[Day 7, MA] Calling the banners (Closed)

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan liked talking to Lord Frey in the baths before, the relaxed atmosphere seemed to be ideal for formal Lordly talks. So, he's once again chosen it for a similar affair. This time it was strictly an in-House matter.
He was to meet with Ser Jon and Ser Baelon, and discuss a new Tullison banner house. The need for such thing existed for a long long time, it would mean better protection from the clans, and it would also mean having another advisor during councils. What's planned for a while has now come to fruition.

Awaiting the two knights, Dunstan dipped his head in the hot water and dived out, enjoying himself.

OOC: Jon Cobb, Baelon, Theo and Ben only.

[Baelon Drakeson]

A few hours after returning from the morning's scuffle, Baelon heads to the bathhouse to meet with Dunstan, unsure what the meeting is about... or why it is at the bathhouse.

"
Dunstan, my friend."

He says as he enters the warm water.
"
How is Marei doing? Has she calmed yet?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben arrives in time to see Dunstan go under and resurface. "
Do not drown cousin. Or the kinslayer may claim you as one of his."
He jests, laughing.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan smiles when Ben and Baelon walk in

"
Greetings friends!"
he turns to Baelon, who is now in the bath already.

"
Marei is as fine as one can be in her situation. I doubled the escort and sent Ser Matther himself to accompany her. Frankly, I don't trust anybody after that happened. She will be safer in Mountain's Reach. Ben advised me to do so, and I was glad to listen to him"
he nods toward Ben.

"
I think the zealots are not the only ones to blame. Gods only know who is ready for such cruel plots."
Dunstan leans over a bit more, so he can't be heard by servants filling up the braziers and stacking clean cloth by the pool,

"
I think the same one's that would dare undermine our rightful Princess as heir, if you ask me. It is no coincidence that all seven of us were sharing same views on inheritance of the Throne. This is, as far as I am concerned, far from over."
he said, sure of himself.

"
I appreciate you coming here Ben, I am sure you have a lot to do yourself, with the marriage coming soon. How are things by the way, is all well?"
he asks his old friend and cousin.

"
We are here to discuss an interesting proposition I have for you and Jon Cobb, Baelon. But let us wait for him to arrive before speaking"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben sheds a few outside layers of clothing to be able to stand the humid atmosphere. He then sits on a nearby bench, leaning forward his elbows on his knees. At the mention of marriage his face is consumed in a joyous smile. "
Things are going well. Much thanks to you, my lord. I will owe you till I enter my grave."
Ben means his words. He is sure Dunstan's involvement cemented his being with Corrine.

"
Ser Baelon, you handled your self well on the hill today. Both during and after."
He nods approvingly at Baelon, his hands steepling in front of him.

[Baelon Drakeson]

What does Dunstan have to do with it? He's lucky my heart was elsewhere, or he'd not have had such an easy time of it.

"
Thank you Ben, and the same to yourself. In hindsight, I am not surprised that we handled them with ease - the best of our two houses as well as a few skilled friends, against Darry and whatever rabble he could convince to to follow him. Still, we were fortunate to have taken such few injuries. If Darry was so keen on betraying his own faith, he could have had much worse in store for us."

[Jon Cobb]

Arriving last of all, Jon disrobes quickly and slides into the water. Anyone looking at him as he undresses cannot fail to notice heavy scarring all over his torso and limbs. Many are just scratches, but a fair few indicate vicious blows that must have caused lasting damage.

"
Lord Dunstan, Sers,"
he greets the others. "
Not that I don't like a bath every now and again, but this is a somewhat odd time of day for it, is it not?"

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Welcome Ser Jon. Odd time for a bath, but I figure one would be useful if we are to look our best for the Grand Ball later today."
Dunstan says.

Dunstan looked forward to finally starting to make that Banner House idea happen. For many months he wagered options with Haelis, toured the land to see where would it benefit the Tullisons the most, and whom should he give control over it. Last part, Haelis always said, was crucial. Dunstan thought about many people, but was advised to wait for the tourney and see potential candidates there. So he did, and here they are.

"
For a long time me and my advisors planned to establish a bannerhouse on Tullison lands."
he went straight to the point.

"
Clans bother us very much, and another holding would surely help keep that threat at a minimum, and that is merely one of many benefits to come. Finally, our mines blessed us with enough resources to start working toward that goal. That is where you come in, I need a proper, loyal and capable Bannerman to lead that House, to be it's Lord"
Dunstan talked.

"
From what I've seen on this tourney, you two are the only ones to fit that criteria. Some did not want it, some I didn't even consider.More importantly, some have queer ideas about inheritance and whatnot."
Dunstan rollled his eyes.

So, let's start talking. First, would you be interested in this? We can talk finesses later."

[Jon Cobb]

A banner house? The Tullisons must be wealthy indeed if they have the resources to spare to help found a whole new banner house. But where would the land to support the house come from? Last I heard, the Tullison holdings aren't much bigger than the rock their castle sits on.

"
That is a very generous offer, Lord Dunstan, but based on what you are saying, I take it that this new house will be facing an uphill struggle, serving as the shield of your house against the mountain savages. So, whoever you choose to name lord will like as not spend the rest of his life in arms, fighting a foe which generations of the Vale's finest warriors have been unable to subdue. Now, my life has long been one of war, but surely the son of Prince Daemon Targaryen is destined for greater things than to spend the remainder of his days battling mountain scum?"
Jon says, throwing Baelon a sly smile.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan cocked his head,

"
Ser Jon, Tullison land is not in any way similar to an island on the Stepstones. I'm afraid your life got you used to war. Clans would simply be afraid to raid as much as they do if there were two castles and even more armies on our lands. That is the purpose of building a new holding. On another note, we have plenty of potential to mine even more, and a knightly House would attract people who could do just that. They would be trained for war too, and Ser Baelon, or you, would not fight all the time. You would command armies, set patrols, arrest offenders and bring them over to me for pit and gallows."


Dunstan signaled Rolland to pour everyone some wine and continued


"
And what better way for a son of Prince to serve his father than to be a bannerman to one of his loyal supporters, and to establish a noble line of his own? This is me offering you an opportunity, not trying to use you."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
What my Lord is trying to say, I believe, is he does not mean to pit you against each other, but felt it best to let you both know openly that way there may be no scheming or backstabbing or someone feeling lied to. The council has narrowed its selection down to the two of you. Should you both wish the position then we shall let the merit of your actions and words through the remainder of the tourney prove the better man."
Ben leans back on the bench he sits upon, giving the men a considerate stare.

[Jon Cobb]

"
My apologies, Lord Dunstan, I did not mean to imply that you were attempting to use either of us. To head one's own house is indeed a great opportunity, and I am duly flattered that my name has come up. But I am also a sellsword, and I have long found it a wise policy to study any offer of employment carefully, before signing a contract. And unlike such a contract, should I become your bannerman, I would be sworn to you for the remainder of my days, which is a big step to take. So please forgive my suspicious nature - I fear that looking a gift horse in the mouth has become second nature to me over the years."

"
What my Lord is trying to say, I believe, is he does not mean to pit you against each other, but felt it best to let you both know openly that way there may be no scheming or backstabbing or someone feeling lied to. The council has narrowed its selection down to the two of you. Should you both wish the position then we shall let the merit of your actions and words through the remainder of the tourney prove the better man."
Ben leans back on the bench he sits upon, giving the men a considerate stare.

"
On that count you need have no fear, Ser Benedict. I am not much given to scheming, backstabbing or lying. I prefer to speak plainly and to face my foes honorably with steel in hand, should it come to that."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Tell me, you say a knightly house? Bring them to you for pit and gallows? Are you talking a banner house or merely a landed knight? I can't speak for Jon, but as he so aptly alluded I have greater opportunities elsewhere than merely a knight in your service - and moreover, my sword is already sworn to House Marsten. I am not a mercenary to abandon them at the merest hint of higher pay.
A proper banner house, however... that has my attention, and no doubt Lady Corrine would welcome the creation of another allied house, even if it be sworn to an ally rather than to herself... especially as her cousin would be the lady of that house."

He smiles at the thought.

[Dunstan Tullison]

edit

[Theomore Tullison]

[Lordship is not something Dunstan can bestow just like that, canon implies (if not fully confirmed) that such title (specifically the right to pit and gallows) stems from the king.]

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Aye, it would be a knightly House. The castle shall pass down to your own offspring, but the right of pit and gallows will remain my own on my lands. You will be allowed to wield armies and have knights and sworn swords of your own, of course."


Dunstan said.

[Jon Cobb]

Jon leans back in the bath, enjoying the relaxing warmth with his eyes closed, but listening intently to the exchange between Baelon and Dunstan. He does not voice any further thoughts, instead waiting to hear the outcome after Dunstan's affirmation that the right of pit and gallows would remain with House Tullison.

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Regardless, it is an interesting offer... well worth considering and discussing with other concerned parties. As I said before, I can make no guarantees at this time."


Baelon stretches, enjoying the relaxation that the hot water and steam are bringing to muscles that have seen an abundance of use this week.

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Certainly, it's a big decision, I am not expecting an immediate response. Only wished to lay the proposition before you, and be open about it."
Dunstan calls Rolland over and takes some grapes, awaiting Ser Jons response on the matter.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben stretches his arms above his head trying to relieve the ache from the days previous exertions. He lets out a quiet yawn, his gaze passing between the two men.

Who will it be? Will they have Dunstan's interest at hand? Will it cost House Marsten?

[Jon Cobb]

"
Certainly, it's a big decision, I am not expecting an immediate response. Only wished to lay the proposition before you, and be open about it."
Dunstan calls Rolland over and takes some grapes, awaiting Ser Jons response on the matter.

"
I will echo Ser Baelon's response, Lord Dunstan. It is a fine offer, and you do me a great honor by considering me for the position. Unlike Ser Baelon, I cannot boast of expecting greater opportunities to come my way, but I too have...interested parties...and prior commitments that I must consider before giving a firm answer. In the meantime, is there someone on your council I could speak to* in order to get a better feel for if I am indeed the sort of man who would meet your needs?"


OOC: *Fishing for a reason to speak to Yve and Maester Haelis.

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
It would be in ill manner to accept new responsibilities and duties without fulfilling ones you are already committee to, on that we agree"
Dunstan says.

As Jon asks about others he could talk to, Dunstan nods

"
Maester Haelis could give you a more detailed account of how the construction would progress and what part of my lands would the new castle occupy, he has done many a survey about details like that these months. My sister and my uncle too probably have an opinion in this matter, and I am sure they would gladly share it with you Ser Jon."

[Jon Cobb]

"
Then I shall speak to your Maester and your sister as soon as possible. Thank you, Lord Dunstan."


/scene?

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Indeed, that is good advice. Perhaps Lady Yve will even thank me for saving you from my dear Gwyneth's attentions. She never did seem too happy about it during our time at Mountain's reach."


OOC: I'm good with /scene

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Thank you for coming here in such short notice Ser Jon"
he says.

As Baelon start sepaking he raises his eyebrow

Saved me? If anything Ben and Corrine saved me from nto having to pursue a marriage for Marsten and Tullison alliance. Does not matter now anyway, he thinks

"
Very well Baelon, I wish you and Gwyn a long and prosperous relationship"
he says.

"
Let us depart now, and may Warrior guide your sword arms on the morrow during the meele."


Dunstan stands up, dries himself up and leaves, his entourage of pages and guards with him.

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