The Dulver Perspective

[Theomore Tullison]

Considering everything Theomore had heard of Lord Dulver, it was somewhat surprising to find that it once again was Ser Walton that was sent on his behalf, as if his expectations to score the sort of deal he was renowned for was rather low. Well, this was the Riverlands and there was certainly much wealth to be had in the Westerlands, too. One day, he ought to match wits with the man, if only to learn from the very best. But Ser Walton was about as much as a friend that Theomore thought himself capable of having friends. Nothing quite like forging such relationships in the blood of common enemies indeed. And in times like these, friends had value. He had a mission of course, to secure the best possible outcome for his lord nephew, but he also had a debt of gratitude to confirm and pay back, Theomore didn't like to have outstanding favors for too long either. As was his wont, he sent the squire to arrange a suitable time for a meeting.

[Ser Walton Dulver]

Ser Walton arrived on time. Wearing casual and comfortable travelling leather clothes, but with great sword hanging on his back. There were no decorations in his clothing, except small Dulvers sigil emroidered on his chest. Leather seemed outworn, it was obvious that it feels for owner like second skin. And that made also orange shield of Dulvers on his chest more brown and grey, than orange.

Young Dulver seeing Tullison, kindly nodded with his head, went straight to Theomore and reached out his hand to him. -Ser Theomore, it's always pleasure to see You in good health.- honest smile accompanied greeting. -I'm coming in place of Septon Arlyn, please take our apologies for his absence. Anyway, as he was the one overseeing the case, House Dulver sent me here to seal the deal. All what You have agreed with Septon Arlyn, House Dulver is good with. Are there any more detailes, which You two have not got to agreement yet, Ser?-

[Theomore Tullison]

"
No, ser, I do not believe there is anything to add to what I suggested to the good septon for my part, though I was not under the impression that we had agreed on anything, merely that my proposal would be under consideration."
Theomore had a feeling that Arlyn's recommendation would be to accept it. "
But if House Dulver is happy with it, so is House Tullison."

[Septon Arlyn]

Septon Arlyn arrives some time after Ser Walton and Ser Theomore have been talking. Ser Theomore notices that were there was once a great paunch the Septon appears to have thinned slightly. His cheeks were still full and sweat was dripping off of his brow. The Septon takes a moment to look around the inn before discovering where the huge form of Ser Walton Sat next to his finely dressed companion.

A terse smile plays across the Septon's face, an acknowledgement of the somewhat strained relationship the Septon had with these two men. One is nearly my son, and the other I've become an adopted conscience. Perhaps I should have just stayed at the Sept in the hearth and never ventured out to build that orphanage. the Septon sees the children laughing and playing under the thick stone walls of the seven sided building. All of his effort and deal making of the past few years culminating into this one achievement.

The Smith must put us through adversities before making us pure though. Perhaps being here is my test.

"
Ser Theomore, Ser Walton. My Lord's, hope was not interrupting anything important. I must apologize for my tardiness. I was waylaid by the collection of books they have in Elna's Sept."
Septon Arlyn shakes his head in disbelief. "
You would think that they have the warriors own sword in there with how gaudy the place is. If I had half the wealth that the building had to distribute to the poor... "
I'd likely end up in the wrong side if a black bandit's sword to be honest. These blackguards appear to have grown more potent of late.

[Theomore Tullison]

"
Oh, no worries good septon."
Theomore is his affable old self. "
Ser Walton was just indicating that my proposal had a positive reception, or so it sounded to my ears."

[Septon Arlyn]

"
Indeed it has, Ser Theomore."
Septon Arlyn takes a seat at their table, the old wooden chair creaking under his weight.

"
Lord Dulver is a wise man. He sent his son with me to learn the finer points of negotiation. Lord Dulver feels that his son will need to know how to speak with others of noble birth."

[Theomore Tullison]

"
An ability that one can never spend enough time honing."
Theomore seems to approve. "
My lady sister thought me that courtesy is the art of being able to give insult without offending, an exaggeration of course, but it did serve well to impress it's value upon a young mind."
She also had a few more vivid descriptions that he cares not to repeat in the presence of sober company and certainly not to septons. "
There is no cost to being polite, but it so happens that most tends to be more agreeable to hearing your words if they are."

[Septon Arlyn]

"
That is quite right Ser Theomore, words may be wind, but a pleasant breeze is much more amiable to the disposition then the gale. Although there have been talk of sailors and such who seek out such harsh conditions."
Septon Arlyn nods towards Ser Walton. Ser Walton could do well to learn a thing or two from Ser Theomore, Septon Arlyn spies a barmaid Serving breaded beer and waves her over, his activities making him hungry.

"
That said there is a place for strong words and strong actions. What makes a wise man is knowing when to use your words and how and when to use them. That is what brings us here no doubt, to learn the finer points of negotiation."
Septon Arlyn takes the tankard from the serving girl, her buxom bodice scarcely containing what most would consider large endowments, but the Septon appeared to pay her appearance little mind. "
Thank you daughter, may the Mother blessings be with you."
He makes the sign of the seven towards the young lady then takes a swig of his drink. The bitter flavor of the hops is lessened by the breading, the small chunks float around the Septons lips and he tastes the brew. Not the finest stuff I have ever had, but quiet good for such a small place

"
I think that the sword might be a good way to compare our words, would you not say so Ser Theomore?"

[Theomore Tullison]

"
I suppose you could say that, septon, learning by doing tends to be the best way."
Theomore leaves out the part that there was like to be mistakes along the way, and increasingly, this was becoming a time where mistakes carried a high cost. Not everyone had the luck of living to learn from them as Theomore had. Well, nobody was going to die over Market Town before the war though, and then it would not matter. "
Words and blades are merely tools, but history is written by the pen, not the sword."
Though the sword did have an awful lot to do with what was recorded.

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