[D4:LE] Royalty comes to the Green Door (Read Only)

[Nathaniel Mason]

[OOC: Collaborated on and approved by Reader. Some of this is common knowledge. Some is the result of Nathan's inquiries. All is from Nathan's perspective. The first paragraph is a little prophetic considering it was written almost a week ago.]


Nathan watched the Royal procession arrive with interest. He could almost feel the political threads vibrate with every new face. Having this lot arrive in the middle of the investigation was akin to lighting a spark in a room full of wildfire. By the end of the week both House Blackwood and Bracken might be burned to the ground, taking a House or two with them. The young man was almost tempted to help things along, were it not for the fact that for every noble that fell, many more of the smallfolk usually went with them.

Ser Eoric Tully, the Black flower in a field of Green. Interesting he was here with Prince Aemond. Were his sentiments changing, or was he simply here on his Father’s order. He should tread carefully. The young Prince did not have the reputation of a forgiving nature.

Prince Aemond Targaryan seemed every bit as arrogant as Nathan expected him to be. The large blue sapphire in his right eye socket glinted in the torchlight. Personally, Nathan would have gone with an amethyst to match the other eye. The young Prince had a quick temper and willful nature. Prone to tantrums where someone usually died. It was said he was fine with the loss of his eye as he’d gained his dragon that day. A man who would pursue power at any cost.

Ser Arryk Cargyll was reported to support the Greens as vehemently as his identical twin brother supported the Blacks. That was an epic tragedy waiting to happen and perhaps a metaphor for all of Westeros. The very idea that two men so close at birth were now so far apart made Nathan shiver.

Lord Jasper Wylde was unexpected, although perhaps shouldn’t have been in a situation where the Houses were expected to invoke the King’s Law in a matter of numerous criminal acts. By reputation, a keen legal mind and ruthless in its application. Which side he fell on in the question of the succession should be no surprise to anyone. A man with few shades of grey;
fanatical about the law as some are in religion.

Nathan’s attention turned to the gallant and powerful Lord Forrest Frey;
a handsome man. Certainly Nathan would not object to a quiet evening or two with the young Lord. He was Black, but that probably had more to do with him being in love (or lust) with Princess Rhaenyra than politics. Nathan would give a sack of gold dragons to know how he’d come to marry Sabitha Vypren.

The female warrioress was here as well;
clad in mail with a stern look. It was rumored she loved women. Nathan wondered if that was true, or if she simply hated men. Certainly he did not have the problem other’s had with her lifestyle. Strong women should be encouraged. However, when striving to emulate a man’s strength, it was not necessary to also adopt their weaknesses.

Some might remark that Lord Daleford’s absence was unusual. Given their recent misfortunes, it would have been more unusual if he had come. Nathan did not know much about the son, but a good bet was he was here to try and extricate his House from the mess they found themselves in. Not an easy task. Lord Alun was, by all accounts, a compassionate and learned man. The Dalefords had been at the vanguard of the war with the Faith Militant;
and had paid a heavy price for their victory. Lord Alun's elder brother had met his end at the point of Ser Lionel Darry's sword, and five of his seven children had been unceremoniously cut from succession. Only Ser Adham and a missing daughter remained. The war and poor economic choices had devastated the House financially which only now were being rebuilt with mild success. A great deal of misfortune for a House that probably deserved better.

Ah… the Mootons. Nathan wondered when the rich and influential House would make its entrance. Rumor was they were leaning Black. Their presence in Prince Aemond’s retinue obviously meant they intended to hedge their bets until forced to choose a side. Probably a smart move. Perhaps the Mootons leaned Black, the way Nathan leaned Green. A House of patient, considerate pragmatists. Their shifted alliance with Aegon the Conqueror had brought them much success;
very similar to the Tyrells in that regard. Ser Florian Greysteel, the Mooton House Champion, was rumored to be a deadly personal combatant;
perhaps even as skilled as Ser Jon Roxton himself.

Finally, there was House Lucas. Their betrayal of the Faith Militant had brought them much wealth, power, and accolades from the Crown. A stark contrast to the Dalefords. In a world where everyone talked about honour and loyalty, betrayal seemed to pay much better. There were some very dark whispers from some fairly reputable sources that Lord Connor had used the war with the Faith Militant to stab his older brother in the back. If true, betrayal had certainly paid off well for Connor Lucas. Given the size of the family, how long the man enjoyed the fruits of his betrayal was up to some debate.


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[Reader]

[ooc: narrator involvement confirmed - this has my approval and is worth a wide readership]