[D7, ME]A simple offer (Closed-ish)

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: This thread is intended for Daveth, Lady Gwyneth, and Ser Baelon, but given that it's during the grand ball, it's not impossible for others to join in)

After departing from the rest of her family, Lady Gwyneth had gone to see Ser Baelon, to fill him in. It was there that Daveth found them both.

After waiting a discreet distance away until they noticed him and indicated he wouldn't be disturbing, Daveth walked up to the two of them. "
Ser Baelon, Lady Gwyneth, my apologies for interrupting you both. Firstly, since I have not seen you since I heard, congratulations on your betrothal, Ser Baelon. You're a lucky man.

"
Would it be possible for the three of us to discuss some business in a discreet corner somewhere? I have a provisional proposal, and I wish to see if you would be interested. It shouldn't take long."


Daveth's tone throughout is polite, but confident. Like he knows where he stands, and he knows where he's going.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn looked around, a little surprised at being accosted. When she saw who it was, a slow smile spread over her lips.

"
Goodness, a proposal. And a provisional one at that. What do you think, Baelon? Shall we hear his proposal with provisos? I think I'd like to. There's a spot just there where no one's lurking."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Thank you, Daveth, I am definitely very lucky."

He looks at Gwyn, smiling.
And may I be forever more.

"
Yes, let's hear this proposal. It's been a good day for them, I think."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth nods. "
Thank you."


Moving over to the quiet corner Lady Gwyneth indicated, Daveth begins. "
Firstly, I need to provide you some context. You are both aware of the uncertainty over the Coldbrook heir. For a number of reasons, since we last spoke, I have changed my mind. I now believe that it's best for the house that I be heir. Therefore, I will be. It's just a question of how stubborn my Lord father decides to be about it that determines when it happens. I'm aiming for tomorrow morning, but I admit it might be a bit longer."
his voice isn't proud, just calmly stating facts.

"
Originally, we had prepared a particular gift for the chosen heir to reward the individual most responsible for their being chosen with. The way things were, that was pretty much guaranteed to be Ser Jorah Holt. However, as you've no doubt heard, his name is being considered as a possible Kingsguard candidate, so instead, to reward him, we're throwing our house's full weight behind that. He wants it, he'd do well, and I can think of no man who deserves it more.

"
This means that our intended gift now not only would not be helpful, it would actually be counter-productive to gift it to Ser Jorah.

"
You see, the gift is a portion of Coldbrook land fit for a knight to make his own. So, instead, I want it to be yours."
looking at the both of them. "
I don't know what your situation will be with the Marstens once you're married, but I wanted to get my offer in, hopefully before you'd definitely agreed to anything else."

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon looks at a Daveth, a look of bewildered surprise on his face.
He looks at Gwyn, and smiles like the two are sharing some sort of private joke.
He looks back to Daveth, opens his mouth as if to speak.

And laughs. Laughs like that is the most hilarious - or ridiculous - thing he has heard all day.

"
I'm sorry Daveth, I don't mean to make light if your offer. It is truly generous, it just happens to be the second such offer I have received today.
I'll give you the same answer I gave Lord Dunstan - I shall consider it, but can make no promises at this time."


He clasps Daveth on the arm, just below the shoulder.

"
I applaud your choice to become heir. In these troubled times, more than a strong sword-arm is needed to keep a House safe.
Still, why not make your brother your bannerman? It would keep him close and reinforce to your men that his contribution is valued.
Or for that matter, perhaps it should be held aside until Ser Jorah is actually selected? He is without a doubt a doughty swordsman..."

Though by far not the best I've seen, nor as good as I will be, training as I am with my father.
"
... but with politics being as they are, it is likely that if one faction supports him, the other will oppose him.
The King does not know Ser Jorah, so would likely rely on his counselors - but which ones? The Princess' men or the Queen's?
Without the support of one or the other, Ser Jorah would have no chance, regardless of his personal qualifications.
With the support of one or the other, the other faction would become his enemies. It is a sad state of affairs.
Even an act like naming Ser Jorah to the Kingsguard could spark violence, and I doubt not that the King is aware of that."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Tullisons. Damnit! "
Oh. Well, I certainly wasn't expecting you to commit on the spot. And I'm sure the Tullisons can make a tempting offer. But our land holds a number of benefits that I'm confident at least make my offer competitive.

"
The suggestions you make are certainly valid, though they lack a critical something that you'd bring - new skills. Diplomatically, we're still very weak. Being able to call on the assistance of the two of you for Coldbrook negotiations would be invaluable for our house, really shoring up one of our weakest areas. At least in the early days, that would be by far a more valuable service than merely more men to fight with.

"
And regarding the nomination to the Kingsguard, I'm not only aware of it, I'm counting on it. Were it down to pure skill, he wouldn't stand a chance. Even were it down to honour, there are others I'm sure who'd match him. However, due to an ... interesting series of events, there are people on both sides who feel well-disposed to myself, Ser Jorah, or our house in general. We could never get one faction or the other to view him as their first choice, but to make him a compromise candidate, who definitely *won't* spark a conflict? That, I can do."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
In any event,"
Gwyn says warmly, "
it's all rather moot until you are actually accepted as heir, isn't it? For what it's worth, I'd support you. Dyana is very well disposed towards you, and I trust her judgement quite a bit. Garret impressed me the few times we met, but I feel his heart may be somewhere else. You on the other hand...I believe you have the will, and the knowledge, your House needs."


"
So. Lets focus on the immediate concerns. Your father doesn't believe you're the right man. That's something Baelon and I might be able to help you with."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth lets a smile cross his face. "
I'm very glad you made that offer, Lady Gwyneth. That would indeed be very helpful to me. While I believe I have my father's advisers either supporting me, or at worst ambivalent, my claim is primarily based on my diplomatic abilities. While the ... debate itself will be a purely Coldbrook affair, if you'd be willing to write a letter of support for my claim, to arrive in my hand by the early morning of the morrow, that would help solidify the backing I need. Once everyone around him he looks to for guidance is saying the same thing, I'm confident my father will listen.

"
My brother interacted with relatively few people before becoming bedridden this tourney. You were one of the few, Lady Gwyneth, and the name 'Marsten' carries weight even of itself. Your support would indeed carry weight.

"
Plus, my obvious weak point is my lack of military training and ability. However, were a famous knight like you, Ser Baelon, to also support me, that would help silence those voices.

"
If you'd both be willing to do that, I would appreciate it."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
A letter... is doable. A conversation might be better though. I don't know your father, but if he's like most martial men he'll value looking us in the eyes and hearing our words firsthand more than anything we could write in a letter."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn grinned. "
We could get Kevan Lyras to vouch for you as well. After all, a Lord's place is not necessarily fighting up front with the men. It can be done, but there's much to be said for a Lord who is a tactician, and a strategist. No amount of armies will win if the mind that guides them isn't sharp."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Speaking of Kevan, should you decide not to take one of my previous suggestions, he is another whom I feel would be worthy to serve as your bannerman... and I know it would please him to be asked."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
Well, worthy in terms of military skill,"
Gwyn reminds Baelon with a smile. "
But since he asked us more for our diplomatic abilities, that might not apply as much."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
True, I was thinking of whom might be able to step in to fill in for Ser Jorah. I'm not sure whom else could serve in a diplomatic capacity that might be interested in the position."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I have to admit, I consider it a key part of my duties to keep my Lord *away* from representatives of other houses, particularly the silver-tongued ones."
with a small smile and nod towards the two. "
However, in this case, doing so would appear to be in my interests, so if you're both willing to advocate for me, I would be a fool to turn your generosity down."


"
I am less certain about Kevan Lyras's aid. Having never met the man, for him to advocate for me would seem ... potentially dishonest. Particularly since I'm afraid to say I'm not really a tactician or a strategist. The closest I come is helping with the logistics calculations - critical work, for sure, but not really considered 'lordly'.

"
I remember Ser Jorah mentioning Ser Kevan favourably before as well, during our negotiations. While using the land purely for additional military might probably wouldn't be the best use of it, given the long-term drain on our finances to help build them up to a reliable ally versus where our strengths and weaknesses lie, I will remember the man should I have need, thank you."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn nods. "
I'd thought more of calling on him to speak to your father on your behalf...but you're right of course. You haven't even met."


She purses her lips a little, considering Daveth.

"
You say you're neither a tactician, nor a strategist. Maybe that's something we can do something about. Not immediately, of course, but it's not a bad skill for Lord to have."


"
Well, it's neither here nor there for now. Have you talked to Garret about this decision yet?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth nods. "
Frankly speaking, that's a key reason why everything's so last-minute. He only managed to get up off his sick-bed this morning, and I felt it important that I speak to him and tell him my intent before I did anything to advance my agenda on this matter.

"
Given that he always believed in me anyway, it wasn't that hard of a conversation. We made a deal, no problem."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn lifted an eyebrow a little at that. It seemed to her that there were shadows moving under the surface of those words. 'We made a deal, no problem.' Was he being glib? It felt glib to her.

"
Well then, I don't see that your Lord father has much to say about it,"
she said lightly. "
Nevertheless, I'm sure Baelon and I could help put his mind at ease, and make your life a little easier. I'm curious though...House Coldbrook's hold on power now lies in the strength of its fighting men. How do they see you, Daveth? I expect they'll take their cues from Lord Coldbrook and Garret, but even so...you'd do well to gain their favor and confidence before taking power. Or as quickly afterwards as you possibly can."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Believe me, I am aware of that, Lady Gwyneth,"
Daveth replies, keeping the dryness from his voice. "
I am fortunate that our soldiers, despite their unusual skill, are psychologically still a soldier, and a soldier, regardless of what banner he fights under, cares primarily about two things: avoiding permanent harm, and being paid in full and on time.

"
And they know full well who tends their wounds so they don't fester, and who works all hours to generate the coin to pay them. It's not the respect they'd give a talented military leader, or a skilled and famous knight, but it's something. Enough.

"
So long as I look to the military men for advice on military matters, which I will;
and aren't looking to push out those who've previously shown support for my brother when I inherit, which I've assured them I won't;
there won't be any serious problems from the soldiers."
Daveth's voice is calm and confident, in control.

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Garrett supports you as lord? Good, that means others that respect him are far more likely to accept you rather than try to undermine you, though that may still happen. Sometimes it is not the other person who would rule that causes problems, but rather someone else that believes they stand to gain by the inheritance going against you."


Baelon does not explicitly mention the Queen, but both Gwyn and Daveth know his political leanings, so the implication is obvious.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: I'm assuming you meant far *more* likely to accept me?)

For the first time, a bit of doubt crosses Daveth's face, and he pauses, considering for a few seconds. "
I will admit, I hadn't considered the possibility of serious interference from outside in this matter. We've never been important enough or involved in something significant enough for that to be a serious risk before."
after a few seconds' thought, he recovers his composure. "
Well, it's not like my brother has radically different politics from me, so I imagine there are likely more productive targets, and there are definitely those more important. Still, definitely something to keep an eye open about"
he nods "
thank you."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Oh, I do not doubt you would get some outside interference regardless,if for no other reason than to weaken your house with infighting. The Darrys, for instance, might see it as a way to reclaim Castle Grenward... but the possible threat I referred to could just as easily be internal. Someone who would be promoted to Garrett's current position in your forces, for instance."


OOC: ok, I royally mucked up my last post. First, yes, I mean 'more' Not 'less' - an editing error. The bigger problem being my unclear implication to the Queen. I was only trying to draw a parallel with the national political situation, not saying that she herself might get involved.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
It's not easy keeping the big picture in mind when you have crises you're dealing with all around you,"
Gwyn assured Daveth. "
Even in a House as connected as Marsten, keeping abreast of the kingdom can seem like a distant task. But that, I think, is a good way to be blindsided by developments that seem to be coming from nowhere, but in reality had been brewing for some time."


"
It's a difficult balance, but one that every House, large and small, must be mindful of."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
I've investigated the Darrys, Ser Baelon, and fortunately, they're highly unlikely to do anything that might remind people of their connection to the uprising, at least for the time being, so I'm not expecting anything significant from that angle. Your point about internal threats is certainly valid, however - that is where I've been focusing my attentions, but if an upset is to come, that is still where I expect it to originate.

"
And I believe that you are quite correct, Lady Gwyneth. The problem is, of course, time. There's so much for me to do, and only myself able to do it, currently. While I'm aware enough to not be stumbling around colourblind, I can't deny I have blindspots. Still, I'm doing what I can to improve matters."
a small smile and a gesture encompassing their current conversation.

"
Actually, I did have a question for you, Ser Baelon, unrelated to the current subject. My understanding is the Clans do not really use fortifications. Can I just confirm that that is correct?"

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
That is correct. Nor do they have smiths so most of their armaments are crude, though some wield steel weapons they have stolen or looted from battlefields. For the most part they are not a significant threat to our soldiers, but rather raid the villages, farms, and holdfasts of our smallfolk, or assault merchants and travelers."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

He nods. "
Good, thank you.

"
Back to our original topic, rather than be caught between either exceeding my authority by calling a meeting with all of Lord Coldbrook's advisers, or looking like I'm trying to catch him without them, I've simply requested some time to discuss 'a matter of import' during his daily briefing tomorrow, straight after breakfast, in the early morning.

"
Would it be possible for you to make your way to the Coldbrook camp at that time? I'll then go in, explain exactly what it is I intend to discuss, and that I have brought you to offer your perspectives.

"
Yes, I admit, that's still something of an ambush, but in my defence, as soon as I mention the word 'heir', the .. debate will begin, and I'd sooner cover the subject once, when we're supposed to, than twice."
Gods, I hope I'm not making a terrible mistake.

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