when you play the game of thrones you win or you die
Years have passed since King Tommen's reign over the Seven Kingdoms, and with those years things haven't changed. Much.
King Jon Hightower managed to regain the treasury from being in debt, that alone took many years. The Late King Tommen
was the last of his pure name, he left no heirs and married no woman. His brothers were struck down in a rebellion in
the Free Cities, his father had long passed.
So who gained the Iron Throne? Whose rightful place was to be seated in a thousand swords? No one knew, and no one still knows.
The High lords of Westeros meet each moon cycle to talk about things that have gone amiss in their Homelands, and to hear
the people of King's Landing. But how much longer will this go on? Time grows short for the Kingdom, for a storm is brewing.
Who will reign over the once mighty Kingdom?
A pretty shade of pink spread across her nose and cheeks as a sultry smile crossed her face. Tiny shivers of anticipation nestled into the bottom of her spine. Gracelin had not expected this, it was a nice surprise. She was set on enjoying this while it lasted and come out of it with a better friendship and alliance. If itturned out differently so be it, maybe she will even be better off for it. It would become clear in time. Laughing she winked at the lord before straightening up again and recomposing herself. "It is not all that hard, I promise." folding her hands in her lap she relaxed. "Lets hope you are right."
The lady's hand folded in her lap as a hunched gentleman was ushered in. "Mi'lord and lady. Mi'chickens! Jus' last night they were there. This mornin' they were g-gone." the man wailed. Looking at the man, she pitied him, those chickens were probably his life blood, now lost. "Dis'peared." he cried again. Anguished he threw his hands up in the air. "It'was that womin down the way. She's always lookin' pearin' with those glassy lil' eyes!" he accused angrily pointing an arthritic finger out the door. "I wan 'er arrested."
Gracelin raised a hand. "Hush, enough. Are you certain this woman stole your chickens? What proof do you have?" she proclaimed glancing toward Brandon. "Could it not have been an animal? Have you seen any unusual animal roaming about your lands sir?" she asked cordially, not letting the man's foolishness rile her.
Brandon felt himself go stiff as he noticed the flush of pink come to Lady Gracelin's face. Of course, he would have her tonight, if she was willing. Perhaps he would get her with child, unless she were to drink her moon tea. There was also the possibility of joining the Vale and Winterfell, though one of them would have to rule from the north, and the other from the east involuntarily separating them both for periods of time.
"It'was that womin down the way. She's always lookin' pearin' with those glassy lil' eyes!" he accused angrily pointing an arthritic finger out the door. "I wan 'er arrested."
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Of course, this was what it came down too, someone wanting another arrested. "We will compensate you for your loses, since you are uncertain of this woman and if she did commit a crime. She will be questioned. Until then, you may have 3 golden dragons, that should be more than enough for your chickens. Guards, send in the next lad, and find that woman and have her questioned. Do not harm her." This was easy as pie. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
Gracelin watched him as he spoke. He was so certain, so strong. His ways of solving things seemed so simple, so final. He found ways to make everyone happy, even without finding out anything more. The room stilled when he spoke and everyone stood at attention. It sent a thrill up her spine to know that she would have him. Gracelin fought the urge to wet her lips at the though, instead gently biting on the edge of her tongue. Still, Brandon's certainty laid as a bandage on her wounded pride for saying the wrong thing. On the next one she'll do better.
A merchant dressed from head-to-toe in bright colors strode in tiny bells ringing behind him as he walked. When he bowed he dipped low and eloquently. A man from a foreign land as she could tell, the smell of see and some flower she could not name filling the room. "My Lord and lovely Lady." he cooed in a sing-song voice, as if he was trying to serenade them. "My name is Daxo, I am but a humble merchant from Volantis asking to set up a small shop within your walls." the stranger waved his hands about as he talked, almost foolishly.
"I have no issue with this as long as you are willing to pay a small tax on all the wares you sell within our walls like all the merchants must. As well as keep the peace." Gracelin stated calmly feeling relatively pleased with herself. She need not ask questions, right?
"Thank You sweet Lady." With a sharp whistle two large men with tattooed faces stepped forward each carrying a small chest too each of the presiders. "Gifts for your generosity. A sweet perfume for the lady, from Lysene, and a dagger of the finest quality for the Lord." As the slaves placed the gifts at their feet they walked away, the merchant followed as swiftly as he entered. When he had left she looked at Brandon and laughed silently, such a funny man.
"Show in the next." she called rolling her shoulders back.
Lord Leo Tyrell had woken up late. It was a hot summer's day, one where sweat makes ones doublet stick his chest. One where a man needs water even when he does nothing from sit down. That's what Lord Leo needed to wake up, some water - or maybe ale. He didn't know, but what he did know was that his squire had not woken him up at all on time, and that was very frustrating. There was a council today, or something boring like that. It was not that Leo wasn't interested in being important, he was, he just hated waking up on hot days.
To make matters worse, his squire and servants still hadn't come in, so he decided to get up and wash himself clean. It wasn't necessarily Lord's work, but he did not mind truly. As long as nobody saw him cleaning himself, it would not matter in the least. The issue was, somebody would probably see him doing so, in a city with so many ears and eyes. Who those ears and eyes were reporting to, Leo did not know, but they were reporting. But what's done is done, and Lord Leo got out of the bath and quickly dressed in a green doublet with a yellow flower for a pin.
He made his way to the great hall, knowing he was late. Seeing a farmer or something leave, he made decided it was time to enter. "Hello Lord Brandon and Lady Gracelin," he said, as he made his way to a chair next to Lady Gracelin, "Sorry that I'm late. It appears I've overslept."
The day was beginning to end, at least the day of playing King was. Nearly all that would be seen today had shown up. All the sudden Brandon heard the doors open, although who walked through was not who he expected. Walking toward him was the Lord Tyrell, Lord Leo Tyrell to be sure. "Leo! It's been far too long since I've last seen you. You look well, and very well rested." A boyish grin spread across his face.
"We were just taking care of business here, I assumed you had decided not to come." Really he wasn't sure what Leo Tyrell was doing, but apparently he had overslept, or so he said. Perhaps he was at a brothel, or maybe he really had overslept. Either way it was none of Brandon's real concern. The young lord felt Winter's ears twitch under his palm at the sight of the other lord.
"Well then, if you do not mind we need to finish up this business." he said with a hint of a smile. So that I can get out of here and have a bit of fun with the Lady of the Vale. such a wicked thought could only cause him to smirk as the next commoner of King's Landing entered the room.
Being assisted with her dressing, she looked at herself in the mirror, a small smile gracing her lips. This was a new day and full of appointments that needed to be met. Arianna was a Lannister and was used to being one of the noted, that was how she intended to be seen today, not just as a woman. Dressed in her house colours of crimson with the hemming in gold, the dress was elegant and fitted her with grace. Her hair had been twisted up into a knot upon her head with a few curls framing her face. “That will be all.” She spoke to the maid not looking to the young girl.
Silently she began her walk to the chambers of the council for the meeting, she would be representing the West until such time as the warden could appear and take their rightful place. Keeping her head held high, she opened the door to walk into the room; she looked around, her eyes maintaining a neutral stance. “I am sorry I am late, I just received news that I am to represent the West until such time the Warden can arrive.” Arianna spoke confidently looking at each of the individuals.
This had been the first time she had attended such a meeting, but she had promised herself she would not let herself become intimidated, her father would be disappointed if she did, rest his soul.
Gracelin smiled coyly as a tall blonde man strode in. Lord Leo Tyrell as proud and bold as ever. She listened quietly as Lord Brandon spoke to him. Silently waiting before turning her eyes toward the Lord. "The climate here seems to be effecting us all." she stated gently. After all she had not wanted to rise either. "It was good of you to come." she added with a nod, brushing some stray hair behind her ear. The lady always wore her hair down, her lord had preferred it that way. The lady was nervous yes, but new enough not to let that show, and trained enough to speak eloquently through it. Her background had prepared her for anything and she wouldn't let any of these.....people intimidate her.
Lord Leo was quickly followed by Lady Ariana, who appeared as dramatically and majestically as ever. Ever the Lannister, ever the center of attention. "It is appreciated that you took time out of your busy day to attend." Gracelin uttered coolly. She had remembered her times at court and watching the other lady move through a crowd so effortlessly attracting the attention of everyone in the room. She had envied her back then, not anymore. "Even if near the end." the lady added half-heartedly, ever smiling as she nodded toward Lady Ariana.
"May we hear another request, now that we are all present?" she asked. The young lady was growing bored of this...play and King's and Queen's. She had matters to think over, and other distractions to play with.