Re: Looking After Lily (Closed)

[Ser Jorah Holt]

"
Between Ser Jorah, that archer Luecian and whatever that fellow who accompanied Lord Bartheld does, we should be able to find him. He won't be trying to hide like this group did."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Find who?"


Nathan returned from the brothel, eating an apple as he walked up to the group.

"
The other young ladies are being cared for. They weren't in the best condition but should survive."
He frowned. It was well known Nathan took pride in his profession and despised those that brought it into ill repute... or more ill repute. "
This Red person was not a nice man. He was letting people pay him to torture people. Their gaoler is currently in the midst of a rather prolonged, painful, and ultimately fatal accident. I doubt he has any useful information, but there might still be time to question him."


A terrible shriek pierces the air.

"
Perhaps not."
as he shrugs and takes another bite of his apple.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

While Corrine was under no illusions about Nathan's capabilities, she still needed a moment to clear her throat, taken somewhat aback by his casualness.

"
It is good to see you, Nathan. We were discussing how best to help Lily and the man who assisted her escape. I think you will want to be involved. Her father has been abusing her, trying to get a Daleford heir. She is not going back to him. She asked to go to the silent sisters, but that will not keep her safe. Trelane here has suggested that Lord Connington's second son's hand in marriage might be a way to secure her safety and placate her father's need that he has so horrifically pursued. Lily is resting, so she will be consulted about that proposal soon. The matter we were on when you arrived was how to contact her friend, Ser Erryk Vance, whom I feel we should also try to protect, for he risked much to help her."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I would be happy to give my opinion on the situation, but I'm afraid I can almost guarantee you won't like it, Lady Marsten.

House Daleford is unaligned. If you keep Lord Daleford's daughter from him, there is not a noble in Westeros that will not scream it's political at the top of their lungs. The Dalefords have been too focused on rebuilding after the war to throw their lot in with either side, and are considered too weak for either side to bother courting, but that can change.

They may be a meager prize up for grabs, but a prize nonetheless. Their name still carries some weight and their lands are a reasonable size, if poorly maintained and under populated. That also can change. If you keep Lily from her House, you may not only blacken the name of House Marsten, but push the Dalefords into the arms of the Greens.

We must also consider that Lily might be lying."
He raised his hand as the ire raised in Corrine's eyes. "
I didn't say she was, just that we must consider it. I have been researching this for longer than most and Lord Dalefords alleged conduct is news to me. Even if she isn't lying, there will be an extremely loud chorus that will claim she is.

You must also consider that keeping Lily from her House would be an act of war for any House. Certainly the Dalefords are no threat to House Marsten, but what noble House of any kind would allow such precedent to stand? You are proposing to hold the man's daughter and marry her off to a man of your choosing. Would YOUR House allow you to be married off by another against their will or interests? Would ANY House?

Finally, despite Lily's claims to the contrary, Lord Daleford is an extremely well respected and considered a pious noble. Even if you believe Lily's claims are true, and they certainly could be, her word against such a man is practically worthless. You will certainly never gain any support from anyone against a Lord of a House who has been tried and convicted of nothing.

From what I can see, that gives you one of two choices, Lady Marsten. You choose to do the noble thing, protect the girl and take the inevitable, and possibly substantial backlash against your House... and by extension the Blacks. Or you can protect your House and give her back."


Nathan finished his apple and tossed the core in the fire. "
You are the head of House Marsten, my Lady. Is this one girl's life, is any one person's life, worth the cost your House will pay?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I see..."
Corrine started, stunned. Then, she remembered the situation they were in. Nathan was being cautious, making her realise how cavalier she was being. She took a deep breath, collecting herself. Her anger at Lord Daleford was clouding her judgement.

"
I understand that there are risks. However, I swore to protect her, and I'll not make myself an oathbreaker. I want to find the best way forward possible, and I am prepared to risk what you say, if necessary. Ideally, Lily wouldn't have to marry anyone she didn't want to, but it was an avenue for consideration. The matter is far from settled."


She looked to Trelane and Loreia.

"
Forgive me, but could we perhaps reconvene in an hour? We cannot proceed yet anyway, Lily should be allowed some more rest, and I have some other matters to discuss privately with Master Mason."


Her tone was friendly and polite, but there was the feeling that it was not really a request.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan waited for the room to empty, then gave a half smile to the Lady. "
Quite the wasp nest you want to poke. Sorry for my bluntness, but you needed to understand the political tempest you were about to unleash. If you are absolutely sure you wish to protect this girl, there are ways to do so. Some of the damage can be mitigated, but there will be a cost. Accusing a Lord of raping his daughter will not be pretty, no matter how it is handled."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine nodded slowly.

"
Indeed. And you are welcome to ask Lily any questions you feel necessary to determine her sincerity. I believe her, but I also know my limitations. Regarding her father, what if we were to handle him privately? An open accusation needn't be the first response. Perhaps scare him enough to get the truth, in a way that does not reveal us?"

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I can speak with her, but If you are satisfied enough to risk your House and reputation, my Lady, then that should be good enough.

Certainly fear is a good weapon, but threats must be backed up. By all means, go speak with him, but do not be surprised if he falls back on his reputation against such 'baseless' accusations. At the moment, you have only her word. If you tip your hand too early, you may only ever have her word, if you get my meaning. If you tip your hand too late, your reputation may suffer terribly.

In the meantime, I suggest you get her to a Sept. Preferably, in the Capital. Lord Daleford is a pious man, at least by reputation. He will think twice or thrice before moving against the church. It will also lessen the accusations of political maneuvering if she is in their care. They will still whisper it, but they will only whisper it.

If you do wish to accuse Lord Daleford, bring the charge directly to Ser Jasper Wylde. He is widely considered just and politically neutral... well, mostly. Also, bring it under your authority as Chief investigator of the Crown, not as the Lady of House Marsten. It will further the appearance of neutrality, and since this situation stems from that investigation, has the added benefit of being true.

Ser Jasper will be able to hold a private trial. In fact, given the situation, he will probably demand it. That is also in your best interests. The less public knowledge about the situation, the better for everyone, especially Lily. However, I'd advise you have some shred of evidence beside her word. Ironrod is not known for his soft heart and sentimentality.

Even if Lord Daleford is absolved of her rape, there might be sufficient cause to remove Lily from her Father and place her as a ward with another House, although I would highly recommend that House not be yours for obvious political reasons. Count that as a win, Lady Marsten. Remember your goal in all of this is the safety and happy life of Lily, not vengeance on Lord Daleford."


Not for the first time, Corrine was struck by how honest and forthright Nathan was when, as a Green, it was far more in his best interests to see her efforts end in disaster. Well, at least in the best interests of his faction.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Thank you for your counsel, Nathan. Removing the personal element is wise. I see that now."


Her head lowered a little, pensively.

"
My anger carried me away. I just thought of how awful that experience must have been for her. I barely know the girl, but I feel it my duty to help her. Some things are bigger and more important than ourselves. After all, what good am I if I cannot protect those who need me, and bring justice to the unrighteous?"


She sighed sadly.

"
But you are right. This needs caution. If Lord Daleford is as pious as you say, then getting her to a sept will keep her in relative safety until I can search for more evidence and bring her case to Lord Wylde. Time is short though. I don't even know where to look."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Send your people to talk to Lord Daleford's servants, Lady Marsten. They know almost everything that goes on in a noble House, and most nobles barely register they exist.

You have a little time. No-one knows Lily is rescued or even alive. That secret will not last forever, but you should have time to set the game board to your advantage before it becomes public knowledge. Once Lord Daleford discovers his daughter is alive, he will vocally demand her return. You need to be ready before that happens.

If you need to buy some time, tell everyone that Lily needs seclusion, meditation and prayer to recover from her ordeal. That too probably has the benefit of being true. You can speak to Grandmaester Orwyle and let him know I sent you. He is discreet. If you explain the situation he will be able to keep her protected on medical grounds as well. He is also far more astute than you or I. If Lily is not speaking the truth, or not the whole truth, he will definitely know.

I have one request. Keep Lord Adham in the dark, at least about the rape accusation until you can confirm it. The young heir is a good man and a friend of mine. He loves his sister dearly and is heartbroken at her absence. This must be kept from him as long as possible. Lily cannot tell him unless she has to, and when he does find out, he must be kept from doing anything... drastic.

Keep that in mind, my Lady. The stakes are not just for Lily, you or House Marsten. You have the potential to completely destroy House Daleford as well. Adham does not deserve that."

[Loreia]

Earlier

"I would be happy to give my opinion on the situation..."

elipsis added by me

Loreia only listens with pure shock to Nathan's astute and grim reasoning. "Hang the Greens," she mutters as Corrine gathers herself. He's far more..."worldly" than I thought. I seem to have made a habit of underestimating people...

he looked to Trelane and Loreia.

"Forgive me, but could we perhaps reconvene in an hour? We cannot proceed yet anyway, Lily should be allowed some more rest, and I have some other matters to discuss privately with Master Mason."

Her tone was friendly and polite, but there was the feeling that it was not really a request.

She returns the "request" with a concerned look, and turns it on the young Mason man, becoming something approaching distrust and censure. She does leave, however, with a final look to Trelane - that nonspecific "let's go" type of look one gives before taking their leave, to another being dismissed.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I understand. I would not want to do harm to the blameless. I will keep this secret. I think putting her in the care of the Grandmaester is a good idea. I clearly need wiser minds working on this. Thank you."


She rubs her forehead and lets out a tired exhalation.

"
Gods, what a mess. If you hadn't arrived when you did, I would have acted rashly and created so much disaster and suffering. Please, forgive my bull-headedness. This is another trying situation in a rather large bale of trying situations."


Her expression belied much anxiety, the weight of recent events and responsibilities all but written upon her face.

[Ser Jorah Holt]

Trelane looked at Nathaniel quizzically. Who was this peasant to command respect like this?

He had the ear of nobles on both sides;
Lord Bartheld to bring him and Lady Marsten to dismiss them so readily.

Was he friend or foe? Green or Black? Friend or Foe? or perhaps both or neither.

He nodded ascent to Corrine's request and followed Loreia out of the tent, lost in his thoughts. He would have to find out more about him;
Ser Jorah might know something, but unlikely that it would be full truth of the matter.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Her expression belied much anxiety, the weight of recent events and responsibilities all but written upon her face.

Nathan took a step forward. His crystal blue eyes were sympathetic but also contained a hardness. "
Lady Marsten, I understand what you feel. I feel it too. If Lord Daleford has done this, driven to desperation out of grief for the loss of his many sons, certainly I can relate to that visceral need for justice or vengeance. In my profession, I am keenly aware just how used, abused and dismissed women are in our society. Not far away are many young women who have been horribly more victimized than Lily Daleford ever has."


He straightened. "
I've given you the best advice I can, should you wish to pursue this, but at the risk of appearing callous, I must finally advise you ignore all of it and give the girl back... and yes, I understand that may mean Lily's life might end by tossing herself off the battlements of her castle.

People consider me complex, but the truth is, I live by one very simple, often hard, and sometimes ruthless calculation: Will my actions for the good of myself and others outweigh the risk of harm to myself and others? This calculation is the reason I am a Green, it's the reason I am here now, it's the reason I helped Lord Davain secure his House and it's the reason I assisted you to remove your corrupt Mayor. It is the reason I have acted when I would have wished otherwise, and it is the reason I have not acted even when every part of me screamed to do otherwise."


"
You probably think less of me because I think you should toss the girl to the wolves."
He shrugged. "
Still, you are not me, and you are who you are. You have power and resources I do not. If you move quickly enough, quietly enough, and gain the support of Ser Jasper and the Grandmaester, there is a small chance the good you do will outweigh the harm done."


He thought for a long moment. "
I cannot help you with Lily, but I can at least locate Ser Erryk Vance and secure his safety for you. His testimony will likely be pivotal. The least I can do is try to ensure he is still alive to give it."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Then please do,"
Corrine replied, simply. "
Is there anything you require from me to secure him?"

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I don't think so, my Lady."
replied Nathan. "
My people are very loyal and discrete. I would have you focus your efforts on Lord Daleford and his servants."


[OOC: My roll to find him was one point short of perfect. I have the option for two assists, but that would likely only shorten the search by a day or two and Reader says it would increase the risk to Vance.

What you want to do is throw everything you've got at the Knowledge (Streetwise) rolls against House Daleford.]

[Reader]

"
I don't think so, my Lady."
replied Nathan. "
My people are very loyal and discrete. I would have you focus your efforts on Lord Daleford and his servants."


[OOC: My roll to find him was one point short of perfect. I have the option for two assists, but that would likely only shorten the search by a day or two and Reader says it would increase the risk to Vance.]

[OOC: decisions decisions. Risk/reward of getting the others to help. Confirming my roll instructions to Nathaniel via PM]

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Very well then. If it later becomes needful, don't hesitate to ask. I am sorry that my choice conflicts with your advice, but I could not live with myself if I knowingly endangered someone who asked me for help. If her father is exonerated, that is another matter, but giving her back cannot be undone. I need to be as certain as possible either way before I decide to do that or not. I hope you will try to understand. I cannot help all whom I wish to, but helping one person is better than helping no one at all."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I don't think so, my Lady."
replied Nathan. "
My people are very loyal and discrete. I would have you focus your efforts on Lord Daleford and his servants."


[OOC: My roll to find him was one point short of perfect. I have the option for two assists, but that would likely only shorten the search by a day or two and Reader says it would increase the risk to Vance.]

[OOC: decisions decisions. Risk/reward of getting the others to help. Confirming my roll instructions to Nathaniel via PM]

[It's a risk.. but a calculated one. The timespan was 20 days... I found him in 10. Only the 2 day window matters. If he dies before 8 days, the assists won't matter. If he lives to 10 days, I find him and the assists don't matter. Only in that two day stretch does it become important. Finding him two days earlier does not matter if I increase the likelihood he will be killed before that.]

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Very well then. If it later becomes needful, don't hesitate to ask. I am sorry that my choice conflicts with your advice, but I could not live with myself if I knowingly endangered someone who asked me for help. If her father is exonerated, that is another matter, but giving her back cannot be undone. I need to be as certain as possible either way before I decide to do that or not. I hope you will try to understand. I cannot help all whom I wish to, but helping one person is better than helping no one at all."

"
There is nothing to be sorry about, my Lady, and a ruler should never apologize. I understand completely. I am not offended, and I hope you are not. I simply laid out the choices you have. The decision is yours... as are the consequences."


Nathan bows to the Lady of House Marsten. "
I beg your leave. If I am to find Ser Erryk, I think we want to do so sooner rather than later."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Certainly. Godspeed, my friend. And give my regards to Ser Jon."


Once he was gone, she sent a page to fetch Ben, and invited Trelane and Loreia back inside.

[Ser Jorah Holt]

Trelane noted Nathaniel leaving and re-entered the tent when the Page requested he and Loreia were invited back inside.

He bowed to Lady Corrine and waited for her to speak.

ooc
As Ben didn't fight with us, I would presume he's some distance away?

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Trelane noted Nathaniel leaving and re-entered the tent when the Page requested he and Loreia were invited back inside.

He bowed to Lady Corrine and waited for her to speak.

ooc
As Ben didn't fight with us, I would presume he's some distance away?

[ooc: Yeah, he won't turn up for a bit.]

"
Thank you for your patience. Master Mason had some important information of a sensitive nature,"
Corrine explained, bending the truth to breaking point. "
He is going to quietly make contact with Ser Erryk Vance for me. Now, regarding Lily. Nobody yet knows she is rescued. I suggest we keep it that way until we are certain of what to do with her. I will send discreet and trustworthy people to learn more about Lord Daleford. We must be cautious. Houses Marsten and Daleford are in danger if we misstep."

[Reader]

[OOC: Ser Erryk Vance details from Nathaniel's investigations.

I have thrown some bones and can reveal Ser Errky Vance's location and health!

- Impressively he is following the same trail as your group, merely more slowly. He has tracked and captured a well connected fence ("
Jim the Cobbler"
) in Lord Harroway's town and tortured a lead pointing him to Saltpans.

Simple intrigue to see how much you get out of him (in part depends on what you wish to reveal to him), convince seems like the best choice here. He's handsome and dangerous looking, with a beard from weeks on the road and a wicked looking old scar on his neck.

- Happy for you guys to continue this in the same thread or move the Erryk Vance element to a separate follow-up thread, set pre-story 3.]

[Nathaniel Mason]

[OOC: Ser Erryk Vance details from Nathaniel's investigations.

I have thrown some bones and can reveal Ser Errky Vance's location and health!

- Impressively he is following the same trail as your group, merely more slowly. He has tracked and captured a well connected fence ("
Jim the Cobbler"
) in Lord Harroway's town and tortured a lead pointing him to Saltpans.

Simple intrigue to see how much you get out of him (in part depends on what you wish to reveal to him), convince seems like the best choice here. He's handsome and dangerous looking, with a beard from weeks on the road and a wicked looking old scar on his neck.

- Happy for you guys to continue this in the same thread or move the Erryk Vance element to a separate follow-up thread, set pre-story 3.]

[OOC: Nathan has a soft spot for handsome and dangerous looking men.

I reveal, in the strictest confidence, that Lily is safe, rescued with a combined effort of House Marsten and Bartheld.

I also remind him that his own safety may be in jeopardy, and even if it isn't, having the resources of a House at his disposal is better than scratching on his own in the dirt.

[url=Ser Erryk Vance (Convince)][/url]: 7d6k5 14

[url=Ser Erryk Vance (Convince)][/url]: 7d6k5 23 +2 BoA 25 Lucky reroll.]

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