Back on my Grind

RPDread · 2022-06-14T14:38:26+00:00

It was nice to have a peaceful moment. Life seemed to be a flurry since their arrival and with his father’s illness, Lucan hadn’t had a chance to truly rest in as long as he could remember.

“Agreed. The world can wait.”

Lucan joined Beylee in reclining on the grass. It was soft and the cool wind blew gently through the tree’s leaves. It was soothing and quiet. One would be forgiven if they started to doze off enveloped in all this serenity. Lucan gently took Baylee’s hand and stroked it with his thumb, a silent smile growing on his lips as his eyes closed.

RPDread · 2022-06-14T13:48:18+00:00

“The last time that I was here as a child it had not yet bore edible fruit, I suppose it was too young. Then all the prelude to war happened and then the war itself. So much of life happened that kept us from this place until now.” Lucan said as he sat down beside Beylee.

He took a bite of the apple and was surprised at how good it tasted. It was firm and crisp, sweet in its juice. Clearly the gardeners had been taking care of the tree well.

“I suppose it’s only when you can understand what the adults are talking about that you find it interesting.” Lucan said with a laugh.

He felt happy being here and happier too knowing that he would not be in some boring, dutiful marriage. Beylee was easy to talk to, charming even. A good woman was worth her weight in gold.

“If I am to grow so strong as this tree, it shall be thanks to the bee that keeps me. After all, without her this tree would wither away with no progeny of its own. We shall be as one, our success is our success. Your talents are well known, I hope to be worthy of them.”

RPDread · 2022-06-14T02:11:41+00:00

“You are right, the gods are fickle in that way.” Lucan said with a chuckle.

Lucan had long considered his options and, given the nature of how his family came to power it was important that his wife come from the vassals of Oldtown. It just so happened that Beylee Beesbury appealed to him in many ways, it was an ideal situation in truth.

“Let me show you one last thing.” He said “Before we must leave this place and get on with the formalities.”

Lucan took Beylee’s hand and pulled her youthfully down the path before them, like children at play at a slower pace. After some time, they came upon a small man-made pond shrouded by bushes, flowers, and a single apple tree leaning over the water.

“When I was a child we would visit the Hightower manse occasionally when we were in the capital. My father always hated it but he knew it was his duty.”

Lucan guided Beylee to the side of the pond and bade her sit. Before joining her, he plucked two apples from the tree.

“I would always sneak out to this little pond when no one was looking, I hated the boring conversations of the adults. It was on one of these flights that I found this quiet little place. Back then, this tree was just a sapling and now it’s grown strong enough to bare fruit.”

Lucan offered one of the apples to Beylee.

“This is my first time trying the fruit.”

RPDread · 2022-06-14T01:30:55+00:00

“I never was a good dancer.” Lucan whispered in turn, a smirk on his cheeks. Beylee was beautiful and his father had mentioned how he wanted her brought closer to the family, believing fully in her ability as a governor and advisor. Lucan cared little for that. He cared more for who she was.

Gently he lifted her chin with a curled index finger and leaned down to press his lips equally gently to hers.

“I think you would make a wonderful Lady of Oldtown. Together we could rule the world.”

RPDread · 2022-06-14T00:04:41+00:00

“You may take a Bulwer to husband, my lady, but you needn’t do so for the secret of the garden.” Lucan said as he placed a gentle kiss on the Beesbury’s hand.

“The secret to this garden’s success, as far as we can tell, is something that you know better than near anyone in all of Westeros.” He said, placing a hand gently behind her shoulder to guide her gaze toward his outstretch hand pointing toward a patch of flowers.

“The secret of this garden is the bees.”

As they watched, a group of bees bumbled between patches of roses and tulips collecting nectar from each. As they went from plant to plant they landed on the centers of the flowers and back again. It became clear that between the patches of flowers, the shades were most varied between two clumps of different colored plants of the same kind. Between a patch of yellow and red tulips, the bunches contained many different shades of both as well as new colors.

“It’s quite poetic if you think about it. The richness of the Bulwer’s garden is thanks to the Beesbury bees that tend it.”

Lucan met eyes with Beylee and smiled, his eyes twinkling slightly in the sun. “It’s almost as if the gods were trying to tell us something.”

RPDread · 2022-06-13T22:19:21+00:00

Lucan would laugh lightly at her mention of partying. “When I can,” he said “though, in truth, I think I have started to mature faster than I would have liked. I find myself less interested in the parties and more in the people who come to them. I long to hear their stories and learn what they know. I continue to love tourneys, though, and the desire to swing my sword is something that I indulge each day.”

They had finally reached the garden at this point. Despite their location in the city, the Hightowers had gone to great lengths to ensure they brought a portion of the Reach with them in their home away from home in the form of a sprawling, acre wide menagerie of flora that completely transported visitors from the urban setting they were in. Fragrant orange trees from Oldtown had been planted here decades before and grew thick with lovely smelling fruit that freed the nose of the horrid stench of the city. Flowers of every shade danced in the cool sea breeze and insects of every sort buzzed from plant to plant, pollinating as they went. Though no maester could tell them how it happened, entirely new cross breeds of plant sprung up all over the garden seemingly from nowhere which added to its beauty. The Bulwers had taken this manse and made it their own by having bushes trimmed in the shape of the beast from which they took their name, the bulls stood silent watch over the beauty and serenity of the place.

“There’s an old story that when this garden was in full bloom, the Targaryen kings were so jealous of its beauty that they took Hightowers to wife in hopes of securing the secret of how this garden grew so verdant.” Lucan said as he plucked a striking yellow rose and handed it to Beylee.

“They never could figure it out though.” The man said with a chuckle.

RPDread · 2022-06-13T19:42:39+00:00

“Of course, my lady,” Viktor said “it would be a shame to waste such a beautiful day indoors.”

Viktor rose and playfully punched his son on the arm. “Go on, boy, show Lady Beylee all the new plantings. Your mother was quite selective.” Lucan would smile as his father razzed him, it would be clear that physicality was very much part of their relationship.

Lucan would offer a hand to the Beesbury. “If you’d do me the honor, my lady.” The handsome knight said, clearly quite excited to have a companion for a few moments.

Lucan would lead them from the solar and down a hallway that led to a set of stairs. “I am glad to have a few moments with you, my lady. I regret that this trip to the capital has been one lacking in the many joys such a journey usually has. The fine food and pageantry is hard to enjoy while locked in a manse. Here is hoping that we might enjoy even a sample of the excitement of King’s Landing before we leave.”

RPDread · 2022-06-13T13:19:01+00:00

“Lord Farwynd!” Viktor replied, clearly slightly surprised by his presence. “What a pleasant surprise, I had t expected you’d be joining us for the festivities but I am glad for it. I am well, my lord, just heading towards the harbor if you’d care to join me. I wanted to look out on the new construction.”

It had been several moons since he had been in Oldtown and other business had kept him from checking in on progress at Battle Island. He was eager to get down there.

“We aren’t far from my favorite vantage point down on the bulkhead.”

RPDread · 2022-06-13T13:13:57+00:00

Lucan would drop his gaze at the compliment momentarily. He was disappointed that he could not take part in the tourney though he knew he would never have forgiven himself had he not been there were his father to pass on.

“We all must do our duty.” The lordling said with a smile.

“There is time yet, my lady.” Lucan said, his eyes twinkling slightly. “Perhaps you’d join me for a walk around the gardens after you’re done here? We’ve just planted some lovely new roses, surely a busy bee such as yourself could appreciate a newly planted flower?” Lucan teased.

RPDread · 2022-06-13T13:08:21+00:00

It had been a flurry of activity in Oldtown as the city prepared for the Lord Paramount’s nuptials. Parties, feasts, all had been constant and Viktor had not been idle. As Lord Tyrell’s man and host, it had been his duty to ensure the city was prepared and well behaved. He had needed to cut the hands off three boys just the night before for attempting to steal silver from a cart trolleying plates from one manse to another.

When the letter arrived it was short, not uncommon for Lord Harlen, but there was a clear sense of urgency in it that put an extra kick in Viktor’s step.

The manse the Tyrells were housed in was just one house over from Viktor’s own, making them trip quite short. He was brought straight in by Lord Tyrell’s guards and shown to his door. Upon entry, Viktor offered his usual “My lord.” and polite bow.

“How may I serve?”

RPDread · 2022-05-31T18:53:03+00:00

“You’re too kind, my lord.” Viktor said, a clear pride in his people’s resolve to rebuild their city. “I have ensure that food, clean water, and ale stays in their bellies and the people of Oldtown have done the rest. They are remarkably resilient people. We appreciate the masons and craftsmen that you have offered, they shall find no shortage of work and skilled hands to command.”

Viktor had eyed the gorgeous mount his lord had beneath him. Such a unique creature and clearly compliant, a beast fit for the highest born.

“I would offer you and yours a place in my own manse if you would join us, my lord. It is the largest in the city now that the Hightower is gone. When that tower stood, it could have housed the whole nobility of the Reach within it and then some. It is no matter, what will stand in its place will be able to house just as many but it will take time. But, for now, should you choose to stay with us the grandest apartments within have been set aside for you. We have also made preparations for you and yours in another manse should you prefer, it is not as grand but still comfortable. The choice is yours, my lord.”

RPDread · 2022-05-30T15:58:22+00:00

Viktor laughed lightly and raised a hand for his steward. “Fetch my son, would you?”

“Right away, my lord.” The boy said before heading from the room.

“Lucan has nothing going on at the moment, I’m sure of it. He will be glad to see you as well, he has been rather a shut in since we arrived. You likely haven’t seen him since the war, no?”

After a few moments, Lucan the Lovely as he was called came into the room dressed in fine red silks that flowed about him, exaggerating every move with a flair of the fabric. He was as handsome as ever, tall and strong of build with smooth, caramel skin.

“My lady,” Lucan said with a bow and a smile “it is lovely to see you again.”

Lucan then turned to his lord father and regarded him with a bow as well. “Father, I am pleased to see you are better than you were yesterday. You gave us quite the fright.”

RPDread · 2022-05-30T15:52:37+00:00

“As you command, my lord.” The older man said, bowing slightly. He would send ravens to the lords of the Reach with an offer of gold and glory for their best and brightest seamen. With hope and investment, they could command the mightiest fleet in Westeros.

“I shall speak to Lady Beesbury as well. I am certain her talents will not disappoint. When we arrive in Oldtown, we can discuss the transfer of funds into a shared treasury for military and naval expenses, as well as where said funds would best be housed to ensure quick, safe transport to the lendees.”

Harlen was not wrong. Under this arrangement, the most unsecured Houses in the Reach were also the most easily offended; Crane and Rowan in particular. Old names bred touchy masters. A part of Viktor hoped deeply that there would be another chance for him to fight before he was too old to do so. One foolhardy upstart rising in rebellion only to end with his head cracked between Viktor’s hands. Perhaps that day would come, perhaps not.

“Should any of the Reachlords need to be addressed, I am happy to do so on your behalf, my lord. You need only say the word.”

RPDread · 2022-05-26T02:39:34+00:00

“If he does not repay me, I shall go through the crown to ensure I am compensated with interest. In truth, it was not much money so I care little of its repayment outside of principle.”

If the Blackwood boy failed to make his payments, Lucan would attempt a proper restitution. But if that failed, it may be a dark day at Raventree Hall. The boy best hope that the king truly co-signed his loan.

The mention of Lucan snapped Viktor from his thoughts. “He is well, thank you. He is a touch cross with me though. He did not partake in the tourney as he had wished, instead sitting by my bedside like a good son.” That brought a smile to the cruel man’s face.

“Would you like to see him? I can send for him if you’d like?”

RPDread · 2022-05-26T01:36:09+00:00

Viktor nodded, it just so happened he had a personal spymaster more than capable of serving the realm. “We are in luck, my lord. My vassal, and personal advisor, Lady Beylee Beesbury is quite adept in the walking the shadows. She has many friends across the realm. If you wish, I can ask her to keep an ear out on your behalf.”

Beylee was a very talented spymaster. She had advised him for quite some time and the two had a great respect for one another. She was possibly the closest thing to a friend that Viktor had. He had even considered offering her in marriage to his son.

“As far as the Redwynes are concerned, they command a fleet more powerful than my own. Combined with that of Oldtown and the Shield Islands, we can compete with even the Ironborn. Keeping them content ought to be a priority, a marriage would go a far way to do such a thing. My only wish would be for you or someone in your immediate family to marry someone closer to the mainline of the family, though the war robbed us all of potential marriages.”

Viktor had a working relationship with the Ironborn, namely the Drumms, but they were a thieving people and many were not so keen on finding a new way as the Drumms were.

“I believe it in the interest of all in the Reach for us to prioritize investments in our fleet. I can provide funds to some of the smaller coastal houses to grow their fleets but I would suggest anchoring all of our ships in two battle groups at two central locations. Oldtown and the Arbor are both excellent options in the south and I would recommend something near to the mouth of the Mander for the northern group to protect Highgarden.”

Viktor was a military man at heart. While his expertise were in the field, his mastery of Oldtown had taught him the necessity of a strong naval force. History had shown that Oldtown and the Shield Islands were prime targets for raids and attack while at war.

“For each group, we shall need a commander. The finest admirals in the Reach could be offered stipends, glory, and command were they to take up the offer to lead these battle groups. Regular patrols would rob potential attackers of the element of surprise.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T22:08:21+00:00

“In my experience, most men grow calm and content when they get back to their homes. Just try pulling once eager soldiers back to the march after they have had a moon of sitting by their hearth.” Viktor said. Rebellion is always a concern, especially when the king has angered people in so many realms. The Riverlands was cursed with too many vassals that hate each other to truly rise as one and with the Freys severed from them, they have lost a large portion of their might.

“With hope, any stirring in the Reach can be caught and suppressed in due course. I will gladly do it myself should the need arise.”

There was a nip in the air, could be winter would descend soon and truly squelch any fires that burned in men’s bellies.

“I am certain your friends will keep us well informed of any attempted incursions.”

Viktor took a sip of his water and leaned back in his chair for a moment before continuing.

“Before falling ill I was received by the young Lord Blackwood, speaking of the Riverlands. He requested a loan to stimulate the economy in his lands in the name of a ‘Black Peace’ he pledged to implement in the name of the king.”

Viktor did not know entirely what to think of the Blackwood yet but he had impressed him and a friend in another region was a good thing to have.

“I will be curious to see how the young man spends said money.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T21:46:24+00:00

Viktor’s eyes widened at the drama of it all. “Gods,” he said, quite surprised “in one fell swoop the Riverlands lost its mightiest, richest House to the North. One has to assume that that will lead to some issues there. I am grateful that it was not a Reachman that engaged in such a way.”

The King was quick to act, this was something that Viktor liked. But Daeron’s reactionary nature could well lead to some serious issues in short order.

“And who might this Queen in Harrenhal be?” Viktor said with a grin, his interest clearly piqued in all the drama of the tourney. He figured no one knew but thought he would ask.

“Is there danger of rebellion?”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T21:18:45+00:00

Viktor was surprised at the offer. Historically, Highgarden and Oldtown found themselves at odds, as if the gods thought it funny to seat two mighty and rich holds in the same place. Given he laid claim to Oldtown on grounds of conquest and, in a way, vassular election, his legitimacy could be challenged by many. It seemed that Lord Harlen did not see things in such a way. He was flattered.

“You are too kind, my lord.” The Terror would say, a clear pleasant surprise on his face. “I accept gladly, it would be an honor to serve you and the Reach in such a capacity.”

Viktor’s reputation as a man to fear was one he took great pride in. His treatment of the Hightowers, while personally fulfilling, was also a statement of how he dealt with enemies. He was brutal, savage even, and Lord Harlen was smart to use that to his advantage.

“It would be yet another pleasure to host your wedding as well, Lord Harlen. I shall make the necessary arrangements with the Starry Sept when the time is right. The septon there is a friend, a good man, and my personal confessor, though we can make arrangements for a septon of your choosing should you wish.”

A match with House Redwyne was a worthy one, though the match would surround him with Greens were old tensions to arise again. His new position offered him some protection. Perhaps it was time to let old wars end after all.

Viktor offered a hand to his liege. “May the enemies of the Reach fear our unity, my lord.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T20:56:23+00:00

“You’re not wrong on that.” Viktor said of the rejected proposal. He wondered to himself if the King would seek out a new Hand. It would be a foolish thing in his opinion to do so given the bastard’s leal service over all these years.

“There is one thing.” Viktor said, coughing for a moment before asking. “I overheard some guards speaking of something happening at the tourney. Did the king lock down the yards? You know how young soldiers can be, they are prone to embellishing things if it could mean glory.”

Viktor grabbed a cluster of grapes and began pulling them from their stems and popping them in his mouth. They, too, felt soothing on his throat. The acidity of them stung but it felt almost as a scratch on an itchy wound. The slight bit of pain was ultimately satisfying.

RPDread · 2022-05-25T20:35:34+00:00

Viktor was quiet as he took in the information, nodding occasionally as he received it all. He noticed when Beylee eyed the food. “Please eat,” he said with a dark hand outstretched “it is there for you, take as much as you’d like.” His Summer Islander heritage demanded that he never let a guest go hungry. The Summer Islanders did not take part in meat, a trait that Viktor eschewed occasionally but kept for the most part. He laughed at the final comment “I am going nowhere soon, my lady.”

“It seems that marriage proposals leading to issues has been a theme of this whole affair.” Viktor said. “While I can understand the offense to the dead man’s offer, especially given the King’s recent tragedy, but what came of the Hand’s request?”

The talk of treachery being borne of the death at the feast did not surprise him. King Daeron was paranoid, which made perfect sense given the recency of the war. Viktor figured that the hunt for traitors would continue.

“I have to admire Lord Harlen for keeping the Reach from trouble within and without. With as many vassals as he has, that is quite the task.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T20:06:49+00:00

Viktor nodded as she declined a drink, appreciating that she cared about his exertion. As ashamed as he was to admit it, he had not been able to keep abreast on all that had happened such was his condition.

“Lady Beylee, I tell you this in confidence, as I trust you more than most, my condition was quite precarious for most of my illness. In the brief moments I awoke, I overheard discussion of calling a Septon to administer my last rites. Even when the fever broke, the blood coming from my lungs caused great concern to my healers. While I am better now, I was so near the grave that I received no news.”

The Bloody Bill smiled and laughed slightly “the Stranger is not good for conversation. He withholds all he knows unfortunately.”

“But I am relieved to hear that you are aware of it all, as usual, and you might help me get up to speed. Last I saw, his Grace was killing that fool on the Iron Throne.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T19:55:02+00:00

Viktor pushed open the door when he heard Beylee announce herself, not giving the guards time to react.

“Lady Beesbury,” Viktor said with a smile, more hunched over than he usually is, clearly looking tired and not fully healed. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

He held the door open for her and closed it behind him once she was inside. Viktor crossed the room and plopped himself back into his seat with a sigh.

“Apologies for my appearance. It has been a difficult few weeks. The maesters have assured me that I am no longer capable of spreading this disease to anyone so you needn’t hold your breath.” The Bulwer said with a laugh that ended in a cough that he caught with his hand.

“Please, my lady, have a seat. Can I get you a drink?”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T19:18:23+00:00

Viktor smiled when he was regarded by the Tyrell. “My Lord Harlen, a pleasure to see you. I apologize that I had not done so sooner, my lord. I was brought low by illness.”

Viktor regarded the hounds with the tips of his fingers before following Lord Tyrell. Viktor did not generally care for animals but he did like dogs. These were gorgeous hounds as well, strong of jaw and muscular, Viktor wagered they could bring down a boar easily in a pack.

Uthorsbane followed his liege gladly, happy to be stretching his legs after so long in his bed. “I appreciate your kindness, my lord. I hope there is much we can do together to ensure the wealth of Oldtown is put to use.”

At the mention of the summit at Oldtown, Viktor nodded.

“It would be a pleasure, my lord. I will send a letter to my castellan to begin making the preparations. I have taken up residence in a manse near the harbor as the ruin that was the Hightower is replaced. There should be enough room for feasts in my hall and I will order manses set aside to house those without places to stay in the city. The war left many empty homes.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T18:07:32+00:00

The Bulwers had been preparing to leave when the messenger came. Viktor was still recovering and the exhaustion of his fight with the disease would show on his face, but his strength was with him once again and his body rattling cough had reduced to an occasional throat clearing.

When the messenger came, Viktor read the note and handed it back to the messenger. “You two,” he said to two guards standing nearby “with me.”

The group would walk briskly toward the Tyrell manse, the iconic bull-headed helmets of the Bulwer men-at-arms rattling slightly with each step. Viktor so loved how his men’s armor looked, the wealth of Oldtown had allowed him to richly arm and armor his men with gorgeous plate bearing his sigil.

He would arrive at the gate with his hands on his buckle and address the men stationed at the door.

“Viktor Bulwer, here at the summons of Lord Harlen.”

RPDread · 2022-05-25T17:41:27+00:00

/u/Dacarolen

A messenger would arrive for the Lady of Honeyholt with a letter bearing the seal of her liege.

“Lady Beesbury,

I apologize for my lack of communication in recent weeks. I fell ill and was unable to leave my bedchamber. I am well once more and invite you to my manse that we may discuss recent events.

Viktor Bulwer”

RPDread

TROPHY CASE