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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 25, 2009 18:33:26 GMT -5
Freshly returned from Driftmark, and having joyously reacquainted himself with his wife and daughter, Lord Dudley faces up to the important business that awaits before him. He goes to the Red Keep, requesting an audience with Lord Brynden. He is told that the Master of Whisperers has been expecting him and is swiftly ushered up a dark flight of stairs in Maegor's Holdfast and left standing at a door. He opens it and enters.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 25, 2009 18:42:17 GMT -5
Dudley shook his hand vigorously, returning his smile with a stern business-like look. "A pleasure, Lord Royce."
As he was introduced to the other two important personages, he nodded acknowledgement at both. He took his seat, sitting up straight, his lips tightly pressed together.
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Post by The Smith on Jan 25, 2009 18:43:34 GMT -5
Smallwood nodded slightly. Thatcher stood and bowed slightly to Marbrand. They glanced in unison to Brynden, both silently urging him to speak.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 25, 2009 18:58:41 GMT -5
Marbrand nodded briskly and smiled when asked of his family.
He listened to the man's talk of Braavos, mouth ever so slightly agape. It was clear he was attempting to take it all in. He nodded slowly from time to time. When asked the question, he inhaled ponderously.
"I know of him," he began thoughtfully. "Ser Steffen..." he paused for a fraction of a second, his cheeks colouring oh-so-slightly. "My good-brother, he has told me much of his time in Braavos. Long ago though it might have been, it is still within Lord Delinal's reign. He never managed to meet with the man is my understanding, however dealt with some of his advisors."
Dudley grimaced. "He described them as 'haughty'."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 25, 2009 19:02:22 GMT -5
"Haughty describes the Sea Lord like Bright describes the sun." comments Smallwood.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 25, 2009 19:04:47 GMT -5
Dudley nodded and looked to Lord Smallwood keenly.
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Post by The Smith on Jan 25, 2009 19:10:33 GMT -5
"The Sea Lord will always be three steps ahead of you. You should accept that, and move on." Yancey lectured. "Regardless of Lord Brynden's opinions, they are good at negotiation. And the Sea Lord himself will not barter or discuss policy. He has men to do that for him. He will most likely try and insult you, it is how he measures men and women. His tactics vary from meeting to meeting so do not expect anything you are prepared for." He laughed, "He is not quite the Stranger in flesh, but he is as close as we have."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 26, 2009 13:23:16 GMT -5
Dudley drank in all he was told, opening his mouth once or twice as if ready to ask a question, however ultimately remaining silent. At the end of Brynden's description of the duties of an ambassador, there was a pause. Dudley stroked the back of his head thoughtfully in silence for a moment or two longer than was comfortable.
"It would seem to me," he began slowly, deliberately, "that the key attribute I must possess is resilience." He licked his lips, looking as if he would say more. He didn't however.
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 27, 2009 16:58:09 GMT -5
"Many and various, Lord Brynden. So many that I don't really know where to start. And so I won't ask - for now. Please, carry on."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 27, 2009 23:10:01 GMT -5
Thatcher looked up, and said, "My men will be happy to share what information they can. You will have to practice a great deal of discretion." He glanced at Smallwood and then said to Brynden, "We know their secret, experience. I am sure they have a few minor tricks of the trade, but their training and experience is what differentiates their ships men from ours."
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Post by The Smith on Jan 27, 2009 23:21:49 GMT -5
Thatcher replied, "There is no secret is my point. We know what they do. We have bought their galleys, and fought with their men, both against and in cooperation. I think our problem will be most of our warriors views Sea Battles as peasants work. All our skilled warriors choose the steed and armor over the ram and oar."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 28, 2009 12:50:05 GMT -5
Dudley found himself somewhat out of the conversation as these two heavyweights of the establishment argued their points. Finding a significant pause, he drew the attention back to himself.
"Whatever the reason for their naval superiority, I shall discover it for you. You have my word on that."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 29, 2009 17:01:44 GMT -5
"Is this position one for life, for as long as I want it, or a position of fixed length?" Dudley asked in earnest.
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Post by The Smith on Jan 29, 2009 23:41:37 GMT -5
Yancey looked at Dudley his gaze intent, "I do not suppose Lord Marbrand wishes to move to Braavos. So I think after three or four years we will need to choose a replacement. Unless you decide you want the position again."
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Post by Quenton Baratheon on Jan 30, 2009 3:40:42 GMT -5
Dudley nodded at the hand. "That is correct Lord Smallwood. I am happy to hear that I am not required by honour to spend the rest of my days in Braavos. Seeing how things go, three or four years should be adequate."
Dudley licked his lips and began thinking aloud. "So, I have my objectives, my staff - who will help immerse me into the world I hope to enter, details on my home, family and social life..." He paused and then smiled, thinking of a question.
"Presumably, should I be successful in securing the aims you have asked of me, the King would be... thankful?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.