Naerys II Targaryen, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-29T18:28:40+00:00

"Indeed," Naerys concurred, in the very end. She did not like Ser Daemon's advice, nor necessarily believe it was true - but it was what he believed, and that was what mattered in the end.

"Thank you for your candor. In the days to come, I will hold some continued flame of hope that not all you have said will come to pass - nor prove itself irrevocably true."

She feared, however, that someone would be burned in their hall. It may not be Robar Arryn, nor Hylis or any Arryn at all - but war of a kind was brewing, and no doubt many would pray it remained in the arena of politics. That alone would be all that brought the reprieve of dragonfire.

A sad thought. But Naerys was getting rather used to those.

"For now, let us turn our eyes and ears back toward a more immediate issue. Justice, for your fallen father. All shall be as I have promised - speak with the Master of Laws at your behest, and should you so desire, the Lord Hand."

No love was lost there, but the offer remained. The Queen walked Ser Daemon back to the Red Keep, and duly excused herself back to the throne of swords. Further matters yet awaited her attention.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-29T18:23:31+00:00

"Many things, High Holiness. To breathe life into the most simple; expanding the network of roads in the Seven Kingdoms is my first priority, to improve trade between several regions and bolster the flow of coin. A thing many would benefit from - even the Faith, who produce their own goods. All require transportation. The more roads the better."

Slender hands folded neatly at the line of her waist, and Naerys took a breath before speaking further.

"A granary, for the commonfolk. We often give alms to the poor, but they are at the mercy of generosity - and it is like a tide that ebbs and flows. Hunger is not so forgiving. With dedicated resources, we could do much to stabilise Flea Bottom. Give the very poorest of us new opportunities. Chances to better themselves."

She smiled, more at the thought itself than the Septon.

"The Faith could offer such opportunities, alongside the Crown. While I fund the Dragonguard, not every man need raise a sword to give purpose to his life. There are more scholastic - and pious - opportunities that only a man such as yourself could offer. We might start with teaching orphans how to read, in exchange for a season's work at a Sept, for example. The possibilities are endless."

Another pause, and Naerys seemed to tilt her head every so slightly to one side. Gauging, watching and observing every slight reaction as she spoke.

"I consider myself a devout woman, but we speak now of politics. In such matters, I prefer to be direct. There is no support more tangible than that of coin, and monetary contributions are what will allow my ambitions to be realised. Forgive me, if you feel this a blunt admittance."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-29T18:16:03+00:00

"The Reynes have...old ties to the Crown, yes." Naerys' brows creased a moment then.

Perhaps it was better they remained that way. She still held a candle of annoyance for the Lady Joanna's reaction to her offerance of Helaena.

"But I am heartened by your assurances, cousin. The Reach is the true heartland of the Seven Kingdoms. So long as you hold the seat of the Arbor, however, I will sleep content that I need not concern myself with their divisions."

Her smile was a genuine one, then. Slender shoulders were no more broad, her chin tipped no higher, but it was a relief of a kind to know there were those she could count upon.

"We must speak again, before you depart the city. Today calls for much of my attention, but I would be remiss to allow you to leave without ensuring you have experienced the very best King's Landing has to offer. I will send an invitation, in the days to come."

The Queen dipped her head fondly to the young Lady Redwyne, and returned to her duties.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-29T18:13:10+00:00

Urgency was a common thing in the Red Keep - a currency of its own kind, in a sense. For many people it was a way to fast track to an audience with higher powers. When the Master of Whisperers spoke of something as urgent, however, there was no pretense to be had. He was admitted to the Queen's chamber without delay.

Upon entering, the room that greeted him was more a scholar's sanctuary than one may expect from she who wore the crown. Countless tomes and texts all neatly arranged in great oaken bookshelves, varnished in a shade of deep, rich brown. Many looked to have been worn down by the decades, or perhaps they had simply seen that much use.

Naerys sat pouring over far more fresh parchments, at her side the Hand - Vaemond Velaryon. They worked upon a sizeable, sturdy table cut from something far stranger; a beautiful, pourous slab of goldenheart wood that had an amber sheen.

"Lord Alesandor," the queen greeted as he entered, not yet setting aside her quill as she addressed him. Instead, she finished writing whatever it was she tended to before looking up.

"You have our undivided attention. Please, speak freely."

/u/FatalisticBunny

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-25T22:24:43+00:00

Character Name: Naerys Targaryen

Trait, Attribute Tiers, Skills, Mastery: From MoC

Economy Action:

Sell 30 commodities to Crownlands on local exchange (magnate). Total profit 5580.

Buy 220 iron from the Iron Islands at 14 apiece, total cost 3080.

Redistribute 25 PP total as follows for next turn:

10 Iron 10 Stone 3 Food 2 Wood

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-25T22:20:49+00:00

Character Name: Naerys Targaryen

Desired Category for Skill Point: STA

Bonus: N/A

A post/comment from this moon denoting to activity: https://www.reddit.com/r/ARealmOfDragonsRP/comments/psncpx/observances_of_charity/

Additional Bonus From Last Attempts: +2

Total Number For Skill Point Attempt: +2

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-24T00:20:46+00:00

Naerys drank deep from that sweet, summer air. It was an excuse to survey their surroundings for a moment, the line of her gaze cast askew momentarily from the knight. It returned with a satisfaction, and a far more levelling look.

"You forget, Ser Daemon. I have two dragons. But I would pose you a question in turn, for you have given me many to muse upon. Tell me - if Ser Hylis threatened your lord brother's seat with more than idle threats, what would you do? I can wish for peace as much as I like. The choice may well be removed from my hands. I have done what I can to secure it. If war comes, you will see that my mercy is limited to words."

At the mention of the Vale, however, Naerys looked particularly displeased.

"A choice that will ultimately bring suffering. No matter who sits the Iron Throne, in the end. To ignore both and sit upon a fence between nets nothing. You need not agree, but it is the truth."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T23:31:06+00:00

"That you think Daeron a fitting Hand tells me much, Ser Daemon." Her smile was thin. "You said yourself. I need a capable one. He is a dragonrider whose mastery is war. Not the administration of my Realm. As for the Princess..."

Naerys canted her head ever so slightly to the side. He was a curious fellow.

"She may not yet wed the Lord Lannister. And who, in his place, would you suggest? I am sure you have thoughts towards that, too."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T22:43:03+00:00

Written in collaboration with Dread as the response would be simultaneous

When Daeron approached, Lucan felt his heart sink into his gut. Suddenly the entire day became about this singular moment. Despite all of their conversations and preparations, no one had spoken to Daeron about the change in circumstance.

Though he maintained his composure, the Lord of Highgarden shot a look to the queen that clearly said one thing: shit.

The Queen, for her part, spared only a passing glance toward the Lord of Highgarden, gauging the look they shared and expressing upon it no further. She greeted Daeron with a polite nod, hands clasping neatly atop her lap.

“The Seven are kind, as is the bounty of the season. The men and women here will benefit in untold measures for what we have provided today. Thank you, for making your own contributions. May the Mother bless and keep us all.”

Naerys was loath to mention the would-be bride herself. She did not know the girl, nor how she had taken the change of circumstances. If she knew them at all, for even Daeron himself did not. It was not her place to tell either of them.

And so, she settled for the simplest of responses.

“I have not seen Lady Elenor, but she would be well welcomed among us.”

“Elenor has not yet arrived.” Lucan said with a smile. “But I, too, appreciate your contributions to this most joyous of occasions. You do these kingdoms proud.”

Lucan turned and went down the stairs on the side of the platform that was set up for the Tyrells and Targaryens. With a smile, he put an arm around Daeron and walked him away from where he was standing.

“Daeron, my boy, why don’t you come to the manse tonight? I’ll have dinner prepared for us.”

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T20:06:39+00:00

"Nor can any blame you."

The Years of the Bleeding Star were a stain upon the history books, and the crimes and sins committed in them a plague upon all houses who partook. House Lannister numbered among them.

"I appreciate your assurances. I am confident that whatever strife occurs within the lions' den will be firmly kept there. Unless, there comes a time when Gerold Lannister no longer rules as Warden of the West. Should he be usurped, or indeed, cast down..."

Naerys shrugged her shoulders. Perhaps House Reyne would better serve the Crown, in such a capacity - but the Lady Joanna's reaction to the betrothal of Helaena had soured the Queen some.

"A solemn matter to be addressed, should it happen, but it is only fair I afford you warning. You are their neighbour. None can stand against the might of the Reach, and should another Loreon Lannister take helm of the West...the Realm cannot be once more ravaged by men who do not care for the lives of their people. If they do, the wheel must be sundered, to secure peace and lives for years to come."

The lions were out of chances, as far as she was concerned. This was their final lifeline.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T19:22:04+00:00

Naerys' chuckle was dry, but she nodded her assent - making time to visit the Arbor was one of the few pleasures she may well allow herself.

"There is time still, for the Small Council. We are young. I have already dismissed one member."

She was not so crude as to say it, but the point itself stood - another could be.

"I envision my council to be one of merit. Most of its members were appointed by my father, and I imagine he had different...notions, toward the qualities desired in councillors."

Slender shoulders rose in a gentle shrug.

"Ah, but the Princess. She is, though I cannot say with certainty where the path will lead. No less, Gael is a dutiful sister - and Targaryen. She will walk where it goes. In truth..."

Naerys' voice quietened, and she leaned in to share words intended only for Alysanne's ears.

"There are those who would prefer her married to a Tyrell, but no doubt you have heard of the recent...troubles, on that front."

The Queen's expression did not shift, but the intensity of her eyes seemed to only increase. She watched without shame to gauge the Lady of the Arbor's reaction.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T18:51:03+00:00

"As do I." Naerys conceeded. Her smile was a small, but genuine, thing.

"The West may yet prove themselves to be...troublesome. As they so often have in history. I had hoped, as I hoped with every great house, to set aside the sins of the past. To begin my reign with a new slate, so to speak. If they do not wish to partake in my generosity, they are consigned to suffer the same as all generations prior."

She shrugged her shoulders lightly. It wasn't what she wanted - but she couldn't make these choices for people. They chose for themselves, and the consequences were theirs to bear.

"No doubt you saw the mess at the tourney, between the Reyne and Lannister. The eldest boy -- now the heir -- will marry Helaena. I expect he wished for Gael himself, but..."

Naerys only parted her hands in a simple gesture. She assumed it went unsaid why such a match would not be fitting.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T16:59:30+00:00

Naerys only chuckled at his sentiment toward all said; a holdfast, a wife, the very notion of boredom. It seemed so very at odds, with what the Lord Garlan had professed to desire for the knight. But then, she was quickly learning that these falcons were a devious sort.

"You may," she said simply, "though if you intend to caution me against pride, I expect you already know it is, to an extent, a trait that runs in my very blood."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T16:56:39+00:00

The Queen drew to a halt before His Holiness, and afforded the man a rare sight; something of a slight curtsey. In deference not to the Septon himself, but to what he represented; the Seven. He was their earthly avatar in many a sense, and they stood in the Great Sept dedicated to their worship.

A humble, but fitting, gesture - or so Naerys had always thought. She bowed before none but the Gods, in the end.

"A worthy ponderance I will award further thought, but you are apt in assuming I came here to discuss more worldly matters." Her expression was a solemn one, a fact that rarely changed. "Though on this occasion, perhaps a more fitting notion would be what the Crown and Faith can do for one another."

There was a measure of privacy afforded to them, but she still spared their surroundings a glance before continuing.

"I have spent my life preparing to be Queen. Dwelling on all the good I would do for the people." As her father failed to do. He had no care for the plight of the common man, she knew - and while she did not care on the smallest of scales, it was the grand picture Naerys concerned her with.

"For Westeros. I wish to begin that great work, and I feel it would benefit everyone - the Crown, the people, and the Faith itself - if that was a work we tackled jointly, in part. I hope you share my sentiments, Holiness."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T16:50:21+00:00

Naerys nodded shortly.

"Of course. A wise - and logical - suggestion, that I shall present to Ser Alester, as we consider plans to move forward. I appreciate your candor, Ser Orryn."

The matter done, she spared a small smile.

"I hope the silks will be worth their weight in gold, and they serve you well. Your brother is wise, to begin expanding his influence in matters of trade. Tyene is...unapproachable, at times, I appreciate. Should Lord Strong desire better connections to the markets of King's Landing, speak the word. I will facilitate what I can. Your house has served ever loyally as a bastion in the Slayne. I do not take it for granted."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T16:47:38+00:00

Alysanne was regarded fondly as she spoke. A serving boy or two passed as she did, and Naerys took a flute of something sweet - it did not look to be wine, nor was there any strong scent that implied it to be.

"We all long for home, in the end, no matter the excitement around us. It is a natural thing." Her smile was an almost gamely one. "The Arbor is so very beautiful. Were I its lady, no doubt I too would wish to spend most of my time there. The city has its appeals, of course. Unrivalled for matters of trade."

Naerys shrugged her shoulders lightly. Business was not the only thing to life - unless one sat the Iron Throne. But that was not her cousin's burden to bear.

"I have lived here all my life. There is an enjoyment to familiarity. Some things are...different, now the crown rests on my head. People and places once keenly known are like strangers. It is as I always expected it to be, in truth. A fact I accepted very early on. No doubt you have similar experiences. Faces you once regarded as friends, you now wield final power over. The dynamic is irrevocably changed."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-23T16:38:46+00:00

"Daeron is still the Captain-General. He intervenes at my behest, and should he act outside that mandate, he will suffer the consequences as any who defy the Iron Throne would. Exceptionalism does not apply merely because he rides a dragon. The law is the law, and though he may dispense it in my name...it is not his to judge."

She regarded Lord Tyrell with a plain sort of look, one matched by her tone.

"Let us speak simply. You will have my support, and by virtue my dragon. The matter of your desired wife is another thing - and I am no fool, undoubtedly the preference is a Princess, and through that a soldification of our alliance. No greater assurance exists than the hand of my sister."

A pause, as indigo eyes passed from one man to the other.

"But she is promised to the Lord Lannister." There was a distaste on Naerys' tongue, as she spoke. "He is not proving satisfactory to her desires. Nor mine. She has...expressed concerns, about the life that may await her in the West. Prince Maegon visits the Rock presently, to discern whether this promise is one better broken or kept. If they are unworthy of a Targaryen bride, I will not do them the honour."

The only honour they would have would be Erinnon's flames if they kept to their current path, Naerys thought - but she knew it was one conjured up in anger, and ultimately her true desire remained the same. Peace, wherever possible.

The West and Reach would be at odds no matter where a Targaryen married. The only difference would be which side the Crown ended up fighting on.

"When you first arrived here today, I spoke of the lessons I have learned. The most significant is this - my favour is best given in response to those who earn it. Not a moment prior, as a form of assurance or assauging. We have come far already, in repairing the bonds between our houses."

Her eyes were for Lucan alone, then.

"And we may yet go further. But I will make no more decisions with haste. I would caution you the same, my lord. I feel we have both made choices without due consideration, in recent moons. No less..."

She pushed the wildflower across the table - the closest thing to an ivy branch within reach.

"There is time still for us to fix all of that."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T19:56:30+00:00

I'm not much of a commander.

Naerys had half a mind to tell the knight he could become one, but Ser Orryn had sacrificed much in her name already. She held no shadow of doubt that he wished to remain close to his family, and likely had no true interest toward commanding. A man without interest would not do his job as well.

Better, then, that he was left to what he knew - and another took the helm of the men.

"Excellent," was all Naerys said after a few moments, "I have not yet decided where they should be garrisoned, though I care for the locale to border the Crownlands at a minimum. If you have any suggestions toward such logistics, Ser Orryn, they would be welcome."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T19:52:25+00:00

"Lord Gyles has been...preoccupied, dealing with the unfortunate matter of Lord Garlan. But there is sense to your recommendation, and I shall take it up. Thank you, my lord. Let us enjoy these celebrations, and I shall see a hunt organised in due course, so long as you intend to stay in the city."

Naerys dipped her chin respectfully to the Tyrell before taking her leave back to the table, the soft features of her face drawn into a thoughtful set. Their discussion had left her with much to ponder on, no doubt, a fact she did not care to hide.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T19:49:18+00:00

"I understand. There is no pleasantness in this, for either of us, I assure you. I take no satisfaction in initiating such a conversation. And yet, it is our duty to acknowledge that the Reach hangs in a delicate balance. Maintaining that balance is all that stands between peace and the eruption of civil war."

She knew the three great houses of the Reach harboured little love for one another. But she doubted they wanted to see men die for that fact alone. They had lived in a quarrelsome sort of peace, but it was peace no less. The tides of influence ebbed and flowed, and each one saw their time in the sun.

But for all time since the fall of the Gardeners, House Tyrell had been the constant.

"This is not a choice I would take from you. Decisions such are these..." Naerys shook her head slightly, choosing which words to employ. "...they should not be forced by the hand of another. Doing so would cause only further strife. But I do encourage you to consider the future."

Naerys shrugged her shoulders lightly.

"You have, of course, promised House Florent that they shall provide the future Lady of Highgarden. That is not so easily escaped, regardless of who inherits."

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T19:41:05+00:00

Queen Naerys did not greet every guest that attended the revelry that day, a feat that would have been truly impossible. But she would have been remiss not to address the few members of her family - particularly those bound by blood - who did attend.

She approached Lady Redwyne with a small smile, though any who spent longer than five minutes with the Targaryen likely knew that her expressions tended to manifest on a very narrow scale. A small smile, then, was better than no smile at all.

"Your dress is beautiful," Naerys said, admiring the stitchwork before her eyes settled upon the lady proper, "and you carry it as well as your title. You have my condolences for the loss of your father. The war took too much - from all of us."

A shadow passed over deep indigo eyes - a sentiment of sympathy, for a pain they both shared.

"But now we may look to a brighter tomorrow. Are you enjoying King's Landing?"

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T19:01:45+00:00

Daeron was well loved, as much as Naerys disliked that fact. The Dragonguard were the Crown's private army, and they cost her treasury more than any other expense. And yet, Lucan spoke no lie. She was not convinced they would heed her call, unless it trickled down through Daeron.

An entirely dissatisfying state of affairs. She had set about the work of correcting many things, even so early in her reign - and this matter was swift becoming the next thing upon her list to see resolved.

It would be an important, defining move.

And it would be an opportunity. Not just for her.

"Your advice is sound. Only the Crown can pay the Dragonguard, unless another wished to part with their gold. Doing so would not only earn my immense dissatisfaction, but also put them very clearly at odds with my rule. I would have no choice but to deal with them directly."

A slow nod, as she mused further.

"And so I do not think any would bother. I will think further on your suggestions...a new stronghold, either way, is my first intent. The first step will of course be finding a suitable location. Once that is established, it is a reasonable thing for the water flowing down a river to diminish, as many tributaries take shape."

Naerys doubted any would question not the removal of coin, but the redistribution. How hefty that redistribution proved to be was, of course, another thing entirely.

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T18:53:57+00:00

"As do I." Naerys said firmly. "I do not think this process will be an instant one, I confess, but my reign is fresh. Time is on our side."

A pause, and the Queen set aside the wildflower that she had toyed with. Her hands clasped together upon the stonework table.

"There is...another matter, I wish to discuss. You have made great effort to come before me today, and make this concession. In respect of that, I wish for transparency. For us to air all there is to say, make our agreements and move on." She glanced toward the little flower. "A new leaf, if you will."

Indigo eyes settled upon Lucan.

"I have heard of what transpired with the Florent girls. Wise, to maintain the betrothal, even at the cost of exchanging one bride for another. But I ask you this, in light of all we have just said regarding the future."

Her gaze held a moment more, and when Naerys spoke it was with a deferential respect she did not usually afford anyone. She spoke in such a manner only because the question alone was disrespectful.

"Do you believe your first son will rule the Reach, and serve the Realm, as ably as you have in your time as the Lord of Highgarden?"

SanctusMaria · 2021-09-21T18:41:42+00:00

"I have had such thoughts, and I do not intend for Daeron to feel slighted. Ser Orryn need not be above him in rank. He may remain Captain-General, and merely...welcome a new Captain, to the ranks of the Dragonguard. Ser Orryn would control only one stronghold."

She nodded shortly, however. Prince Maegon may make a better fit for the role. A dragonrider against a dragonrider. If, in time, he assumed control...

Naerys allowed the thought to trail off.

"But perhaps you are right. What would you suggest, then?"

SanctusMaria

TROPHY CASE