The Splendid Times of Braavos

[Erik]

"So the stories are true, then." Mortimer replies. "I'm sure 'twill be a glorious sight, the platinum-haired Dragonkings sitting astride your scaled destriers of the sky. And what an honor to aid in the restoration of a royal house so storied."

[The Stranger]

"Indeed. Tell your Lord to raise a mighty host, and to wage war in our name. He will be greatly rewarded with the Dragons return to Westeros. And we are people who know how to reward our friends... and punish our enemies."

[Erik]

"Of course, Your Grace. Erik is a wise man, he will see the truth in your words. But the hosts are raised, and wars are being waged. If ever we could take advantage of the chaos wreaked by the Baratheons, now is the time."

[The Stranger]

"Yes, I know, that's what I just said," Aellion said. "Raise arms in our name, and these Usurpers will come down like a house of cards."

[Erik]

"But we would not wish to rob you and your brothers of your rightful glory. Besides, Erik and his allies, powerful though they may be, cannot hope to stand against the rest of Westeros arrayed against them."

[The Stranger]

Aellion's looked darkened still more. "You will do it, or you will burn along with the rest. Now is the time."

[Erik]

"That's just what I am saying, Your Grace. My cousin and his allies will do what they can. But time is of the essence."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen had been sat observing the conversation all along with a disdainful air about him.

He chose this most recent gap to interupt, addressing Aellion.

"Your grace, this man comes here before us serving a race that collectively carry the foul stench of betrayal and backstabbing. First they betray the king they claim to serve, then they betray their allies in usurping the king, these... Western invaders. And in amongst all this I hear tell of much infighting between themselves. Why is it that they have crowned two kings in recent months? Your grace, I would be wary of this 'Erik 'Greyjoy' for it seems to me that treachery is his very nature."

He sneered at Mortimer like a cat might sneer at a dog from its owner's lap.

[Erik]

"We crowned two kings in recent months because I personally killed the usurper, Harlaw. They had stolen my family's rightful place." Mortimer shrugs. "Is that not what we are discussing doing, here? Bringing down a usurper, that justice might be served? One wonders if your true feelings toward the Dragonkings go along the same lines, Lannister."

[Quenton Baratheon]

"And why should I give a tin shit for the wonderings of an Ironborn scumbag?" Steffen replied, fuming at the suggestion.

[Erik]

"Perhaps because I, and my family, can actually offer something to our King here, unlike some poor country knight who happens to have powerful cousins that don't give a damn about him, who brings nothing to the table?" Mortimer says with a grin.

[Quenton Baratheon]

The Ironborn had clearly hit a nerve. Steffen opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again slowly. He regarded the man icily.

He thought of Riverrun.

[The Stranger]

"Stop it both of you. I will not have our lords squabbling over who serves us best will sitting in Braavos. Let's have that argument in the Red Keep. "

[Erik]

"Well said, my prince!" Mortimer says cheerfully, leaving his eyes on Steffen for a few long seconds, before grabbing a flagon of wine off the table, pouring himself a cup, and holding it up. "To future squabbles in the Red Keep!"

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen offers his own toast. "To King Rhaegar of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros," he says, still maintaining the uneasy eye contact with Mortimer.