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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 20:30:12 GMT -5
"We had the events from her," Benjen said, his mien serious. "It seems Ser Frances attempted to torture Arania; went so far as to paralyze her and take a tooth. She had two guards, though Sand killed one of them. The other fled. Kal Stark showed up to confront Frances and..." He took a deep breath. "Then Ser Markus came, sending Ellaria away when he saw what was happening. Arania... implied that it seemed he was used to cleaning up Francis Sand's mess."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 20:37:12 GMT -5
"She must be lying! Markus would never do such a thing!" Ellaria cries. Nina is regarding Benjen impassively, while Arthur thinks.
"Why would he do that? He's always been so..." He looks at Ellaria a moment and thinks again. "He took her tooth? By the gods."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 20:41:22 GMT -5
"Fortunately only the one..." Benjen said quietly. "About Ser Markus; I don't know why, if he did. Perhaps to preserve the name of his house? He was a good man, who only wished to help others."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 20:46:17 GMT -5
"And now he's gone!" Nina gives the two men a meaningful look and then quietly and gently leads Ellaria outside. Arthur turns back to Benjen.
"I can make it all make sense in my head except that. Lord Bryce...well, has given House Dayne some kind of reputation, and Markus never agreed with it. He wouldn't kill a helpless woman for reputation." He shakes his head. "He is promising fire and doom upon House Hightower, now. Says this Arania must be working with Cassadar to lure people to their deaths, like she tried to do with Amelia Royce. It's...nonsense, of course, but...I fear he will make headway."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 20:48:29 GMT -5
"What of the other marcher houses - what are their views on the matter?" Benjen asked. "How easy will it be for Lord Bryce to find allies for his... venture?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 20:52:43 GMT -5
"Lord Bryce is a hard man, but he has kept the border secure for many years. High Hermitage supports him, Blackmont will lean his way because Lord Owen is a weak man, easily cowed by him. Lord Fowler will remain loyal to whatever my mother says, but he has to worry about Nightsong and this damned Vulture...and I do not know about the Bloodroyal. So, yes, he could muster an imposing host. And few can lead an army like he can."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 20:55:55 GMT -5
"House Hightower can protect itself, I know this much; but what it means for Dorne as a whole is the more important question," Benjen said. "The North would surely lend assistance but geography is not in our favour."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 20:59:18 GMT -5
"You'd lend assistance to help us prosecute a war based on reasons you know to be false? Your cousin slew Ser Markus, and...it seems it was justified. I do not think your father is such a man," he said. He sighed. "I wish you were marrying my sister. There are so few reasonable men in positions like ours."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 21:01:19 GMT -5
"I rather meant that we would help assist you in keeping a unified Dorne," Benjen corrected. "As for that... it is too late now, Prince Arthur."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 21:27:46 GMT -5
"Oh, I know. Regret is not often something I can indulge in though." He nods. "I appreciate your support for House Martell. Simply the political support of Eddard's Rest is a great deal of support, particularly from external threats." He smiles grimly. "It's easy to stay safe from your enemies. I'm finding it's rather harder to protect yourself from your allies."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 21:33:59 GMT -5
"I hope you and your mother will stay strong," Benjen said with a firm nod. "Am I right in thinking that, with Ser Markus deceased, Ellaria is now the heir to Starfall?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 21:39:32 GMT -5
Arthur nods. "She is, but Bryce is no patron of women ruling. He'll ask my mother to legitimize one of those horrid bastards of his, I can feel it."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 21:42:10 GMT -5
"Ser Frances Dayne?" Benjen shook his head. "Let us hope not..." He gave a sigh. "I will say that the invitation stands for yourself, your mother and Lord Bryce to visit the Stark quarters, where both Kal and Arania can confirm their side of the story in person."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 18, 2012 21:45:51 GMT -5
"I believe you. It makes more sense than the alternative. I see no need to torment the poor girl. I wish my mother would let me chop that bastard's head off." He looks at Benjen. "Is your sister like you? Sensible, I mean."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Oct 18, 2012 21:50:11 GMT -5
"Delila is sensible, calm, a good girl; and clever," Benjen said, a small grin appearing on his face. "I could not fault you for perhaps inviting her to dinner."
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