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Post by Aerys on May 1, 2008 17:39:11 GMT -5
Avery rose from his seat and walked to one of the tall windows where he looked out over Dragonstone Citadel and further out to sea. In the distance he could see the sails of several of his fleet as they patrolled past the island
He turned to Marei.
"I have no intention of dying on this hill. My escape plans, if the worst comes to the worst, are already set."
"However I am intrigued Mistress Marei. You say you are here to offer your services. If I have a task I desire accomplished, I only need ask?
He turned to the window again.
"I admired Horas Blackwood Mistress. Given his experience and his noble connections I thought he was the best man to rule the kingdom in my nephews minority. Sadly that was not to be and many good men, including my cousin Jaehaerys, died in his service. If I were in a position of power Mistress Marei, then Horas Blackwood would be a valued adviser."
He turned back.
"I'll be direct Mistress Marei. I have a task. If I am to be attacked and to be defeated I want a safe refuge to which I can go when I escape. Can you arrange this?
"I also have a second task in the short term. I want more warships."
"And I have a third task. I need supporters in the realm of Westeros. It appears to me that the Westerlands are perhaps my best hope. I want Jeyne Lannister as my bride."
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Post by Horas on May 1, 2008 18:19:38 GMT -5
Marei listens carefully.
"To the first -- yes. Lord Blackwood has many safe places to hide, both temporarily and longer term, should it become necessary. But he is not a magician, and should Dragonstone be surrounded by a naval blockade, extricating you may prove difficult."
"To the second. Sellsails are prevalent east of the Narrow Sea. With proper funding a small fleet can be managed to augment your own."
"Your last request is the most difficult, as you no doubt know. Jeyne Lannister's mother will not wish to marry her off to a man who is considered a traitor and an exile by the crown, even if he is a royal Prince. I shall speak with Lord Horas to see what he can do. But allies in other regions might still be secured."
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Post by Aerys on May 1, 2008 23:09:04 GMT -5
Avery nodded in affirmation.
"And can Lord Horas provide the funding and sellsails, if they were to be asked for?"
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Post by Horas on May 1, 2008 23:35:16 GMT -5
"With his lands stripped from him, Lord Horas is forced to rely on his alternative means of income. And should the sack of Dragonstone seem iminent, it would be sensible to utilize its resources. Nonetheless, should it become necessary my lord should have the funds to pay for a modest fleet."
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Post by Aerys on May 1, 2008 23:58:27 GMT -5
"I would prefer that Dondarrion or Benfry Smith at least think twice before attacking Dragonstone. So I would request that Lord Horas take the appropriate steps to assist where he can in regards to providing warships. However I'm mindful of salvaging some of my forces if an attack proves overwhelming. I've issued such orders to my cousin Rhargar Velaryon, who will command my fleet.
"I accept your reasoning in regards to the Lannisters. Nevertheless I shall still make an attempt at an alliance and have already sent an emissary. Where you can, I would ask for assistance in that area as well.
"You spoke of allies in other regions may be secured. Do I have possible allies that I am unaware of?"
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2008 0:15:38 GMT -5
"House Blackwood, of course." Marei says, "They still possess more power in the Riverlands than one might be led to believe. The Dornish will always be an ally to whomever is the enemy of Alexander Irwyn. The North is also a possibility. I do not think any other kingdoms will look favorably on you unless certain regime changes are made. I do not forsee any of these regions rushing to help in this particular conflict, however."
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Post by Aerys on May 2, 2008 0:31:49 GMT -5
Avery paced the floor deep in thought.
"So what is your Lord's advice in regards to the current situation I find myself in."
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2008 1:08:03 GMT -5
Marei folds her hands on her lap, still calm despite Avery's agitated pacing.
"Becoming an exile benefits no one, my prince, least of all you. You will have very little influence over Westeros in that state. Lord Blackwood's advice is to apologize to Lord Smith and... back down on this issue." She bows her head. "I realize such an option is not very palatable. You may appear foolish or weak, but nonetheless it is my lord's advice." She pauses for a moment. "Of course, we will support you regardless of your choice."
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Post by Aerys on May 2, 2008 1:23:50 GMT -5
Avery nodded.
"I agree Mistress Marei that becoming an exile is an option that is not particularly palatable.
"However I am somewhat at a loss as to why Dondarrion wishes to take military action against Dragonstone."
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2008 1:35:06 GMT -5
"The Dondarrions are hand in hand with the Barclays; Lord Dondarrion's wife is one of them. No doubt he does not appreciate any attempt to usurp what he believes are the Barclay's lands. It is known that you support the young Sunglass, and therefore you are Breck Dondarrion's target."
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Post by Aerys on May 2, 2008 1:42:27 GMT -5
"Young Ardrian Sunglass is the rightful heir to Claw Island and Sweetport Sound by all the laws and customs of Westeros. I'll be making that point to the Regent."
He added in a resigned tone.
"If he'll listen."
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2008 2:02:56 GMT -5
"The laws and customs of Westeros matter very little when the Regent chooses to set aside lawful inheritance in order to reward his favorites," Marei says, "Though by all means attempt to convince him."
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Post by Aerys on May 2, 2008 2:31:47 GMT -5
"That's a point that needs to be made long and loudly throughout Westeros if Benfry Smith disinherits young Lord Sunglass."
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2008 2:39:43 GMT -5
"I am agreed," Marei says.
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Post by Aerys on May 2, 2008 2:53:32 GMT -5
Avery nodded.
"So if that unhappy event occurs I will make the assumption that your Lord's network will disseminate that information, as well as ferment opposition to the Regent."
Avery stopped pacing and stared out the window towards the east.
"Now Mistress Swiftwater. Tell me what you know about these Targaryens."
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Hope you all are well and happy.