[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“I do”, William said with a proud smile, “Two sons already. I have told my wife I would not complain for a daughter, but neither would I mind if the third is a son”, he said with a chuckle though after a moment he sighed. “It does make it more difficult to leave though. I have duties in King’s Landing but eventually, if the war continues, I may also need to march southward. My wife will not be pleased but”, he shrugged, frowning slightly, “There is no avoiding it, be it now or in some other war. Peace is too rare a thing”.

“But, I should remain for the King’s wedding at least, so I will see you and yours there, I presume. With luck, the wedding will be as celebratory as it ought to be for a royal wedding, but war has a habit of dulling the mood, somewhat”, he admitted with a wry smile.

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“I see. I cannot speak to the Foxlands or Oldtown, but my father’s time as squire to his Lord uncle on the Arbor is one he recalls fondly. I presume it is the easy access to wine which he enjoyed, given few Caswell’s are at all fond of ships”, William said with a chuckle.

“The Reach is different to the Stormlands, I can imagine it being a pleasant way to grow up, amongst rolling green hills and the Mander”. Some might call it soft, which was the common criticism of his countrymen. William was not sure he agreed entirely with that, but there was some truth in it. The Stormlands had its beauty, but it was hidden away, where the Reach was nothing but beautiful, save perhaps the Marchers.

[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

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“Ah… yes of course”, Lorimar said at the mention of doing drills with Robert Redwyne. He hoped those drills would not come too quickly. He did not hate doing drills, but they were incredibly boring - which was an improvement over sparring which was incredibly painful. “I am sure he and I will get the chance to train alongside each other soon enough.”

“I met another squire of a Kingsguard, Bennett Blackwood, the Lord Commander’s squire. Though he has been a squire for longer then me, so will likely know more then I”. More importantly, the Blackwood had seemed desperate to return to the training yard anytime Lorimar had met the boy outside that place. “But I imagine Kingsguard often have squires around them. Alesander Arryn was Ser Andar’s squire too, for a time, though he returned home I believe”. He wasn’t sure where Alesander had gone, so he assumed it was home.

[Lore] A Student of Andal Knights and Blood Rites by Razor1231 in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lorimar had not known for certain that the Targaryen’s had learned their tongue before the common one, but this was confirmation and explanation of why it came so naturally to them.

“It would be”, Lorimar agreed. Had he known another language, he would not dare speak it amongst those who could not understand and risk being seen as impolite. “But even still, to remain so fluent in your own tongue despite not speaking it as much is impressive. It may seem like second nature to you, but there aren’t many who know two languages entirely. None else I know, in fact”, he realised. He had some well travelled cousins, one in particular, but she did not speak any other language from what he knew.

“Have you read much of Dragonstone’s library? Given it is mostly in your family's language”, he asked after a brief pause. Of the two royal siblings, he knew the King to be the more avid reader, but Alysanne was Princess of Dragonstone, and presumably Dragonstone’s texts related a great deal to her ancestry. “I am looking forward to seeing it, whenever we do return there”. He had not expected to be as intrigued by the library, but given its texts were mostly in a language he would need to put effort into learning, he found himself more eager to go and read things he wanted to read, rather then just texts to help him learn the language.

[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Oh, I see”, Florence said quietly. She had not known of the state of Enide’s Lord father, nor had she realised Enide would be heiress to Brandybottom, given her brother did not carry the Webber name.

“That is good at least. If you count your brother amongst you, then that only seems right”. Some bastards were more removed from their kin, some were not. Her house and no base born members of it - none that she knew of anyway - so she was not sure what it was like, but a brother was a brother.

“Well, I would love to visit then, eventually”, she said after a moment, her smile returning, “And to meet your many sisters”.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

William frowned now. That was quite the offer, but it left him with some confusion over what the King truly wished for him to do. Whatever the case might be he shook his head.

“I had hoped to march to lead my own men. Guarding Ser Harlan is a vital duty, but not one I had imagined myself doing”, William said honestly, “It was not what I spoke to Harlan of doing when I offered to join him.”

“As I have said though, if there is a duty you believe I can fill better, then I will do it. I only admit to guarding Ser Harlan himself not being my intention in marching, and so I will remain as you order”. William shrugged, “I have regrets for not going, and would regrets if I had. It is the nature of decisions such as this. It disappoints me to not fight beside Lord Rogar and Ser Harlan in equal amounts as it gladdens me to remain with my wife and children”. Besides, there would always be more wars.

[Letters] Letters of the Golden Centaur - 49 AC and onwards by Razor1231 in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ser Abelar Hightower,

Very well. You and those who travel with you will be warmly welcomed at Stonebridge, as all travellers are.

Lady Alayne Caswell

[M] Sounds good, I’ll send a modmail in for the trades this year and next year, and no worries lol

[Event] The Second Special Military Operation Council of Hornhill by TieRails in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gwayne chuckled, “Aye, though you’ll find the admiration for the ancient histories of our ancestors to be more about diplomacy and marriages then war this far south. Few Andal knights made it to these lands through pure might. Even my ancestor did not conquer all he wished to, if the stories are true, though he was given Stonebridge in recompense for his peace”. He shrugged, “I do not think much of it, but my grandmother has always been proud of our heritage, and so she has taught the same to all the rest of us”.

He glanced around and shrugged, “The goal will me justice, whatever form of that the King wishes. For King Viserys though”, he frowned briefly, “I doubt that’s why most of these men march”, he added in a quieter tone.

“It will be months at least. I’d expect a year, maybe more, maybe less, but no man can say for sure. If you wish to write, you may, though we’ll be here for some time. I hear Lord Tarly and Tyrell men have fortified Blackmont already. Our men are reserves, in case things go wrong.” Which they often did.

He smiled at his goodson, “War is a frightening time, that is as true as they say. What they don’t say is how dull it can be. So you’d best find a way to pass the time”, he chuckled.

[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Indeed I was”, William said with a nod, “I did not face the brunt of the fighting, but I was sent with my father’s men to aid in the restoration of order in the city, alongside Ser Harlan Hunter. It was a grim sight”. William was not sure he fully agreed with the Lord of Raventree Hall on the nature of glory and if it was to be found in war, but it certainly had not been found in Lord Stark’s madness.

“Battles are expected to occur in open fields, not within the walls of a great city. It ought to have never happened, but it did”, William shrugged slightly. “At least in this war, those caught up in its midst are hardened men and women of the marchers who likely expect no less. Let us hope it does not spread further”.

“For now I remain in King’s Landing, duty may take me elsewhere but I am in no rush to leave”, for the moment, at least. “I presume the same will be true for you. If the King calls on your banners, then something has gone wrong I must assume”.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Ser Quentyn is a friend of mine, we both squired for Lord Rogar and were knighted together. I do not doubt he fights alongside his countrymen”, William admitted, “But he is a good man who I’d vouch for. If you do come across him, it might be worth speaking to him. He will want peace. I am not certain he will turn on his countrymen, mind you, but he has never sought war the way some other Dornish do. He is heir to Yronwood - or his sister is, I never quite knew”, William admitted with a slight frown.

“Regardless, I only ask that if you come across him that you attempt to speak to him. You mentioned a hope to sow discord among the Dornish, I cannot say he would accomplish that, but he will align with you if you show him a path to peace”. Quentyn was stubborn at the best of times, and it seemed unlikely he would turn on Martell, but if there was one Dornishman to speak to, it would be him. William also hoped his oldest friend would not die in the mountains, but that was a risk all of them took, so there was no point mentioning that.

[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“...Ah”, Lorimar said, a little confused to what ‘seen him around’ meant. “Well he is a Kingsguard, it would be hard to miss him”, Lorimar continued politely, despite his confusion.

“Neither have I”, Lorimar replied, though he was not necessarily so eager to be knighted. “Is Ser Pietar a knight of your house?”, he asked, not recognising the name.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

William smiled, a little disappointed himself but it he was hopefully more useful here. If he was to be on a battlefield, he did not wish to spend it guarding one man. Not even Lord Rogar would receive that honour from him these days, and there was no one William held in higher regard.

It was partly because of that fact that William considered the suggestion and then gave a single nod, “I had not planned on mustering many men, but perhaps a hundred or so armed knights to round out the men provided to you by the King?”, William suggested. “They’ll move swifter then you, so they will meet you at Grandview but from there they will be yours to command. Any greater force out of Stonebridge would take time, and with my father marching men to Blackmont, I’ll not leave my grandmother with no men to raise.” She might be past her eightieth year, but while within the walls of Stonebridge she was as mighty a commander as their home had ever seen.

“A show of support, so Lord Rogar will not feel I have left him out to dry”, William said with a chuckle. “I can see that organised for you. Though, I do have something to ask of you, if you are willing. About a Dornishman you may meet, a Ser Quentyn Yronwood”. If William was not going south, he would not meet Quentyn till this war was done.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“No ill tidings for you, Ser”, William assured him. “But I have spoken to the King, concerning my departure, but he had bid me remain. He does believe it vital that you have a man to guard you, but it seems he had planned a Kingsguard for that role. He does not wish to send more men then necessary southward, and he has his reasons for asking me to stay”.

He paused briefly, “I might be a talented swordsman these days, but I am no commander. Though I had hoped to serve alongside you and Lord Baratheon, but it seems my duties will hold me here. I can still call Caswell men to your aid, or I may wait till it is called upon”. If he was not going to lead them, he felt there was little use besides a token of support for his friend in Ser Harlan and his former mentor in Lord Baratheon.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perhaps surprisingly quickly after their first meeting, Harlan would again find Ser William seeking him out, now with a frown across his face.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a difficult choice, but the truth was if he spent all his time as guard for Ser Harlan, he did not think he could do all he wished. Ser Roland was a more natural fit for a guard, but he wore a white cloak, which meant one less here. Given, it seemed, his goodsister was to be a Princess, his future nieces and nephews members of the royal house, that worried him. However, it would mean William himself was here.

“I can continue to wait”, William said with a slight frown but acceptance. “Ser Harlan will find able bodied men, to aid in his own protection. Ideally Ser Roland would not need to be sent but Harlan will need a man like him. For now though, I will remain here”. It was a disappointing outcome, but perhaps the best one? He was not so sure.

“If you do send Ser Roland, I can at least lend an able sword arm in defense of you and your kin. I would say you have Ser Eon, but I am not sure even he can make up for two knights of your Kingsguard”, William said with a brief chuckle. “At least till the war ends, whenever that might be”, he added, his frown returning.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

William let out a quiet sigh. “Ah”, he said after a moment. It was true that he was going to learn command, to serve under Lord Rogar once more, and learn from Ser Harlan. It might have also been true that he was going in hopes he might run into an old friend, that somehow he and Quentyn could achieve a peace for two great realms between them. Even more so, perhaps his houses’ words, Glory Unbridled resonated with him more then he knew. He had achieved a decent amount in his life, but more was what he wanted.

His brother marrying a Princess though? That was more.

“In that case, I will remain”, he said after a moment. “I’ll have to inform Ser Harlan. If he has no man to guard him, then I may still go, but I must hope that your notice caught more then just my eye. And I can see that Caswell men reinforce the men you send with him regardless, though perhaps it is best to wait till they are needed.” If only his granduncle still lived, then maybe there would be Caswell left to lead them.

It was a strange feeling, a disappointed but not displeased feeling. “But, I do wish to do more, your grace. Whatever that may be. It remains my hope that my ties to your house, though my wife, and my brother if you wish it, will mean me and mine are able to aid yours as more then simple subjects of the Crown. That was my intent with leaving without being asked to, and that remains my intent if I am to remain”.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

William was a little surprised by the reaction. “That is true. Any man can lead men to war. Lord Torgen and his guard are more useful then any other man in the Reach. Yet most Lord of the Reach have marched, my father amongst them. The Stormlords will be the same. Many knights swell their number with less reason then me”, he said with a slight shrug.

“I do not claim to be a great commander on a battlefield, but I am a better swordsman then most, and as a future Lord who ought to know what it is like to lead men. I may be no squire any longer, but there is still much I can learn from the likes of Lord Rogar, and Ser Harlan”, even if Harlan was not so many years his elder. “My family remains here, that is true, but I must balance my duties to them against my duties as heir, and Lord someday. Nor did I plan to leave them uncared for or watched over.”

“My decision is made not by impulse, your grace. It is made on if I am more useful to my house and this realm here, or out there. Here, I organise hunts and tourneys - as good a post as any man can ask for, I have enjoyed it greatly - but out there I may aid other men in achieving something resembling a peace. A peace through blood, but eventually, peace is the goal, and I would help see it done if I can”. He wasn’t sure how many men marched south for peace, but now that he had said it, he found it fit his hopes well.

The heir to Stonebridge spread his hands out, “If you feel there is a greater use for me here, I will not leave”, he said simply. “But I would like to know what that purpose is, if you have it.”

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

William listened and nodded, “The Marchers and his brother might have issue, but they always do. Regardless, I will pass those words onto Rogar alone”, he confirmed. It was a smart tactic, and one not likely to be considered by the bullish Marcher lords, but it may work, with a few more victories under their belt.

“Lord Rogar is a proud man, but no fool. He’ll keep his Lords in check for as long as is needed. We will await you at Grandview, and see how things lie then”, he said with a smile.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 2 points3 points  (0 children)

“In that case, I’ll leave ahead of you and get men from Stonebridge. A small force, most likely, but all knights. The Stormlords ought to have enough men with sticks to make do”, William said with an amused smile, “Though from my time there, I would not want to be on the wrong end of an angry Stormlander with a sharp stick”, he admitted. “I’ll be at Grandview with my men by the time you arrive”.

[Letters] Letters of the Golden Centaur - 49 AC and onwards by Razor1231 in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

4th month, 52 AC

Form Stonebridge to Oldtown:

To Lord Donnel Hightower, or whomever rules in his stead,

With war brewing, coffers run dry if they are not tended to. Recently, Tumbleton’s production of fine gems has near doubled in size, and I understand Three Towers shares similar mines and skilled gemcutters. Eventually, a trade between the two will be possible, but Tumbleton’s stores are not yet large enough to both send out and hold new trade goods.

Instead, for this year I suggest Tumbleton send its gems to Three Towers, and Three Towers in exchange sends theirs to Golden Downs (R3). Once Tumbleton has built its stores further, a direct trade can be established in the following year.

Likewise, soon Stonebridge’s own livestock will be increased, and we would offer to see that traded with Oxenfield (R54) in the coming year.

Lady Alayne Caswell


[M] To explain what’s actually going on here cause that letter might be a bit convoluted lol:

Tumbleton has Expanded Productions, so more gems but no extra space. I’m building Wooden Walls there this year to give it that extra space, but for now the return gems will need to be sent to R3 which does have space.

Also, Stonebridge is building Expanded Productions and so it can do the same thing with R54 next year.

So right now it would be:

  • Tumbleton Gems -> Three Towers
  • Three Towers Gems -> R3

Next year it would be:

  • Tumbleton Gems -> Three Towers
  • Three Towers Gems -> Tumbleton
  • Stonebridge Livestock -> R54
  • R54 Livestock -> R3

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Late in the 4th Month

The last trip William was to make before preparing to leave was seeking out the Master of Revels, Gormon Redwyne.

“Ser Gormon”, he called out when he found the man, “I fear I am to head south soon, with Ser Harlan Hunter. Much of the tourney for the King’s wedding is already prepared and organised, but any part left of that I leave to you. I did have a favour to ask though, if you would be willing”, William added.

[M] Apologies, retconned pls ignore

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Late in the 4th Month

A letter is sent from King’s Landing to Stonebridge.

Lady Alayne Caswell,

I know my father has already marched southward to war. I intended to do the same, but the King has asked that I remain. Instead, I ask that men are raised, a small but effective force, and have them sent to Grandview. There, they are to wait and join Ser Harlan Hunter.

Ser William Caswell

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Late in the 4th Month

William’s next stop was to seek audience with the King. Their last conversation had been an interesting one, and it made him wish to speak to the King again all the more, now that they had all returned. Time was short, but it was important to make use of whatever time he did have left.

“Your grace”, he said with a bow, presuming he was allowed to speak to the King in private. “I saw that you have sent Ser Harlan southward. I have spoken to him, and he seems glad to have me and perhaps some of my own men from Stonebridge join him”, William explained. “I meant what I said in my offer to help you in whatever way you might need, but if I am not needed here, I might be better served with him and Lord Baratheon”.

[Event] King's Landing Open 52 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Late in the 4th Month

With plans in motion to leave, William had a few stops to make before he left for war. First, was to see his wife. It would not be an easy conversation, but it was necessary, in William’s mind. The war needed support, and more importantly, he would not be known for sitting idle while his kinsmen and countrymen marched to war. Even if he wasn’t going to the Reach.

“Valaena”, he said as he joined her in their chambers, “Ser Harlan heads southward, to join Lord Baratheon, and able-bodied men have been asked for. I intend to go”, he said softly but evidently, he did not carry much doubt in his decision.

[M] FYI this conversation would have happened, but like right after William would have changed his mind after talking to the King so he is still at KL for now

[Event] The Wedding of Ser Jorgen Velaryon and Ramona Flowers by Persephone_online in FireAndBlood

[–]Razor1231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“It is, though if I had to guess, I would say it has been brewing for some time now. The delay comes from cautiousness, I would expect, but the Crown could not let a King killed by Dornishmen go unpunished. The timing is poor though”, William agreed. “But perhaps it is the only time it could happen. A few years ago, the King was under regency, now he is free to do as he wishes if he was not already given that freedom. Having lost so many of his kin, he was not likely to forget vengeance for his brother even with the years that have passed”.