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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 2:35:35 GMT -5
Aerys looked slightly incredulous.
"Not risk anything? You really think so?
"I'd say you planted a large target fairly and squarely on your back. The daughters of Saella have the support of the majority of the lords. They'll be lining up to marry Rhaenys and her sisters...giving them a claim to the throne.
"As such, there would be many who would seek to curry favour with Rhaenys by disposing of her main rival....you. And in those, I don't include the followers of the Baratheon, who, while they may not wish to see Rhaenys on the throne, don't fancy another female Targaryen taking her place."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 2:39:21 GMT -5
Ariel laughed lightly. "Perhaps. But Rhaenys' honor ties her down, and she'll protect me against her better judgement. Selwyn follows her lead, for all his bluster, and his men would not care to draw his ire for his sake. I've measured the latter, as I'm certain you can tell by where I make my camp." She shrugged.
"I suppose there's a chance of what you said being a threat, but in my business, danger can come from any corner, and it's far more minor than it would be had I challenged when I was a direct threat. I have a fair idea of how I plan to play the game out, until Rhaenys is either unchallengeable or vulnerable."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 5:42:43 GMT -5
Aerys shook his head more in disbelief than in dispute.
"I dare say Rhaenys wouldn't give a damn if you're were found dead. In fact she'd breathe a sigh of relief, make a perfunctory search for any responsible and then wash her hands of it.
"The Baratheon would rejoice - one less rival for what he regards as his throne. I know from experience what the Baratheons are capable of. Let me assure you milady, he is capable of snuffing your life out without batting an eyelid.
"If and when Rhaenys is out of the way.... what then? Three sisters and their likely husbands will still be in your way."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 5:54:49 GMT -5
Ariel looked back in disbelief. "Ser, there are "the Baratheons," and there is Selwyn Baratheon. I know the man and I know his measure. He will obey his sworn word to the last if it kills him. Regardless, I don't plan to simply kill my way to the throne over four women, two men, and probably your master as well when he launches his bid for the throne. That's utterly declasse; there are other ways of getting what I want that don't require such copious and specific bloodshed."
"So what did your master send you here for? I'm sure it wasn't just to harp on my planning."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 6:01:31 GMT -5
"Selwyn Baratheon? We will have to wait and see on that one my lady. It's a long way to Kings Landing and much can happen between here and there. "
A small smile played across Aerys' lips.
"And before I answer what my master sent me here for, can I ask first what makes you think my master is going to bid for the throne?"
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 6:10:26 GMT -5
Ariel shrugged. "Well, if I killed my way down the list, even assuming I actually made it that far, he'd be next in line and have an excuse to kill me, and I'd already be running blood from so many secondary killings that he'd have everyone in Westeros behind him. I'd be another Aedon the Bloody. And Prince Aegon is an ambitious man, he'd leap on the chance."
"Other than that, he's sent you to talk with me. That means he has some kind of ambition that's worth risking Rhaenys' displeasure, or else he's already in a bad enough odor that Rhaenys would rather kiss me than him."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 6:25:49 GMT -5
Aerys glanced around the tent.
"I don't see Prince Aegon anywhere. Why would my talking with you here risk Rhaenys' displeasure?
The small smile broadened.
"And you don't have to kill your way down the line. Haven't you claimed that your right to the throne is superior to that of Saella's daughters?
"Prince Aegon is the only legitimate male Targaryen descended in an unbroken legitimate male line of Targaryens. An ambitious man no doubt - what lord isn't - but he's one who knows his limitations. Aegon is born to fight and to command fighters - but he knows that rulership of any kingdom, let alone the Seven Kingdoms, is a very different matter. One that he is not suited to.
And after all Ariel, it is not he who has claimed a throne at a Council of Lords."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 6:28:15 GMT -5
"Indeed. And since I don't need to win by killing my way down the line, Aegon won't be in a position to cast me down in turn."
"So. If not to support his bid for the throne, why are you here?"
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 6:35:56 GMT -5
"I've come to take the measure of a woman that claims to be the rightful Queen of Westeros.
"There's never been a Queen of Westeros before, so my master was interested in meeting both the current claimants.
"The mother of Aegon the Third came the closest to being Queen in her own right, but she met a rather unpleasant end."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 6:39:57 GMT -5
Ariel nodded. "I figured as much by how you continued to spar with me. Well, I'm certain either you or Aegon tested Rhaenys already and got her cold reception. Though as you can tell by the fact that I'm still breathing, Rhaenys' response to insult, rudeness or challenge is rather mild." She grinned. "She's actually rather a sweet woman, don't you know."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 6:45:42 GMT -5
Aerys grinned back.
"Oh I do know. My master has been placed by Rhaenys in command of the Targaryen soldiery - a position to which he is well suited. He is most impressed by her sweetness."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 6:47:37 GMT -5
Ariel chuckled. "My congratulations, then. If that's the job he was bucking for, then I commend Prince Aegon for his foresight in seeking responsibilities that will not grow heavier with time."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 1, 2009 7:01:07 GMT -5
"Indeed. However Prince Aegon is ready to shoulder any extra burden should it come his way. He has broad shoulders - as his enemies on the battlefield have found to their cost."
Aerys rose and gave a small bow.
"My master thanks you for your time. I can assure you that the time we have spent together has been most enlightening."
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Post by Princess Ariel Targaryen on Jun 1, 2009 18:59:47 GMT -5
Ariel smiled. "See you around, Ser Aerys."
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Post by Ellannyria on Jun 3, 2009 23:10:58 GMT -5
///////
Ariel receives a note from Princess Lilyanna,
Sister in Scholarship,
Greetings from the Royal Tent. I just wanted to let you know that my twin has appointed the Marbrand bastard as her Master of Whisperers. We of course do not trust him as of yet. Do you have an opinion upon his skills and contacts? Any knowledge of yours on this would be appreciated.
With best regards,
Lilyanna
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Hope you all are well and happy.