[center][h2]Near Dragonstone, Kermaes 'Kermit' Tully[/h2][/center]

[hr]

[In collab with [@MrDidact] ]

Kermaes Tully soon let lose the raven that he had perched on his hand. Namely having it flying towards Dragonstone - while his own boat waited at the nearby.

His father had wanted him to go and discuss the situation with the Blacks. Namely his father, Elmoras wanted to support the Blacks - but he needed to know, what was their situation and how serious or bad was it - in general.

The raven found its way to the rookery of Grand Maester Geradys. The old scholar took the note, saw the Tully sigil and read over it quickly, his eyebrows raising. Then he called for a servant, who ran off to find the Hand of the Queen. 

Corlys was in his quarters singing letters when the serving man came and told him of a letter from, "a friend from the Stepstones." Lord Velaryon furrowed his brow and stood to depart, calling for Ser Valarr and the Queensguard.. 

About half an hour later, Kermaes Tully witnessed a Velaryon dromond, a fast, sleek warship leave port and bear down on his reported heading. The sea-horse sails fluttered in the wind as they pulled up next to Ser Kermaes' understated civillian-class vessel. 

The Sea Snake appeared at the railings, Ser Lorent Marbrand of the Queensguard and his own captain Ser Valarr at his side with shields at the ready and longswords at their hips. A squad of Velaryon archers were lined on the sides of the Hand and Corlys called out to the ship. 

"You have my attention. Now which one of my old friends sends their regards? I met many in the Stepstones. Identify yourselves, or turn back, lest we fire upon you." 

"One whom ows a debt of honor," replied Kermaes, he wasn't wearing anything to identify him a Tully, so he had to get more crafty with his words.

"Once ago - your King fought in the Stepstones alongside a man. A man whose life he saved and earned his respect," he spoke.

"That man' name was Elmoras. My father, he has sent me to talk with your Queen. Though the Riverlands policy has been stated - the same opinion is not held by those whom lead its armies," spoke Kermaes.

Corlys quirked a brow in surprise and came forward to get a look at the young man, he paused before saying, "Elmoras Tully? I remember him. Good man. Good fighter. You must be Kermaes." 

The Sea Snake said, "Aye, your great-grandfather is a friend to the Greens. But if your own father feels differently... then we should talk. Allow my men to board your vessel and secure it, and both of our ships can enter port. Then we can share bread and salt, and speak in private. Neither the Queen nor the King are present, but they should return soon, and I speak on their behalf for the nonce. Agreed?" 

"Agreed. Let us hope your words bring good news Lord Corlys, otherwise our meeting might be short on words and hope," replied Kermaes, as he had his men throw the rope over to the Sea Snake. Helping to pull their ships together and to secure them.

And this point in time, the Queen likely couldn't risk having any Greens or Green-allies infiltrate and kill any of her supporters, so Kermaes accepted that requirement to getting access to the Queen.

Corlys nodded and boarding ladders came down on the other ship. Velaryon marines marched onto the other ship, hands on the hilts of their sword. Ser Lorent Marband led them onto the vessel. 

They searched from top to bottom, finding nothing of suspicion. The Tullys had gone to the trouble of outfitting the ship with supplies as if they were a trading vessel. And the only weapons on-board were those that were held by Kermit's men. 

Lorent came atop and gave the all-clear. The Hand of the Queen gave the order and the two ships moved back to Dragonstone, with the ostensible merchant ship following the Velaryon ship. 

They made landfall shortly later and Ser Aemon of his honor guard waited with Baelon. Baelon passed around bread and salt to all of the parties and Corlys said to the young man, "Your are welcome to Dragonstone. Your men can pitch tents in with the rest of the camps, and I'll see to it that chambers are prepared for you and any highborn with you. We can speak in my solar." 

The Sea Snake extended a hand and shook Kermit's, "I'm pleased to properly meet you, ser. Let us hope this meeting proves happy for the both of us."

Corlys led Kermit Tully to the keep, Ser Aemon and Ser Lorent behind. Eventually they reached the draconic castle of the Targaryens with it's snarling gargoyles and black stone and entered, walking through the halls to Corlys' private office where he conducted his business as Hand. 

The Hand sat behind the table, and Ser Lorent and Ser Aemon both took up positions at either side of the room and stood at attention. Baelon poured them both wine and set down a plate of cheese, bread, and grapes before withdrawing. 

Corlys raised a glass, 'To your father Ser Elmoras. And to your great-grandfather, Lord Grover." 

He drank and said, "Now, tell me more about why you came here. Why does Ser Elmo defy his grandsire? What is he planning?" 

"My great-grandfather Grover is...shall we say, not in his best mind," replied Kermaes. "Namely, while he is eager to support the 'male' lineage - my father has a different ideal in mind."

"Namely he doesn't want the forces of Harrenhall to gain anymore power than they already have. He is already at the moment, working with other Houses to try and box in House Strong," explained Kermit. 

"My father still dislikes the fact, that Strong was chosen over him onto the Small Council. But more along the fact - your King, had saved my father in the Stepstones, which he assured me to answer - he wants to pay it back."

"If you want to be completely truthful - then my father doesn't like the fact, of fighting for a King that gained his Crown by deception and has Harrenhall under its thumb. He fears if we side with the Greens - that in the end, us Tullys might be replaced by Strong."

Corlys replied, "I appreciate your father's loyalty to King Daemon and I will see to it that his steafastness is well rewarded. The Clubfoot is ambitious and conniving it is true. After all, many believe that it is he who set that fire and killed his own father and brother." The truth of the matter could have been likely much different but the Clubfoot's reputation served him well in this instance.

"House Strong has already courted the support of House Bracken. Other families will soon follow, I'm sure. They'll seek to consolidate the power of the Greens in the Riverlands, even without your great-grandfather's support of Aegon. And I would not put it past Lord Larys for him to have long-term goals that may be detrimental to your own. Your suspicions are well founded." 

The Sea Snake leaned back and said, "What does your father propose then? I doubt he can do much overtly, but perhaps he has some subtle plan?" 

"His plan is very simple. While 'Lord' Grover might rule in name, it is my father whom rules on the field," spoke Kermit. "The armies are loyal to my father. Though he doesn't possess the loyalty or right to dictate policies our grandfather isn't that great in his old age."

"Meaning that the Riverlands might not remain a Green stronghold for ever."

Corlys nodded in understanding, "Meaning that if Lord Grover passes on, your father intends to declare for the Blacks as Lord of Riverrun? It would be most welcome news to the Queen. However, that may not even happen in time to be of help to us. For the moment it would suffice for your father to keep the Tully armies at home, instead of marching to the field for the Greens. And any support he can offer in rallying the other riverlords to our cause would be most appreciated." 

The Sea Snake spread his hands, "Does Ser Elmoras seek any concessions or considerations for his efforts on his behalf? And did he have any questions to ask us or other matters to discuss with us?" 

"Yes that is his plan," said Kermit in reply, as they watched the wide open sea. When talks came of what did his father, Elmoras wish to have or say.

"Well...that is open to discussion. For the moment, he wants to prevent Harrenhall from dominating the policy of the Riverlands. My father will be able to hold our armies in the Riverlands for the time being. Our grandfather isn't as able to dictate the contrary."

"As for concessions. I am afraid, I don't have the liberty to discuss those. I was just sent to discuss the details."

The Hand raised an eyebrow, "Truly? Your father didn't have any requests of us in exchange for his help? Or he didn't see fit to pass them onto you? A most curious thing indeed." 

The Sea Snake sipped more wine, "Surely he isn't just doing this out of the goodness of his heart and sense of duty. There are political realities Ser Elmoras must be taking note of. I assume he sent you to assess how much of a risk there really was in siding with us?" 

"Well, that is true on the assessment," replied Kermit, there was no going over or around such a detail - since all of Westeros breathed that kind of politics.

"But more than usual - as I said, he fears the growing power of House Strong. With Harrenhall alone, the Strongs outweight us Tullys by land and possible men - if given enough time for him to plow and produce on those fields..."

"The Riverlands have been ruled by the Tullys for generations- and my father would be damned to the Seven pits - before he let some limping lord take our home - his words," he stated.

Corlys said, "Then we have a mutual foe. Lord Larys is no friend of Rhaenyra either, he is as much a traitor to her cause as all the rest. And he will be answer to Rhaenyra when she comes onto the Iron Throne, whether by quill or by sword." 

He steppled his fingers, "I'm hoping to avoid a bloody conflict however. Should war break out, more castles might meet the same fate as Harrenhal. I believe even Lord Grover would agree. It would be much appreciated if your father and great-grandfather could throw House Tully's support behind a parley, to discuss a peaceful resolution to this matter." 

"If Rhaenyra can win the throne without spilling a drop of blood, then all the better. And she will be in a much stronger position to help loyal friends such as yourselves. I'll see to it that the Tullys of Riverrun will continue to reign as Lords Paramount of the Trident." 

The Sea Snake finished his goblet, "And if it comes to war, then you have my word that Harrenhal will be dealt with." 

"For now, if you wish it, the hospitality of the Queen's court is yours. And I will see to it that you can meet with her when she does return."

"Thank you for that offer Lord Corlys," he spoke. "As a gesture of good faith - my father had asked that I accompany you to Dragonstone - so we can talk in more detail or react to any changing circumstances."

Corlys nodded. Elmoras had likely meant his son to be his eyes and ears on Dragonstone... as well as a token of trust that he would not break faith with Rhaenyra by offering his son as collateral against treachery. In any case, the Sea Snake would make sure the young man was well provided for, and that he was closely watched. 

"You may stay as long as you wish, Ser. And if there is nothing else to speak about, I can have you shown to your room, and have vittles brought over to you."