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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 12:35:30 GMT -5
Steffen's brow furrowed. Ah.
"It is touching to know that you have my best interests at heart my lord. So, perhaps we should change the direction of the question. What is that you want from me?"
Steffen attempted to make eye contact with his men, but they were too busy laughing and talking to the barmaids, curse their hides.
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 12:38:28 GMT -5
"I want you to return home and give up your quest." The Fat man replied, "Ask for something in return, and it shall be yours."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 12:45:40 GMT -5
"What is it that my lord thinks I am going to do in King's Landing? It strikes me that he has been fed false information," Steffen replied, looking annoyed.
"I am on no 'quest' my lord, and I'm damned if I'm going to be turned around within days of King's Landing after I have been travelling for over a week. What on earth would I say when people asked why I turned around? 'I was told to by a mysterious fat man'? No ser, I think not."
The Lannister, paused, took a breath, and apparently calmed.
"On the other hand, you say I name my reward for turning around and you shall give it. What range of rewards do you offer? An offer too good to refuse, is, well, an offer to good to refuse..."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 12:50:07 GMT -5
"I know what you seek, worm. My eyes do not watch your actions but your heart." The bald man scowled. "If I am offering anything then it is because that is how much I value your retreat."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 12:54:58 GMT -5
Steffen shook his head in disbelief.
"This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Give me one good reason why I should not call over my men," He points to the bar, "That lot, over there, and ask them to 'escort' you away. Alternatively, 'Lord Walder', tell me who the fuck you are and what your interests are. Enough with the blather."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 12:58:23 GMT -5
Walder shrugged, "You would not recognize the powers I represent. And if you call your men I will leave. There will be no blood shed in this bar... not now. There is only the one reason you should not, or two if you count the rewards I am offering."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 13:06:48 GMT -5
Steffen sighed. This man's defenses were impenetrable.
"You ser, are one tricky whoreson." He admitted, almost with admiration.
He sat in contemplative silence for a moment longer.
"Let us discuss rewards then if you are so hellbent on doing so. There are few things in life that interest me Lord Walder, that you must understand. And the few things that I do find interest in, are rarely easily obtained. I ask the question once more, just how far does your influence stretch, and what is the maximum I could expect - in terms of power, and the gold that goes with it - if I were to accept your gracious offer?
Let me lay my cards out on the table. Once upon a time, 'Ser Steffen Lannister' was 'Lord Steffen Lannister of Riverrun'. Let's just say that I was a happier man back then. How happy can you make Ser Steffen?"
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 13:15:43 GMT -5
The Fat smiled, "A lordship is easy. That keep is hard. But neither is unattainable. Must it be Riverrun, there are easier keeps to be gifted."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 13:20:51 GMT -5
Steffen's eyes narrowed. Good holy gods, this man was fucking serious.
"Riverrun is not essential." He admitted, after thought.
"A keep of equivalent value, in terms of land, and a Lordship of equivalent power, are however. Perhaps you have suggestions? Perhaps there are some 'rewards' for my obedience it would be easier for you to grant than others? Tempt me ser. Tempt the worm."
As an afterthought - "And don't try fobbing me off with some shithole in the middle of the Dornish desert."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 13:36:09 GMT -5
"I did not expect your price to be so lofty. I do not keep Keeps in my bag." He waved his pudgy hand toward on his men, "But I imagine a decent enough keep may be arranged in the Riverlands, Crownlands or Far Reach."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 13:42:52 GMT -5
"You tell me Riverrun is not an impossiblity, and then you try to foist lesser prizes on me. The worm will not be inconvenienced like this for any less. Tell me, are there benefits to making things easier on you?"
He studied the man for a second, and spoke again before he could reply. "If not, give me Harrenhal."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 13:53:44 GMT -5
The man smiled and said, "That may be extremely possible. It is already offered as a prize. Now we must simply reach out and claim it."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 13:58:03 GMT -5
The Lannister man smiled. A smile that grew the more he thought about it.
"At last, it seems that we are coming to some kind of agreement, Lord Walder. Looks like I might very well be turning back up the Goldroad - for the nonce at least. How is it exactly that you plan to claim Harrenhal? Surely you cannot hope to capture Horas Blackwood? I sense something much more devious - or is it so highly above my head that I need not concern myself with it?"
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Post by The Smith on Jun 13, 2008 14:08:50 GMT -5
"No living eye can find Horas Blackwood, but our eyes see every where." His smile was ghastly, "A combination of plots will be necessary I think. Since the Lady Martell has turned herself in."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jun 13, 2008 14:15:36 GMT -5
"Well, I do hope you don't expect me to become involved in said 'plots'. I'm afraid I am rather inexperienced in that line." He grins horribly.
"Besides, it's none of my damn business how I get the bloody place, just that I get it. If you're so determined to have my obedience then you'll do it, and you'll do it soon.
I believe we are done negotiating. I turn back for Lannisport and you hand me the ownership of Harrenhal. I must confess, it is rather a strange deal in my eyes - but perhaps there is more you are not telling me?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.