MrDidact

The Dance of Dragons - (ASoI&F) (GoT) - [Openly Recruiting]

(Collab with @EricRP and @NecroKnight)

Storm's End
The Gathering Storm

The next morning came, the clouds having not abated and covering the land in a grey murk. Rain still drizzled on the stone dome of Storm's End. Eventually all the visiting nobles gathered in the hall once more. The mood was quiet and somber, and all were on edge. Rhaenys entered the hall with a frown, taking a seat with thoughts as foreboding as the sky outside.

They had managed to make a commitment from Houses Toyne and Lonmouth to commit their troops and those of the lesser lords and landed knights sworn to them. Their families would all be sent to Dragonstone by way of Tarth, but the troops would help fortify the Sapphire Isle itself. The Evenstar was the greatest ally they had made, and his fleets and armies would be a huge boon. He controlled a significant portion of the Stormlands' naval strength, and with Tarth in their corner, they could control the sea passages on the eastern shores. The lords would most like attend Rhaenyra at Dragonstone as well, the Evenstar leaving the Tarth garrison to one of the younger Tarth scions.

But it was still far less then Rhaenys had hoped for. She had wished for all of the ships that Borros could command. The full might of his strong, vast army. Instead she would only get at best a third of the ships and a small fraction of the men. Unless her cousin finally came to his senses and joined them. A proposition that had seemed certain but now was a coinflip.

She sat down with Daemon, and with the other lords they had rallied to their cause. A handful, in the large hall. The Princess leaned in to her cousin, "With Borros' armies, we could have blocked the Dornish from crossing, should Aegon rouse them into action. We could have forced pressure on King's Landing. Now, they'll have an open path if Borros denies us."

Rhaenys looked around at the lords and knights who had come to their side, as few as they were, "I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I swear that your loyalty will be remembered and repaid in full." They all nodded, the Evenstar smiling slightly at her.

Across from them Aemond walked in, with an assured smile on his face. He hailed both of them with a cocksure nod and took his place by the side of his potential bride to be. He seemed not to have a care in the world. In truth he was just as unsure as Rhaenys. He had the admiration of his daughter. The support of many of his strongest bannermen. But Borros would do what Borros wanted to do. Not even a Dragon could compel the Storm.

The Lord of Storm's End soon walked in, striding confidently into the hall. He sat down, took a drink and regarded everyone with a friendly smile. His voice boomed throughout the hall, "I thank our royal guests for being the picture of courtesy and grace for the duration of their stay here. You have been fine companions, and it was a pleasure to see my dear cousin again and make the acquantince of such fine princes." Rhaenys noted that Borros did not refer to Daemon as a king. How did that bode? Even she didn't know.

"These are troubling times, when a brother and a sister are at each other's throats. If I had my way, we'd all drink together and sally forth to do battle with our real enemies. That is my wish. But the time comes when a man must choose, and that time has come for me."

He looked at Rhaenys, "Cousin, I value your friendship and I swear to never raise arms against you by the love my father held for you. Daemon, you are a hell of an entertaining man. I regret we did not fight by each other's side."

"But I have chosen the Green. Aegon's offer is quite generous. And my daughter is enamored with the One-Eye Prince there. If I don't take this deal, I'd either have to contend with a bastard in my daughter's belly or a dead royal brother, and wouldn't that be a problem?" He smirked.

Rhaenys lowered her head for a moment in defeat, her heart dropping. Betrayed. With a smile on the traitor's face. Aemond on the other, hand, couldn't look more pleased. Borros continued, "You will both have peaceful leave from Storm's End, and any Stormlander who wishes to join you may go in peace. I hope to convince the Greens to parley with you in peace."

He snapped his fingers and several servants came bearing small chests, "Gifts in jewelry, coin, and other assorted treasures. Some choice wine. Silks for the princesses, daggers for the young princes. To let your Queen know that there are no hard feelings. In addition, my father's flagship, is being sailed to Tarth. You can take possession of it there and have it sent on to Dragonstone. I have my own ship, but perhaps my father can continue to aid you in some small way."

Rhaenys stood and bowed her head, forcing a smile to her face, "I regret that you chose King Aegon, cousin, but I thank you for your gifts and well wishes. You have been a gracious host. I share your hopes that this can all end bloodlessly and pray we can meet again as friends." She sat down, hoping Daemon wouldn't react too badly.

The fucking fool has wasted our time... Daemon seethed. The temptation to have Dark Sister slither from her scabbard and hack his way out was intense. Two envoys had been sent to Borros Baratheon to the Greens' one. Blood had counted for naught and his gifts were scant compensation for a decision that, Daemon feared, tipped the scales decidedy against his wife. The night had gone well enough since he last sat in the hall; after the Evenstar pledged his support, Penrose had followed which gave them control of both banks of the Straits of Tarth. He hadn't yet broken the news to Rhaenys but now it would seem but meagre consolation in the wake of Borros' declaration.

His throat tightened like a vice and his face felt like it was boiling, but he managed a porcelain smile of feigned courtesy and nodded to Lord Borros. "I regret your decision almost as much as I fear you will come to. I can only hope to persuade Queen Rhaenyra to be merciful come the end." He knew he ought to show more courtesy but even these poorly veiled threats were bile in his mouth. "I thank you for your hospitality, but Rhaenys and I have long leagues ahead of us which shall no doubt feel longer soured by such disappointment." He gestured to Rhaenys and rose as though to make an exit.

He spotted Helia Caron but she wasn't looking his way. They'd found all the friends here that they would, he knew. By now, Rhaenyra would have reached the Eyrie and if she'd fared as badly as he and their former mother-in-law had here then this 'War' was lost before it had even begun.

Rhaenys smiled sadly at Borros and bowed her head to leave. The lords who had declared for them rose and left as well, the Evenstar and the Knight of Skulls, walking out with Lord Toyne and Lord Penrose and all their retinues. The vast majortiy of the Storm Lords stayed seated and watched them all depart. The Princess hadn't felt such disappointment in some time. The Evenstar gestured for some of his men to take the gifts, clearly intending to have them delivered to Dragonstone when he came himself.

Aemond rose from his chair and called out to Daemon and Rhaenys, "Give my sister, my regards Uncle. I wish you safe travels and hope we can meet again soon." He still seethed at the insult Daemon had paid him the day before, despite the victory Borros had given him. He wanted to call Daemon for a duel, but knew it would be foolish. No, Aegon would know he was victorious here. Some bannermen may have gone over, but what of it? They wouldn't hold out for long. He stood and watched a man he once admired, a man he had wanted to be, walk out an enemy. He absently touched his sapphire eye and felt a surprising well of emotions spring up.

To give the lad credit, he could have goaded his uncle. Perhaps his kindly farewell hid a mote of sarcasm but Daemon merely regarded him briefly and said "I shall." He resigned himself to the knowledge the next time, if ever, he and Aemond met again there'd be no political positioning. He hated what Alicent and her brood had done but of the lot of them, Aemond was the one he recognised himself in. He looked at the sapphire gleaming in his eye-socket and recalled the day he'd filched it from a Tyroshi captain's purse after gutting him on his own deck. When Aemond had been injured, Daemon had made the lad a gift of it though knew the memory counted for nothing now. "Your young lady's comely enough. See that you treat her well." It was an odd parting remark but all he could muster in his state of bitter dismay.

Rhaenys bid farewell to the lords who had gone with them, wishing them well and her desire to see them at court in Dragonstone soon. Penrose was a fine surprise. He was one of the principal bannermen, with his coastal ships he could help blockade the Straits of Tarth, and the bannermen he commanded could fortify the Parchments. If nothing else, they had a positional advantage.

She saddled and hopped onto Meleys. Best to leave before the storm returned in full force. She called out to Daemon, with a regretful look on her face, "I'm sorry Daemon, I failed you and Rhaenyra. I only hope my failure does not cost our Queen too dearly." They began to lift off and bank towards Dragonstone and the long journey ahead, "Do you have any ideas on what our next move is? Once we return?"

The rains had mercifully abated but the wind howled with the despair the pair of envoys felt. Below, Penrose and the Evenstar were in deep discussion, no doubt plotting ways to thwart their liege lord at the first turn; Lord Toyne and the Knight of Skulls had already disappeared to the stables to mount up for their long rides ahead of yet longer journeys to meet them again on Dragonstone. It annoyed him to hear Rhaenys talk of failure. "I'll none of that talk! Borros did what he was always minded to do. You know better than most he isn't one to be talked round by any man, woman or the Father himself!" He had to shout above the gusts and the steady thrum of dragonwings. "Our coming here has secured a handful of Stormlords we couldn't have hoped to secure had we not left Dragonstone. Next, we report back to your husband and we see what tidings the others have."

He scanned the castle grounds to see where Vhagar was being kept. He hadn't seen the huge beast on their arrival but he'd scarce been able to see the end of his own nose in that abysmal squall. He reasoned Aemond had her garrisoned beyond the South wall somewhere. He'd half a mind to attack whilst Aemond celebrated inside but even Daemon had limits to the depths of his dishonour. Rhaenys would doubtless chide him gravely and he didn't want it said he killed the greatest Dragon yet living with a deplorable craven's trick.

Wheeling Caraxes about, he leaned forward and gave the dragon the wind.

Rhaenys nodded, taking heart in the small victory, "You speak truly Daemon. With the support we have, we can stop any fleets coming from the south almost cold. If Pentos and Braavos align with us, we can stop all crossings. With the seas and skies in our control, it matters little how many men Aegon can march." It was true, with the Straits of Tarth under their control, the Green fleets and the Triarchy fleets would be hard pressed to advance. Especially if Corlys did as Rhaenys suspected and sent some more ships to help. They still had a chance. But like her husband, Rhaenys hoped it wouldn't need to come to that. She followed Caraxes and the two dragons headed home, hopefully to better news.

Helia Caron with the majority of her bannermen - the many others looked both relieved and one or two of them, slightly saddened. Likely meaning they couldn't come after her - if she had gone with the Blacks after all.

Needless to say, she kept her allegiance a secret for the most part - Helia had sent a few of her own with them to Dragonstone. As precaution, namely cause she liked to keep all of her options open.

For now though, she was forced to bend knee and follow the Greens to wherever it might lead them. She just hoped that Borros Baratheon didn't plan on leading them straight into some of the fighting. Or if he did, then get himself killed atleast.

Aemond nodded at Helia, making eye contact with her and the Lords Dondarrion and Swann. With the Marchers and most of the high lords in their corner, the Stormlands were effectively theirs. If Aegon succeeded in Dorne, most of the South would be with them. Now all Daeron needed to do was tie up the Vale and the war would be theirs before it was even won.

Lord Borros drank and said, "We'll hold off the wedding until this business with your sister is concluded. But I'll come with my daughter and my bannermen to attend the King in the Red Keep, and to assume my seat on the Small Council. I'll start calling the banners as well. Fly home, One-Eye and tell the Gold King that I'm with him. As long as he holds up his end of the deal. I denied my own blood for his sake. He better make good on his promises. Lest the storm turn on him as well." His expression became serious, his previous jovialty gone.

The Prince managed to keep from gritting his teeth and said, "I will leave later today, I wouldn't want my uncle to ambush me on my way home, but I will tell him of your loyalty. By the will of the gods, I hope to call you father soon, my lord. By your leave." He bowed to Borros and kissed his fiance's hand before departing. He left the hall and watched Caraxes and Meleys fly off into the stormy horizon. If it had been one of them alone, perhaps he would have attacked. But he would have had no chance against both, even with Vhagar.

Aemond watched the two dragons go, wondering what would happen the next time he met his uncle. Whether they'd clash with words or blades.

The Dance of Dragons - (ASoI&F) (GoT) - [Openly Recruiting]

(Collab with @EricRP)

The Explorer, the Mercenary, and the Cannibal

Dragonstone

A handful of voyages in a barely patched-up Ibbenese Whaler had scarce prepared the Lord of Deepdown for this wet hell. A fortnight of lashing rains, howling gales and bitter hails had made the voyage from Skagos to Dragonstone, albeit with a few days' respite in Braavos to collect the bulk of the Company of the Rose's levies, as miserable a journey as ever Kane Crowl had endured. His erstwhile companion and the Company Captain, Albus Norrey had remained chipper enough but his old friend's ceaseless positivity had rankled day by day until Kane had spent the past three nights confined to his cabin- hacking chunks of dried vomit from his, usually, lustrous beard.

The girl had only made things even more complicated. Marga Crowl was Kane's eight year old niece, a sombre and joyless little girl- the only product of his older brother, Kurrgan's marriage to Myrla Stane. She was supposed to be long leagues away back at the Crowl holdfast but had stowed away, bemoaning the notion of being left in the company of Old Corratt Crowl, her Great Uncle who stayed behind to act as Castellan. Kane loved his family well enough, he'd even taken Myrla to wife alongside his own bride, Lady Kendra after Kurrgan died but whilst the odd assortment of Crowls, Stanes and Magnars- all related by blood in half a hundred ways down the centuries- could merrily co-exist rattling around on Skagos, the confines of Norrey's vessel, "The Slattern's Lips" brought everybody into such close quarters that the sight of every single one of them sickened him.

But, he'd endured. Dragonstone- a speck on the horizon when first Norrey sent word of their approach now loomed like some terrific monolith from the turbulent, churning waters upon which they were borne. The likenesses of the carved dragons, too numerous to count, glared like malevolent phantoms at them through the damp sea-mist. He stood, groggily, beside Norrey at the prow as they rolled up sails and cruised gently into an approach, the company oarsmen guiding the ship like the nervous prick of a virgin lover towards their destination.

"M'Lord Commander!" called a voice. "The Sea Snake seeks permission to come aboard!" Kane huffed. Could they not go inside onto some solid ground for these formalities? But Norrey, as fucking usual, seemed delighted. "Aye, Perkins, tell Lord Corlyss I'll meet him in my cabin. Come on Kane. You big fuck. Best exchange pleasantries. Don't fucking throw up on this prick, eh?" He laughed but Kane just glared. He had no humour left in him and whilst adverse weather was the norm back home, rolling around like a cat in a barrel all the while was entirely new and entirely unwelcome. He stalked after Norrey and, for the umpteenth time, cracked his head on the low door to the Captain's cabin despite trying to duck. "Urghh Fuck!" He growled.

"Shush now, y'clumsy cunt! I should take t'price of a new lintel for my door out of your bloody pay! It hasn't closed proper for six nights!" He teased. Kane lumped down into a wide oaken chair and glowered. "Let's meet this shithouse already and we can fuck off indoors!" He checked if the knock had reopened the gash in his forehead. It hadn't and in some measure this left him even more disgruntled.

Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, Lord of the Tides, and Hand of the Queen entered the cabin with a polite smile. He was bedecked in a rich turqouise doublet made from carefully cured leather, a sea serpent pin holding his rich white and blue cloak in place while the chain of his office ran around his neck. A handsome sword with the Velaryon sea horse set into the pommel was at his hip. At his flank were his captain of the guard and nephew, the young handsome Valarr, and one of his grandnephews, the brooding and quiet Aemon. Both were in armor.

Corlys favored both of them with a smile and an inclination of his head, moving forward to shake hands in a firm grip, "Ah, Commander Norrey, you are a fine sight in these troubled times. You come with an excellent reputation. And you must be Lord Crowl, well met my lord. I've been to Skagos but once before and did not stay long, but I met your father. A fine man. A strong man. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I admit, I was surprised to hear that you accompanied the Company of the Rose. I had thought the Skagosi were unconcerned with our southern politics."

"Be welcome to Dragonstone, many of the royal family are presently away but I rule in Rhaenyra's name. There will be plenty of room for your ships to moor and your men to be quartered. I would be honored to feast you tonight as well." His squire, Baelon, his great-grandnephew, came with bread and salt and passed it around to all in the cabin, the Velaryons partaking quickly.

"You don't look much like a snake." Came a small voice. Kane wanted to seethe but he could only place his head in his palm and wait for the damnable child to be done. She'd evidently been hiding behind the curtain but here she was and no doubt intent upon embarrassing him.
"Mind you..." Marga continued in her precocious tone, "I never really saw a snake. We don't get them back home do we Uncle?" As if to make this insubordination worse, she had the nerve to curtsey to Lord Corlys. Albus seemed much amused by this but Kane paled whiter than he already had been.

The older Velaryons didn't skip a beat when Marga appeared, and the grandfatherly Corlys even favored the girl with a warm smile. His squire, Baelon, however blushed mightily and tried not to stare. Lord Corlys spoke, "I am called the Sea Snake for the name of my ship, which has seen me through many adventures. But perhaps one of my kin can show you a real sea snake at some point if you ever have a wish to explore."

"My apologies, Lord Snake.. I mean, Lord Corlys " He rose but had to stoop to cram his seven foot plus frame into the low cabin. "My niece was never much disciplined since her father passed." He put an acid edge into his words, "She lacks courtesy and manners alike. Commanded to remain at home yet she has stowed away like a rat and seems determined to irk me at every turn." It surprised Kane that he could speak so formally, Corlys' station and attire made him feel a common savage and he'd be past relieved when the fighting began and he could focus on something he was actually good at.

The Hand of the Queen laughed charitably, "It is no bother, my lord. She seems quite a bright and precious child. We would be glad to host her, several of the bannermen have brought their children to court and the royal children would be glad to have another playmate." Corlys mulled it over for a moment, brightening, when he retrieved a plainer sea snake pin from his belt and slid it into his cloak before handing his ornate brooch to the young Marga, "Here, not a real one but a handsome fellow all the same. If your uncle allows, consider this a gift. A reminder that there's always another adventure to be had. If one is smart and brave enough."

Kane was clenching his teeth so hard they might shatter. Marga never said 'Thank You' and this was like to be no exception. In all honesty, she rattled around the Keep back home making glib remarks and everyone had learned to pay her no heed. Now though, she'd be able to infect everyone with her gloomy countenance and utterly untempered retorts. She gazed at the brooch in wonderment and said,

"Children? There's scarce any children at home. Father wanted a son but Mummy never grew big with child after me. Mayhaps I broke her. She's Lady Crowl too now, you know? Aunt Kendra is Lady Crowl and Mummy is Lady Crowl again too because Uncle Kane has two wives. My betrothed is called Halys and he's eleven or twelve already. We're to be married when I'm flowered but I hope he doesn't want two wives. i don't like to share." Kane heard the whole dialogue in a kind of stunned horror.

Norrey put in. "My reputation is nought aside yours, Lord Corlys. I make no apologies for little Lady Crowl, she's sharp as a caltrop and thrice as savage. Lord Crowl has joined the forces of Skagos to our own in recognition of their friendship to our Company. He might stumble over his heirs and graces some but this man is as fearsome a warrior as ever I've seen and you'll count me a good judge o' character."

Corlys smiled at both of them, "I thank you, though I fear my warrior and adventurer days may be behind me. Now, I am old, and primarily I write letters. Such is life. Ah, the young lady Crowl reminds me of Rhaenyra in many ways, when she was her age. There is no need to be shameful of her. And Lord Crowl has been the picture of chivalry, his father's son indeed. I'm glad to make both of your acquaintance. If it comes to battle, I'm sure you and your men will be quite brilliant."

Kane felt he ought to say more.
"Lord Sna... Corlys." He had to stop doing that. "I thank you for your kind words about my father. He said you were an honourable man.. I wish..."
"You told me Grandad said "That Snake is a poxy Southern cunt!" Protested Marga. Kane felt like all the air had been sucked from the room. "Excuse me..." He said, he felt his white face boil red from shame and anger. He hoisted the child bodily into the air and stalked from the cabin, cracking his head upon the lintel and splintering the wood in twain. "Fuck's sake!" He bellowed and hurried away, wishing he could topple overboard and let the waves wash the shame from him.

Valarr had to fight to keep a smile from his face while Aemond smirked slightly. Baelon was quite embarassed but Corlys was the only one to seem nonplussed, making no movement or comment as the two Crowls had their disagreement. He coughed as Kane left and nodded at Norrey, "I can see the confines of this ship may be setting the Lord's nerves on edge. I invite everyone to join us ashore, I can give you a short tour and have you all settled into rooms if you wish. The luncheon meal would begin within a few hours and your officers and highborn are all invited."

Norrey had tears in his eyes when he responded. "Forgive me, Corlys, Kane was most wroth when the girl was discovered but I piss my pants laughing everytime she opens her mouth that one!" He chuckled heartily. "Kane, as you'll have guessed, is a Lord in name and status aye but he's no talent for diplomacy and loathes smalltalk. Speak to him tonight when he's on solid ground with ale in hand and a more entertaining fucker you'll never meet!" He finished his salted bread. "His sister's an odd one too, they barely speak but she runs his cavalry. Unicorns Corlys! Have you ever seen these fuckers on their unicorns? We've got 'em penned up separate in a great cog with t'other horses but they're a sight to behold. Only about a dozen but they'll rip an enemy line to bloody ruin." He felt bad for Kane, he worried Corlys might have a negative impression and worried that might jeopardise his confidence in the Company.

"You'll have to forgive some of their customs. The wives and the thralls and what have you. They're a wild people and they live as such. Aye, they've a castle but put a pig in a stable and you can't call it a horse..." He smiled faintly.

Corlys smiled back at Norrey, "There's nothing to fogive Commander Norrey. We all have our talents, and I'm sure Lord Kane's is of a more martial nature. I have great faith that your combined forces will be extremely effective as such."

"I may be a fancy lord now, but I spent my youth travelling the world. I grew up with sailors and soldiers and I've broke bread with Ibbenese and Dothraki and all manner of peoples. The difference in customs and temperment do not bother me, that you can count on. As for unicorns, well that is good news. Tales of their effectiveness in battle are widespread. I saw them, on my visit to Skagos. Awesome beasts. We have a half-dozen elephants in our army as well. Put together, they should be spectacular."

The Sea Snake said, "Rest assured, Lord Kane is as welcome here as any friend to my good daughter. None will want for comforts here. Once the Lord returns, mayhaps we can show you our facilities and speak about how we shall proceed."

Norrey needed no assurances from this man. "We'll do you proud. Aye, we're sellswords, we make no apologies to that end but we'll do t'job alright. Just tell me plainly as one old soldier to another, how rough is this'n like to get? We bring eight thou men and horse plus two thousand Skags but I've made it my custom to let my lads know exactly waht to expect. Then none of 'em can say as they were surprised. We don't stand for excuses. Once under hire we never tire!" He beamed, the little rhyme he'd coined himself and he loved to use it. "Come, let's get inside. I'm sick to death o' salt beef and we've only been asail a fortnight!" He laughed.

A sharp gust rocked the Slattern's Lips again and an echo of 'Fuck's sake' carried on the wind. Norrey laughed.

The Velaryons all rocked with the boat expertly and Corlys chuckled good-naturedly, gesturing for them all to leave the cabin and walk along the deck before heading down the gangplank to shore. They saw that well over a hundred dromonds, cogs, and carracks were at port, with the massive Sea Snake towering above them all. A few score more were just now mooring, with the striped sails and painted hulls proclaiming their Lysene origin.

They saw soldiers patrolling and levies being drilled, as Corlys spoke, "We've gathered just over twenty thousand men and horse from my own forces and those of the other loyalist Crownland houses, as well as sellswords and free riders from the mainland. With the Lyseni, mercenaries, that's a few thousand more fighters there. But I won't lie to you, it will be extremely difficult if it comes to war."

They passed an elephant, Rhaenyra's arms flowing from barding as it stomped past, "We're hoping to secure the aid of the North, the Iron Islands, the Vale, the Stormlands, and many more. I've sent ravens to every house in the kingdom that can be persuaded to help us. But the greens already have many more men than we do, even without those who are yet undeclared."

Corlys looked off to sea for a moment, "Word has it that Aegon is building up the Gold Cloaks, and has hired companies such as the Second Sons and others. The Second Sons alone have well over ten thousand men, closer to twenty if some tales are to be believed."

"And he already has the forces of the West at his call, one of the largest armies in the realm. With House Hightower and half of the Reach, he has even more men. We also fear he is sending to Dorne and the Triarchy for aid. He's well on his way to having a hundred thousand swords. More if the worst comes to pass. That's why we need the North. The Vale. And every house we can get our hands on, as well as the other free cities and more mercenaries. But we do have more ships at the moment. And more dragons." The statement was punctuated when one of the beasts flew overhead with a screech.

The Sea Snake smiled as a man in a flamboyant silken silver outfit with a ridiculously big black cap approached, rings on every finger and a gold medallion hanging from his neck, with a curved saber at his side. The man had long silver hair and lilac eyes and jauntuly swaggered over, "Ah, Commander Norrey, this is Captain Solaro Saan, I met him campaigning in the Stepstones, he was just a stripling no older than Aemon here then. Now he's as good a sellsail as you are a sellsword."

Solaro took off his cap and bowed with a flourish, "The Sea Snake is too kind. Pleased to meet you. I've heard many things about the Company of the Rose. Welcome to our little band."

Corlys smiled, "Shall we get you and your men settled?"

Norrey reciprocated Saan's greeting. He'd been impressed by the elephant and more so by the dragon, a dark shadow. Some of his men could tell you the names of all the known dragons but he'd never troubled himself to learn. It was a big 'un. That was all he knew. The news of how much support the Greens had garnered was sobering but he had no major misgivings over aught he heard. "A pleasure to meet you Captain Saan. I would be much obliged to get my arse ashore and have the animals..." A thought struck him. "Would the horses, unicorns and what have you be safe? Y'know... from these bastards?" As though on cue, another dragon he couldn't name screeched and lurched into the grey gusting skies.

Corlys nodded in understanding, "The horses and unicorns should be quite safe if they remain in stables or in the company of attendants. Our own dragons are trained to recognize our men and our war beasts. For the more.. free-spirited ones, we keep them well supplied in sheep, cows, pigs, and other labor beasts. There is plenty of fish as well. As long as they remain in numbers in stable or with soldiers nearby, they will be quite safe. Are there any other matters you wish to discuss?"

The Commader clasped Corlys' arm genially. "If aught occurs to me, Lord Corlys, I'll ask." He misliked the flavour in the salt tang that blustered across the walkway here. A metallic, steely texture. Quite what preyed on his mind in the midst of this great circus of teeming forests of masts, hulking throngs of animals, swarming multitudes of men and swooping shadows of the occasional dragon he could not say. It was intangible but he felt it nonetheless. "I'll rest and repair some, methinks and get meself spruced up in time for't feast. It'd be best..." He cautioned, glancing around at the maelstrom of churning war bubbling around them, "if we could take to't field sooner rather than later, M'Lord. Eh? But what do I know?" He fancied he might have been too forward but Albus Norrey had never been one to mince his words and that many people, ships, animals and all the rest of it cooped up around the rocky outcrop that formed the Targaryen ancestral seat was a kettle that'd soon boil unless some pressure was released. He'd watched his men and the Crowls spark tensions over nought in a fortnight cramped under one another's noses on the Slattern's Lips. This was like to be the same only magnified.

And on such details could campaigns be won or lost.

The Sea Snake looked around at the men and material gathering on the island. Already there were some tensions between mainlanders and the clawmen, and between the sellswords and the soldiers. Nothing serious, but having so many armed men on Dragonstone without any outlet could prove dangerous. Corlys kept the men busy training, patrolling, and helping build fortifications. There was no lack of gambling, women, drinking, and food either, but a way to relieve the pressure may be well-advised for the near future.

"I'll make sure all of the nobles and officers in your company find suitable accomodations to their station. There will be room in the stables for your mounts and in the barracks for your men as well."

Norrey offered a concilliatory wave in acknowledgement but had already begun his walk towards the steep, stony pathways that climbed in miles of zig-zags towards the entrance to the great keep. The stream of guards, squires, Knights, aides and the like traversing the climb in one direction or other was a dizzying sight; like ants marching hither and thither in an endless frenzy. He must have heard a half dozen different tongues each with another dozen accents and dialects during his climb. He was every inch a Northman but his boiled leathers and matted, torn furs were accessorized with oddments of plate or mail from half the known world. He would have stood out in any civilised gathering under the sun's reach yet not a single pair of eyes did anything other than pass expressionlessly over him before falling back to their task of picking out a route up or down the stony stairs.

Yet upon gaining the summit of his climb, a comely, silver-haired lad bowed to him and greeted him by name before escorting him down long torchlit corridors and under splendid archways, evidently carved by master stonemasons long centuries past because each keystone of every archway was shaped in the fashion of some heraldic beast. Aside from the usual dragons, he spotted growling manticores, thrashing krakens, fearsome hairy giants, a sharp-tusked yale and a prancing unicorn. "Is this Lord Crowl's rooms perchance lad?" He quipped to the silver-haired squire but the lad showed no comprehension of the joke and they continued. They came to a stop at length beneath an archway with the likeness of a direwolf carved into the keystone and Norrey shook his head in resignation. "It fucking had to be, eh?" He muttered but the lad only pressed the keys into his hands and scampered away again. They were a handsome suite of rooms; Norrey only needed a narrow cot or straw if no cot was to be had but Dragonstone had bequeathed him a lavish set of chambers with silken sheeted beds, ornate varnished furniture and drapes of Myrish lace. The carpets were of Essos but he couldn't quite discern their origin yet. Pentos, perhaps? He lit a fire in the hearth, taking in the quaintly painted tiles of the fireplace as he did; all the great houses' sigils were represented and nigh on every other Lordly or Knightly House that had ever been was represented somewhere. When he had time, he resolved, he'd make a point of locating the Norrey thistles and if he could not he'd declare for the Greens! Ha.

His idle fancy forestalled a huge yawn and he undressed and settled down upon the feather mattress; His breath caught as he sank into a luxurious comfort he'd scarce known. Softer than the embrace of a maiden... Sleep came swiftly.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

Sounds good!

For some reason, Ironborn are quite popular in this RP. Must be the sexy leather outfits.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

@kingkonrad I think you mean Tyland, but yes, we're using the canon as a vague road map if we want to but the RP can diverge in a lot of ways and in fact it already has. For example, Dorne is now playing an important part of the story.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

@kingkonrad The RP is set just after King Aegon has ascended the throne, but before hostilities have erupted. Right now all of the characters are in the pre-war phase, deciding on which side to join while making their preparations for probable war and treating with each other to make deals.

The Dance of Dragons - (ASoI&F) (GoT) - [Openly Recruiting]

@kingkonrad Nope, nobody has taken control of the Lannisters. One of them showed up as a NPC, but that was just a GM puppet to help move the plot along, and they are one of the big players of this conflict. I'd love to see your seat.

You can feel free to take control of additional characters as well, whether or not it's a house. There are multiple single characters that are important to the story but have no players. But thats up to you.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

@kingkonrad It'd be great to have you. I recommend consulting the wiki for info on the Lannisters of this period, but they have a pretty prominent role, and there's plenty of room to fill in some blanks.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

@kingkonrad You could always try being a Lannister haha. Or any number of other houses. The canon Tyrells were neutral in this war, because the lord was just a boy.

@DrunkasaurusRex Yeah sure that's fine, if you want to post any interactions with any other crew members, that's fine too.

@Leerizzle There's always space for another, feel free to make a sheet.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

There's still room in that Dance of Dragons RP if anyone else is interested. Quite a few juicy parts.

roleplayerguild.com/topics/166182-the…

The Dance of Dragons - (ASoI&F) (GoT) - [Openly Recruiting]

It was late at night and Corlys had been writing letters nearly nonstop. Rhaenyra had a dozen or so lords pledged to her cause and the greatest of them was himself. She needed more men, and as quickly as possible. He had been working his way down the list of houses he had compiled back on Driftmark. The families who may have been willing to support Rhaenyra's claim. He had sent personalized messages to scores of houses already, and he was nowhere near finished.

He checked another house off for the initial round of messages and found he had reached House Roxton of the Ring. Corlys took a moment to remember what he knew of House Roxton. It was an old house of great honor. And of middling influence and power. Not a family on the same level of renown and strength as Tarly or Redwyne, but not a petty lord either. They'd be worth courting.

The Lord had died sometime back, he forgot how. But a young girl held it now, with an uncle as Regent. Corlys consulted the current edition of the lineage and histories of the Great Houses of Westeros. Apparently, Frados was the name. He didn't know much about Frados, and he didn't know how much love the family may have for the greens. But he could think of a few reasons for them to support Rhaenyra.

He began writing.

To the honorable Ser Frados Roxton, Regent of the Ring.

My lord, I am sure you are aware of the crisis our nation faces. Aegon Targaryen has usurped the Iron Throne from Rhaenyra. All men know that it is Rhaenyra whom our dear departed King Viserys meant to inherit the throne. Aegon's ascenscion is an insult and a betrayal to his memory, engineered by the duplicitious and rapacious Alicent Hightower and her father Ser Otto. It is a crown that was falsely won with betrayal and deception. This betrayal is also a slight against the rights of any woman to inherit, including your niece Lindsay. If Rhaenyra is deposed by her half-brother despite the will of the King, then all female rulers are so threatened. How can your niece serve a King that won his crown with lies?

I urge you to pledge your banners to Queen Rhaenyra, rightful Queen of the Six Kingdoms, and help us place her in her rightful seat. It need not come to war, but your support will help solidify Rhaenyra's claim.

- Corlys Velaryon, Lord of Driftmark, Hand of the Queen

Corlys rolled up the letter and poured the black wax to seal it. He pressed the stamp of his office on the letter and rang a bell. One of his great-grandnephews, his squire, came to take the letter and send it to Grand Maester Geradys for delivery. It'd reach the Ring within a few days, and hopefully Corlys would have an answer within a few weeks.

Onto the next letter.

Letters. It was always letters these days. Frados held the thin page in his hands with near contempt, thinking about the possibility of tightening his fingers and ripping the paper into nothingness. These past days, the ravens of many a house have been quite busy indeed, zipping back and forth across the kingdom, hopping castle to castle, laden to their beaks with letters. Lindsay was on edge today, that he knew. She was hesitant to talk, or even play games, prefering the company of herself in her chambers. She must know something he didn't. War was coming, that everyone knew. Already, the Ring's enemies are mobilizing their forces, and gazing hungrily at the rounded castle he held. He had to keep his options open, after all. Perhaps its time the Roxtons clawed themselves back up from their low standing. He took out a piece of paper and a quill, and began penning a response.

To whom it may concern, preferably the Lord Corlys Velaryon,

You honor both I and my house with your letter. Not many have the good grace to humble themselves to our level. We like to imagine ourselves in good relations with the mighty House Velaryon, if I could be so bold. A friendship I hope to continue, if the gods smile on us today.

However, your business, I'm sure, is of paramount importance. We here in the Reach can smell the blood of an impending war, as you well know. Your loyalty to your queen is admirable, but in the name of the Ring, I am slightly hesitant to put such faith in an unsure cause. If possible, I would like to speak to you away from these letters. Let us meet in face, where we may exchange information in a more civilized manner.

-Regent Lord Frados, House of Roxton, the Ring

Corlys went through the stack of replies. On days like these, he missed the open sea. He wished he could forget eveything, all of his responsibilities and his duties and sail away to far away lands and foreign shores. To drink and eat and fight and make love. The daring, brave youth he had been decades ago wouldn't recognize the old man he was now. Surrounded by letters and not salt water.

He sighed and reached down to a letter. He saw the golden rings of Roxton stamped into it and grunted in surprise. The reply had come quick. He tore the seal and read it. Better than feared, worse than he hoped. That seemed to be common these days. Frados was hedging his bets, like many of the lords. And he wanted a meeting.

Frankly it was impossible. He was needed here, at Dragonstone. There was simply too much to be done. He wouldn't leave to speak face to face with the Roxtons. They had men, but it was not his place to meet with them. He'd send someone else. Someone he could trust. It needed to be someone from his house. Someone who knew him well and who could speak in his voice.

But most of those who were the best qualified were also needed in either Dragonstone or Driftmark. Someone who could speak to other houses that might have been willing to pledge themselves. Daeron. It would be Daeron. He was young, a knight. Not an experienced diplomat, but earnest and honest. Corlys trusted him and knew he would do his best.

He would sail in the morning. And perhaps serve as an envoy to other houses as well. He just needed to prepare him. He rang the bell and told his grandnephew to send for Daeron.