I hear, three ships set out from Lannisport, sailing west. They mean to set up trade with Asshai or Qarth or some such place directly, without having to go through the Free Cities."
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Post by Percy Rivers on Oct 30, 2007 21:58:46 GMT -5
OOC: Just remember that most people in Westeros would think the world is flat. I'm assuming Erik, not having a great education would be one of them. Therefore he would probably not be so worried about Callen trying to circumnavigate the globe, it would seem foolish. I don't doubt that some find the idea even humourous.
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Post by Lord Rhodri Arryn on Oct 30, 2007 22:00:56 GMT -5
OOC: Not true. The people of Westeros do not believe the world if flat; the maesters long ago established it was a globe.
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Post by Percy Rivers on Oct 30, 2007 22:03:13 GMT -5
OOC: Where was this mentioned? Not that I don't believe you, it's just that I like reading stuff like that.
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Post by Erik on Oct 30, 2007 23:11:58 GMT -5
OOC: I imagine that if the ancient Greeks managed to figure out the world was round, a long-standing order specifically devoted to learning and science would have pulled it off as well.
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Post by theother on Oct 31, 2007 12:52:13 GMT -5
Lord Belnasi seemed unconcerned at Erik's statement "Three ships do not worry me, and if Callen chooses to risk a western passage then he will make landfall far from here, if he ever finds land at all. If he comes east though....if he does that then I will make it worth Lord Harlaw's time to stand aside and worth more to join us in defending against the King's aggression"
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Post by Erik on Oct 31, 2007 14:58:21 GMT -5
Erik nods thoughtfully and responds, "Of course, I will make sure he knows. And let us say, theoretically, that the leash the Westerosi try to put on us grows too tight, and we Ironmen are forced to rise against the Green Lands. Would Braavos support us in our endeavors?"
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Post by theother on Nov 1, 2007 6:59:20 GMT -5
Lord Belnasi drained his glass before answering "Unless the Sealord wished it, no. I could commit my personal fleet to such an action but no more. I think we could offer our support in terms of politically recognising your independance from them, however."
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Post by Erik on Nov 1, 2007 15:01:15 GMT -5
"Of course, of course. I didn't mean to imply that we would want to drag you into our affairs. A show of support and political recognition is all that we would hope for."
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Hope you all are well and happy.