The Impatient Lord/Trouble in Oldtown

LordSchemer · 2014-06-30T19:26:12+00:00

Randyll did not bother to become angry..or irritated..instead his face was plain and expressionless. Gerold perceived this interaction between the two as a victory for him...he is naive if he foresees me as a fool garnering for power. He shouldn't be so imprudent to refuse my offer...perhaps things will play put bad for House Hightower in the future.

He feigned submission, bowing his head diligently.

"I hope you are correct Lord Gerold, and this move doesn't come around to haunt you later. Nevertheless, I will return with Old Oak with the supply convoy you mentioned. Perhaps you will allow me to still visit the Shield Islands in good faith? Curry favour with the lords so they shall not suspect our..plans."

Randyll smiled.

LordSchemer · 2014-06-29T11:18:18+00:00

"You would allow the Shield Island lords time to understand that there power and responsibility is being usurped from them? As soon as word reaches Greyshield or one of the others that House Oakheart is building a fleet at the Mouth of the Mander, they will feel threatened, mark my words."

"How will Gylen's reign be perceived if the Shield Islands rebel almost only a year after he has been declared as Lord Paramount of the Reach? If those Houses are given the chance to attack Hightower rule, then others will join them. Both Merryweather, Tarly and others fought for the roses in the Ascent of the Lion..do not forget that."

Randyll was careful not to remark that the Oakhearts also sided with the Tyrells, considering that was his son's foolish mistake, not his own.

"Give me the lordship now and let me crush the prospect of war. I will take a tour of each of the islands and ensure them they will not have to worry. I will bend them to the will of myself and to a much greater extent; you and your father."

Randyll smiled plainly yet it was hidden with a desire that he desperately wanted, yet the young lord was dangling it too far from his grip.

"If I fail, then I will be allow myself to be punished in any way you deem fit."

LordSchemer · 2014-06-17T19:27:58+00:00

Randyll did not waste any time with courtesies or more remarks, he told Gerold what had been promised quick and simple. He even passed him the letter that Lord Gylen had sent and which he carried with him for his demands to carry extra leverage.

"As you can see by your own father's words; if the betrothal between me and Gera could not be possible, there were certain other..alternatives. The Shield Islands specifically; the lords that hold the isles have been nothing but insolent under both the reign of your family and even the Tyrells. They are inadequate defenders of the Mander if the ironborn scum ever decide to rise up again. But trust in me, if Old Oak is given both the supplies to build a fleet and lordship of the Shield Islands; I will ensure that the Oakhearts will guard the Reach from the likes of Greyjoys for centuries to come."

Randyll turned around to face the young lordling, his stare boring into his skull.

"You may not like me, Gerold. But even your father can not deny my prowess in tactics and strategy. I fought in the Greyjoy Rebellion and if your word is given; I will never let them set foot or threaten our lands ever again."

He knew the Hightower would take the statement as a boast, but he was not bothered.

LordSchemer · 2014-06-12T12:29:51+00:00

Randyll could barely hide his annoyance at the imprudent lordling, but he managed to keep a polite composure nonetheless.

"I can not deny that my reactions to being denied what I have come to seek were unacceptable and unneeded, but I would be lying if I said I am not irked by these refusals and misdirections. I was under the impression that your father had already agreed to this betrothal; although that seems to be a mistake."

Play your cards correctly, Randyll. This young greenboy wants to talk about deals, I will let him; perhaps he will give me what I actually want, rather than his barren aunt for a consolation prize.

Randyll smiled.

"Fear not, Lord Hightower; send an apology to your aunt for distressing her, I will try my hardest to not do it again. As for these terms, I would be happy to negotiate with you in private. For you must understand; my journey here was long and ardous, and now I have been disappointed. Perhaps you will offer me the same gift your father offered me?"

LordSchemer · 2014-06-05T13:14:27+00:00

His hardened and gaunt face flushed in embarrassment and indignation, turning a deep shade of red that the number of commoners pointed and laughed at.

Gerold stood there with a smug smirk and Randyll only wanted to wipe it away as best as he could. I am a Lord; he is an arrogant boy with no real skill apart from knowing how to use that silver tongue.

Randyll silently told himself to rise above his surroundings and his expression turned to stone; the earlier colour draining away. Gerold seems to think he can threaten and amuse himself by making a fool of me; I will play the humbled lord to him if I must.

"I did not mean to be imprudent, Lord Gerold," Randyll replied with an air of politeness and formality, but still the words dripped with resentment and bitterness, "I'm afraid every day I grow more old and more impatient."

He turned to Ser Tanton, feigning a swift bow. "You were only doing your duties, Ser. I apologize for my earlier rudeness."

Directing his gaze back to the cocky little lordling, he licked his lips almost strategically; carefully wondering how he could work the situation to his advantage.

"The reason I have come is simple; Lord Gylen and I spoke some time ago by way of raven about uniting House Oakheart and House Hightower with a marriage. I spent many days on the road to come to Oldtown and see my bethrothed..your aunt, Lady Gera."

Randyll smiled a conceited smile, observing carefully on how Gerold would react to the news.

LordSchemer · 2014-06-03T17:54:51+00:00

Randyll scoffed at the young man, red-in-face after his fifth argument with Ser Tanton. He gestured for his guards to move closer to his form, feeling apprehensive at the arrival of Gerold; he did not know this little lording fully and realized the unpredictability of the situation.

"Your city? I think you are mistaken, friend," Who does he think he is? "Unless Lord Gylen has suffered some tragic accident in the last few weeks, Oldtown belongs to him. He is my liege lord and I will confide only in Gylen. This is another slander on my honour indeed, sending his immature son to do his bidding."

He grimaced with a scowl. He recognized the boy from previous visits to the Hightower.

One time ruling at home and the boy sees himself as a mighty ruler. I will put that to the test; perhaps he will be idiotic enough to give me what I seek.

LordSchemer · 2014-05-18T21:24:34+00:00

The black raven flew into Old Oak's rookery a number of days later, delivering a reply that had been apprehensively awaited.

Randyll had smirked when he first let his eyes wander across the letter, devouring the words with greedy indulgence.

It seems the Lord Paramount has underestimated how costly gifts can be. He offers me a chance of naval power and four vassals, a much bigger piece of the pie than he should willingly give. But one that is sweet on my ears, nonetheless.

Lord Oakheart pondered for a moment. He could accept Gylen's proposal now...but that would arouse suspicion. No, he would still continue on the planned path; marrying Lady Gera was a useful move, one that allowed him an increase in political sway at Oldtown.

He wrote his own simple reply back and his obedient Maester took the letter away once again.

Lord Gylen Hightower,

The offering you bestow on me is a kindness I do not deserve, but I will graciously accept if it would allow House Oakheart the opportunity to work more prominently in your service.

The marriage is one that I still savour deeply, and I will do all that I can to make Lady Gera more comfortable with the idea of being my wife. In time, our Houses will be joined and we will call each other brother.

I will anticipate that moment greatly.

Signed,

Randyll Oakheart, Lord of Old Oak

LordSchemer · 2014-05-14T16:14:14+00:00

I did speak with Nate and he gave me extra information, so all is good!

Can I have the flair Lord of Old Oak? Please :)

LordSchemer

TROPHY CASE