AtomicNut — Roleplayer Guild

King's Landing
The Rose Garden (with @kingkonrad@MrDidact)

Willas sat out in the beautiful garden, the flowers in full bloom, as he sat at the pavillion, at work out here instead of inside. It was a nice day, after all, and he thought he'd do something here. Then maybe talk to some courtiers from the Iron Bank, and a couple of other meetings. He was comfortable out here, and it was a pleasant place to be. It was also one of the few places he could sit with his falcons and birds of prey, the blue Peregrine swooping in onto a wooden rail by his table.

Willas was an avid falconer, and despite being a slight cripple, he was known for his skills. Here in King's Landing, it was muted, given dragons ruled the roost, but he knew that even made waves in House Arryn. He was good at it, as he fed a little feed to give to Vulcan, his peregrine a thoroughbred. Though it wasn't as large as the bird next to it, a striking golden eagle, that nearly dwarfed the size of the falcon, and it was far more majestic. They got on well, Willas was good at culturing the bird to each other, as Willas gently stroked Goldrush, the Golden Eagle screeching as he gently put his leather glove to it's talons, letting it step on.

"Good girl." He gently fed a little feed, the bird eating it with no such complacency. Back home, he remembered what he bred of these birds, something that most would be humbled by. And he was astounded to hear that Griffins were alive again, he always wanted to meet one and see how it would react to his falconer's touch. That and larger birds were always a treat, but these were magnificent creatures for hunts and companions, his son taking up his hobby too. It was a hobby more than a trade, but Willas was no slouch when it came to looking after the birds, one of the best in his home Kingdom and his name for this work known far and wide. He let Goldrush jump up his left arm, as he gently drank from his wine goblet, the bird heavy yet sitting nicely on his arm as he let the bird look around and take in it's environment. 

Alester sighed as he rubbed his shoulder, stretching the taut healing tissue. These things took time and rest. But he had no such luxuries, so begrudlingly he counted the hours and days go by. Walks were useful for that regard, or cultivating his reading and mind. However, he also could do other things in the meantime. While Merlin was the Steward of the Reach, Willas still was the one above him. A good relationship would be benefitial for the both, moreso after the bethrodal offer.

"Splendid sheen, no signs of moult or loose feathers. That bird has been raised with care, my lord" Alester said, as he approached the knight-turned-falconer. 

"Indeed. All of mine are." Willas replied, as he saw Alester come in, nodding to the table, gently removing the glove from his left hand and passing it to Alester.
"Here. There's a little bait, so she likes that glove." Willas let Goldrush make the decision, letting him wait till Alester had the glove on, given he was far more comfortable around his owner.

"They are magnificent creatures. From the mountains of Dorne, they are the sharpest eyed creatures there are. A wingspan of about five and a half feet, so they can sit in the air and wait, and wait. The Targaryens may be Gods, for they can fly on the wings of dragons. But this is as close as us mortals come. And the courage and wisdom of an eagle yields merit to one who looks after it." Willas intellectually mused, as he let Goldrush leap from his arm to the glove, sitting on Alester's hand. He looked at the Florent, eyeing him up, it's face critical yet curious. It was a mature bird, and certainly a fine specimen.   

"I confess I have had to neglect many of these noble hobbies for the sake of my success." Alester said, as he fed the majestic creature and carefully caressed the head of the bird. "But one does not need to master falconry to see the facts. I very much doubt this raptor does eat mice. It would eat small deer or even lambs with that much wingspan." He grunted, the weight of the animal and the stiff position straining the wound. "Vultures are even bigger, but such cowardly carrion eaters are hardly befitting this environment." He added, sighing. "Dragons bleed fire, but they still bleed. They are as mortal as us." He paused. "If I wanted to pick a falconry animal I would have the smaller falcon instead." He added. "Because they hunt targets that are bigger than them."

Willas nodded, agreeably.
"It has a go, certainly. Oh, and back at home, I have Condors. Enormous birds, that could probably lift people off their feet. I don't bring them here in case...well, the Targaryens have enough issue with dragons eating things they shouldn't when out in the wild. Imagine a flock of Condors, taking little children. They are birds with a wingspan that makes most birds feel small. Most mortals too." Willas chuckled, shaking his head as he knew it was in jest, as he nodded.

"But you are right. Peregrines are sleek, fast. They survive because of that. The biggest birds may be the most proud, the most majestic, the most awe-inspiring. But Vulcan over there is a bird that can fly at the ground faster than any. It is powerful, yet humble. A beautiful hunter that blends with the sky it sits in, and yet makes itself present." Willas added, as he looked across at the gentle Goldrush, seeing it saw it's master again. Hopping onto the table, Willas took it on his arm again, around a leather vambrace.
"I imagine you aren't here by accident, or as a falconer. I suppose we have much to discuss too. On the same level, Alester, I know you are interested in what I spoke with when I met Owen Gardener." 

"Among other things, my lord. We are fighting a two war front." Alester said as he straightened himself after having being used as a bird perch. "I am interested if the guest I procured has been useful...as well as why I get a raven from my subordinate in the Reach campaign explaining he had to sacrifice a good number of knights because the army was seized by fear." He added as he lowered his voice. "I know about the real nature of our enemies. They are in the Reach too." He said in all but a whisper, eyeing Willas Tyrell, as he took a small sip of wine after pouring it on a cup for himself.

"He was useful. He's a good asset. Convicted in his beliefs. I think I have the measure of what they are now." Willas said, sipping a little, nodding.
"I understand what he wants. And how far he'll go. So do you. It makes him dangerous. He's not psychotic, or willing to burn the Reach to the ground to have it. But he's willing to believe it and follow through." The Tyrell Lord added, nodding his head.
"Aye, he's not going to spill much. But he'll protect his kin. And his kin will do the same for him. So what you did will have an effect. It'll push them. Killing him would only rile them, holding him as a hostage works in our favour. And he's a far more valuable hostage than anyone." Willas was thinking out loud almost, as he shrugged.
"So, I suppose I do as well. I saw what he had to say. What he would give away. And that works more to us than he thinks. We need only find one more, and their dynastic idea shall be weakened." Willas finished the cup, pouring a bit more.

"Your guest was useful. But what of the beasts in the Reach? Do you consider they work for the Gardeners as equals, or are forced?"

Alester swirled the wine, as he listened to what Willas said. He has an idea on who these are. Well, at least it is useful. He frowned his grip on the cup tightening all of a sudden. "One more, huh. It makes things easier. Or more difficult. Hell if I know which. If we could somehow break that honor-bound defense of his... maybe if we could trick him into believing he was abandoned and betrayed... he would surely break and spill everything." He paused. "Although I don't know enough of him to even make such attempt." 

"Regarding our guests in the Reach..." Alester gritted his teeth. "There is hardly that many. It could be even rogue parties. But they aren't going to lower their number anytime soon. They seem some kind of shock troops reinforcement to make things even more confusing. The Inquisitor is dealing with them as we speak." He added. "Although it would do us well to be aware... and not spread the news much further than the small council and some lords." 

"There's some terrible stuff going on Alester. The world is changing faster than most can deal with it. Beasts and creatures that are undescribable. Rumours, back. It used to be simple once. A mastery of politics and combat was enough. Now there's something far more terrifying out there that we must respond to. Something far more scary. If the commoners were to understand what we knew, it would destabilize society as we knew it. Hundreds of years of progress, unwound." Willas replied, as he finished pouring, taking  sip.

"That is good to hear at least then. We need to respond. Finish them. Our campaign in the Stepstones is about to be underway, and in the Red Mountains, things could have certainly been worse. But it affirms what I was thinking. We are in a rapidly changing world, and those with the knowledge of the new will know how to survive. Even if it is arcane and mad, it is what allows them to thrive in this new world we inhabit. For now however, I see that men and food win wars. And even beasts need to eat. That is why the Reach cannot fall, or change hands. Lest the rest of the Kingdoms have any thoughts." Willas added, thinking about Owen once more.

"As for Owen...trickery shall not work. Time will have that effect. And time is what we have. In time, he will break, a sane mind eventually becomes wrapped in entropy, it becomes more and more unstable in a isolated environment. Keeping him as our hostage shall work in our favour, till we see the effect of time. He'll be treated well, but isolation is what will make him tick. If torture can't, then that shall, as it eventually can with anyone."  

"Time is precisely the one thing we might be running short, my lord" Alester added as he let the cup rest against the table. "I do not like this, not one bit. In general. We thought we had the initiative, but they were playing us for fools. We are dancing to their tune still, and if we don't break their pace and plans soon enough, it...might be too late." He said in a sour tone, almost snarling. "There is scarcely any books about these subjects. I have checked. Stupid faith purges and censorship, had we known..."  The Fox Lord breathed deeply, trying to rein the stress in. "But its okay. If the world is changing, so shall we. We will beat them by outsmarting them every single move. It's all we can do. Relearn and reinvent, wind the clock even further my lord. With what little time we have."

Willas understood that Alester was smart, but he was young. Even Alerie didn't have the gift of wisdom, even Willas knew that in times like these, that remained a constant.
"Neither do I. But we have their false King's brother. We hold the cards. We don't need to dance to their tune any longer. Now we have something that matters to them. They'll need to decide how to act. So we do have time, Alester. Perhaps not much. But enough to work with. To create weakness in rock, a crack must form first. The crack can come from imperfections, but in the end it, doesn't matter. The crack expands, and the crack deepens. and the rock sheers off. That is the Gardeners." Willas sipped wine, looking at Alester.

"You won't find this in books. Wisdom comes from experience. Much like Ellion, I sent him to fight because he wouldn't read and could hardly sit still. But he knows more of the world and what of it than sitting and reading books. The greatest men never read books all day long. They kept it in mind, but what made them was action. So in a time of change, observe the world, don't just read about it. The scholars who make them, the Maesters, will not keep up in a time like this. Of course you should, much as I do. But you're young. And that matters more to you than it shall to me." Willas chuckled, a humble and neutral, yet positive point to make for Alester, Willas understanding he could make that about him.

"We shall defeat them. I imagine it will be a mess when we find his brother. I won't lie, he is a traitor to the realm, and shall likely be killed, publically. Any man that does this suffers that fate, no trial is even required." 

"Your wisdom is appreciated, my lord, although I would like to indicate such wisdom reaping antics are fairly limited in me right now" Alester added, pointing to his wound. "Maester Samwell would throw a fit if he saw me doing anything remotely physical or adventurous." 

"Well...not right now. When you heal I imagine you'll be right as rain. You're a Reachman. Made of sterner stuff than most. A fit and healthy young man." Willas chuckled, aware that Alester was probably the same age as his son, if a couple years younger, and that was rather strange almost to know, given he was talking Lord to Lord.

"Observe the world, huh." He paused, as he looked at his surroundings, slumping in the chair, his sight resting in their surroundings as the birds chirped. Dozens of thoughts were in his mind as his tension disipated if for a brief moment. "Funny you mentioned Ellion, he is the one that gave me a beating when i took up the sword and thought I was a good knight." He mused."I saw Alerie earlier aswell. She got a Lannister for himself." He added,relaxing the tension a fair bit.

"Yes, that she did. A strong bond between House Tyrell and House Lannister. Something to beat the horrors that happened between our two families. A bond like that would do everyone well. Even if there are those who are opposed, it's better to have my daughter do some good in the world and steer the classical Kingdoms back to peace." Willas nodded, clearly content with that, as he sipped his wine.

"As for Ellion, he is talented. He has his trouble. But he has his honour. I imagine he'll grow out of it. Any young Knight with enough talent always does." Willas added, drinking the wine softly as the golden eagle lept off his arm, and sat next to Vulcan, standing tall on the wooden rail.

"My father entered me into a tourney when I was too young, pushed me. He was an idiot sometimes, my father. I didn't think I was ready, and Oberyn Martell knocked me off my horse so hard, and my leg was still caught in the stirrup. I was dragged and winded, knocked out from the endeavour, I felt a pain that you wouldn't imagine. Your wounds are significant, but they will heal. So if you feel angry, try being a cripple, knowing you can't fight, joust or soldier on. All that potential, put out. I can ride a horse, and walk, so I am thankful to the Seven for that. It was enough to do any duties I had to in the wars. But one poor decision sealed the rest of my life." Willas said, knowing it would probably put out Alester's worry about his wounds, as he sighed.

"Ellion is smart enough to know he won't kill himself in a tourney, besides. Young as he is, he takes from something I don't know. A fighter with a potential. Yet beautiful enough to the fairer sex to get himself into trouble. All the Ladies of the Reach would want him, the lionhearted son of the Lord Tyrell. Yet I suppose it shall not last. It'll end someday. I imagine he'll do well for himself, find a love he can stay with, or a duty he can live for. He would be a good man for either." 

Alester heard the liege lord's words, as he poured a cup of wine. Looking at Willas talking so fondly about the two Tyrells that had hurt him the most made him somewhat restless, and darker emotions surged into his mind. He began breathing very slowly. "My lord, did you not notice? The last two reports my late father sent to you had a different penmanship." He added, as he sip through the wine."After the gods saw that I lost my second sibling and mother in one fell swoop, his mind begun to fall apart. I had to held both him and the disheartened Irise together. Losing a leg cannot even begin to compare being trapped in the body of a brat while all your house goes to hell." He sipped. "And the bitter thing is, there is no lesson learnt from all of this in that the world is a cruel place, and we must see to our loved ones." He finished his cup. "I do not share your optimistic view, my lord."

Willas chuckled, softly.
"You aren't alone. My father, brother, sister, all died in the old Great Sept. Before you were even born. Consumed by wildfire, by a mad Queen who spared no remorse in killing everyone to have power. Just that. Because they were in her way. Not out of personal hatred, or as just victims in a war or of a disease. But because Cersei Lannister, the woman who would have burned the Reach to a cinder, spared no length to make certain her position." Willas said flatly, shaking his head.

"I could have been not optimistic. And I mostly am, Alester. I was never the same after that. But I know what it's like to lose people you love, in one go. And then become a Lord when you barely think you know what you're doing. Try convincing people to fight when you can hardly fucking walk. But we must." Willas mused, as he finished the cup.
"We have to fight for a better world, not hope for one. There is realism in that. If we can do anything with who we are, more than sitting and drinking wine, it's to do something for the people we serve and love." Willas sighed, as he leaned back in his chair.

"One day, you will have children with my daughter. You will be happy, and so shall she, because you will have to know that you are no longer the only thing that matters, nor your Kingdom, nor your beliefs. It may not seem it. But there is light, believe me." Willas smiled, his rare crack in his sometimes reclusive and analytical nature, knowing that even if Alester didn't agree, he had to hear it.  

Alester stood there, his bad mood somewhat tempering and then mentally kicking himself. Of course he had known! Tyrells had been a big player in the Game of Thrones, and they had not win in the slightlest. He could also empathize on the family being burnt by crazy bitches. He recalled his grandfather had died like that. So, instead of trying to antagonize further, and sparing himself an awkward apology, he said deadpan.

"My uncle Colin does all the time. He says the secret is yelling really loud and being creative with the insults." He took a sip. "Too bad he hates all Tyrells. He would get along with you, my lord."

Willas chuckled, shaking his head.
"I am glad to hear it." Willas replied, as he fed Vulcan a little more feed, before looking back at Alester, and then filling his small goblet up with some more wine. 

As the two Reachman talked, crimson cloaks flashed in the rose garden. Tommen Lannister with his young Westerman companions and brothers at his side marched through like the proud lions they were with a squad of Lannister guardsmen at their back. Tom was dressed finely, in a red and gold doublet with a cloth-of-gold half-cape. 

Tom caught sight of the two lords and smiled, nodding at Alester before bowing his head to Wilas, "Lord Alester, Lord Willas. I hope I'm not disrupting your meeting too much." He came closer to his future good father and straightened, hands behind his back, "I've come to formally ask you my lord for your blessing of a betrothal between Alerie and I. I am still not a man yet, but my sixteenth nameday approaches. I know Alerie already sought your approval, but as your potential future good son, it is only right I do so as well."

Willas looked over, seeing the three Lannisters, the proud Lions arriving, as formal as could be. Willas's garb was still neat, but it wasn't as formal as the Westermen that had arrived.

"You've interrupted little, Tommen." Willas said, smiling, as he stood up, walking over to him. He gently felt Vulcan fly from his perch, and land square on his shoulder, as he stood in front of the three, the falcon eyeing up the three Lannisters.

"I want the best for my daughter. I ask you, and I ask it honestly. Will you give the best for her, Tommen?" Willas said, as he looked him straight in the eye.

Tommen looked right back at Willas and nodded with conviction, "I will my lord. She will never want for anything. As a knight, I will fight for her honor. And as a lord, she will be the Lady of Casterly Rock. The armies of the West shall protect her. The gold of the Rock will see her kept in luxury and comfort till the end of her days. The fleets of Lannisport will sail forth with ships christened after her. With Brightroar in my hand, I will destroy any and all who would seek to tear us apart, and defend her from all our enemies. And if the gods are good, we shall have children with the blood of the lion, the wolf, and the rose in their veins, who will shake the world as well. I will love her till the end of my days and with all my heart, I swear by the old gods and new." 

Willas smirked, nodding, as he walked up to him, close, staring him into the eye.
"Well then....you have my blessing. You shall be my son in law, and worthy for it." Willas said, his tone of voice positive, as he hugged Tommen, like a son almost. What he had said was true, it was genuine, not a lie. And that was reassuring to hear. Because whilst he had his issues sometimes, and he believed it. And that was something that was difficult to fake.
"You'll be a good husband. And she will make you the happiest man you will know."  

Tommen was surprised, but quickly recovered and hugged Willas back, "I thank you my lord. I know she will, as I will try my best to make her the happiest woman in the kingdoms." He withdrew and shook Willas' hand firmly, "I will be honored to call you father. And I swear that our firstborn child will be named to honor your family and your name." 

Alester watched the scene unfold, only spoiling the whole thing with a curt, aseptic sentence. "Congratulations." He said, as he took a leaf out of his Uncle, once more, and decided to simple tend to the wine as the object of his interests.

"I am glad to hear it, Tommen. Come sit with us. We were just sipping wine and discussing matters that affected our families. I am sure it is simular in the Westerlands. The talk of...horrors and people who think to restore names past dead." Willas said, offering Tommen a seat, before finding a couple more that would be suitable for the twins. They were mature for their age, he had to say- Tommen would be a tall lad once he was fully grown, and though he was 15, he sounded much like his second son.

"It is never good to turn to matters like that but it is the way it is. Oh, and feel free to take a look at these two beautiful birds of prey. Vulcan and Goldrush. The Peregrine and the Golden Eagle, respectively. Feel free to approach them and take the glove, they are rather gentle." He nodded towards the wooden post behind him, as Goldrush squaked, noisily, eyeing up the three Lannisters.

The Lannisters and their young westermen lordling friends took their seats, Tommen introducing the two lords to sons and nephews of various Lords of the West, with many old and prestigious names among them. Tommen sipped and said, "A fine vintage my lord." 

He sat straight and said, "And even finer birds. Even my father's meanagerie has no such specimens as well bred. Though we do have lions. I would wager you have the finest bred birds outside of the Vale." His brother Tywin took the glove and smiled at the eagle while Tytos examined the peregrine with an appreciating gaze. 

Tommen frowned, "Indeed. We have strange reports every while. They say that manticores, sphinxes, and chimeras have been spotted in the hills and forests. And that more and more fishermen espy merlings in the waters off of Lannisport. Not to mention the robber knights, outlaws, and bandits prowling the kingdom. The Lion's Pride do their best to keep order, but with the Reynes and Tarbecks apparently arisen, it is difficult." 

He smirked, "They say Lord Banefort has shut himself away in his castle. The smallfolk talk of necromancy." He smirked at his friend Harys Banefort before continuing, "Tales only, I suspect, but we receive more and more reports and rumors of strange goings on. Shapechangers, vampyrs, and witches among them. Demons, even." 

He laughed, "And next I will hear stories of grumkins and snarks. It seems all of my nursery tales are coming true. And my father's fears as well." His expression became musing, "It is a shame, that Reynes and Tarbecks must to war with us once more. They were once among the stoutest of the Lannister bannermen. If only it could be so once more. Peace, instead of war." 

"Everyone seems to feel it." Willas nodded, listening closely.
"It is a common problem. But one that has to be resolved. One way, or another. House Gardener poses a threat to the very stability of the Reach, and they are not equipped with just swords and shields, with simular beasts in our land potentially helping them." Willas added, as he poured Tytos and Tywin a cup, knowing they were young, but they would be fine with this amount, his fatherly instict said. Well, they weren't Reachmen, or Greenblooded...but still.

Alester sat in his chair, setting aside his wine. "Do not be foolish, ser Tommen. Those Reynes and Tarbecks might be just imitations yet, and even if they were real, centuries of grudges would blind them to anything but reaving. If magic is involved, they have gone that far." Alester added. "Such interesting times, as the Yi Ti curse says." 

Tommen spread his hands, "Perhaps. Or perhaps not. They were old and proud houses. Their bloodlines spread outside just their names. And if the tales are to be believed, one boy survived my grandfather's purge of the Tarbecks. As for the Reynes, I suspect some bastard descent." He sipped more wine, "It is not so long ago they were our friends. We fought together in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Our family disputes have lasted far shorter than the history of amity between us. As for magic, well our forces use magic as well. In a nobler way perhaps, but a weapon is a weapon." 

He cocked his head curiously, "Curse? What do you mean by that, my lord? I'm afraid I know too little of Yi Ti." 

"Oh, it issuch a trifle. I just found it by mere chance on Maester Guywin's work the Far Corners of the World. Apparently they are such an educate folk so observant of manners and protocol that when they want to wish the most abject death and disgrace upon someone they just say." He paused as he raised his cup.

"May you live interesting times." He paused. "Just like this. I believe we have been ...mentioned a lot of times given the current outlook."

Willas was a little bemused, but nodded only in agreement, feeling it was true, but he didn't believe in curses or superstition.
"Curse or not, we have work to do. Kingdoms to make safe again. This is meant to be a time of peace in our land, not of constant worry or fear. So it is for everyone's better good that this is sorted out, soon." Willas said, looking to Tommen.

Tommen nodded, "Indeed. I have little use for ghost stories either. Only reality. And the reality is that magic prowls among us, but it is not invincible. My uncle proved that in the War for the Dawn. With the Golden Tooth manned by House Lefford once more and with Ser Martyn Lannister patrolling the country, order will be restored. Once we put paid to the Vultures and the Scorpions, we can focus on the threats in the West and Reach." 

Tom finished his glass, "I would prefer to settle this business peacefully if possible, so we can prepare our country for any conflicts from the east. But I will prepare for blood all the same. If need be, the rains will weep over Castamere once more." 

He smiled, "With the Tyrells and Florents as family, I believe House Lannister need not worry." 

"I am flattered, given the fact I am just a mere vassal to the Tyrells." Alester added in a rather polite but stiff retort. "But ser Tommen, if I may ask, how are you going to prepare for blood?" He added, as there was a gnawing concern in his mind. Too fast. Too soon. Willas words had told him to do the same, to not rush. Yet this lad before him was doing the same thing, if not worse. Plus... there had been family antecedents. The sword arm of Jaime Lannister never sung again because of that.

Willas nodded, not filling his cup with more wine, given that he'd already had quite a bit, and didn't need to drink any further.
"I imagine so, Tom. A rich alliance it shall be indeed. There is yet a long way to go, but we shall win this war." 

Tom smiled graciously, "House Florent is an old and proud name, and your house has risen back to previous heights. Yours is no mere family, my lord." He sat back in his seat and said, "Soon enough, I shall be a knight in truth and Brightroar will be in my hand. I have trained all my life to follow my father as a general and my uncle as a warrior. My grandfather fought in a war at my age, my uncle crossed swords with the Smiling Knight. I will not be found lacking if the need arises for it, that I can promise you." 

He nodded at Willas, "That we will, my lord. One way or another." He stood to leave, bowing his head to Willas and nodding at Alester, "I must take my leave, but it was pleasant to chat. I thank you once more for your acceptance, my lord. I must inform Alerie. She will be eager to begin preparations. I wish you both a good day. And a speedy recovery to you, Lord Alester." He turned on his heel and left, his retinue of Westermen and his brothers following them as his soldiers fell in line, lions marching out of the rose garden. 

"I imagine so. Good day, Tommen." Willas simply replied, as they began to leave.

Alester made sure the Lannisters were out of reach, as he leant towards Willas, and whispered into his ear. "I am worried about him, my lord. Pretty words but little substance. While I tested his skill in the sword with a little trick, he seems...green."Alester added to Willas. "He also wants to beat me to boast about it." 

"He's young, and confident. And if you were aged 15 and wanted to prove to your betrothed how capable you were, you'd do the same." Willas said, as he nodded, chuckling.
"Don't worry about him. Leave matters like that alone. If you think matters like those are a concern, try dealing with the coffers of the Iron Bank." Willas added, letting Alester soak it in, as he turned to Goldrush and Vulcan, slowly taking the former from his stoop and looking out. With a gentle whistle, the bird lept off Willas's arm, it's wings pounding as it flew out of the garden, as Vulcan barely needed to follow up on Willas's second whistle.

Taking a seat again, he looked through the last of the papers in the ledger, shuting the book, leaving his quill that had rested atop the book in it's wet ink-soaked vial. He went through the rest of his papers left on the table, packing up slowly.
"So, I suppose on that note, you will soon wish to return to Highgarden, to spend some time with Alys. And marriage shall come soon after." He added, awaiting response. 

"Regarding the Iron Bank, I can help if you want my lord. After all, your son hired me as aide initially. It would behoove me to keep the skills sharp." Alester replied, as he eyes Willas."Yes, that is my intention. I shall take your other daughter as my beloved, and I shall protect her as if she were the most prized person of my life. If you would be honored to give me your blessings, that is." Alester added, his formulation more curt. "And let me carry the burden of protecting her in these trying times."

"Then I guess you have it. Anyway. If you're interested to learn, you can come with me to the meeting. Try and listen, don't assume anything. Believe me, it's a lot to learn about how the realm pays it's debts." Willas added, as he stood up, taking the ledger and the quill, as little stern but to the point on the matter.
"You'll have the chance to keep your skills sharp, if you ask, you shall recieve." Willas smirked, as he walked around the table, to lead the way back to his quarters.

"Father once said that I had the makings of a Hand. While no doubt that much was paternal flattery, I have never seen a Hand without management skills. Nor an aide to a liege." He added, as he left after Willas. "I appreciate very much this opportunity, my lord."
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