Queen's Tent

[Marie]

Queen Rhaenys' tent

[Marie]

Lord Marbrand is summoned to the queen's travelling tent as the army marches south to Queenscrown.

[Ollie]

Warren arrived shortly, a warm woolen coat the color of smoke keeping the northern cold at bay, while a crimson sash tied about his waist adds a dramatic flair. He carried with him two large tomes wrapped carefully in white cloth, and after a small bow, he sets them before the queen.

"Your Grace," he smiles pleasantly. "The libraries of Castle Black held two books. One of the Targaryen line before the usurpation of House Baratheon, and a second of the Targaryen's more recent and brief return. The latter is less a family tree and more a detailed account of battles and events. I hope that you may find what you are looking for in them."

[Marie]

Rhaenys smiled.

"Thank you, Lord Marbrand. I hope I may trust you to see the books safely returned when I'm done with them."

[Ollie]

"Of course," he nodded. "Send for me, and I'll have them safely away back to the Wall when you are finished. The steward who tended the library was rather easy going."

[Marie]

"Good. Tell me about your feud with House Lannister," she said. "And don't mince words. I want the plain truth as you see it. I've heard from Ser Owen and now I want to hear your side."

[Ollie]

Warren nearly got whiplash, their conversation changed so quickly. He took a quick moment to collect himself, then gazed at the queen with a bemused look painted onto his face.

"Feud?" he repeated, then in a sardonic tone said, "I was unaware that we were having one. I would very much like to hear what Ser Owen had to say about me, considering I have never shared two significant words with the man in my life."

[Marie]

"Well, I told him to seek you out with regard to some personal business that would be within your remit as Master of Whispers. He claims you betrayed his father, Lord Tyberion, to Thatcher."

[Ollie]

"Yes. I did."

Those three words were said without any hesitation or regret, and came so boldly that Warren was inwardly impressed with his own daring.

"Of course I did. You of course will realize that this was before Thatcher was realized to be the traitor he reviled for being today. Back when he was still the King's Hand, and ruled with the King's own voice. Westeros was under attack by the Cult, and so Thatcher called for every realm to call up their men, and when the West, and the Lannisters, did not, we were declared to be in rebellion. Both the Riverlands and the Reach assaulted the West, and in that attack my father was killed.

Rather than see the House he loved destroyed, I took up the banner and took charge of Ashemark. I followed my conscience in whose cause I thought was right and just, and allied myself with the men I believe to be right, the King's armies of the Reach and Riverlands. It is no surprise that Ser Owen has a distaste for a man who followed the King's words over his fathers, but if I should be criticized for following Thatcher, then also let every man of the Riverlands and the Reach, and of every other kingdom who followed him as Hand as well be criticized."

Lord Marbrand paused, then rolled his shoulders with a small smile. "And so there it is, plain as parchment."

[Marie]

She listened carefully, nodding in a few places.

"Ser Owen may be prejudiced by a situation which he does not have full knowledge of. As for me, I can only honour you for serving your king, as a man should. This business of Thatcher is unfortunate. Would that I could make peace between Ser Owen and yourself. As it is, I am merely thankful that you are loyal. Speaking of which, have you learned anything of interest since I made you Master of Whispers?"

[Ollie]

Warren cleared his throat. "Between the business with Tarly and the wildlings and seeking out your books I have yet to find time to... take care of other important matters," he said, apologetically. "I shall prepare a report by the time we reach Queenscrown, if that pleases you?"

[Marie]

"It would. I need to know what is happening in this realm I have laid claim to. Our situation is precarious at the moment so i don't expect too much, but your responsiblities will increase the further south we move."

[Ollie]

"As I fully understand. Thank you, Your Grace."

Warren bows lowly, and makes to kiss the queen's hand.

[Marie]

She gave him a smile and extended her hand for him to kiss but was still inclined to be wary of anyone outside her inner circle until they gave her real proof of their loyalty and abilties.

"Is there anything you need, my lord?"

[Ollie]

The Westerlord kissed her hand softly, and perhaps for a second too long, though it was hard to tell in the short moment.

"There is nothing else I require, Your Grace. And though Ser Owen may grudge against me, I hold no ill will against him. I would appreciate knowing any other faults called against my honor, however."

Warren dipped his head in farewell, and with a tiny smile, left the tent.