[D4:LA] Duty and the Beast (Closed)

[Nathaniel Mason]

After collecting Edmund, Nathan escorts Ser Wyll Bracken back to the Warrior seat. Nathan had long avoided this meeting, but could put it off no longer. The three men entered the hold along with Ser Jon Roxton and strode to meet the Beast of Bracken. Nathan would soon see if the seeds he wished to plant could flourish in such salted ground.

"
My Lord Bracken."
says Edmund. "
It is the greatest pleasure to see you again. Of course, you know Ser Jon Roxton. This is Nathaniel Mason, one of my advisers. I beg your forgiveness that we have not visited you sooner. Here is our letter of introduction from my cousin, Lord Davain."


Nathan kept his face smooth. The young man had managed that perfectly with only a little coaching. "
I am afraid the fault of the delay was mine, my Lord."
bows Nathan. "
Given House Bartheld's politics and close friendship to you, I suggested that we visit House Blackwood first. I did not wish to give Ser Myles any excuse to charge House Bartheld with favouritism. The delay in meeting you gives the appearance of objectivity and neutrality."

[Reader]

The Beast of Bracken seems satisfied with Nathaniel's reasoning. He favours Ser Jon Roxton with a bow in recognition of the younger man's prowess, making do with a nod of greeting to his fellow investigators.

"
Blasted politics, but no doubt prudent in such times,"
Haig Bracken mutters with a mixture of good humour and genuine frustration.

"
The Warrior's Seat is yours, although I must confess to finding myself busy with logistics and guarding against Blackwood raids. They're a slippery bunch."
Busy, but not to busy to spend a day hunting...

House Bracken's lord towers over his guests, curious as to what those beneath the King's banner require of him.

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I understand Lord Bracken. We will not take up much of your valuable time."
says Edmund. "
Unfortunately, it is politics that brings us here today. As you may be aware, we have been investigating Blackbuckle. Our initial findings will be presented this evening. We felt you should be warned..."
Edmund's voice trailed off, unsure how to say what he wanted.

"
We felt you should be warned, Lord Bracken that those under your authority tortured the Blackwood prisoners in their care."
continued Nathan smoothly. "
Obviously this pales in comparison to the poisoning of an entire village, but you should be prepared when this information comes out."


"
We don't think, for one moment you had any knowledge of this."
says Edmund quickly.

"
Indeed,"
says Nathan. "
House Bracken's support and loyalty to the Crown is well known. Loyalty such as yours should be recognized and rewarded. Not since Ser Ryam Redwyne have we seen a Knight of your caliber, or as loyal. We shall do our best to focus on the true crime here. The poisoning of the innocent population."


It was subtle. Very subtle, but it had to be. It had to be a worm that worked through the man's thoughts. It had to be his idea. It had to be something he thought he not only wanted but he deserved.

[url=Lord Bracken - Persusion (Convince)][/url]: 7d6k5 20 (+2 Jon Assist) +5 [url=Edmund Co-ordinate Nathan Persuasion Bracken][/url]: 4d6 19 Total: 27

.

[Reader]

Lord Haigh nods sombrely at the tales of Blackbuckle, but his mood is lightened by the comparison to such a famous knight.

"
Ha!"


The Beast of Bracken boomed with laughter at the mention of the famed Kingsguard Ser Ryam Redwyne.

"
Mayhap by deed and strength I could one day equal Ser Ryam's martial fame, though I would hope even my enemies would regard me as his superior in administration."


Those who had seen Blackbuckle may not share this judgement, but others said this was evidence of a certain animal cunning in the Beast's make-up: leaving his foe's sins for all to see.

"
House Bracken in general and its lord in particular, are more loyal to the King than a thousand Blackwoods."


He did not voice it, but all knew that Ser Rickard Thorne ailed and was unlikely to see out the year. Had he not evenly matched Ser Rickard in melees past and now secured his line? Wyll was a fine, strong heir after all. He would need to speak with Maester Humphrey, from idle curiosity, no more: could a man set aside wife and keep to wear the White and serve his king? There was honour in a woman joining the silent sisters, and more honour still in a man joining the white cloaks. That stuck up Ser Myles Blackwood with his tedious books wouldn't be bold enough to take such steps, but Brackens have ever been bolder!

Lord Bracken called from his singer, who sang a stirring ballad telling of Ser Raymont Baratheon. During the first uprising of the faith militant, the brave Kingsguard had saved King Aenys 1 from Poor Fellows who attempted to murder him in his sleep. Haig listens with a far off look in his eyes, dreaming of glory.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan sits and listens to the bard sing his song. You, my friend, are going to be tipped very very well.

The seed was planted... and seemed to have taken root. Now it must be tended.

[/scene]

[Reader]

Ser Raymont, Ser Raymont,
His King's good and loyal shield,
Ser Raymont, Ser Raymont,
The Kingsguard never yield...

[/scene]

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