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Post by Ellinda on Nov 15, 2007 18:10:08 GMT -5
Maester Hightower makes his way up the stairs to Varner's Solar.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 15, 2007 18:15:54 GMT -5
"Maester Alesander, a pleasure to finally meet you." Francis says, standing, and pulling out a chair for the man to take a seat if he chooses.
"I hope the journey wasn't too eventful, although Ser Torn warned me that you had some trouble. There is much for us to discuss." Francis undoes the stopper on a bottle one of the Arbor's better vintages and pours two glasses.
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 15, 2007 22:03:41 GMT -5
Alesander appreciated a proper welcome and was glad Lord Francis seemed to understand the rules of hospitality. And the wine was a fine one, making the occasion even better. He repaid the hospitality by being blunt.
"I am reluctant to assume a lordship but I am also reluctant to let my ancestral lands fall into disrepair while a bunch of unrelated gits fight over a bastard's inheritance. Tell me the news of what is happening in these matters."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 2:18:52 GMT -5
"If you mean by unrelated gits your devoted bannermen," Francis smiles as he insults himself, "Than I assure you there is no likelihood of that. I have seen no indication from any of the lords that they will object to Justin Flo..Hightower as Lord of the Hightower and Far Reach. At the same time, you own claim is, strictly speaking superior, so if you assumed the lordship all would kneel appropriately. I have been instructed to serve as Lord Regent, and will gladly carry out that task to the best of my abilities. I won't insult your intelligence by pretending that the regency is a terrible burden for me, as Fossoway was fond of claiming, but I will lay it aside if you wished to rule without unnecessary advisors. As a fully grown man it would be your right. If the boy is chosen, I will do what is necessary to insure his reign until he comes of age, after which time, I can only hope that he has received the proper instruction." Francis sipped his wine ever so slightly, and observed the maester's manner.
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 12:33:15 GMT -5
The Maester sat and stared for a while, weighing possibilities.
Finally he looked up and nodded. "I chose the Maester's life for many reasons, for the solitude, because I've never had any interest in petticoats, because there was no need for me here at Hightower. The first conditions haven't changed, but I think the third has. I will remain here, if you agree, as Maester and uncle to the heir. I am not interested in ruling the lands, but I am very interested in seeing this child who is the hope of the Hightowers being raised with the proper education. We Hightowers are a proud people and he deserves to know his heritage."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 13:02:05 GMT -5
"I can agree with that, but if you would be willing, I would like to suggest some guidelines. Too many cooks can spoil the broth, so let us set boundaries to define our roles clearly. As Regent I will maintain the ability to provide political, military, and economic advice for the young lord, and make decisions on those matters when necessary. This will be my providence. I will leave entirely to you the boy's moral and intellectual development, and will not intercede in those matters. To put it more clearly, I will make sure the boy has lands worthy of his rule, if you'll make sure the boy grows up worthy of his lands. Fair?"
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 14:50:57 GMT -5
The Maester nodded. "That is fair. I would reserve the right, though, to question factors that will affect his moral upbringing such as fosterage and alliance issues." His tone then took on a more conversational manner, "And what kind of weapons training were you thinking of when the lad grows older?"
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 15:03:40 GMT -5
"My weapons teacher, Ser Torn, used to tell me, that a man's weapon should match his personality. And he's still a bit young yet to determine that, so it may be best to wait before making that decision. As for fosterage, which would certainly effect his moral wellbeing and his education, I am willing to consult with you, similarly marriage alliances, which would impact the bloodline should also have your input. As for strictly martial or economic alliances, I'd prefer if you'd be willing to allow me a free hand to do what might need to be done to secure the young man's position. The Far Reach is a new concept, and the Hightowers as Lord Paramount will cause jealousy. That said, there is rarely harm in a good question, and you will not be excluded from any council meetings. Do you find that an acceptable compromise?" Francis took the opportunity to refill the Maester's wine glass.
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 17:10:35 GMT -5
The wine was fine indeed and the Maester appreciated it. "I am not political and suspect that your judgement is wiser than mine on matters political, military and economic. Before I would agree, however, I would like assurances that we will not be led into another treasonous quagmire as we were under the Rotten Apple. I think in order to raise our young ward properly, he needs to be trained in honor, loyalty, and modesty, three qualitities that I think will also be appreciated by any banner lords that will serve him, but that these are not only personal qualities but qualities of a land."
He frowned slightly. "Do you plan to legitimize him immediately so he is raised knowing he is a lord, or shall we wait until his character and mental facilities develop enough to understand at least somewhat what he will be undertaking.?"
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 17:19:13 GMT -5
Francis coughed on his wine when the Maester mentions Fossoway and the rebellion.
"I can assure you I am here before you in this capacity, because I was not a supporter of Fossoway's Folly. We want peace in the land. Honesty, Loyalty and Modesty will be our watchwords Maester Alesander. You have my word. As for young Lord Justin, the crown has already signed the document for his legitimation," Francis unveiled a small scroll from Regent Bettley and the small council, awaiting only the signature of the Far Reach.
"With your permission I will sign it and return it to them for the official record."
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 17:29:44 GMT -5
The Maester was pleased at the obvious repugnance held by Lord Francis for Fossoway. Although Varner had changed his words to "Honesty, loyalty, and modesty," from "Honor, loyalty, and modesty," he could live with the change and felt he could guide the young man in the right direction.
"To our new young lord, Justin Hightower," he said, raising his glass. "And our watch words "Honesty, Loyalty and Modesty."" He chuckled hoarsely. "We Will Light The Way to a very different Hightower rule indeed."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 17:40:43 GMT -5
"We Light the Way." Francis says, clinking glasses. "I will sign this document and send it to the crown, and perhaps you should write the Citadel and explain to them your situation and transfer here to the Hightower. Would you like to see the young Lord?"
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 18:25:04 GMT -5
"I will indeed write and explain the situation. I have good relations with Oldtown so there should be no problem."
A shy smile crossed Hightower's face. "I would indeed like to see the young man. There is something both exciting and alarming about taking on such a responsibility." He paused. "Between the two of us, we will provide solid male guidance for him. Are you planning to marry, perchance? The young man will need a mother's touch as well."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 16, 2007 19:28:41 GMT -5
"I am in negotiations for a possible bride, hopefully one which will smooth relations between the southern reach and the areas to the north of us." Francis finished his glass and set it down, ringing a small bell to summon a servant.
"Can you ask young Justin's wet nurse to bring him in please? the good maester would like to see him."
The servant nodded, and departed. returning soon, with a young woman holding a little infant boy well swaddled. Francis dangled his finger in front of the child, who grabbed it fiercely.
"He does look like Lord Robert, you do have to admit." Francis said.
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Post by Ellinda on Nov 16, 2007 19:53:49 GMT -5
The Maester nodded. "He has Hightower eyes and stubborn chin." He seem mesmerized by the child. When the young wetnurse offered him the baby, he hesitated at first, never having had much to do with small children, but then accepted and started to rock him. "Honesty, Loyalty, and Modesty, my lad," he said to him, "and Light The Way you will indeed."
He looked at Francis. "Make sure you find a wife with a good heart, my lord. Honesty comes from being raised by those of good heart." He then returned to the child, transfixed by meeting his new charge.
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