[Day 3: Early Evening] A Word In Your Ear? (mostly Closed)

[Jon Cobb]

That sorry-looking lad has got to be him, Jon thought as he approached the bench where a slim, pale-faced youth with black hair and beard sat. Now let's hope that guardsman Loreia knows what she's talking about...

"
Master Daveth Coldbrook, I presume? I am Ser Jon Cobb, sometimes called Wrecker Jon. Sorry to disturb you in the middle of the festivities, but may I have a moment of your time?"


OOC: The intention is for this to be a private conversation between Daveth and Jon, but since it's taking place in a very public venue, strictly speaking there's nothing preventing anyone else from joining. Please PM me ahead of time if you wish to do so.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth's eyebrows shoot up at that introduction. "
Wrecker Jon? My father-"
a barely perceptible pause "
-speaks well of you."


Some families have Wrecker Jon. I have *you*. His father's scornful words after a particularly fruitless fighting lesson still echo in Daveth's memory.

Daveth colours slightly, and coughs lightly before continuing. "
Of course you can join me, Ser Jon."
gesturing to a seat. "
My father would tan my hide if I turned down such a request from you."
he gives a small, professional smile. "
How may we help each other?"

[Jon Cobb]

Daveth's eyebrows shoot up at that introduction. "
Wrecker Jon? My father-"
a barely perceptible pause "
-speaks well of you."


Some families have Wrecker Jon. I have *you*. His father's scornful words after a particularly fruitless fighting lesson still echo in Daveth's memory.

Daveth colours slightly, and coughs lightly before continuing. "
Of course you can join me, Ser Jon."
gesturing to a seat. "
My father would tan my hide if I turned down such a request from you."
he gives a small, professional smile. "
How may we help each other?"

All business, this one. Probably no sense in beating about the bush then.

"
Lord Tomas was always fierce in battle. I'm not surprised to hear that he's equally fierce on the home front,"
Jon responds with a sympathetic look.

"
As to how we might help each other... Well, I was speaking to one of your guards - Loreia Merrgal - last night, and she told me that if you want something from House Coldbrook, you're the man to see. Would you say that's accurate?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: to be clear, bits in italics are thoughts. I add them to add colour to the narration and build character.)

Daveth makes an uncertain gesture. "
It's a little more complicated than that. But fundamentally, yes. I am our house's chief diplomat."
sounds a lot better than 'only diplomat' "
You want something from us, you negotiate with me. If I think the deal's worthwhile, I take it to my Lord father. But at that point, it's a yes/no proposition, based on what the other party and I have negotiated. He gives a nod or shake, and that's it, done. He likes to keep things simple."

[Jon Cobb]

(OOC: to be clear, bits in italics are thoughts. I add them to add colour to the narration and build character.)

OOC: That's quite clear. Just couldn't be arsed to remove it from the quote. If it's the "
sympathetic look"
bit that got you wondering, that was in response to Daveth's comment about getting his hide tanned. :;
):

(OOC: to be clear, bits in italics are thoughts. I add them to add colour to the narration and build character.)

Daveth makes an uncertain gesture. "
It's a little more complicated than that. But fundamentally, yes. I am our house's chief diplomat."
sounds a lot better than 'only diplomat' "
You want something from us, you negotiate with me. If I think the deal's worthwhile, I take it to my Lord father. But at that point, it's a yes/no proposition, based on what the other party and I have negotiated. He gives a nod or shake, and that's it, done. He likes to keep things simple."

"
Simple is always preferable to complicated, Master Daveth. In that I agree with your lord father,"
Jon replies. "
But at the moment, I want something from you, not your father, and from your reply I can tell that I came to the right man."


"
You see, I have been retained to help House Bartheld solve a problem - the problem being that my friends at Hart House are having a hard time deciding on who is to succeed Lord Brom, who recently laid down his duties and left for greener pastures. On the one hand, there is young Davain Bartheld, who claims leadership by right of inheritance, and on the other there's his uncle Ser Fendrel, who rests his claim to leadership on the basis that Davain's plans will ruin House Bartheld and that he himself is the best man for the job."


"
As you may know, House Bartheld's standing is built almost solely on the policy of open-handed hospitality that Lord Brom instituted. House Bartheld's revels draw many influential people to Hart House, and the Barthelds' use the opportunity to gain favor with both greater and lesser noble houses. As a diplomat, I'm sure you can see the advantages of this arrangement."


"
Sadly, young Davain does not seem to understand this. He seems to find the festivities his grandfather instituted distasteful, and given time it seems certain that he will stop them entirely. Ser Fendrel, on the other hand, has a keen understanding of the value of Brom's policies, and has himself been instrumental in disarming feuds, helping build alliances, and maximizing the benefit the feasts provide to House Bartheld. As you can no doubt guess, he wishes to see House Bartheld's traditions maintained."


"
I am not such a diplomat as Ser Fendrel, so I will be direct with you - I would like your public support for Ser Fendrel as future lord of House Bartheld. What would you require in return for your support?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth considers Ser Jon's words carefully before replying. "
Ser Jon. You say you're no diplomat and you like things simple. So, while I could couch my words in etiquette for the sake of politeness, instead I will be blunt, so that things may be clear between us, and I pray you won't take insult.

"
I will start by stating that I am aware of the service House Bartheld provides to the realm, and I do believe that it serves an important purpose. However, that is not to say that I believe that it must remain completely unchanged in order to fulfil that role.

"
However, does Lord Fendrel have any legitimate claim on the inheritance? The law of the land is quite clear on the matter, that rulership is passed down through blood, rather than through merit. Frankly, the law doesn't care if he's a crippled lunatic - if he's the heir, he becomes the lord when the prior lord vacates the role. If you seek to overturn the very law of the land, you'll need a lot more influence than our house can provide."
Daveth's tone is clinical and dispassionate. Stating facts, rather than positions.

"
Secondly, can you describe both men to me? You've mentioned their political positions, but what are they like as *men*? And yes, I realise Lord Fendrel is generous and Lord Davain miserly."
to your eyes, anyway "
I'm talking about what makes them who they are. How did house Bartheld grow such a man as Lord Davain? How close were Lord Fendrel and Lord Brom? A man is more than his policies, and I would see them through your eyes.

"
And thirdly, what is the relationship between the two men like? I would assume not that great, but do both at least acknowledge that the other does have the house's best interests in mind, even if they vehemently disagree with the methods? Were they closer before Lord Brom left?"


Daveth chuckles. "
I apologise, Ser Jon. You come asking for a price, and I barrage you with questions. But, as I'm sure your Lord Fendrel would tell you, deals and relationships between houses are about the people just as much, if not more, than they are about the houses themselves. And I would be a sorry diplomat indeed were I to make a deal while blind to so many of the facts."

[Jon Cobb]

OOC: The problem with these mammoth posts is that they take forever to write, and today I'm going to have very little free time, so my answer will be delayed.
One thing I want to make clear though, is that Jon is asking for your personal support, not that of House Coldbrook as a whole. I'll try to make that more obvious in my response.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(No worries, we've got plenty of time still.

Le ménage c'est moi )

[Jon Cobb]

Daveth considers Ser Jon's words carefully before replying. "
Ser Jon. You say you're no diplomat and you like things simple. So, while I could couch my words in etiquette for the sake of politeness, instead I will be blunt, so that things may be clear between us, and I pray you won't take insult.

"
I'm from Flea Bottom lad, there's not much you could say that I would find insulting!"
Jon laughs.

"
I will start by stating that I am aware of the service House Bartheld provides to the realm, and I do believe that it serves an important purpose. However, that is not to say that I believe that it must remain completely unchanged in order to fulfil that role.

"
Nothing ever remains unchanged, Master Daveth, but I'm sure you'll agree that the pace of the change and the changes themselves can be destructive as well as beneficial. Ser Fendrel is not against changing House Bartheld, but he sees no need to tear down something that is working well and replace it wholesale with something new and uncertain. As things stand, House Bartheld has influence well beyond what would be expected of such a young house, its lands are rich, the smallfolk happy, and its coffers are well filled. But should the need arise, Ser Fendrel will certainly see to it that House Bartheld adapts to changing circumstances."

"
However, does Lord Fendrel have any legitimate claim on the inheritance? The law of the land is quite clear on the matter, that rulership is passed down through blood, rather than through merit. Frankly, the law doesn't care if he's a crippled lunatic - if he's the heir, he becomes the lord when the prior lord vacates the role. If you seek to overturn the very law of the land, you'll need a lot more influence than our house can provide."
Daveth's tone is clinical and dispassionate. Stating facts, rather than positions.

Jon smiles at the certainty in Daveth's voice. "
I admire your faith in the law, Master Daveth, and I mean no disrespect, but I can tell you from personal experience that the law is whatever the rich and powerful wish it to be. I know that both from growing up in Flea Bottom and from my years at court in King's Landing. And in circumstances like this, where the lands and riches of a noble house are at stake, you'll be able to find a legal precedent for just about any stance you like. I have that on good authority from Grand Maester Orwyle himself."
Jon's tone matches Daveth's certainty, stating truths earned from experience.

"
But, I grant you that a candidate should have some legitimate claim if a case is to be made, and fortunately Ser Fendrel does. He is the last living trueborn son of Brom Bartheld, and although Brom did not see fit to proclaim him his heir, neither has he done so for Davain. It has also recently come to my attention that there are those who claim that Davain is not Brom's grandson at all, but rather his natural son or the bastard of one of his other sons. I cannot judge the truth of these claims myself, but Lord Tully is concerned enough that he has seen fit to set his maesters to work to investigate the matter."

"
Secondly, can you describe both men to me? You've mentioned their political positions, but what are they like as *men*? And yes, I realise Lord Fendrel is generous and Lord Davain miserly."
to your eyes, anyway "
I'm talking about what makes them who they are. How did house Bartheld grow such a man as Lord Davain? How close were Lord Fendrel and Lord Brom? A man is more than his policies, and I would see them through your eyes.

"
That's a great many questions, but then this is a weighty matter, so I will do my best to answer them. Davain is hard working, honest and responsible. He's also judgemental and moralistic, intolerant of those who are not like him. He's a good man by many standards, but at Hart House he's a fish out of water."


"
Ser Fendrel is older than Davain, and to my mind wiser for it. He's intelligent, philosophical, and well read. He's also an unapologetic pleasure seeker, so he thrives at Hart House. Where Davain is rigid, he is pragmatic, and where Davain is intolerant, Ser Fendrel is forgiving of faults in others."


"
As for how House Bartheld "
grew"
a man like Davain, they did it the traditional way. Davain was fostered at Raintree, living under the protection and tutelage of House Swann. When he returned, he was as he is now. He also brought Anton Black - the castle smith - with him, and it's clear that he has great influence over Davain."


"
Concerning Brom's relationship with Fendrel - in the fifteen years that I have known Brom he never spoke of Fendrel with anything but love, but then Brom always professed love and pride in all his sons. Brom loved Davain no less, and no doubt it breaks his heart to know that there is strife between Davain and Fendrel. And even though I count Brom as one of my oldest and truest friends, I would be a liar if I did not admit that he must bear much of the blame for what has occurred since he stepped down from his duties."

"
And thirdly, what is the relationship between the two men like? I would assume not that great, but do both at least acknowledge that the other does have the house's best interests in mind, even if they vehemently disagree with the methods? Were they closer before Lord Brom left?"

"
I cannot say how close Davain and Fendrel were before Brom left, for Davain had but recently returned to Hart House then, and I have spent most of that time away from Bartheld lands. But the Barthelds have a long tradition of placing the family first, and make a proud boast of the fact that there has never been a kinslaying among them. From what I have seen, both men honor this tradition and both men believe they are acting for the good of House Bartheld. Naturally, they are not friendly with one another, but they are at least civil when they meet."

Daveth chuckles. "
I apologise, Ser Jon. You come asking for a price, and I barrage you with questions. But, as I'm sure your Lord Fendrel would tell you, deals and relationships between houses are about the people just as much, if not more, than they are about the houses themselves. And I would be a sorry diplomat indeed were I to make a deal while blind to so many of the facts."

"
Ah, I see then why you have so many questions - you were thinking that I would ask the support of all of House Coldbrook in one fell swoop! Never fear, it is not so. I ask only your own personal support for Ser Fendrel, no more. You see, the Barthelds are a naturally hospitable lot who place great stock in friendship.They will choose who leads them, and when they do so, they will carefully examine which of the candidates has the best claim, but also who can show that he has gathered the most supporters and friends to his side."


OOC: Oof. That's just horribly long.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: true, but the advantage is that's us done with the bulk of the required infodump in just two posts. Should be easy going from here. )

Jon smiles at the certainty in Daveth's voice. "
I admire your faith in the law, Master Daveth, and I mean no disrespect, but I can tell you from personal experience that the law is whatever the rich and powerful wish it to be. I know that both from growing up in Flea Bottom and from my years at court in King's Landing. And in circumstances like this, where the lands and riches of a noble house are at stake, you'll be able to find a legal precedent for just about any stance you like. I have that on good authority from Grand Maester Orwyle himself."
Jon's tone matches Daveth's certainty, stating truths earned from experience.

Daveth nods calmly, accepting the correction

"
But, I grant you that a candidate should have some legitimate claim if a case is to be made, and fortunately Ser Fendrel does. He is the last living trueborn son of Brom Bartheld, and although Brom did not see fit to proclaim him his heir, neither has he done so for Davain. It has also recently come to my attention that there are those who claim that Davain is not Brom's grandson at all, but rather his natural son or the bastard of one of his other sons. I cannot judge the truth of these claims myself, but Lord Tully is concerned enough that he has seen fit to set his maesters to work to investigate the matter."

Ahh. So he *is* challenging Lord Davain's legitimacy. I thought he would. And he's got Lord Tully on-side already. I wonder how much *that* cost him.

"
Ah, I see then why you have so many questions - you were thinking that I would ask the support of all of House Coldbrook in one fell swoop! Never fear, it is not so. I ask only your own personal support for Ser Fendrel, no more. You see, the Barthelds are a naturally hospitable lot who place great stock in friendship.They will choose who leads them, and when they do so, they will carefully examine which of the candidates has the best claim, but also who can show that he has gathered the most supporters and friends to his side."

At that, Daveth actually bursts out laughing. "
Oh, I'm sorry, Ser Jon. It probably sounds rather sad, but at times like these events, I tend to forget people might actually want to talk to *me*, rather than one of the many roles I fulfil for my house. Still, I found your responses most informative, so thank you for that.

"
And as for your request, well, I have to decline."
he lets that hang in the air for a moment before giving a small smile. "
I'd have to meet the man myself, first, and then carefully consider the matter before making any judgement. It's all very well hearing about a man's qualities from a friend, but you can't take a measure of the man from that. For that, you have to look him in the eye as you talk with him."


Daveth takes a sip from his drink before continuing. "
I actually have one more question, if you'll indulge me. Not about Ser Fendrel, but about you. And I'll admit it's a strange one, but my curiosity takes me some strange places on occasion, so I beg your forgiveness. You're known for your actions on the bridge. People hear your name, and if they're the slightest aware of those kind of events, they immediately make that association.

"
But that's it. That's what they know you for. But with the skill that you so obviously possess, and so many years to wield it in, do you ever feel that you've actually done much more impressive acts before or since that will never get the recognition they deserve, simply because you have this one event you are so wedded to in the popular consciousness? And does this frustrate you sometimes, or are you simply grateful that you gained recognition at all?"

[Jon Cobb]

At that, Daveth actually bursts out laughing. "
Oh, I'm sorry, Ser Jon. It probably sounds rather sad, but at times like these events, I tend to forget people might actually want to talk to *me*, rather than one of the many roles I fulfil for my house. Still, I found your responses most informative, so thank you for that.

"
And as for your request, well, I have to decline."
he lets that hang in the air for a moment before giving a small smile. "
I'd have to meet the man myself, first, and then carefully consider the matter before making any judgement. It's all very well hearing about a man's qualities from a friend, but you can't take a measure of the man from that. For that, you have to look him in the eye as you talk with him."

"
Ha! You are indeed Lord Tomas' son, master Daveth - ever alert for an ambush, eh?"
Jon responds with a laugh and a grin that is just a bit too wide. "
Very well, if you wish to meet Ser Fendrel in person, then that can easily be arranged. I'm sure he can find time for you tomorrow - tonight it appears he only has eyes and ears for his lovely bride-to-be,"
Jon continues, nodding in the direction of the dance floor, where Ser Fendrel is conversing with Lady Ayleth Swann as they dance.

Daveth takes a sip from his drink before continuing. "
I actually have one more question, if you'll indulge me. Not about Ser Fendrel, but about you. And I'll admit it's a strange one, but my curiosity takes me some strange places on occasion, so I beg your forgiveness. You're known for your actions on the bridge. People hear your name, and if they're the slightest aware of those kind of events, they immediately make that association.

"
But that's it. That's what they know you for. But with the skill that you so obviously possess, and so many years to wield it in, do you ever feel that you've actually done much more impressive acts before or since that will never get the recognition they deserve, simply because you have this one event you are so wedded to in the popular consciousness? And does this frustrate you sometimes, or are you simply grateful that you gained recognition at all?"

"
You're right, master Daveth, that is an odd request. Most of the time people only want to hear the gory details of how I became Wrecker Jon, and not much else. But I love stories, both hearing and telling them, so it's a burden I can bear well enough."
Jon ponders Daveth's request for a moment, and then continues: "
Very well, I'll answer your questions, but in return you have to answer mine. A story for a story - how does that sound?"


[url=Intrigue Initiative][/url]: 4d6k3 13
OOC: As per PM, I'd like to try and improve Daveth's disposition, and trading stories/information seems like an excellent opportunity for such an intrigue.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Well, at my tender years, I don't claim to be the wisest man alive, but I'm certainly wise enough to not wish to interrupt him at such a time. Tomorrow is plenty soon enough.

At Ser Jon's suggestion, Daveth spreads his arms apologetically. "
Ser Jon, you make me feel guilty making such an offer. You have a lifetime of events ripe for the retelling, and no doubt some embellishing"
he adds with a smile "
While I am young, and most of my struggles to date have been against the poor handwriting of scribes and maesters. Still, if you feel you can get your value from this exchange, I would be foolish to turn down the opportunity.

"
So, absolutely, let's give this a try. As you no doubt have more stories, if you wouldn't mind starting? Let's see. Actually, you did just indicate that you were personally familiar with my father. How about a story of how that came about? - A lot of people fought in the Stepstones after all, you can't be familiar with all of them."


(OOC: you're on!)
Objective: Friendship
Initiative: Eloquent
Disposition: Dislike (-2 Per, +1 Dec, 5 DR) (Sorry)
Intrigue Defense: 10

Action: Consider (+2B to next action)
Composure: 9

[Jon Cobb]

At Ser Jon's suggestion, Daveth spreads his arms apologetically. "
Ser Jon, you make me feel guilty making such an offer. You have a lifetime of events ripe for the retelling, and no doubt some embellishing"
he adds with a smile "
While I am young, and most of my struggles to date have been against the poor handwriting of scribes and maesters. Still, if you feel you can get your value from this exchange, I would be foolish to turn down the opportunity.

"
So, absolutely, let's give this a try. As you no doubt have more stories, if you wouldn't mind starting? Let's see. Actually, you did just indicate that you were personally familiar with my father. How about a story of how that came about? - A lot of people fought in the Stepstones after all, you can't be familiar with all of them."

If he talks to Tomas the way he's talking here, I'm not surprised his stepfather can't stand him. He cringes like a beaten puppy, this one, Jon muses as he listens to Daveth expound on his feelings of worthlessness again.

Exchange 1
Initiative: Irrelevant
Objective: Friendship
Disposition: Indifferent, DR 4
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 12

Action: [url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6k5 21
Influence: 7 (4 x 3 DoS = 12 - 5 DR = 7)

"
You'd be surprised, actually. The Prince's army was never that large, and I was down there the full ten years, so I met a great many people, Tomas included. I don't recall exactly when we met the first time, but we served side by side in a number of engagements, and there was plenty of time to talk while in camp - or during another blasted siege. There were lots of those in the war."


"
Now, you were asking me about my reputation, and if it ever gives me cause for frustration. I think I will ask you a similar question - what is your greatest source of frustration?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: I think I see how this is going to go... Though if I'd known your defence was only 9, I'd have gone right on the attack. Ah, well. Not like I expect it to make a difference.)

"
My greatest frustration? Not enough hours in the day. Our house is small, and I have many roles to fill. Diplomat, acting maester, assistant steward, and a few other smaller roles as required. Doesn't leave me much time to be 'me'.

"
And now back to my original question, about the visibility of your other acts."


[url=Charming Ser Jon Ex2 (9)][/url]: 6d6k4-2 9
(Ahhh. There you are, Orokos. I'd missed you. )
4-4=0 damage

(So, yeah. Offering yield of disposition increase to 'Indifferent'.)

[Jon Cobb]

(OOC: I think I see how this is going to go... Though if I'd known your defence was only 9, I'd have gone right on the attack. Ah, well. Not like I expect it to make a difference.)

OOC: But now you do know - and knowing is half the battle, right? :;
):

"
You have a position of great responsibility and power in your house then. Sounds to me like they could scarce do without you,"
Jon replies with a thoughtful look. "
I know many men who would do great mischief to attain a position like yours, and yet you seem dissatisfied with it. It certainly would be interesting to hear what you would do if you did have the time to be 'you', as you put it."
If you're lucky, you might even grow yourself a pair while you're at it, Jon muses with grim humor.

Yield counter-proposal: Indifferent is acceptable,if you'll throw in the +1D to our next intrigue that Jon winning would entail. If that sticks in your craw, a shift to Amiable would also be acceptable (though perhaps less believable IC?). Surely treating Daveth as a grown man and an equal, which I've attempted to do all through this thread, should be worth a little extra?

If you don't accept the counter-proposal, the intrigue will continue with my next action.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: Accept counter-yield offer of raise disposition to indifferent and +1D to Ser Jon's next intrigue.)

Daveth looks surprised. "
Oh, I'm sorry to have misled you, Ser Jon. I did not mean to suggest I was *dissatisfied* - honestly, when I hear about the troubles other families have, like your own Bartheld's, with kin turned against kin, whatever their motivations, I'm reminded once again how lucky I am to have the family I do. You asked me what my *biggest* frustration was, so I gave the first answer that came to mind, but I fully agree that my blessings far outweigh my burdens."


Daveth makes a waving-away gesture. "
Think of it as the oh-so-human reaction of curiosity over the path not taken. I *chose* this path. I could have let others take my place, to give me more time, but they wouldn't do as well as I could. Honestly, if I were to have the time to be 'me', from past experience, I'd just take on more duties."


Almost like you're running from something.

Or maybe I'm doing something *right*, if Wrecker Jon himself calls me responsible and powerful? Though if 'power' means being this busy, I'm not sure why people spend so much time chasing it.

[Jon Cobb]

"
I'm glad to hear you say so, Master Daveth. In my experience, far too many young men and women of good standing fail to appreciate the advantages they've been granted by simple circumstances of birth. It does you credit that you recognize that even the stepson of a newly minted lord enjoys blessings most people in the Seven Kingdoms will only ever dream of."
This time, there is none of Jon's easy manner and levity in his reply. His tone is suddenly very serious.

Perhaps he's not just a hopeless whiner then. Or he is, and he's just learned to say the right things by rote. I hope for Tomas' sake that he's at least as competent as he makes himself out to be, and for Loreia's sake that he really is worthy of her friendship...

"
Now I shall intrude upon you no longer, Master Daveth - thank you for your time. If you've no objections, I'll have Ser Fendrel send his man to you in the morning to arrange a meeting. In the meantime, please think carefully about what House Bartheld could do for you and your house. I bid you a good night,"
Jon finishes with a bow.

/scene?

OOC: Now that Fendrel is a PC, I'll leave it up to the pair of you to find a time for a meeting. Jon may or may not be attending, depending on Fendrel's wishes.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth gives Ser Jon a respectful nod in return. "
Thank you for your time and patience as well, Ser Jon. That arrangement is agreeable to me. Until we meet again."


After Ser Jon had left, Daveth lifted his cup and swallowed several mouthfuls of his previously carefully-rationed wine. Were anyone close enough and paying enough attention, they might notice how tightly he was holding his glass from his whitening skin.

Then he carefully places his drink back down, and his face returns to its usual placid smiling expression.

/scene

(OOC: sorry for delay. Forgot I hadn't closed this one off properly.)

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