Re: [D7, MA] Forming The Treaty (Open)

[Septon Arlyn]

Is Lord Baelon voting for house coldbrook? the question races across Septon Arlyn's mind.

[Terren Dulver]

Terren will have mostly remained silent, simply taking notes during the discussion. Seeing the discussion stagnate, Terren will speak up. “Let’s try to maintain order as Ser Kevan suggested and deal with this on an issue by issue basis, I suggest starting with Ser Stefan, as this is one of the issues we are most united on.”

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
As has been stated: That wildfire has been there a long time, and was found by folklore, didn't you argue that it has been recently moved? That seems like a contradiction to me... The treaty was nulled before we arrived, by the violence. Nobody reinstated it after the violence. You could easily have led me on a goosechase, before finding it yourself. Either we take all the mines and close it, or this treaty won't last a week. They will fight over them."


Yoren then turns to the rest of the room asking: "
Why is he here? Just to argue everything and anything all else agree on? Let this viper do his tricks to try to trick us to leave important things out of the treaty?"

Baelon feels his temper rise.
He's trying to push your buttons. Keep calm. Keep level headed. He's being an ass. Still, keep calm. Be the better man. Not hard, really.

Baelon speaks in a perfectly calm and reasonable tone, a stark contrast to most of the others speaking.
"
The wildfire has been in the Riverlands for a long time;
was gathered up and temporarily stored in the Bracken mine before being moved to the caves where it was eventually found. Likely because the investigation would have found it if it had been left there. There is no contradiction.

I am here because I have a voice in the matters at hand, if not a vote. I have as much right to speak as Ser Kevan, Ser Theomore, and several others that have spoken. What do not belong here are your insults. Please kindly refrain from any further. These proceedings are too important to be interrupted by such uncivil behavior.

If adding a clause stating that the previous treaty is to be once again in effect is so important to you, then let it be added. I have no objection to that, I simply felt it to obvious - violence does not change law."

"
What seems clear to me, Lord Baelon, is that Ser Steffon cannot serve House Bracken as the knight to take the black if both houses are to provide one, which leaves Lord Haig and Ser Wyll, and Ser Tyron is of Lord Blackwood's blood."
Theomore wonders if he might get his wish come true with this argument, but no matter. "
The argument can be made that the feud itself warrants that a male member of high rank from each house is to take the black, while no such man specifically can be said to have committed such crimes to call for this punishment. And given that House Blackwood lost it's lord to assassination at the hands of men under Lord Haig's command, it is not unreasonable to suggest that he might have to go there, as the more obvious candidate out of him and his son in my eyes."


"
Will this serve peace? Harsh punishment breeds resentment, that is true, but it also serves as discouragement to act upon that resentment. The question here, I think, is this: will it be better for the peace to have both Ser Tyron and Lord Haig removed or to have them both remain? I know little of Ser Tyron's influence upon the rest of his house to say if removing it will heal more than the removal of Lord Haig will hurt. Perhaps one among us could be so kind as to elaborate upon the man's character and sway?"

Oh no, you're not getting rid of another witness that easily.

"
You are incorrect, ser. The question is not remove both or remove neither. There are many other options. For instance it would be better to go with Septon Arlyn's plan and be seen as overly harsh to Ser Tyron than to remove Lord Haig."

"
Lord Baelon has a close personal friendship with Lord Bracken, perhaps he can speak to Lord Backens character? If he were to remain in charge of House Bracken would he attempt to perpetuate this feud. I know that he has promised his word for non-aggression towards the Blackwoods for seven years, and to me he seems an honorable enough man. Unless you have some other evidence to present to the treaty committee here on the contrary."
Septon Arlyn asks with honest curiosity, nothing malicious in his tone.

"
I have indeed spoken with Lord Haig many times, and I can confirm your opinion. While he is possessed of an unjust hatred for the Blackwoods, he sees the various acts committed by Ser Steffon and others in his house as, in his words, 'lowering' House Bracken to their level. His hatred does not overrule his honor, and it can be managed, and perhaps in time lessened. Unlike Ser Tyron, Lord Haig has not committed crimes out of his hatred."

"
We likewise cannot teach the younger generation that murder is forgiveable,"
Corrine says, darkly. "
Ser Steffon must die for his crimes. It is not an impediment to peace to bring rightful justice to the guilty. If you push the matter, Lord Drakeson, you will find yourself outnumbered. Remember that you are not eligible to vote on this treaty."

"
The Wall is not forgiveness. It is justice without vengeance. Justice does not impair peace, but vengeance does."
He glances at Yoren. "
That is the lesson we should all take from these dark events and this horrid feud."

[Septon Arlyn]

Septon Arlyn cocks an eyebrow at Lord Baelon. "
How is it not justice for Ser Steffon to die by beheading. He murdered Lord Blackwood, From what I heard they had a replica of the bedchamber created to practice the assignation of Lord Blackwood. This was not an act of self defence, nor even an act of war. This is murder, plan and simple. If we show him the mercy of the wall, then what sort of prescient does that set for further treaties?"
Septon Arlyn shakes his head, "
I believe that the majority of us agree that Ser Steffon should die. He will have the opertunity to appeal our decision in a trial by combat, thus placing his guilt in the hands of the gods. How I see it is this is a open and shut decision. He must die."
Septon Arlyn emphasizes the last words.

"
If I am to be the voice of the Faith for House Dulver then that is my vote. He shall die by beheading, and either Ser Myles, or Lord Benedict shall be the one to swing the blade. Elsewise he will be judged by the Gods in a trail by combat."
Septon Arlyn speaks of this matter as if to put it to rest.

"
I believe that Lady Corrine has already voiced her wish for the man to die, And Lord Davian was in agreement. That only leave's Lord Tullison, Master Kytley, My Lord Yoren Longshore, and My Lord Daveth Coldbrook for this issue."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Let us vote and be done with it. All in favour of Ser Steffon Vance's execution by beheading, and the hanging of his two accomplices, for the calculated murder of Lord &
Lady Blackwood, say aye."

[Septon Arlyn]

"
Aye"

[Davain Bartheld]

"
Aye"

[Yoren longshore]

"
I support it, unless that will send another to the wall."

[Baelon Drakeson]

Septon Arlyn cocks an eyebrow at Lord Baelon. "
How is it not justice for Ser Steffon to die by beheading. He murdered Lord Blackwood, From what I heard they had a replica of the bedchamber created to practice the assignation of Lord Blackwood. This was not an act of self defence, nor even an act of war. This is murder, plan and simple. If we show him the mercy of the wall, then what sort of prescient does that set for further treaties?"
Septon Arlyn shakes his head, "
I believe that the majority of us agree that Ser Steffon should die. He will have the opertunity to appeal our decision in a trial by combat, thus placing his guilt in the hands of the gods. How I see it is this is a open and shut decision. He must die."
Septon Arlyn emphasizes the last words.

Speaking softly so as not to disrupt the voting, Baelon leans over and speaks to the Septon.

"
You misunderstood me. It is not that Ser Steffon's death is not justice. It is, and well deserved. It is that his death is justice and vengeance, while sending him to the wall is justice without vengeance. In truth, I'd swing the blade myself against Ser Steffon if given the option. I might even volunteer to stand against him in the trial by combat;
it is doubtful that he will meekly submit without one."


He sighs.

"
i truly thought that was a good compromise to maximize the peace. Thankfully it's not the only way. Actually, I have an idea I would like to run by you specifically. I would have liked to have brought it up before the proceedings, but that just never became feasible. If we take a break at some point, may we speak?"

[Septon Arlyn]

Septon Arlyn's quizzical expression remain's on his face. what is this man up to? the desire to find out what Lord Baelon has to say outweighs the caution he feels. He nods his head, "
aye, let us speak during the break,"
he whispers back. "
But for now, let's focus on getting the bedrock of this treaty founded. The next thing I think we should discuss is the Blackbuckle incident. I believe most of us can agree on that."

[Loreia]

[OOC: Couldn't get a word in. Oh well, a couple others have said basically what I was about to say.]

Yoren then turns to the rest of the room asking: "
Why is he here? Just to argue everything and anything all else agree on? Let this viper do his tricks to try to trick us to leave important things out of the treaty?"

A spark flashes briefly within Loreia's eyes. She abdicates her standoffish spot a ways behind Daveth to lean in with her hands on the back of a chair. Her hesitation, in the presence of lords and ladies at lords' business, lingers too long. Like that, Ser Kevan and a familiar Dulver lord seize the moment before she can. Instead, she raises a furrowed brow and shoots a cross look at the heir of House Longshore.

[Reader]

"
Let us vote and be done with it. All in favour of Ser Steffon Vance's execution by beheading, and the hanging of his two accomplices, for the calculated murder of Lord &
Lady Blackwood, say aye."

[OOC: Lord Dunstan Tullison and Jamys Rivers vote in favour]

[Theomore Tullison]

"
Might we perhaps briefly review the contents of this existing treaty regarding the mines, so that we may proceed with no further argument on that point?"
Theomore asks no one in particular.

"
So I understand we have decided that Ser Steffon cannot serve as the man to go to the wall for the Brackens, if we indeed will do this. That leaves the desire to have Ser Tyron removed from influencing the young lord, I find it difficult to impose such a penalty for his listed crimes without also judging Ser Wyll equally harshly for being guilty of the violation of the Darry border, which I would consider the more serious of the two charges against Ser Tyron. However, as I understand, Ser Tyron was acting alone and without sanction regarding the salting of fields and the border violation, while Ser Wyll acted on behalf of House Bracken, which would allow the opportunity to punish Stone Hedge rather than the person. I should note that I believe sending Ser Tyron away would call for more severity of punishment for other issues than otherwise."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
One thing at a time, Ser Theomore. Let us see what we deem appropriate for each crime, and then see if further balancing is needed. Otherwise, we will be here another week, and some of us have homes and families to get back to."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
House Coldbrook votes in favour."
Daveth says, simply.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
House Marsten says aye too. That settles our first vote then. Ser Steffon and his accomplices will be put to death. Now, let us vote on another item. We can set aside Ser Tyron for now. On the proposal that Maester Arran should be put to death for the massacre of Blackbuckle;
aye or nay?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Aye."
Daveth says, keeping it short, maybe to avoid invectives spilling over.

[Septon Arlyn]

"
Aye"
replies Septon Arlyn simply

[Reader]

Both Lord Tullison and Jamys Rivers of House Kytley speak in favour of stripping Maester Arran of his chain and executing him. Lord Tullison makes a restrained speech by his standards in favour of a clean execution, swishing his red cape dramatically to close. What passes as "
restrained"
by Dunstan's standards is grandiose for most other men.

Jamys has fewer compunctions about a gory death for the Maester, happy to go along with whatever the majority deemds fitting.

[OOC: Theomore can sway Lord Tullison's view to a more severe execution with a simple intrigue in Tullison forums if desired.]

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon stands once again, drawing eyes.

"
I could not help but overhear some conversation regarding the attack on Pennytree. From what I am hearing there are two issues to be discussed. One regarding the nature of the victims and the other the man in charge of the Bracken troops that attacked. I have something to say on each, but to keep the discussion orderly, it would perhaps be best to discuss one then the other, as they are unrelated issues."


He looks to Lady Corrine for approval before moving on.

"
I have heard talk of striking the word 'Dornish' from the description of the merchants that were attacked at Pennytree. There is fear that being honest about the merchants will stifle foreign trade, as foreign merchants will be fearful to travel in the Seven Kingdoms. House Drakeson, as some of you already know, does a good deal of business with foreign merchants. If those merchants do cease coming to our market, hard days may be ahead for us. Despite that, however, I urge you not to give in to these fears about trade. It is imperative that we not hide the truth of this matter. Why, you might ask? For the simple reason that it is already widespread knowledge that the merchants were Dornish. I would remind you that it was in the King's missive. If word of that attack, complete with the nationality of the victims made it to the King's ears, I can only assume that it has made it into the courts of Dorne, and if not yet in Essos it shortly will be."


He pauses, looking around at the various representatives.

"
If we leave out that nationality, it would not help trade. Instead, it would indicate that the Seven Kingdoms - and even moreso those whose names will adorn this treaty - cannot be trusted to tell the truth. If instead we are honest about what happened, and include just punishment for it, we can send the message that we are forthright and that we do not condone such attacks, that we value our relationships with our trade partners and seek to keep our roads safe for them."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I, for one, am not in favour of omitting the nationality of the merchants,"
Corrine replies, calmly. "
However, I believe that is all that should be said of it. We must not muddy the treaty with unsubstantiated political speculation."

[Septon Arlyn]

Septon Arlyn's eyebrows raise. I wonder if they realize that mentioning such things in the treaty may bring retaliation from dorne. As well as reminding the realm of prince Daemons failure in the lands of dorne. Well if these black houses wish to argue the green position then I shall not be one to hinder them. Septon Arlyn remains silent, wishing to see how the other representatives would receive Lady Corinne's and Lord Baelon's words. As well as seeing if Lady Gwyn or Ser Theomore would speak to leaving dorne from the treaty.

Instead of speaking out like he normally would the Septon remains silent, the Pennytree incident with Lady Corinne still fresh in his mind. it would be better to have some of those who share her colors break the news. As everything I say must only further the green agenda. Septon Arlyn gives a mirthless smile. is funny that my silence is doing more to that effect then any words I say ever could.

And so the Septon keeps his thoughts to himself. And waits.

[Davain Bartheld]

Davain attention is more to the Room instead of Baelon.”Your argument has merits Lord Baelon, but I, for one, am hung up on one factor. Just punishment for Ser Humphrey Piper. How can we say that simply fining a man who turned himself and the men under his command to banditry as just. If bandits plagued our lands would we simply fine them and hope they submit to our rule, or would you ride out and end their tyranny with the swift cut of a blade. I know we would all choose the latter. This man, Humphrey Piper, disgraced not only his Lord and the vows of knighthood he swore to uphold, but the realm as a whole. Piper and his men should be put to the sword. I for one refuse to mention the Dornish in the treaty until just punishment has been given to Piper."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Lord Davain, I share your views on Ser Humphrey Piper, but I fail to understand how including or excluding the word "
Dornish"
should be affected by it. They are two separate issues, are they not?"

[Davain Bartheld]

"
It would seem so, but if the goal behind including Dorne in the treaty is to show that we will justly punish those who raid foreign merchants, then we must ensure that those accused are justly punished.”

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