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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 7:13:29 GMT -5
Benfry was within the Lord Commander's office when one of the King's Men advised that Lady Aranya Royce waited without, seeking a word with him.
He asked the guard to let her in and rose to his feet to welcome her
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 7:16:21 GMT -5
Aranya Royce stepped into the room. She had never been in the White Sword Tower before, and felt somewhat solemn in the Lord Commander's room. She gazed at Benfry Smith with keen eyes, assessing him as she entered. Then she smiled.
"Well met, my lord. Though I have been away from home for years, I have heard rumors of how Ser Benfry Smith is straight as an arrow, can't be bent. I am sorry we never met before."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 7:19:56 GMT -5
Benfry smiled crookedly "Not bent, but near broken at times. Still here though" he said wryly as he held out his hand to Lady Royce.
"And I have heard much of the adventures of the wild valewoman before she disappeared from our shores, though I was still squiring then"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 7:25:21 GMT -5
Aranya laughed. "You make me feel old, ser. But it is true, I have been away for many years." She shook his hand and took a seat across the table from him. "I seem to have just missed a war. I did not think Horas Blackwood would try something like that. And kill your brothers too." Her eyes were grave. "You have my sympathy, my lord."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 7:29:33 GMT -5
Benfry's eyes clouded over with grief "Thank you, milady. Horas," he spat the word like a curse "did much damage before his evil will could be halted. Now only Dorne remains to be brought to heel" he said firmly.
"And though you are older Lady Royce, I swear by the Seven the years have only added to your beauty" he said gallantly.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 7:34:14 GMT -5
"I never thought he would try something like that but, then, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
She winked at his gallantry, and then continued seriously, "When I have regained my castle and mustered my own soldiers, I will be able to help you fight Dorne. I do not know this new Princess, but I will never forget the ways of war. You shall have my sword, if you seek it."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 7:39:58 GMT -5
"It seems the entire Kingdom is eager for war with Dorne, no doubt seeking the fame and glory that goes with battle. I was happy for peace, hopeful that even with her foul betrayal, Princess Tristeza would step aside for the good of her people. Now the King has made sure that is not an option" he sighed
"So how may a failed regent help you, Lady Royce" he said with a sad smile.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 7:44:04 GMT -5
"You need a strong friend in the crownlands," Aranya said. "Someone with a strong sword and little taste for deception, or manipulation, or intrigue. Someone a bit like you, perhaps, but who has not been in the country for years had has no alliances with anyone here, especially not your enemies. I could be that friend."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 8:02:22 GMT -5
"I have enemies?" Benfry wondered aloud.
He shook his head sadly "Everyone seems to want my position as regent but me it seems. I am no politician but I'm learning quickly. What would you like in return?"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 11:20:30 GMT -5
"This new Princess of Dorne, for one. I have no idea of who among your allies are your true friends or enemies, but this Martell lady is your enemy for certain. I do not know her - Emelia was my staunch friend in my time, but that was a long time ago, and she is dead." Aranya paused.
"Lord Benfry, when I am someone's friend, I am their friend for life. I protected Callen as best I could, even when he shunned my counsel in later years - my counsel, and everyone else's as well, but no matter. There was never anyone more loyal to Rhodri Arryn than I was; he was more of a brother than a cousin.
"I want to help you, because I recognize that you, at least, serve King Rickon before your own interests. You are probably the only man alive who does so. There will come a time when his reign is threatened, for he is still a boy and others will tug and push for power. When that time comes, if it comes, you will need a strong ally you can rely on no matter what. But I cannot help you if I am not strong."
Aranya leaned forward slightly, looking him straight in the eye. "But if you were to name House Royce of Duskendale the Paramount House of the crownlands, and my son as Lord Paramount - I would have to serve as Regent till he came of age - I would have greater control on the crownlands and it would be easier to watch the lords who live here. And I would be closer to you than the Vale."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 11:46:41 GMT -5
Benfry's eyebrows rose "That would be a major slap in the face for Prince Avery and Lady Velaryon, would it not? He is Prince of Dragonstone and she is Lady Paramount of the Crownlands after her son, Lord Jaehaerys was killed" he paused and thought further "Though that honour was given by Lord Horas Blackwood and Lord Velaryon was slain by Barclay's kin who themselves held it before them"
"So whilst this is not a no, it needs to be discussed at the council, not given out like party favours behind closed doors. I mean no disrespect by this milady, just that you will need the respect of those whom you wish to rule and such respect is earned, not given by the whims. Even the whims of Kings and their Regents, as Lord Velaryon found to his cost" he smiled crookedly
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 16:02:03 GMT -5
Aranya laughed. "Fair enough, Lord Benfry, fair enough," she admitted, grinning. "I had hoped I could win you over in private, but you must forgive a woman for wanting to try her advantage. I will not press the matter for the nonce, I think; too few of these lords are known to me as yet. In the future, I will just have to prove my strength." She winked at him. "You really do keep your cloak white, ser. And I am impressed that you stick up for your councillors. I would be surprised if any of them would do the same for you - or, indeed, each other."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 16:20:49 GMT -5
Benfry smiled wryly "I'm afraid my vows stop me from being so easily swayed, though you were among the few to make me regret that fact" he grinned wider.
"As for my lords - I cannot make them play nice, I can only be as I am and hope they will do likewise" the look on his face showed he thought this was unlikely. "I am more cautious and less naive than I was. Seeing your friends and brothers cut down and fleeing for your own life will do that to you"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2008 16:44:44 GMT -5
"I know," Aranya said. "It happens to all of us. Well, at least you and me." She looked at him with admiration.
"You remind me so much of two other men who I admired greatly," Aranya said quietly. "Could I ask a favor of you? A personal one, not a political or economic one."
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Post by wookie on Apr 7, 2008 16:47:35 GMT -5
Benfry spread his hands "If it is within my power to grant milady, ask away"
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Hope you all are well and happy.