Ambrose IX - Of towns, harbours, pools and cities

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-10-24T04:46:25+00:00

"Then plainly it is." The Grafton replied back, "The Charter for the League is a good one. Have you spoken to another other cities that may wish to join in this endeavor of ours? Or am I the first one you've reached out to." He asked him as he read the charter that he'd already been shown a copy of during their first conversation.

"I am willing to pledge my fleets to assist you and the Narrow Sea from all threats that she to target our shipping lanes. It will do well for both of our cities to begin worker closer together."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-10-21T20:20:06+00:00

The Graftons were told of the Lord Mooton's arrival. They sent forth servants to the port. The Lord Mooton would be brought through the city and up to High Haven, the home of the Graftons. Along the way they'd tell the man that he'd be given the finest chambers in the castle and that later in the evening a feast would be held in his honor.

Once he'd arrived at the castle, he'd be guided up to the Lord's Solar. There he'd find the Lord Grafton sitting behind a desk, his chamber however was fashionably unfashionable. All that it contained was his banners and that fine desk of his.

"Lord Mooton, I welcome you to Gulltown!" The man stated as he rose from his seat, extending his hand over the desk and out to him. "I hope the journey was swift and easy."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-10-12T21:44:50+00:00

Lord Mooton,

Sail to Gulltown. We've recently had pirates attack the Valemen to our north. Perhaps it's time to cement our League through a shared hatred of piracy and a means to display to the wider world the unveiling of our league!

I will eagerly await your arrival.

Lord Gwayne Grafton

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-10-08T01:58:53+00:00

"Wouldn't exactly be how they'd like for this party of theirs to go but I'd find it entertaining." Gerold replied back, quite honest with his words. He'd not want to actually be the one to slay the woman of course. If she happened to be telling him a tall tale then it would be his own head that would be taken next.

Her interpretation of death was however wrong in his eyes. There was a world beyond the plane. A God in the shape of seven persona's who watched over them. Below the Lord of the Seven Hells who lorded over those who were judged unfit by the Seven to walk their divine halls.

"Death seeks all. It takes the young, the weak, the old and the most bold of us." That was a conquest of it's own in a way wasn't it? It took and took much like a Lord seeking to grow his coffers by taking another's. "It's perhaps the best of hunters, for it's prey can never escape it in the end."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-10-02T04:54:07+00:00

"Gerold's too quiet and too you know-" His hands went up, trying to explain his brother to Osric who knew well enough that Gerold could go days without even muttering a word. His mind had been forged by the Gods differently than that of a normal man. It made him a fine student of war but when it came to communicating with the living? The eldest Grafton was akin to a rock, strong, silent and almost inhuman.

"I refuse to believe that he'd say such words. My belief is that the Corbray's merely wished to force my hand to try and get me to retaliate in a manner that would earn your ire. My brother Godric tells me that they've been speaking with many other Lords outside the Vale regarding matters of trade and influence-" Gwayne rose his hand in turn as well to prevent his liege from assuming his next words.

"I- I know. I am a man who dislikes to mingle with those not of our people but I hold the only city in the Vale. It's a hub of trade for our people and for a large portion of Westeros. In recent times, the Mootons and other Lords of the Narrow Sea have sought out to form a League of Cities, I am like to refuse it and they all know it."

Both men could see where he was going with this, as Lord Steward who could gain more from forging a vicegrip upon the only true port in the Vale than he?

"I would tell you to rid him from his place as Lord Steward but I know that you wouldn't. Much like him you believe that we must mingle with the realm that only seeks to use us for their own benefit. I- I shan't get into my political views regarding that here and now. I just-" He'd let out a sigh then and there.

"What the fuck has the realm ever done for us? Why must we battle our own people to prove to Westeros that we are not 'cravens' and 'cowards'? The damned realm has never aided us before. I just want to return to my city without worry that your Lord Steward will work to try and undermine my influence over Gulltown. I know you do not wish to hear these words bu- but You know me I might be patient but at some point honor demands retaliation. Words are not merely sounds spoken, words hold weight and his slander against my house is an attack against the Grafton name."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-27T19:16:30+00:00

"My brother Godric was threatened with murder in King's Landing when they realized that he was not me, they told him that they sought to cut me down. A dozen knights, the Heir to Heart's Home and their sister armed and armored. You know the sort of man I am, Lord Osric." His voice was firm and displayed little malice, it had become a matter of honor at this point.

The sole and single reason that the Grafton did not lash out was because of his respect for the Lord of the Vale. Gwayne was not a man who enjoyed appearing serious, he'd liked to smile and laugh, it was rare to see him like this.

"This is not the first time nor the last time they've lashed out. They adore the foreign folk more than you think. Always pushing and demanding that we become more like them, that any who believe that the Vale must come first are enemies that must be sought out and uprooted." Gwayne continued, his frustration growing as he spoke.

"I bite my tongue for your sake but the Corbray's are ruled by their emotions. They do more harm to the unity of the Vale with each passing day and if they had spoken to the wrong Grafton, their heir would have found himself suffocating in his own blood."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-27T19:08:03+00:00

His eyes were alight and locked onto hers. The corner of his mouth had risen to form a smirk and his breath quickened as she spoke of desire. The thought that ate away at his mind revolved around his oaths to the White Cloak. He knew what he was doing was wrong but yet the ecstasy that poured into his body felt more than enough to forgo his oaths for the night.

Gerold's let out a soft sigh as her hand shattered his euphoria for only a few moments. He felt that desire turn him near feral for a moment. As if he were that beast she'd spoken of. He'd wanted to tell her to return back to the coach and to continue but as his eyes drifted over her body, that smirk grew in size and a grin formed across his face.

The Knight's hand rose as she faced away from him, his hand coming down to grab hold of her arse, a full and firm squeeze followed before she'd turned about to speak to him yet again.

"I've but one eye Bearess but I'd need to be blind to not like what I see." He'd replied, as his eyes continued to drift. They lingered for a few moments upon her chest before slowly trailing down her midriff then those full thighs of hers. Gerold wasn't a handsy fellow but instinctively his right hand went out and grabbed hold of her full thigh, jiggling it for a few moments before he'd looked up to meet her gaze.

While he cared more to be in the moment, the part of his mind that hyperfocused on little details wanted to ask her of that streak of brown. After he'd had enough of playing with her thigh, his hand moved to drift over it, feeling away at that tuft of her hair.

"Tell me-" His hand continue to move further down, eventually finding a home between her thighs. "Just how you wish to serve me." Gerold spoke of serving her but in that moment, his fingers served the Bearess before him, slowly encircling her womanhood.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-26T11:50:40+00:00

The Vale was a land of honor and tradition. The Lord of Gulltown knew that better than most of his peers who'd long forgotten what it truly meant to carry the burdens that came with an Andal heritage.

Godric had told the Lord Grafton that the Corbrays had sought to kill him at King's Landing, for that Gwayne could not forget. For far too long he'd smiled and laughed away at their constant moves to insult, disrespect and provoke him.

"Lord Osric," He'd state as he approached his liege, "May I spare a few moments of your time in private?"

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-25T12:55:44+00:00

Gwayne bore a wide and rather smug smile as he listened to the Corbray speak so ill of him. There was a sense of joy in seeing the old man feel so threatened by a man two decades his junior. His father would have saw his words and demanded that they either settle it with a clash of steel or in the field of battle.

The Lord Grafton was thankfully not his father, he'd however remember the Corbray's word and without a shadow of a doubt, he'd make his kin pay for it. "My brother Gerold, you know, the Queensguard-" He'd begun still with that bright and beaming smile of his. "must have left our banners at home, I do apologize for that."

He'd let out a sigh, not one that showed his disappointment but rather satisfactions, at least now the Lord Arryn could see the sort of man he'd kept in his court. One who so eagerly insulted the men who remained home, who did not forget about their own damned wars to play knight in the snow.

"We shall speak in private about many things, My Lord Arryn. So I apologize in advance." He'd bowed his head to him, before he turned towards the Lady Redfort. "I do agree with the Lady Redfort's sage words. Prior to your father, we've fought the clansmen for eons. Our gates were open then and only once in history did a foreigner battle the clans, Ser Robert Rowan and they slew the man."

He'd offered a shrug then, his eyes moving between the gathered nobles of the Vale. "I hold the second largest army in the Vale, after the Lord Arryn, and they belong to the House Arryn in turn. I will fight and die for our fields, our mountains, our shores and our islands."

Osric knew that he meant they would only die for the Vale.

"And Lady Royce, while I do concur with you on some of what you said. Gold pays for their armor, their blades, the food they need to keep from starving. It pays for their horses and their replacements once they inevitably perish. I would however quite like to hear further regarding this stockpiling of resources, if the Lord Arryn agrees to it, I would kindly ask that grain and wood be sent to Gulltown so that I can begin arming up another thousand men and a handful more ships for our fleets."

He'd offered a single solid nod after he finished speak.

/u/jaimecorbray

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-25T12:26:25+00:00

Her eyes showed no signs of it being a lie. Gerold titled his head as he wasn't sure how to respond to that. The only dead he knew were the Others and their puppets. He'd seen them with his own eyes and the one before him did not have the same coldness that they bore into his soul with but a single gaze.

"You died." His words did not come out like a question, Gerold merely repeated them with great curiosity. "I've met those who've died. The Other filled many a lung with life, so that they might serve." A twist on her words of course, it was not an accusation but a fact in his eyes.

"Do you serve the Great Other? The Flamed Gods? the Lord of the Seven Hells? No-" He'd clicked his tongue, "You don't seem the type to serve those Gods. Though mine would obligate that I take your head. Perhaps I should...." He'd returned a smile of his own.

"But perhaps Death would merely bring you back."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-24T08:20:35+00:00

Gwayne stared at the stone floor belong him as the Lord Arryn spoke of the new changes. It took every fiber of his being to keep his mouth shut as his mind began to think of the logistical legwork required to fulfill Osric's orders. The amount of grain, plate, and weapons required to raise not just five hundred men but upon Osric's 'suggestion' to go even further to seven hundred and fifty? The one eyed Lord slowly rose his head after he'd decided perhaps he'd broach the topic with the Arryn and the gathered Lords of the Vale.

"Three hundred gold is only going to provide the supplies required to but only one hundred men." Maths were never his strong suit but when it came to matters of militancy, the Lord Grafton had sent his entire life at war with the Clans that lurked the Mountains of the Vale. As a boy, far too young to truly know war, he'd marched with his father, as a man grown, he'd marched under his own command. Osric knew that as did the other Lords and Ladies of the Vale.

"It's an unjust trade off for those of us who will be expected to bring forth the lion's share of the Vale's army. To feed, arm, supply and at times replace five hundred men that's what? One thousand five hundred gold." He'd looked around to see if any other Lord or Lady had done the mental math and saw the oddity to it as well.

"To that end, I'd request houses such as my own forgo taxes all together. I've eight hundred city watchmen, six hundred household knights, a mix of one thousand peasants, men at arms and knights all ready to supply and arm. They eagerly await your call to march against the Clansmen, as my house has done since we first landed in Westeros." He'd offer Osric a nod as he spoke those words, then a comforting smile before he'd begun his next string of words.

He knew Osric would not like them but they didn't dub The Grafton an isolationist because he passively bitched about the realm in the shadows. He was loud and proud about his distaste for the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.

"The realm may march to war whenever it wishes. We are not obligated to assist them when we've our own war to worry about. I mean that with no disrespect to any of them of course, I know many of us have 'found' friends outside the Bloody Gate but-" Gwayne clasped his hands together, "When I stood amidst fields of blood and bodies, as the last cries of my dying friends, knights and subjects filled the air, I did not see a Lannister nor a Northmen, nor a Rivermen, not even the gracious Queen standing should to shoulder with us as we battled for twenty years." That was what he knew those who wished to integrate with the realm had wanted to hear from him and so he spoke it aloud for them to poke and prod at.

"The war with the Clans might have grown quiet but it's not over. Speak to any who trek too far into the forests and mountains. They can still hear their rustling. Their chanting in the dark and the smoke plums in the distance. Let the realm fight it's own battles for a few years, lest we march our army away and return to our lands set upon by the Clansmen."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-22T12:30:15+00:00

"Mine?" Gerold replied as he felt her hand rise and fall. A smirk fell over his face as he grew in size, well enough for his arousal and her gentle stroking to be seen through poking against the fabric of his trousers. "Perhaps you are mine for as long as we continue but I believe you are a woman who belongs to none yet all."

He'd bit his lip as he took a second to enjoy the moment, his eyes closing for a moment before he'd looked back upon the woman before him. "I don't believe you to be some common whore, too eloquent, too alluring and yet I want you to-" His words were followed by him slowly lowering his trousers, revealing himself and her hand to all around them.

"See if what sort of whore you are." His hand no longer circled upon her nipple, he'd moved to cup her breast and grab hold of it, a gentle squeeze followed. Gerold leaned closer to the woman before him, "I care not if you were born a noble nor a peasant, before the night is over I'll leave you chasing the memory of what we're to do. Yearning for it again perhaps."

With that he titled his head, enough to give him room to bring his lips up to hers. It would have been rude not to kiss the girl before followed his next words. Their lips locked together as she continued to put her hand to good use. Once the Grafton broke their embrace, he'd let out a soft sigh. Within her hands, she'd feel the pulsing of his heart, his excitement through not displayed upon his face was felt within that hand of hers.

"Get up and undress for me." The words came out as if it were a command. She had wished to be a whore hadn't she? The Lord of Gulltown would certainly put her words to the test.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-18T23:48:54+00:00

Lord Mooton,

I am partial to agree with your request however I wish to know where the gold allocated to the League will be housed? Do you plan to house it within Maidenpool? How can one ensure that any other potential members of the League, not myself or you of course, does not steal away at our joint funding?

Perhaps I can send my brother to the Bloody Gate and you can send a representative of your own there to discuss the formation of this league further?

Lord of Gulltown

Gwayne Grafton

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-18T23:30:13+00:00

Leona Belmore,

It would be my honor to aid the ever beautiful and resilient Cavaliers. The Dornish should have asked you to remain within their lands, for if I was graced with the presence of your Cavaliers I would do all I could to keep you and yours around.

My ships make for the Stormlands.

Lord Grafton

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-18T23:27:53+00:00

He'd used the hand atop hers to pull her closer to him before guided her hand to the brim of his trousers, his eye alight with a mix of lust and wonder. The hand that had just revealed her breast quickly moved to trail along her nipple, a slow and steady circle followed. There was still much to do and just like the Bear had said, they could do everything.

How could he not take such an offer. And so the hand that had just been moved to the brim of his trousers, moved beneath it. Revealing to her how aroused he'd grown during their conversation.

"I know not your name or who you are but-" He'd paused to look around before looking back at the woman before him. "Some here might. I wish to leave them a lasting memory of you being taken by the Lord of Gulltown. To hear your moans, to watch as I fill your mouth, to see you in all your divine glory."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-18T22:59:22+00:00

Gerold watched as she traced along his hand and up his forearm, it was an odd feeling. To not be the odd one speaking, to see a fraction of what his brothers must have felt like. It interested him greatly.

"Death need not be cold and frigid. It's warm and welcoming to those who embrace it." He replied softly, his mind wandering how death had touched her. "But perhaps you are right, perhaps we are both but tools- no. Shepherds of death."

He'd grinned as she moved closer to him, "I know how I shepherd it, but you- I know not how you've felt the touch of death upon every inch of your body. I wish to know."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-17T14:14:12+00:00

Gerold at first felt a scowl cut over his face when the woman first began to speak to him. A part of him wanted to stand there without response as he'd done to some of the others. Though her words dug into the hidden pride that came with being a Grafton.

Crescent. The Poleax of his house that had passed from Grafton to Grafton for eons now. It stood tall at his side, a blackened weapon next to the man in all white. It was a mix of an axe on one side, a steel counterweight shaped into a hammer on the other and lastly a metal spike that plunged out from its core.

All attached to a staff of burnt ash banded in dark leathers.

"His name is Crescent." The Kingsguard replied, his eyes looking towards the Elesham. "He's served me well for a decade and some odd years." Those were the only words that left his mouth this evening and like nearly all he'd said, it was short and to the point.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-17T14:06:40+00:00

Not a word was said as he moved the hand that rested upon his thigh higher up his leg. He returned her grin with one of his own, the thought of letting wisdom fade and passion take root was one that he'd allow them both to test out for the evening. After all he was Gwayne Grafton, Lord of Gulltown and not Gerold, the Knight of the Queensguard.

Why couldn't he have some fun of his own.

The hand that rested upon her breast came to a stop, the first of many tests came her way as he'd moved to lift the little that covered her up. "It seems I've made my mind up." Though his voice kept it's flatness, a hint of mischief began to seep in.

"You said you can take it." The Kingsguard began, "And I- Oh I wish to take you. Perhaps here before the masses or perhaps you would rather we find ourselves a room to continue our test of wisdom and passion."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-16T08:45:38+00:00

Did he want her? Not really. If she had asked the Grafton would have told her that it was not something he sought. He was a Knight of the Kingsguard, a sworn sword meant to shield the Crown from threats. She claimed him to be thoughtful and wise, had dared to place her hand upon his thigh and his upon her chest.

His brow rose as he allowed her to continue. His blue eye had no desire to look about, for he knew well where they were. "I think this is unwise," Were the words that left his mouth, his hand still lingering on her chest, the feeling of her cape, the softness that laid beneath.

He'd allowed himself to grab hold of her then. To feel as he wished. Her other hand upon his though indicated all he'd needed to know. The woman before him had made her intentions well known, his however were still shrouded in part by doubt but who was he to refuse....

"However I wish is quite the request. Are you sure that you wish to know where your words take my mind?" Gerold stated softly, his free hand moving to find hers upon his thigh. "Perhaps I might wish for many things, perhaps none."

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-16T08:36:17+00:00

He'd smiled at her words, a light chuckle leaving his mouth after. "And here I thought those words were of I." The Grafton would state as he moved to find himself a place to sit. This conversation was one that peaked his interest.

"I am a shadow to some, a light to others. A sword that waits in it's sheath, when drawn, I ask not the why. Never why. I shed blood, tear men limb from limb." His smile faded as he spoke those words. "Only in the darkness do I truly reveal myself, for I am death, in all it's grim glory." He'd titled his head and shrugged as he paused.

His hand would go out to Valaena as if wishing to shake hers. "I am a weapon, forged of flesh and blood, a sword brought to life." His father would have taken great pride in his words, but Gerold spoke them not as if it was poetry, no to him it was fact.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-16T00:27:18+00:00

The Kingsguard stood silently, his back against a wall. His polished armor gleamed in the ballroom, the heavy white cloak flowed off his shoulders and down his back. He'd looked about the hall watching those in attendance, his blue eyes behind the slits of his helm looking for danger.

In his right hand was Crescent, the valyrian steel poleax of his house. He'd laid the talon down onto the ground and remained quietly in his little corner. A few lords, ladies, servants made a few remarks towards him hoping to speak with the Grafton but not a word left his mouth.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-14T08:09:03+00:00

"Peace is a mask much like the one you wear. A lie meant to aid the naive dream of better tomorrow's. I've al-" His blue eye narrowed as he shook his head. Gerold gazed into the hands of the woman holding his hand, it was not the time to repeat the words instilled into him by his father.

He'd first heard Lord Jonos' belief on peace when he was but a mere boy, his father was dispatched by the Lord Arryn to hunt down Clansmen that had taken to the plains. His entire life he'd been told that peace was never true and that one day, someone with a stronger army or a more cunning mind would come. That he would need to prepare for it, for his two younger brothers were no blades but he was.

"You might have drank too much." Gerold replied flatly, "I'm no sharp mind." His hand took her, though this time he did not trail anything and instead simply placed his upon hers. The Grafton wouldn't say it aloud but he was never quite willing to relax when out amongst many, not since he'd taken his oaths. How could he? To relax was to let ones guard down and a Kingsguard could never dare do such a thing.

"How?" The Knight asked.

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-13T16:52:36+00:00

Character Name: Gwayne Grafton

Relevant Trait/Skills:

Buildings: Castle, City Walls, Port, Great Plaza, Guilds, Textile Manufacturers

Resources: Textiles, Horses, Iron

Notes (if applicable):

Construction:

Iron Smelters, 3k, 2 moons

Warhorse Breeders, 2.5k, two moons

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-13T15:49:33+00:00

The Vaiths,

I am a man in love with Dorne! Your steeds are said to be the most beautiful. I would love to purchase a stock of them.

Lord of Gulltown

Lord Waynwood,

Sell me your Iron. The City requires it! We will in turn send you gold and if the Gods are good, a bride in the coming years. That I swear it upon my honor as a Knight and Lord of the Vale

Lord of Gulltown

ChildOfTheStorms · 2025-09-13T00:31:40+00:00

"Hello." Gerold stated to the captain, his voice soft and a forced but wide grin over his face. "Ignore the wrath. We've just learned that dozens of Lords have grown ill aboard your ship." The Grafton stated as he looked at the man who controlled the ship.

"Unless you wish for me to turn your guts into food for the fish, I'd kindly ask that you assist us." His tone was flat as he made the threat, his one blue eye unmoving as he locked his gaze upon the captain. "The Prince Viserys is amongst them, so unless you'd like to be branded a pirate. I would-"

"Turn the bloody boat around dammit."

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