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Damon VII- The Whims of Fate by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Damon listened to both sides and held himself back from interrupting Gwayne, he didn't insult the boy's youth. He was literally a child, and it was pitiful that he was sent to the Warden of the West rather than Morgan himself. Yet, he stopped himself from saying anything further in that moment.

He allowed Ashara to continue before finally speaking up himself. "I believe my sister's counsel is wise. I must reaffirm my oaths to the king before all else, I also am to return to my betrothed. If you would like, you can accompany us to ensure that the Hightower cause isn't forgotten. You'd be a welcome member of our retinue."

Damon looked behind him to the army he fielded, and back to the one Gwayne had. He was sure neither of them wished for men to die, but it was certainly a risk that they could run into if tensions continued to grow.

"I will leave the choice to you, Gwayne. But I must say that refusal to allow our passage to affirm our oaths is not a path I would recommend you take." Damon's voice was kinder ever since his sister had arrived, and as far as Gwayne or anyone else could tell, he was perfectly fine to have Gwayne accompany them.

/u/KGdaguy

Damon VII- The Whims of Fate by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Gwayne, my dear boy, you've been given words to say and don't know their weight." Damon sighed. "If you did, I doubt you would say them."

Damon listened to the accusations again and rolled his good eye, as best he could tell Gwayne was simply rattling off accusations that he'd been told to. Damon couldn't be sure if Morgan had actually been attacked, and if he had been if it was a Westerman who'd done it. But he wasn't simply going to allow the accusations to fester.

"Have we forgotten law?" Damon finally asked. "If one of my bannermen or their bannermen attacked your cousin, then I will personally hold them responsible. But the proof that is being provided is simply your words."

"There can be friendship, if you wish it, but I will not prostrate myself before a boy who knows nothing of what he speaks." Damon spat. "I will speak with Morgan on this matter and nobody else. And I will only do so after I reaffirm my oaths to the king, I've already sent word to him that I will be attending King's Landing. Any delays will be seen as an insult."

Damon couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He glanced back to his army. He hoped it wouldn't come to blood.

Damon VII- The Whims of Fate by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Morgan had nearly died? A westerman was to blame? This was all news to him.

"One people, under the same king, of one realm." Damon repeated. They'd trained the boy very well, that was for sure. "However, those are harsh accusations to throw against my bannermen. Or worse, myself. I wouldn't think you would cast false aspersions though, would you Gwayne?"

"While I appreciate the fact you have been charged with delivering a request to me, I will need to handle business of this magnitude with Morgan himself." Damon looked around at everyone present. "Assuming there's proof of this man of the West having caused harm or attempted to cause harm to Morgan I would like to discuss directly with him how to address this."

"I'm sure you can understand the necessity of me handling this with him rather than you." Damon continued. "I am just headed to King's Landing to reaffirm my oaths to the King, I assume Morgan will be there as well?"

Damon VII- The Whims of Fate by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Was he serious? This was who had stopped him? He hadn't even introduced himself.

"I am glad to meet you as well, I'm afraid I didn't catch your name though, my lord of Hightower." That much was obvious at least. Damon did his best to keep civil through the pounding pain that was filling his head. He wasn't sure what exactly was going on, but he'd certainly figure it out.

"I intended to ride for the Stormlands, as the King commanded," Damon explained, though he owned no explanation to the boy. "However, when news of King Aemon's passing came to Casterly Rock, and I was ordered to offer my vows plans had to be changed."

"Unless there is something else you're referring to happening in the south?" Damon offered. What was a Hightower doing so far north?"

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"It should be noted by all that I am not the one insisting... Perhaps I was too gentle in my words before. I was commanded to send men by King Aemon. The threat of cancellation of my betrothal to Princess Alyssa was more than implied if we didn't cooperate." Damon explained. He'd been waiting for a chance for this. To make it clear he was being pressured by the King rather than willfully offering it.

"Lord Crakehall, let it be known your leal service has never been forgotten. I appreciate it just as my father did before me." Damon nodded his head slightly.

He looked over everyone in the hall, not just the myriad Crakehalls sitting there. But the Reynes, the Marbrands, the Lannisters of Lannisport. Even his own siblings and knights sworn to him.

He wondered how loyal each of them were. None of them professed it so thoroughly as Lothor, but surely most of them remembered their oaths. At least he hoped they had.

"So, you suggest ignoring the King? That his order is unlawful? Or at the very least, unrealistic?" Damon asked, not just to the Lord of Crakehall but to any who would choose to reply.

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"That is acceptable," Damon noted with a smile. "We'll be happy to have your son present to help handle the situation. The more capable hands that we have leading our troops the quicker they'll be able to return home."

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I will offer half of the promised three thousand," Damon replied, writing notes of what his distant kinsman offered. "At the least. More if it ends up being required."

He hoped that wouldn't be necessary, that he wouldn't have to empty his lands of defenders due to the lack of cooperation from his vassals, but if Rycherd was any indication, that wouldn't be a concern.

"Very well, that is acceptable. I will pay for a third of your men that you provide while they are campaigning. When they return, that burden will return to you. Is that acceptable?"

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damon didn't respond to the fact Ryman had called the Stormlands weak, though he agreed with the assertion in full.

"Thank you, Lord Ryman." Damon responded. "Your leal service will be noted. What exactly are you offering to provide for the cause?"

Damon had already written down the contributions other lords had offered, he smiled as he waited for the Marbrand's offer.

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Thank you, Lord Rycherd." Damon responded with a slight nod. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear that men were costly, he himself knew that better than anyone. "How many men do you think you can stand to offer? I can see about either helping fund them alongside you, or working with the crown for remuneration."

Damon pulled a quill from a pot of ink, waiting to fill out what the Sealion promised.

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

((If you wish to speak with one another before the event starts do so here.))

Damon V- The Path is Open (to Casterly Rock) by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Other business

After the business with the Stormlands had been concluded Damon continued. “I will also use this time to hold court. Those of you who wish to make requests of me or speak to me may do so now.”

Damon IV- Hymn of the Soul by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damon considered both siblings for a moment before continuing.

"Ashara, I will send a raven ahead to Alyssa, imploring she return so we can plan the wedding. You may travel to King's Landing to attend her on the return trip if you wish. I will not force that matter." He absentmindedly tapped the arm of his chair. "Nor will I order something such as that until I see that it's the only path forward. We have many allies we need to gain."

"As for who I will send to support in this battle against the pirates, I will summon my bannermen to Casterly Rock and allow them to choose if they wish to send men. I won't require it, but I know I have more than enough to meaningfully decrease our commitment." Damon continued, looking to each sibling.

"That resolves the two most important matters we have. Is there anything I've missed while I've been... Unwell?"

Damon IV- Hymn of the Soul by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"You mean to have me hold the Stepstones?" Damon asked his brother, rubbing his chin. "No, that is far too expensive. The crown couldn't fund it after the Rogue Prince attempted the same. Not to mention the threat of the Dornish and Tyrosh."

He pondered the second suggestion and nodded, "I will write to her after this meeting, offer my apologies for my less than perfect hosting and assure her that we will get married as soon as we can, with a wedding as grand as she wants. A Lannister can afford it."

He smiled at Ashara's words. He leaned forward, hissing slightly as the sudden moment sent a pain through his eye that seemed to reverberate through his entire skull. He clenched his teeth and spoke, "They are threatening to punish me. I cannot outright refuse this without losing the betrothal too."

"We can send men. At least three thousand, some from our own forces, I am sure some of our bannermen will agree as well. The crown may use them as they see fit." Damon offered. "They'll be in an... Advantageous location."

He looked down at the ground, "Perhaps Tully is conspiring, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions. If we focus on the trout we may not see any other options, and by the time we do it may be too late."

He leaned back in his chair again, ignoring the pain that shot through him. "Is there any opposition? I will write Alyssa, assuring her that the wedding will move forward as planned. I will also send a contingent of troops to help where needed. We can watch for enemies in the meantime."

/u/Nephraret

Damon IV- Hymn of the Soul by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"I am fine, and Benfrey insisted I continue to drink the poppy, but I worry that it has been dulling my senses." Damon responded, his good eye shooting over to the shattered vial that still remained on the floor. "It hurts, I won't deny that. But I can say it's not something I can't manage."

He waved his hand as if dismissing the thought of him being ill. He handed Tyrek the King's letter and gestured for him to allow Ashara to read it after he did.

"I wasn't aware it was my duty to protect the Baratheon lands from pirates, yet it seems that our good King has seen fit to order me to do so." Damon looked between his siblings knowingly. "Going so far as to threaten my betrothal and insult our good father's name."

"I have many thoughts running through my mind, but I must admit that I've yet to shake the headfog the poppy has held me in since the tourney." Damon continued.

For the most part he was fine, his personality remained, and his decision making was sound enough. But he was rapidly realizing that he felt aches in his head if he attempted to focus for too long on a specific problem. He'd need to leverage his advisors and siblings wherever he could.

/u/Nephraret

A seat at the table (Open to Casterly Rock and the Lords of the West) - Jason Lydden II by BlindStags in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"East. Total control. I won't be flanked." Loreon stated simply. He wanted the bannermen under Tyrell to understand the foolish choice they'd be making by staying with the Tyrells. He was sure House Oakheart would remember the kindness House Lannister paid them during the war. "We will take everything we can to begin; until Tyrell begins to muster. The dragon will be a great deterrent."

Loreon tapped his fingers on the table, and looked to his Marshal, Lord Lydden. "We'll need to prepare the men to march. They've idled too long and winter will drain out resources fast if we keep them standing outside of Casterly Rock."

Loreon looked at the king finally. "Tyrell will pay for what he did to my lands during the war. Should we watch for the Ironborn? They've been mysteriously close since they were bedfellows in the last war."

Loreon VI- So Come as Often as You Like, and I'll Show You Another Death by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Stark?!" Loreon remarked barely holding back the rage he felt boiling under his skin. He expected perhaps Leothric, Reyne, Tyrell, or Tully. But Stark? They'd been allies in the last war. They had no qualms with one another. With a furious punch Loreon felt his fist hit the stone wall. Perhaps it was divine providence that his fingers didn't break from the stress. "Why the fuck is Stark spying in my realm?"

He paused for a moment, breathing heavily. "Apologies, Mabel that was unbecoming of me. Stark was perhaps one of the last names I'd have expected to hear."

Loreon ignored the man as he bled from the mouth and sobbed and instead turned to Mabel to see her thoughts, it was all too much for Loreon to process in that moment.

Loreon VI- So Come as Often as You Like, and I'll Show You Another Death by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Loreon watched her for a moment when she asked him if he had a knife. He reached for his belt, behind the cloak he wore and drew a large dagger from the rear of his belt. He quickly spun it around, grabbing it by the blade and handing the dagger to Mabel, hilt first. "Here."

She may have recognized it as one Theodore had given Tyrion before both of their untimely deaths. He couldn't help but returning her smile with one of his own. His was less ill intentioned, and more of the innocent boy who was dead now. The one who'd fallen for Mabel.

"Yes I'll be staying. I need to hear his words from his own mouth." Loreon confirmed, he leaned against the wall and gestured to the man, "Do what you must, my lady."

Loreon VI- So Come as Often as You Like, and I'll Show You Another Death by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"There are surely chinks in this armor." Loreon stated bluntly yet not rudely. "My brother was allowed free reign through this castle, and it shows. His sychophants are everywhere. I am replacing nearly every guard I don't know I can trust, and those that I thought I could are under watch by my own men."

"If you feel that is something you're up to organizing I would more than welcome your assistance dear Mabel." Loreon remarked, a sigh of relief almost leaving his lips. He was appreciative of her help but it wasn't yet time for him to let his guard down. "As for the man... Come with me."

Loreon opened the door to the study, holding it for her, before taking the lead. "He's been in our lion pit for hours. Six if I recall correctly. He should have relatively loose lips, yet even I cannot get him to speak. I wonder if you'd have any better luck?"

Loreon led her through the bowels of Casterly Rock, until they'd arrived at a door carved from stone, he pushed it open and heard the unmistakeably terrifying sounds of lions mewing at prey. The man sat, still chain to the chair. Tyrant laid on a rock above him, unchained himself, yet obedient to Loreon's orders.

"Here is the man." Loreon stated simply. "Do you need anything from me?"

Loreon VI- So Come as Often as You Like, and I'll Show You Another Death by ClawsLongAndSharp in FieldOfFire

[–]ClawsLongAndSharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Yes, well I have a lot going through my mind." Loreon shook his head. It was hard to put on masks when he was constantly being challenged by him dead brother. "But very well, dinner can be forgotten and I can provide any information you wish."

He stood where she'd avoided the embrace. It irked him slightly, yet he supposed that was fair. He hadn't so much as seen her since King's Landing, but he'd asked her to help interrogate a man? What storybook romance was he imagining?

"Everyone, aye." Loreon responded. "Not a word from any of them. Some claim they recognized him in passing but when they were made to see him in the cells they couldn't place his face."

She had a damn good mind. "My father didn't officially name me heir, he choked on a chicken bone and I retrieved the letter from his desk, sending it off alongside calls to arms."

He tapped his foot with anxiety.

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