King's Tower

[Marie]

The King's Tower at Castle Black. The dragon banner flies here while the Ever-Night army is camped at the Wall.

[Marie]

Maekar brings Ragnor to Rhaenys.

[Erik]

Ragnor, wearing his best-looking and least-bloodstained set of clothes, enters the Queen's chambers swaggering and smiling. He's young, hardly a man, but having been marching with the army for years now and sailing for most of his life before that, he is plainly not just some foolish boy.

"Queen Rhaenys, let me first apologize for my behavior at the council following the battle. Words said in haste, by one who had only just seen his father cut down before him. I hope you may forgive me."

[The Smith]

Rolf Groomsman stands to the side of the room. A single long piece of straw sticks out of his mouth and he chews on it lightly. His sword, and bow are well cared for, but his white cloak is slightly stained and poorly sewn.

[Marie]

Maekar laughed at the latter statement.

"I can, though you had best watch your tongue in future. Not all of my people are as forgiving," Rhaenys said, giving her cousin a look. "I understand your position, Lord Greyjoy. My own mother died in the battle. Why have you come before me today?"

[Erik]

"I come to let you know of whispers of treachery. The Princess Ariel wants your throne, you know that. She's tried to enlist myself and that would-be Northerner," He practically spits the word out, "Theodore Drumm to her cause. And there will be others, of course. There always are. I would simply like to offer my services to my queen."

[Marie]

The queen frowned. She had known of Ariel's treachery and of Lord Drumm's involvement but had high hopes that the matter would soon be dealt with.

"In which way would you serve me?"

[Erik]

"In any way you require of me, of course, Your Grace. But more specifically, they think that I'm involved in their plot. I talk to them, listen, and pass information on to you and yours. And all I ask is that you smile on House Greyjoy a bit when we all return home."

[Marie]

"I will be happy to do so if you can help me stamp out treachery," Rhaenys answered. "With luck, the fact that I have Drumm's brother as hostage may negate his involvement in such a plot but, if not, your whispers will be very welcome. Thank you, Lord Greyjoy."

But she made a mental note to have her Master of Whispers watch him all the same.

[Erik]

"It is my honor and pleasure, Your Grace." Ragnor replies with a bow. "I hope to see your lovely face again soon, though may it not be due to such dastardly business."

He turns and leaves the tower, rather happy to not need to talk like a prissy fucking Braavosi again.

[swedishchameleon]

/ / / /

Ser Mearn arrives at the King's Tower as the Queen had ordered him to do. He was dressed in washed clothing and he seemed like he had shaved and cut his hair as well.

[Marie]

"Welcome, Ser Mearn," Rhaenys said. "I have heard much of your courage and skill from my sister Princess Alysanne."

She waited to if he was humble or not.

[swedishchameleon]

"I am sure she exaggerated a little, Your Grace. I am just as couragous as any of those men fighting in the Last Battle. As for my skill, I am also sure there is some out there that handles themselves better than me," Ser Mearn said and bowed deeply.

[Marie]

"Your humility is pleasing to me. It's a necessary quality in a knight of the Kingsguard, or, in my case, Queensguard. I would offer you a place with the White Swords, if you are willing. I know that the life would not suit many men."

[swedishchameleon]

Ser Mearn stared at the queen with disbelief. He pinched his arm slightly as this could be no more than a dream, or him having been killed in battle and this was his way to the gods.

"I...I.. how can I refuse such an offer, my queen. I accept and I swear I will protect you with my life until the Stranger such decide it's my time, and in the meantime I will do my best to keep him away from you." he said when he finally managed to find the words, and then knelt before her with a bowed head.