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Post by Aerys on Nov 4, 2008 16:26:21 GMT -5
Monterys shook his head.
"Even if the rebels win, what can we hope to gain from it? Dondarrion will become the regent and his allies will dominate the Regent's Small Council. They're not going to be content to let Cedric continue his current policy of isolation either, unlike Rodrick. If they're prepared to go to war against their rightful king, they'll have no qualms about moving against the Westerlands sooner or later.
He paused.
"If the King wins there will be rewards for those that have helped him. In fact I believe the King would value greatly a loyal Westerlander who could act as an intermediary between himself and Lord Cedric. You could be that man Dudley."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Nov 4, 2008 17:27:13 GMT -5
Dudley looked lost in thought for a moment.
"You say we have nothing to gain from siding with the rebels - but you forget we must survive before all else. Choose the losing side and you lose a hell of a lot more than you could possibly stand to gain."
He slumped back in his chair, chewing his lip. "I just wish my goodbrother were here," he mused, almost to himself.
"No Monty," he said after a moment. "I have no desire to be 'that man'. It just doesn't sit right with me."
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Post by Aerys on Nov 4, 2008 17:50:23 GMT -5
"I understand your concerns Dudds. But if the King is defeated and the rebels turn their attention to the Westerlands we'll be on the losing side anyway. If Cedric doesn't join their side, Dondarrion and his cronies will undoubtedly find an excuse to move against him sooner or later. They'll have no hesitation doing to the Westerlands what they did to Dorne."
Monterys looked expectantly at Dudley. When his friend said nothing, he made one final appeal.
"You would fight for the Westerlands against any invader. Then let's help nip this rebellion in the bud now and help protect the Westerlands. Hopefully Cedric understands that his interests must lie with the King being able to defeat this rebellion. I say we join the King."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Nov 6, 2008 13:00:40 GMT -5
Dudley sighed and turned away for a moment.
"Your argument is full of ifs," he said quietly, with the voice of a tormented but ultimately beaten man. He got up from his chair, took a few paces around the room, huffing and puffing and kneading his brows. He glanced at Monterys, frowned and then went and sat down. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"But apart from that, it is a decent argument. I am with you. House Marbrand will support the King." His words were affirmative but his face and posture betrayed severe doubt.
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Post by Aerys on Nov 6, 2008 15:27:31 GMT -5
"Declaring for either side is full of 'ifs' Dudley." Monterys said quietly.
"You are the liegeman of Cedric Lannister. As Lord of Ashemark, perhaps it would be wise to return to Cedric and follow his lead, in whatever he decides to do. For me, I don't think I have any choice."
He reached out and clasped Dudley's hand, looking fondly at his long time friend.
"I'm making for the Kings army at Duskendale. Perhaps you should wait here in Kings Landing and see how the wind blows. You have a lot more to lose than I. If you decide to accompany me, I will be leaving within an hour"
When Dudley made no answer, Monterys turned away and made for the door. As he moved through it, he looked once more back at Dudley.
"Goodbye my friend. May the Seven keep you safe. If you return to the West, convey my greetings to mother, Lyonel and my grandfather. I'll see you all soon hopefully."
He swept through the door shouting for his squire.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Nov 7, 2008 4:12:12 GMT -5
"Goodbye," Dudley called back feebly, unsure whether Monterys heard him or not.
He let out an epic sigh.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Nov 8, 2008 9:30:53 GMT -5
///
A couple of days later, the family's belongings are packed, the meagre household guard is assembled and Lord Dudley leads a party out through the Lion Gate. With minimal security and the city generally being in a state of flux, no questions are asked.
Three tough-looking mercenaries are hired by Dudley to afford the family extra protection as they cross potentially dangerous territory. The road ahead will be fraught with danger, yet Dudley feels it is the best course of action.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Nov 30, 2008 12:44:27 GMT -5
////////////////////////////////////////
November 546
On Dudley's return to his family's home in King's Landing, he is struck by all the memories of the last time he was here. All the parties, the men whom he had eaten with - some who he had come to side against in the war, some who had died. Notable of these was Lord Tully, slain by the King's forces.
Dudley shook his head and stared into space a few moments, thinking. Such a waste, and all for nought - the realm stands no differently now than it did before. The only difference between the Westeros of the last time I was here and now is that it is short several thousand of its better men.
Dudley's personal belongings were unpacked by the servants, and within an hour, he felt at home.
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Post by Lord Gaspard Yronwood on Nov 30, 2008 20:10:29 GMT -5
The not quite as sentimental Lefford, on the other hand, secretly wonders who the hell names their family retreat 'Wormwood Manse'.
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Post by Aerys on Dec 1, 2008 18:23:31 GMT -5
Ser Monterys Velaryon, having heard of the arrival of the Westerlanders in Kings Landing, arrives at Wormwood Manse. He is eager to see if Dudley and perhaps other members of his family have returned to Kings Landing.
Monterys dismounts from his horse, limping slightly from the arrow wound he took at the Second Battle of Harrenhal. Anyone who had known him prior to the war would notice immediately that the young Velaryon had hardened in both body and character, courtesy of months in the field fighting with the King's forces.
Monterys tossed the reins of his horse to a Marbrand servant and moved into the manse.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Dec 2, 2008 12:54:43 GMT -5
On hearing that Monterys has made an appearance, Dudley rushes up from his reading to meet him. On catching sight of him, he is clearly excited.
"Monty!" he says, rushing down the stairs and struggling to contain the relief in his voice. His smile fades a little though as he picks up the differences in his childhood friend's appearance.
"So many questions..." he begins, clearly a little flustered.
"Tell me. Tell me all."
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Post by Aerys on Dec 3, 2008 15:13:43 GMT -5
Monterys grinned at Dudley and embraced him, limping slightly from his wound. It was improving all the time, but still gave him a little trouble.
"Dudds, how good to see you after all this time!"
Monterys limped to a seat and sat down with a relaxed sigh.
"Well where to begin. To put it simply, I fought for the King, survived two battles and have petitioned the Hand Yancey Smallwood for the return of Driftmark to House Velaryon. The Hand has suggested that if I remain loyal, then my ancestral lands will be returned to me."
He paused and summoned up a grin.
"As you can see Dudds, I have remained loyal."
The young Velaryon reached over for a nearby flagon of wine and poured himself a cup of wine to which he added water from the pitcher on the table.
"You've obviously come from the west, yes? How is Grandfather, my mother and Lyonel?"
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Dec 7, 2008 10:45:18 GMT -5
Dudley smiled, immediately at ease and familiar once more with his old friend. There are some things time and distance can never change.
He proceeded to relate all the goings-on in the west to Monterys and listened raptly as he was given more detailed description of what his friend had been up to.
OOC: Sorry for the delay. It's been a busy week!
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Post by Aerys on Dec 8, 2008 0:50:15 GMT -5
Monterys finished his tale of what he had been doing with the Kings forces and leaned back in his chair.
"Well Dudds. What now? The Westerlanders are not in the King's good books at the moment. How do you see your place in the new order?"
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Dec 8, 2008 6:25:42 GMT -5
"Quiet and subservient Monty. I see room for little else."
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Hope you all are well and happy.