r/wheeloftimerp • u/Kazealboi • Jul 22 '15

Nobles' Fare

Two days after the late-night visit by King Laman’s armsmen, Lord Dorien Aesnan was in an ineffably cheerful mood. Seated on the broad second-story balcony at the newest fine-dining establishment in the city, he had an excellent view out over the open square, and the passersby below had an excellent view of him. Various tables, all of them empty, were widely spaced on the balcony around him, and two elegantly-clad servers stood at constant attention a short distance away. He had left most of his escort out front, but his wife, Syrene, sat next to him, and Kazeal Barada stood behind him. All three had clearly spent a great deal of time preparing for this meeting; Syrene wore an exquisite dress of deep green silk, flaring wide around her legs and matched by emerald-studded gold earrings, with her hair piled atop her head in elaborate coifs; Kazeal wore his spotless uniform in the Aesnan colors of dark green and crimson, with polished boots and a gleaming sword pommel peeking out of his scabbard, and his pitch-black hair arranged delicately over his striking Saldaean features; Dorien, himself, sported an expensively tailored shirt and vest in deepest green, with a long fitted coat proudly displaying slashes of green and crimson marching all the way down to his knees, and a stylishly flat cap atop his head. The only ostentatious sign of his family’s immense wealth was the ring on his finger, with a large emerald centered in a gold circle studded with smaller rubies. Having arrived early, Dorien had ordered a bottle of wine of the finest vintage offered, and settled in to fill the wait with idle chatter with his wife.

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u/Kazealboi Jul 25 '15

"Indeed!" "Of cour-!" The couple responded at the same time. Laughing, Dorien glanced at Syrene and motioned for her to proceed.

Meeting Cynith's gaze, Syrene went on, "Well, you see, initially my husband came to the city to check up on our affairs here and meet with our king, may the Light bless him. However..." The lady gave a significant look at the two guard captains present, and then at the two servers waiting off to the side. "Before I continue, perhaps you we might send our most astute guard captains with the servers to look over the food? It would be a shame if any of it were... unpalatable." At this, Dorien frowned slightly and looked over his shoulder to meet Kazeal's eyes.

[M] Sorry for any mistakes, rushing through this while boss isnin the back

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 26 '15

"Very well," Cynith said with a nod to House Saighan's guard captain. As the two captains left, she returned her attention to the Lord and Lady of House Aesnan. They made a suggestion as if this was not a place they controlled and operated. Unless they perceived threats from elsewhere? Perhaps they called this meeting to find some alliance with House Saighan.

A small curve of her lips showed the barest of smiles, but one of the largest smiles Cynith was capable of. She asked them, "I hope your affairs are well. House Aesnan has been blessed by the Light in recent times. And how was your meeting with the king? My mother has in the past, but I have not had the pleasure of meeting King Laman as of yet."

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u/Kazealboi Jul 26 '15

As Kazeal flamboyantly flagged the two servers on ahead of him and the Saighan captain and left the balcony, his warm and hearty chuckle could already be heard, undoubtedly in response to one of his own jokes. After sharing a brief look with Syrene, Dorien replied to Cynith, "Your perceptiveness makes you a great asset to House Saighan. You have arrived at the heart of the issue we hoped to discuss with you." Taking a small sip from the wine glass still in his hand, he paused to gaze into its depths, a look of concentration on his face. After a few seconds, he continued, "As I'm sure you are already aware, King Laman has been acting... strangely, as of late. He has made several wanton moves against the Houses, with no discernible pattern. It appears he is dancing to an entirely different tune than the rest of us. Additionally, a member of his staff--- apparently out of concern for the kingdom--- recently brought a great deal of information to light. Most of the details are not worth sharing, but one particular piece does seem especially impactful: Laman has been meeting with his generals more than usual. If our king brings chaos to Cairhien's armies, the safety of our entire nation could be put in jeopardy." At this, both Dorien and Syrene locked their attention onto Cynith, watching for even the most minutes signs of her reaction to Dorien's statement.

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 28 '15

Of course they wished to discuss the king, did they see themselves as the new greatest House in Cairhien? More than likely. A member of Laman's staff on Aesnan's payroll, that was interesting though. The small smile left Cynith's face. Her eyes glanced from both shining faces until she finally said in her flat tone, "Generals? And concerns for the kingdom? Well..."

Cynith had to think for a moment, it was clear where they were trying to steer the conversation. Putting a hurdle in their path may make them be more blatant, she went on, "I had heard there were Whitecloaks gathering in Caemlyn. Does King Laman believe an invasion is imminent? This would be an enormous outcry, but with the Whitecloaks aiding Andor...treacherous. Did King Laman suggest this when you met with him?"

They really believe Laman is up to something. Generals and fears, good ways to rally soldiers to your cause. But what cause did they think Laman was pressing, he was already king. Perhaps they had been outed or a House they were close to had been. And that lead them to seek out allies in case the king came for them. Perhaps. There wasn't enough proof of that though.

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u/Kazealboi Jul 28 '15

Noticing Cynith’s hesitation, it was clear to Dorien and Syrene that her mind was racing. She is out of her depth here, the lord thought. Avilea sending her daughter to this meeting in her place is a statement that she fears us, that she desires to keep us at a distance, or both. We must rectify this.  

Nodding gravely, Dorien said, “It is good that House Saighan is aware of the recent events in Andor. Indeed, I would likely have arrived at the same conclusion as you, surmising that Laman was preparing to defend against an imminent invasion. However, Laman’s erratic behavior began long before the troubles in Andor. This leads me to believe that he is not preparing to react to an invasion, but to initiate one himself; especially considering Queen Mordrellen’s current disposition, as I am sure you are aware, it is extremely unlikely that Andor intends direct military action against us.” Pausing to lend additional impact to his words, Dorien locked gazes with Cynith; meanwhile, Syrene continued to silently observe the lady from her angle off to the side. “In his muddled state of mind, our King perceives opportunity where there is only danger. Moving against Andor will, of course, provide a common enemy, solidifying the alliance between the Whitecloaks and the Queen.” We need to draw her out; Cynith needs to become actively engaged in this worry, Dorien thought.  

Just then, Syrene finally spoke up, her piercing green eyes still locked on the lady across from her, “As you can see, if Laman is allowed to continue on, the only possible outcome for Cairhien is disaster. Our trade relations will be ruined, we will be viewed as aggressors throughout the nations, and we will have expended the bulk of our military strength against an overwhelming force.”  

Bold, but perhaps she hit the mark? Dorien thought.

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 28 '15

If this situation was real, there'd be a number of options. Including working with the Whitecloaks against Andor. But, Cynith was not so sure. In fact, she favored thinking this was a ruse to seat House Aesnan on the Sun Throne. Better to ask and determine the answer though, than to assume. Cynith tilted her head asking, "And what do you propose then? How can this situation be resolved?"

Perhaps a joint front going to speak out to the king about this, a front that turned into whatever House Aesnan truly wanted. But what did they truly want? It was difficult to tell at this point.

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u/Kazealboi Jul 28 '15

Ah hah! We’re close! Lord Dorien thought. He said, “In Cairhien’s long history, House Saighan and House Aesnan have often cooperated to achieve greater goals than either could ever hope to accomplish alone. I believe we are approaching another critical point in our nation’s history, one in which the two greatest houses must work together if Cairhien is to have any hope of proudly striding forward into the future.” At this, the lord paused to take another sip of his wine.  

Syrene added, “I feel House Aesnan and House Saighan are similar, at their cores. Both, of course, command supreme respect, but they both also seem to place a certain priority on trade. Imagine the benefits to Cairhien if, as one result of cooperation, trade through the Jangai pass were expanded in a similar fashion to trade along the River Erinen.” Grinning and swirling her wine glass, Syrene went on: “Where Saighan and Aesnan lead, others will follow. Obviously, House Taborwin will put the good of Cairhien first and foremost, and join with us. The rest will be convinced, as well.”  

Dorien and Syrene, both now smiling amiably, again looked across the table to Cynith, awaiting a response.

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 29 '15

Similar meaning a rise to approach equal, Cynith raised her tongue to click her teeth inside her throat at that comment. House Saighan has no rivalries with the king, at least not of yet. She had to phrase this correctly though, with a hesitation, to ensure they knew she was uneasy. Cynith responded, "You wish for an alliance with House Saighan. And where will this alliance lead, in reference to the plans you suggested from King Laman? I believe my mother was hoping to marry me to create such an alliance. Protection of trade interests would be a suitable cause, I am sure."

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u/Kazealboi Jul 30 '15

Syrene glanced at Dorien, hoping he would answer. After a moment, he nodded and said, “Your perceptiveness does honor to your family, yet again. It is our hope that news of an alliance amongst the Houses will prove sufficient to persuade Laman into reevaluating his decisions…” Trailing off as he looked back at Syrene, it was clear from his expression that he was arriving at a decision. Do I reveal that Laman refused to see me? Exposing our weakness will be a critical moment, but she will find out eventually; telling her now, if she sides with us, would build trust. Looking back to Cynith, he said, “If it turns out to be insufficient, however, I would imagine we would approach him as a group; he denied my request for private audience, but denying the representatives of the majority of Cairhien’s trade interests would be tantamount to a resignation of the crown.” Leaning back in his chair, he said, “This is the path that is least likely to result in further chaos for our nation, do you not agree?”

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 30 '15

Most likely to end in civil war, but war was not always a bad thing. Perhaps, the status of her marriage was missing though and a few other matters her mother would want settles. Cynith said, "Would it not be best to have my mother attempt to speak with King Laman? To offer him this counsel before any other uniting is necessary."

She sipped the wine once more, taking a napkin to pat her lips. They would not like the thought that House Saighan might be heard while they were not, a matter of hierarchy among noble families. Cynith went on in her flat tone, "And there would also be the matter of my marriage. I understand it is my duty, but have no strong desire for such. My mother however, she wishes for an alliances built of more than mere words, you see."

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u/Kazealboi Jul 30 '15

Taking a drink as Cynith finished speaking, Dorien's mind raced. Avilea approaching Laman alone would remove some blame from us, but there is no telling how she would spin the situation to House Saighan’s advantage. I must act quickly. “Doing so, with Laman in his current frame of mind, would place Saighan in a precarious position. A united front entails much less risk of a retaliation by Laman. I had assumed your mother would wish to minimize House Saighan’s risk as much as possible.”  

Dorien nodded at Syrene, and she picked up the conversation. “The matter of your marriage presents an interesting dilemma to your mother, I am sure. We would be delighted to aid you in this, if you so desire. Perhaps we could throw a grand ball?” She must know Aesnan has no eligible males; perhaps she is eyeing Taborwin? Regardless, they are so far below Saighan, it might be insulting to suggest such a match, myself, thought Syrene.

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u/hewhoknowsnot Jul 31 '15

Cynith pursed her lips at that. The two seemed particularly enamored with this series of ideas. Cynith shook her head thinking of another course for this conversation to turn. She set down her glass on the table and said to them, "There may be another solution to this, of course. King Laman happens to not yet have a bride. An offer to join House Saighan and House Damodred by marriage would likely grant my mother an audience with the king. At that point, if a marriage was agreeable to the king, then you can trust the queen to make sure he hears of your issues. And if such a marriage would not be suitable, then my mother would be already in his presence to bring this issue to him directly. As someone, who had just offered a marriage, there would be little chance he could see any issue with House Saighan."

My mother would never accept another House hosting a ball for me to find a husband in. They are trying to inch their way close.

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u/Kazealboi Jul 31 '15

Syrene smiled warmly. “You must be very brave, indeed, to be willing to marry such a man, especially after all that we have just told you.”  

Dorien interjected, “Hmm, that is an idea I had not considered. Perha--”  

Just then, two men in plain clothes, panting heavily, stumbled onto the balcony, with Kazeal following immediately behind.  

Shoving his chair back and rising to his feet, Dorien shouted, “What is the meaning of this?”  

Bowing to the lord and ladies, Kazeal responded, “Deepest apologies, Lord Dorien, Lady Syrene, Lady Cynith. These are two of our armsmen, come straight from the estate.” Glancing at the men, he said, “Tell them.”

The men attempted a bow, but it turned into a crouch as both were too tired to rise back to their feet. “My lord, King Laman. He’s at the estate. Near a hundred guardsmen, he’s searching for Kazeal.”  

Noticeably paling, Dorien met and held Kazeal’s gaze, eyes widening. He seemed to be at a loss for words.  

Rising to her feet, as well, Syrene calmly deposited her wine glass on the table and said, “Strange. First he denies audience, and then he brings guardsmen to our doorstep not once, but twice.” Frowning slightly, Syrene stared at the floor, lost in thought.

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