'There is only one form of diplomacy that these ironmen understand and that is conducted at the tip of a sword. Talk with them if you will, they will be neither intimidated nor deterred. I, for my part, will not sit idly by while the ironborn burn my hold and slaughter my people, all while you cower beneath Storm's End and call it justice!'

Lord Lannister seemed to be getting very undone by the suggestion of diplomacy. Of course, Bryen knew where his concerns were coming from. Deep Motte had before been ransacked by the ironmen during the previous wars, proving that it was all to easy for their fleets to get into the North. Not only was Deep Motte at threat, but so was Torrhen's Square, and ultimately Winterfell. Time was a sensitive thing when it comes to war and peace, and the ironmen only know how to keep peace when they have been put into their place. "Lord Lannister, I know you are upset over these things that may happen, and we are not asking you to abandon your people. We are simply asking you to prepare yourself if the diplomacy doesn't work out. " Bryen tried to keep his voice smooth and calm, although he too was worried that the ironmen would not listen to their words.

. 'My apologies... to you all. You must understand though young Baratheon that the nature of politics is not so simplistic as the nature of good and evil. It will deceive you in to believing that you are saving lives even as you destroy them. My father taught you this, did he not? In any case, you might say that this is true of me, but it is no less the case for you and Lord Stark.'

It was true that Bryen had been a page and squire under the late Lord Tyren Lannister, some even believe that Bryen's name was derived from his. He knew the lord well, and thought of him almost as another father just as Ian Baratheon should have. "Since Lord Baratheon could not be here himself, he instead sent his son who has had no play in politics yet. Why now, would he send someone so naive in these matters, to a meeting that is so very important, why would he send someone like that to represent Storm's End? It seems to me that he doesn't take this very seriously at all." It was something that Bryen just couldn't over look. It seemed suspicious of the Lord not to show up at a meeting that discussed the matters of the Ironborn unless he too planned a surprise attack.
'Very well, we shall send Lord Greyjoy an ultimatum, but should he not give up hostages and hand over a portion of his fleet then it must be war.'

[/i]

"Thank you, Lord Lannister for your compromise. Send a raven if you encounter any troubles with the ironmen, as I will try to send you aide as quickly as possible. I would hope that you would do the same for me." with that said, Winter rose to his feet, his chest was at the table's top, showing his massive size. The Stark's prided themselves with their direwolves, as it was tradition for the Head of House Stark to have a wolf companion, one that was like a second being of himself.[/blockquote][/blockquote]

As both Bryen and Tytus spoke, Ian remained very quite, mostly with embarrassment. He had wondered why Bryen seemed so hostile about it all. He understood his fears but Ian feared for the innocent lives that may be damaged on both sides. He just didn't want that kind of blood on his hands.

When they finished, Ian stood with a noble grace cleared his throat and spoke calmly. "First, I would like to thank you, Lord Lannister. Your gesture means a great deal to me. Secondly, I understand that I have little real experience in this meetings. But Lord Stark I shouldn't have to remind you that I am the heir to Storm's End and will deal with these issues, and my father is not getting younger. He may be aware of the importance and wants me to have the experience. Thirdly, I'd rather not have the loyalties of my family called into question. That is why whether or not I want blood on my hands, I will call the banners myself and will lead them wherever we are needed. I served with you Bryen as wards, as well as friends, never forget that. I serve the people of these lands, and I will do whatever it takes to protect them."

With that there was a knock on the door, and a courier entered with much haste and a scroll in hand. "I"m sorry my Lord Hand, but this man says he has a very important message to deliver to Lord Baratheon.", stated one of the door guard. Ian was very interested what this message would detail. The courier handed him the scroll to which Ian handed him a gold coin. "Thank you, my Lord." The scroll had the golden stag of Baratheon on it. He had a bad feeling. Ian popped the seal. There was deep silence from him

".....My father....has just died....", Ian stated sort of falling into a daze.