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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 16:20:34 GMT -5
The home of House Redwyne, the Vineyard is a low, sprawling keep with plenty of open air gardens and a larger wine cellar than any castle in Westeros. It is surrounded by a small wall that provides a fair amount of protection for its inhabitants.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 18:15:50 GMT -5
Oromy waves to a guard, and he and Gruffyd are admitted unchallenged to the Vineyard. "A servant will show you to your rooms," Oromyr says. "Dinner is in the great hall in an hour."
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 18:33:42 GMT -5
Gruffydd goes to the room given to him and, after washing, goes to the Great Hall (pausing to ask directions from a servant), for dinner.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 18:42:10 GMT -5
A visitor might be forgiven for thinking it was some sort of feastday on the Arbor, for the food is plentiful, the wine flows freely, and musicians ply their trade on a raised dais at one side of the hall.
The high table is above and apart from the rest of the benches, allowing some privacy for those there. In addition to Ser Gruffyd, the table seats Oromyr, the aging Lady Josephine Redwyne, and two younger men, introduced as the heir Ser Ranulf and his brother Ser Ryon. After the wine is served (all the Redwynes partake, save for Ser Ryon) and the introductions have been made, Oromyr prompts, "You mentioned your lord sent you to ask for some sort of agreement?"
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 19:04:40 GMT -5
"Indeed," Gruffydd replied, drinking deeply from the cup of wine placed before him. "A fine vintage," he added, savoring the taste.
"In addition to requesting safe passage through your waters so that I might attend the King's Tournament, my lord uncle dispatched me here to speak with Lord Redwyne, or one who can speak for him, about a pact between our houses, if not one of alliance than at the least non-aggression," he said candidly.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 19:10:20 GMT -5
"Do you speak only for Harlaw, or for the Islands as a whole?" Ser Ryon asks.
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 19:13:24 GMT -5
"For Harlaw only; it is for Lord Greyjoy to decide our overall policy," he replied with a slight grimace. "Though the Thane is an influential man among the Ironborn, many will follow his lead, Greyjoy or no."
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 19:20:13 GMT -5
"An alliance usually implies a common foe," the Lady Josephine says, her voice dry and raspy. "Do we share a common foe, Ironborn?" Her tone makes it difficult to determine whether she is mocking Gruffyd, or whether she thinks they do indeed share an enemy.
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 19:24:26 GMT -5
"Perhaps, or perhaps not, I cannot say," Gruffydd replied. "That would depends on whom you count as foe; there are few men that my uncle considers his enemies, though the list of men who may see him as one is longer. Who sees the Arbor as their enemy, good lady?" he asked.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 19:34:25 GMT -5
"Why, we are loved far and wide," the Lady Josephine smirks. "Of course, there are some men who feel the need to meddle around in the Reach, in affairs that are not their own." She sniffs. "I cannot stand that sort of boorishness."
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 19:37:32 GMT -5
"I too, have no love for men who meddle beyond their own domain. There are men in the Islands, who would act thus, however they learn at cost that Harlaw is no force to be trifled with," Ser Gruffydd replied. "Lord Greyjoy has his Iron Fleet, but the Thane's fleet is near as strong, although our numbers are not so great as your own flotilla that I noticed at port. A most impressive navy, to be sure," he added.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 19:51:08 GMT -5
Oromyr nods in acknowledgement of the compliment. Josephine knocks back her glass of strongwine, then refills it herself.
"So nice with his words, this one," she comments, "And not even a heathen, but a proper member of the Faith, if knighthood means anything anymore. But let's get to the real issue, dear. They call your kind reavers for a reason. Ironborn ships, Harlaw ships, have raided these parts since I was a little girl. And whenever someone points a finger, your leaders are quick to claim it was some rogue captain who did the deed. Can your Lord Harlaw really keep his men in line?"
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 20:14:16 GMT -5
"Five years ago, Lord Myre decided he would be better off not paying the Thane a tithe that was owed, and sank a merchant's ship sailing under the Thane's protection. The vessel I now sail was Lord Myre's ship, before I killed him and took it. My lord uncle had the family hanged, but for one small lad, who he left with Myre's hall and naught else," Gruffydd replied grimly.
"Any who defy Lord Harlaw's word die for such a betrayal, and so it shall be if he were to declare our allies and their interests to be off-limits. All but the most simple and foolish know better than to defy the Thane," he said.
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Post by Horas on May 2, 2011 20:33:47 GMT -5
The heir, Ser Ranulf, who has been undressing a comely serving girl with his eyes, breaks off to add a comment, "I should do that the next time one of my port officials 'loses' a few dragons."
Ranulf aside, Gruffyd can tell he has the attention of the rest of the Redwyne family. Josephine shares a significant look with Oromyr, then nods slightly.
"We have no quarrel with your family," Oromyr says, "And perhaps we can work out some sort of arrangement between us. But if this is to work, it cannot apply only to the Arbor ships. No part of the Reach can be attacked, nor can any ship that flies a Reach flag. Can your Lord agree to that?"
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Post by Sam on May 2, 2011 20:39:09 GMT -5
Gruffydd hesitated a moment, and then nodded. "Aye, he can. The Dornish coasts have long been absent our longships, and there are many riches to be had there, for those with the drive to reach for them. The Reach shall not be a target, in exchange for passage and friendly ports along our routes to the east," he suggested.
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Hope you all are well and happy.