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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 1, 2017 19:24:42 GMT
His Grace summons his sometime companion Edmund Paege to his chambers. Theon is living in the same rooms he did five years ago, and they have not particularly changed, beyond perhaps the noticeable addition of a woman's touch. The chambers are quite extensive, but it appears Theon only seems to use his personal library (frightfully large by Hoare standards), his bedroom (frightfully large by royal standards), and his meeting room (Surprisingly small).
Theon has given the rest of the floor to his wife.
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 1, 2017 19:29:51 GMT
Edmund arrived with a book under his arm. It was rare for anyone to see him without one and he had a habit of stashing books in secret places all over the castle so he was never without one. The benefit, of course, was that Theon was able to find books in interesting places if he cared to look.
"Your Grace," he said, bowing. "It seems strange to call you that after so long, yet it is only proper. How may I be of service?"
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 1, 2017 19:42:48 GMT
"Edmund." The King had graduated from his wheelchair to a sturdy cane. "I hope you are well. I apologize for having little time to converse in the past few months."
He gives Edmund a weak hug, before leading him through the library.
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 1, 2017 19:47:21 GMT
Edmund set his book down. "I'm glad you're on your feet again. A king can rule from his seat, but the King of the Isles and Rivers ought not spend all his days sitting. The people respect strength in their king."
He gave Theon a long look. "Your grandsire was a great king and we all mourn his loss. You will honour his memory, I know."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 1, 2017 21:17:00 GMT
"Yes, it was difficult to bury him. He always seemed... invincible." Theon lead him to a great table carved of weirwood, and took a seat. His chair wasn't quite a throne, but still more impressive than others. This room was clearly the nerve center of the Kingdom of Isles and Rivers. Various maps of the Vale are presently sprawled out.
"How is your own family?"
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 1, 2017 21:19:10 GMT
"Well enough," Edmund said. "We lost my cousin the day you lost your father, and my uncle was injured, but is healing well. House Paege sends its kind wishes, but the family went home yesterday. They prefer to be at home. I always liked it better here. You've got more books." He grinned.
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 1:31:43 GMT
Theon frowned. "Relay my sympathies to your family. We will punish the monster responsible."
He idly rested his hand on the cane. "Edmund. I'll come straight to the point. You are one of my few friends and I need friends close at hand. You're not a warrior and you lack the training and experience to justify a position on my smaller council, but you're intelligent, well-spoken and I think you have a bright future here in the capital... if you want it."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 2, 2017 13:09:32 GMT
Edmund blinked, looking almost like a sleepy owl. "And I was convinced you thought I had too much dust in my head to make a good advisor," he retorted. "I'll be glad to accept though. A king needs a friend more than most men, and you'll always have to fear that your other lords might be plotting against you. Not me, though. The only plots I enjoy are the ones in books."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 14:50:19 GMT
"Excellent. I have a very important guest who will be arriving shortly and I will require a second set of eyes. I know you are far more familiar with Essosi culture than myself."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 2, 2017 14:59:55 GMT
"Yes. May I ask more about the visitor?" Edmund asked. "Or is that something best not spoken of yet?"
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 15:21:09 GMT
The royal eyebrow arose. "You will have to be far less polite in the future, Edmund, if you want a career in politics. In the future, you may simply ask instead of asking if you may ask. And yes, you may do so."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 2, 2017 16:12:55 GMT
Edmund grinned. "You just told me I was well spoken, Theon. You cannot have be both well-spoken and impolite. But you know, regardless of whatever I want, I'm here for you. It's not only the books that draw me. You're a better friend to me than my brothers ever were. All they like is fighting and bed sport. Not one of them ever picked up a book unless our maester made them do it."
He paused and added "I was wondering where in Essos this visitor is coming from, and why."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 18:45:29 GMT
"Braavos. And it's because I summoned them directly. Specifically, I summoned the Iron Bank. Can you guess why, my friend?" He gave Edmund a mischievous look.
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 2, 2017 22:14:27 GMT
"I would assume a loan," Edmund replied. "I've no great love of the Braavosi but their bank is undeniably useful to many."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 22:44:54 GMT
Theon laughed. "No, the Kingdom of Isles and Rivers is not so low it must rely on foreign aid. Rather, I shall invest in them."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 2, 2017 23:21:30 GMT
As the men talk, Miriam Arryn enters. The Queen is a tall woman, athletic from riding and well earned paranoia regarding her family's lack of desire for her survival. Her hair is short and the same color as honey, and she looks at the pair. "Well now," she said, "who is this, my dear? I had never have thought so many bookish men would reside in Harrenhal," she teased.
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 2, 2017 23:32:41 GMT
He takes her hand and kisses her fingertips before answering. "Far from it, my dear, I'm afraid I had to import this one. This is Edmund Paege, an old friend from my early days in the Riverlands. I have drafted the poor fellow to help me with a few projects."
He turned to Edmund. "As you have no doubt guessed, this is my wife. Your queen."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 3, 2017 0:17:39 GMT
Miriam looked at the slight man. "I assume you get plenty of book related jokes and your surname, so I shall refrain," she said with a ghost of a smile. "It is nice that my husband has someone who shares his more uncommon interests here," she added. "I like to read but I stick to practical affairs and the occasional steamy smut novel," she said. "So it is good he has a true scholar as a friend."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 3, 2017 0:28:21 GMT
"Unfortunately, most of the good smut must likewise be imported. And usually translated from the original Low Valyrian."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 3, 2017 9:58:05 GMT
Edmund spluttered a little as his new queen admitted to enjoying smutty literature but he quickly recovered his composure and remarked "I have read one or two such books myself. It has occurred to me that they do not represent an accurate picture of the deed, yet they do have a certain attraction, Your Grace. Of course, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss such matters further with my queen."
HE turned back to Theon, unsure whether the queen stood in her husband confidence. "Ought we to continue our discussion, or return to this matter at another time? I would not wish to bore the queen with matters of state."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 3, 2017 13:47:48 GMT
"There are no secrets I would share with you that I have not already shared with her. She has my full confidence within and without this room."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 3, 2017 13:58:37 GMT
"That's good to know. I am curious about this business of investing in the Iron Bank. I didn't know they were interested in such dealings," Edmund admitted. "Are they looking for a partner?"
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 3, 2017 14:14:28 GMT
"The Iron Bank is not merely another loan shark, pouring it's funds into whatever despot or enterprise looks viable. They are, in fact, an actual bank, dedicated to protecting the interests of their proper clients. And House Hoare means to forge such a relationship."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 3, 2017 14:21:03 GMT
"AH. That is good to know. I wish you luck in the venture," Edmund replied. "I imagine they will drive a hard bargain, considering their reputation.@
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 3, 2017 14:25:23 GMT
"Well, that's why I want you there. I know little of the Free Cities, and far less of the language. And I trust you far more than I trust them. They will keep their bond, but before the final agreement is signed, I imagine they will try to wiggle quite a bit."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 3, 2017 14:34:31 GMT
"Very likely," Edmund agreed. "I will be happy to advise where I can. We must look for loopholes and terms that benefit the Iron Bank more than ourselves."
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 4, 2017 14:58:24 GMT
"Exactly. Where are you staying at present?"
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 4, 2017 17:25:46 GMT
"In the West Tower," Edmund answered. "Is that a problem?"
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Post by King Theon IV Hoare on Sept 4, 2017 19:57:57 GMT
"Hardly. I simply want to make sure you're close at hand." Theon then took his hand. "Understand that you will have enemies if you come onboard. Not polite rivals or crude bullies, but people who will desire your death. I am not a popular man, Edmund. Very few of my house are. Too Andal to be Ironborn and too Ironborn to be Andal. People follow us because we get results. Are you prepared for that sort of world, Edmund? If you said no, it would not lower my estimation of your character."
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Post by Princess Melissa Gardener on Sept 4, 2017 20:05:06 GMT
"I'm more used to living in books than in the real world," Edmund answered. "Perhaps it's time I spent some more time in the real world. You're my dearest friend, Theon - if I may still call you that - and I will be here for you as long as you want me to. You've got guards to keep us safe, after all. And I hope I am not a coward."
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