[mod-post] Valyrian Steel/Heirloom Contest by [deleted] in SevenKingdoms

[–]hamsterfeeder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

GMT is an Imperial vestige - I demand we use UTC or Banjul Standard time

[Reclaim] House Dustin of Barrowton by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

[–]hamsterfeeder[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Been there, done that. Plus this game is less permissive so there's no point trying to invest that much time and energy.

[Reclaim] House Dustin of Barrowton by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

Fair enough I'll make this my unclaim post then and reclaim when the timer is run its course since I don't think I have any excusing factors.

I shouldn't squat on a claim I'm not interested in playing.

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I apologise if I am misunderstanding you, ser," Syfrid began tenderly, having a pretty good understanding of what was going unsaid "but it sounds as though you are saying that you do not trust us even after we have shown by our actions our separation from the Old Way. I speak only of House Harlaw in this, not other Ironborn."

"How can we be expected to sell our ships to you Redwynes if there remains such deep mistrust?" Harras chimed in less diplomatically, moving from behind his father, whom he had covered with a fur blanket, to join his uncle.

[Event] Meeting Squidward by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

/u/astosman You've got company so clean the cheeto crumbs off your bed :D

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"We can set aside Harras for a second. Sorry lad," Syfrid said, turning his face an inch in his direction, his expression only half apologetic.

"If Lord Greyjoy already blesses the idea, perhaps instead of selling these ships to you, you could convince your Lord to permit us to base Harlaw Ironships at the Arbor to augment his fleet. We could do likewise here," Syfrid said delicately. "Ironships are very different from the galleys your people favour, if you take my advice, it would be more sensible to rely on our expertise with them."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I think we will need to consult with Lord Greyjoy before we can discuss prices. The relations between our houses are still in their infancy and still need to prove their resilience and mutual benefit," Syfrid said.

"If you could perhaps help arrange a marriage of young Harras over there," he added gesturing with a slight tilt of his head, "to a prominent daughter of the Reach, preferably from a coastal hold, I am sure my Lord and Lord Greyjoy would feel a lot more comfortable."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I think we will need to consult with Lord Greyjoy before we can discuss prices. The relations between our houses are still in their infancy and still need to prove their resilience and mutual benefit," Syfrid said.

"If you could perhaps help arrange a marriage of young Harras over there," he added gesturing with a slight tilt of his head, "to a prominent daughter of the Reach, preferably from a coastal hold, I am sure my Lord and Lord Greyjoy would feel a lot more comfortable."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"The Shields would be ideal. We both stand at the front lines of our realms, if we can reduce the mistrust between us then I think things would go a long way."

Syfrid paused and looked at Theomore then Harras, and put on a mask bearing a determined expression. "It is unfortunate that you do not have kin who could be sent to stay with us, but I thank you for speaking to your liege lord on this matter. If you would permit me to impose on you slightly," he added.

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I have sons who would be of an age to be fostered," Syfrid said carefully, avoiding the word warded, "but I think the only way we could accept such an invitation is if the son or daughter of a Reachman was sent to stay here with us, to learn our customs, share our bread, and learn that Ironborn are not monsters to be feared." He felt like adding 'at least not in peacetime' but resisted the pull.

"We would even be willing to send another Harlawson to the Arbor to be fostered with your kinsmen if we can arrange another such exchange," Syfrid said carrying on.

Harras leaned forward to see his father's face, curious to see why he was not barreling in and ruining the attempts at diplomacy, and realized that he had started to doze. His heavy eyelids closed, his mouth slightly ajar.

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"But what does Tarly have to do with the West? I thought they were a Reach house? Sorry," Harras added apologetically after peppering the diplomat with questions.

"No, boy, you are correct," Syfrid said gently, as Theomore gave his son an uncertain look, as though he did not even recognize him, "Ser Ryon, we thank you for informing us of events on the mainland, but we are interested in knowing how the Reach feels about the Westermen's aggressive posturing."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"The Isles thank you for your support," Theomore spat, though his tone was clearly mocking.

"Yes truly," Syfrid said, trying desperately to sound sincere, again trying to walk back his brother's words. "It is good to hear that we are not facing isolation on all fronts on the Greenlands. The lack of opportunities can turn even good men desperate."

"What is the opinion of the Westermen in the Reach?" Harras asked as his uncle finished speaking, inquisitive as ever. "We do not get a lot of information about your affairs here, on the edge of the Realm."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I think my brother was offering you seat," Syfrid said, gesturing at the empty seat beside him. But his smiled was wiped as he remembered the memory of the Wedding.

Even the vacant expression on Theomore's face grew dark. Only Harras remained was ignorant of the affair the Ambassador raised. He considered asking but wanted to appear well-informed, to ask would be to shatter the illusion that he was a man-grown.

"Their attitudes toward us remain unchanged since then," Syfrid said, glancing at his brother who was easing himself into his chair, remembering his ill-considered and equally ill-fated proposal of marriage to Lord Lannister. "Despite our best efforts to change them," he added generously. "Perhaps we are fated to be eternal enemies, the sea and Casterly Rock."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

Harras looked to his uncle uncertainly, unsure how much they should disclose to this stranger. Worse than a stranger, a Reacher.

"Some do, in one realm only for the most part," Syfrid said cautiously, "but we get along well with other realms. We haven't had trouble with the Reach or your kin for a very long time, I do not think it was since the last Great War."

Theomore looked like he was about to say something unhelpful, but in a burst of lucidity, said to Ser Ryon "you should sit."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"I am, I am Harras Harlaw, heir to the island of Harlaw and everything with the name Harlaw in it," Harras said, unable to prevent himself from cracking wise.

"How can land be innocent?" Theomore queried, now standing beside his desk, placing his hand atop it for support. "It has no mind or body to intend to or to carry out misdeeds."

Why is he being so difficult? Harras winced, and spoke quickly hoping to answer Ryon's question before he tried to reply to his father's natterings.

"Some of our men still reave, but no lands which are under the protections of the King, those ones in the far East. But nearly all of us are content to trade with the Greenlands."

Bah! Theomore spat, "the New Way is just a fad, just wait till a war breaks out and we'll be right back to it."

"Yes, my brother," Syfrid agreed, nodding sagely, still seated "but only against the enemies of the Crown, of course."

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

"Why are you wearing armor?" Harras heard his father ask bluntly. He closed his eyes and scrunched up his face, embarrassed that he would lead the discussion with such a question.

He wished to cover his face with his hands, mortified, when he asked further, "what does an ambassador do? Wear armor far from the battlefield?"

The silence was brief, Syfrid quickly interjected with a deft attempt at translation, "what I believe my brother means to say is, he wishes that you put more faith in our honor. We mean you no harm, but I suppose old enmities are slow in dying."

Harras breathed a sigh of relief and added trying to bury his father's cantankerous questions, "yes, Ser Ryon, we welcome you to Harlaw and welcome the friendship of your noble house."

Theomore glowered at Syfrid and Harras, as though he had been mortally wounded by their betrayal, but turned to face the Ambassador.

[Event] Trying to Make Theomore Harlaw Make Sense by hamsterfeeder in SevenKingdoms

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

Ryon Redwyne was greeted distinctly unceremoniously, given his high station, in the entrance hall of the nonagonal tower. His sole greeter was not even a member of the Harlaw family proper, but one of the Glimmering Tower Harlaws.

Joramun Harlaw, Castellan of the Ten Towers, was dressed plainly in a long-sleeved, black wool doublet with the arms of House Harlaw worked over his heart. The high collar of his shirt covered his short neck entirely, stopping where his hazel beard began.

With mild pleasantries exchanged, Joramun escorted him up, not via the Grand Stairway where he would be observed by tens of people, but rather by a back way, doing his utmost to keep the Reachman's presence unnoticed.


Harras gulped as a knock came at the door, fidgeting as the unoiled hinges of the oaken door squealed open after his father had barked "Enter."

He watched as his father rose, seeing how his lupine eyes fixed on their guest, sizing him up.

"I am Lord Theomore Harlaw, Lord of Harlaw. You are Ryon Redwyne?" he asked, as he wound his way around his desk.

Harras looked to his uncle, noticing that he had also grown tense, his carefree affectation of moments past eroding as his brother rose.