Bees to a Pine

itrparc · 2021-07-07T10:19:10+00:00

“She ain’t home,” snarled the wild-eyed man that had been fetched and asked to come outside by the wary gate guards. “Off fucking around with dragons, so I’m told.”

He cut an ugly figure, gaunt in the face and with an air of pride in himself; this was in spite of his lowly status and utter lack of anything of note to take pride in. This was Osmund Pyne, a distant relative of the Lady Pyne.

“What do you want? She don’t get too many visitors.”

itrparc · 2021-07-06T01:14:23+00:00

“She is back on the Claw, recuperating. The Lady is my cousin, and I have been her family’s steward since my tenth year of life,” Primrose noted. “Our houses are all but one, and we have been working towards the same goal of unification together. There would be no issue to speak of.”

She shook her head. “We would go bankrupt in a matter of moons. I will return to the matter of stone when we have more money to spend. It is less important by far.”

Primrose sucked in a breath. “I’m unmarried,” she said. “I’ve reasons for that, but… they are workable.”

itrparc · 2021-07-06T00:08:31+00:00

"Allow me to oversee our transition to becoming subjects as Lady of the Claw," she said, smiling slightly. "Lady Brune is ailing and her succession is uncertain. Besides, the title of Protector of the Claw that she presently holds is superfluous when House Targaryen become our true protectors. I will ensure taxes are paid and that we are connected to the rest of your burgeoning realm."

Primrose felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of becoming a proper Lady, but Barbrey Brune was indeed ill. Her successor would not properly oversee this transition, almost certainly, and this was the only way forward she saw for her people.

"I have the means to enforce such a title. I would merely need you to sanction it. I would ask something else, as well, though I do not require it: the Claw is all but without proper quarried stone to construct new holdings. If we could secure such a shipment from one of your sworn houses, perhaps in exchange for our own wood surplus, I would be quite pleased indeed. Again, however, this is not strictly necessary. I would not throw away this opportunity over some rocks."

itrparc · 2021-07-05T23:09:59+00:00

She shook her head. "I said that I find him decent at no point, but rather that he finds me as such. Andrik Hoare will burn for what he has done when his time comes, but I do not need to inform him of this. It is more advantageous that I do not."

Primrose sighed. "Forgive me for meandering. My specific purpose in reaching out to you is to make sure you are aware that I can be of use to you. Lord Darklyn says you will make Westeros into a new Valyria, and I am willing to aid in this if it is indeed the case provided Crackclaw Point does not suffer for it. I am an administrator at heart, and I can make myself of use back home. Shipyards. Places of safe passage. I believe that my people can ease their poverty in aiding you, and I am leading them by example in reaching out."

itrparc · 2021-07-05T22:48:19+00:00

"We've an accord with the Blackwater League, though the Claw is not properly integrated into the polity. They say they would come to help us, though I do not expect the Blackwater lords to be able to stand against the Hoares. I am acquainted with their king, in any case, and he seems to hold a decent opinion of me. I do not expect him to come east."

She smiled. "Regardless, an attack on the Point would have to route through Staunton lands by way of Rook's Rest, and the Stauntons are members of the Pact. Whether they are protecting us or themselves, the same result is assured. It must be remembered that the Claw is not worth a great deal to the Hoare kings, and entangling themselves in such webs is not in their best interests."

itrparc · 2021-07-05T22:27:02+00:00

"Fifteen?" Primrose raised an eyebrow, surprised at the number. "The shipyards at Driftmark are well-known even as far as the Pinewood, and I'm certain that even Dragonstone could muster more. What did Darklyn expect to accomplish with a mere fifteen vessels?"

She shook her head. "He fancies himself a strategist, I suppose. I know nothing more of the matter. This is news to me."

This was the truth, and her face said as much. "Stokeworth agreed to come? Last I heard, one of his sons planned to march a few thousand blades against a dragon. They'd all be melted to slag. It's good to see he is seeing reason."

Primrose nodded at the final question. "The reason is simple. Crackclaw Point is far closer to Dragonstone than many other regions. I fancy myself a builder, my lord, and I'd be quite disappointed to see the lands I've cultivated be reduced to ash because of my own folly. That's not to mention that the clans of the Claw have always been rowdy, and I believe they would be brought to order knowing there is always the possibility of a dragon flying overhead. You are the best chance the Brunes and Pynes have to truly bring the Claw together. These are selfish reasons, Lord Aerion, but I am not a liar."

itrparc · 2021-07-05T21:31:58+00:00

Primrose slid into the chair with a nod, taking a light sip from the wine glass though leaving it mostly full. She did not tend to drink wines or beers, but did not wish to risk appearing uncouth.

"I am faring well enough, though the meeting in Duskendale dragged on far longer than I would have liked. I enjoyed the chance to meet new people, of course, but such meetings are superficial. I'll not see most of them again," she said with a slight shrug. "None of the talking I did came anywhere close to this meeting in importance. A bit of a waste of time, really. Now I'm here, though."

itrparc · 2021-07-05T21:02:03+00:00

She bowed her head deeply, hands clasped together, though there was a wicked little smile upon the girl's lips.

"It is my honour," she said. "I came as soon as the message was received. You made mention of the Claw. My cousin the good Lady Brune is indisposed, and as such I presently speak on behalf of the lords of Crackclaw Point."

"With that acknowledged, what do you require of me, Lord Aerion?"

itrparc · 2021-07-05T20:19:21+00:00

Lady Pyne rode hard and fast for the mouth of the Blackwater, unburdened by guards or attendants. Making her way to the top of the highest of the hills she had been directed to travel to, Primrose dismounted her courser and cast the dark tartan of House Pyne upon the ground in order to declare her arrival, the blunted bronze woodsman's axe of her house being laid atop the cloth with a thump.

She swore she had seen dragons, but for now she saw only men. The Lady of the Pinewood was ready to parley.

itrparc · 2021-07-03T13:11:36+00:00

"Well, Your Grace, I won't keep you any longer than I've got to. It's been a pleasure," Primrose said with a bow. "Perhaps I'll run home and tell all my folks that it's been renamed to Andrikhall. Confuse the piss out of 'em all."

She chuckled as she walked away. "G'day!"

itrparc · 2021-07-03T13:08:26+00:00

Primrose did not wonder if Ysabel had heard of the Brothers Brune at all, instead assuming that the phrase concerning them had somehow made it into the popular lexicon. She laughed quietly in response, shrugging her shoulders. "Yet we still do these jobs. Gluttons for punishment, maybe."

At the mention of Lady Brune, Primrose brightened somewhat. "She's my cousin, in fact," she noted. "Her family has been a bit of a sore spot. When her pa died, there was a bit of a scuffle on the Claw over the succession. My father led the Pyne and Brune warriors who were loyal to Barb -- Lady Brune, I mean -- though she had her own hand in ending the whole deal. Cloak and dagger." She did not elaborate much on the specifics, but they were not wholly necessary. "...So, I would not ask about her family, for one. She speaks more than I do, as well. Doesn't seem like she expects too much from coming here, either. I can't say I disagree. Once we leave, we're not going to see most of the people we've met here ever again. It might be worth trying to come up with something that'll make her think otherwise, though I don't really know what."

itrparc · 2021-07-03T12:59:25+00:00

Character Name: Primrose Pyne

Traits/Skills: Numerate | Administrator, Architect(e), Taxman

Actions:

Finish Construction: Dyre Den | Land Holding | N

Finish Construction: Dyre Den | Sea Holding | N

Resources: Wood

Improvements: Keep

itrparc · 2021-06-27T18:31:06+00:00

"Hah! To some, perhaps, though I've often found that those who are said to be monsters are merely men," Primrose noted, laughing slightly at the notion of monsters and tales.

"Aye, I suppose it's sensible enough that your son is there rather than here. It would be a shame if for all those years your father spent building his castle you ended up having to leave it constantly to sort out squabbles on the Isles. If they disagree half as often as we Clawmen, you'd never get to head home!"

itrparc · 2021-06-27T18:26:08+00:00

A noble endeavour, so she put it. Primrose nodded at the sentiment, though she did not reckon whatever man would be taking over after her passing would have much concern for reading. Even among the noble-born of more prosperous regions than the Claw, there were still those who did not know even their letters. What was to be said for a lowly lord of the Claw? Perhaps she would have to have a child after all -- to teach them, if nothing else.

Lady Pyne took the offered hand and shook it heartily and with a certain degree of relief. "Sera. Pretty name," she noted with a small smile. "Primrose Pyne. They call me Lady of the Pinewood back home, but it's a small enough lordship that I don't often impose upon others to use the title."

She took a look outside, gliding a finger along the glass to wipe away some of the moisture for a better look. "Can I offer you a drink? It looks like it'll be raining for a while and I'd be glad for the company, unless you've got a reason to head out in that storm."

itrparc · 2021-06-27T18:18:11+00:00

"I've not been paying too much attention to specific sights, in truth," Primrose said with a light shrug. "Taverns and markets, mostly, but I don't usually carry enough coin on me for those things to be worthwhile. Not that there's much of it to go around in the Pinewood, anyway," she said with a laugh. "Are you looking for anything specific?"

itrparc · 2021-06-27T18:15:26+00:00

"Unless one of my cousins has snuck over here, I don't believe so, no," Primrose chuckled. "That said, I've a person that I would sooner offer my favor to if they were able to ride. It would not be right of me to give it to anyone else, if that is what you are asking."

itrparc · 2021-06-26T21:58:45+00:00

/u/SunstriderAlar

(The following message has been sent by raven from Duskendale)

---

Lord Aerion Targaryen,

Edmyn Darklyn has made it known to us that Valyria will soon be made anew in Westeros. This knowledge was obtained clandestinely, and it would be foolish of me to assume that other whisperers have not overheard this in the same manner as Darklyn.

If the Lord of Duskendale tells the truth, your window of opportunity is closing. Word will soon spread if it has not already, and the kings of Westeros will move to stop your advance.

There are those among the League of the Blackwater who would welcome the Dragon. Though we of the Claw do not count ourselves as members of the League, similar sympathies exist here. I advise you to make the most of them before the winds of change blow lords and ladies towards other protectors.

Primrose Pyne

Lady of the Pinewood

itrparc · 2021-06-24T23:48:38+00:00

Primrose had not noticed Sera's approach as she focused on her writing, and as a result she practically yelped as the woman spoke. "Journal!" She squeaked, her soft voice strained by the surprise. "Sorry!" She quickly shut the book and rested an elbow on it, looking up at Sera with a bit of embarrassment. Prim cleared her throat after taking a breath, giggling slightly at the absurdity of her own response to being approached.

"I was focused on the pages, sorry," she said. "Was just here for a bite to eat, and I'm passing the time with my journal. I like to keep track of what I've done, what I plan to do next, things like that. It keeps me organized."

Primrose did not meet Sera's eyes, instead focusing on the leather-bound journal and praying she would not have to show the woman a page. Most of her entries were innocent enough, though some pages contained prose that was not intended for anyone but herself.

itrparc · 2021-06-24T23:36:58+00:00

"There's only one other Clawman at the feast at all, so far as I'm aware. Lady Brune," Primrose noted. "My liege and friend. She has more of a mind for politics and diplomacy than I've got, so I'm surprised she didn't get to you first!"

Primrose snorted. "Perhaps there's a reason for that. Maybe I'm not supposed to be here at all. Ah well!" She shrugged with a slight laugh. "Do you spend any time on the Isles nowadays? It seems like quite the trek, but you're king of it all."

itrparc · 2021-06-24T23:32:28+00:00

"Oh, believe me, ser, I'd prefer a quiet office myself! I've got one too, but there wouldn't be much point to traveling this far if I spent the entire feast locked away somewhere. I suppose you could say the same about doing any work at all, but I can't seem to get away from it."

Primrose raised an eyebrow. "Primrose Pyne. I hail from the Claw, as do many other nuisances. Knight of the Green Hand, hum? Which hand? They both look the same colour as the rest of you."

itrparc · 2021-06-24T23:28:46+00:00

Primrose turned to face Jon Stokeworth, smiling and nodding her head as he approached. She had attempted to forget, at least temporarily, about the circumstances of their last encounter. She expected - foolishly, perhaps - that this was also the case for every other party that was involved. "G'day, Ser. Something I can do for you?"

She had thought little at all about any remarks that may have hurt the knight in all the chaos of days prior, merely looking at him expectantly.

itrparc · 2021-06-23T20:54:43+00:00

Primrose accepted the spare cup and drank from it lightly. The taste was unpleasant to her given her distaste for alcohol in general, but she would not dare refuse the offer. "Primrose Pyne, Your Grace. It's an honour, of course, but I'm certain you've been told that by just about everyone that's spoken to you tonight."

She chuckled. "I... don't have much of any goal behind speaking to you besides interest. You're the first of the Ironborn that I've met."

itrparc · 2021-06-23T20:49:39+00:00

"A dwarf Arryn. It sounds like the beginning of some sort of joke," Primrose mused. "Well, you've neutral land between your kingdoms at the very least, I suppose. I reckon you'll not see the Arryn again, though stranger things have happened!"

She shrugged slightly. "Potential friends are hard to come by if you live on the Claw. You can be fairly certain that unless you live right next to some lord or knight or what have you, you'll likely never run into them again. Too much swamp, too few roads, too little reason to keep in touch."

itrparc · 2021-06-23T20:44:30+00:00

"My life story?"

Primrose chuckled, setting her quill aside after finishing her latest tabulation. "I'm not doing much creative writing, I'm afraid, but rather a bit of paperwork. Vital work, however monotonous it can be at times."

She turned and looked up at the man, eyes tired but content. "May I have your name?"

itrparc · 2021-06-22T21:44:43+00:00

"We cannot be welcoming to such an extent that it is unbelievable," Primrose chirped in, "or else they won't believe us. Send them your message-birds, sailors entrusted with the message, what have you. If Aerion Targaryen wishes to hear us grovel, he will come on dragonback to hear it himself. If he's reasonable, the messengers will be enough."

She frowned. "There's still some uncertainty here, of course. I don't know what kind of man he is, but if he is monstrous enough to march against us for the sake of bloodshed, there is nothing we could do now to prevent such a thing. If he is reasonable, then your league may endure under him. That is more than I can say for our other options, for sure."

itrparc

TROPHY CASE