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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 7, 2017 20:21:39 GMT
A mocking name for the Durrandon contingent's quarters, located near a stream that flows into the God's Eye, in a quartet of manors rented for the occasion.
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 8, 2017 23:03:29 GMT
In the late afternoon of the day the Durrandons arrived, and three days after his own arrival, Prince Perceon calls upon the stromlanders, having come to see them as soon as he had learned where they were staying. Behind him six guardsmen walk in pairs, carrying three heavy casks of wine.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 8, 2017 23:17:17 GMT
He is greeted by a big man with a hammer the size of an anvil, it seems. His bushy red beard boundless as he talks. "Oy whee one! Wherefore does thou hail from?" A voice called out.
"Shut up Boras." He frowned and bowed.
"My lord," he said. "All apologies. I'm Ser Boras Dondarrion, sworn sword to His Grace."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 8, 2017 23:22:36 GMT
"Well met Ser Boras." Perceon replied, apparently unoffended by being called wee. "I am Prince Perceon Gardener and my men and I come bearing gifts for Prince Kyle and Princess Bethan."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 8, 2017 23:38:09 GMT
"Gifts are good," he agreed. Prince Kyle exits as his guard stops talking.
"My brother," he greeted politely, "it is good to finally meet. Ever we are neighbors at a great distance." He is middle height and black haired, with a form but not overly powerful build.
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 8, 2017 23:44:38 GMT
Perceon nodded. "It is a pleasure for me as well. I have heard much about you, but I find impressive tales all the better when I have a face to put to them." Figuring he had best cut the flattery whilst he seemed to be ahead, Perceon gestured to the wine. "This tournament did not afford me the opportunity to invite you to the Reach to rectify our unfortunate dearth of meetings over the years, but I have brought some of the Reach to you. Some of the Arbor more specifically."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 8, 2017 23:47:30 GMT
"I had a question about that," Kyle asked waving him inside. "Does anywhere else in the blamed Reach make wine? There has to be a good vintage from Three Towers or Highgarden, right?" As they talked they entered his room, where his sister Bethan was singing. She is a pale girl in her late teens, with black hair and green eyes. "My sister Bethan," he said. "This is Perceon Gardener, Prince of Highgarden." She curtsied politely.
"My prince," she said sweetly. "So nice to meet you."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 0:08:12 GMT
Perceon laughed. "Well, yes, but it's not near as good, and I would hate to bring you inferior wine. I was planning on gifting that to the Dornish." He grinned at his own jest. He turned to Bethan as she introduced herself and favored her with a bow of his head. "The pleasure is entirely mine, your grace."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 0:13:54 GMT
She stepped back quietly and went back to her seat. Kyle opened a bottle of something strong and poured some for them. "Northern whiskey," he said. "We'll be sharing your finest with my father,@ he explained. "How has it been so far? The party seems rather never ending.""
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 0:22:34 GMT
"Of course." Perceon replied, accepting the whiskey once it was offered to him. "I am blessed with the good fortune of drinking more than my share of wine, I would not wish to take any of what I have offered you in the spirit of friendship. I have much enjoyed my stay here so far. One cannot help but be impressed by Harrenhal, and even after a few days, the effect has not yet worn off for me. You have the right of it as well, near everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, irrespective of where they are from."
He took a small sip from his whiskey and tried to hide the discomfort he felt as it burned on the way down. Perceon was used to less strong alcohols.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 0:33:15 GMT
"It makes you wonder what comes next, doesn't it?" He asked. "When the tourney is done and the nobles all ride home. How long before the joy of today is buried beneath the drums of war?"" He looked at Bethan. "Not so long I don't think."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 0:57:40 GMT
"This event is a small blessing if you are correct, for it allows one to get the measure of prospective opponents." Perceon replied. "But it is my hope that there need be no conflict between our two kingdoms. We have potential enemies all around us; there needn't be conflict along our borders diverting resources better employed elsewhere, particularly when the alternative is a chance for us to increase the flow of trade in a manner that would be mutually beneficial."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 1:27:15 GMT
"Cannot shake a stick without hitting an enemy in Westeros," he agreed. "It is no secret that our numbers have never been great and our lands are under siege," he said. "So it is welcome to hear words of friendship. It will be better when we can work out a real plan," he added. "With agreements and marriages and numbers. Our ports are small but no one in the Seven Kingdoms supplies as much lumber as us."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 1:40:20 GMT
Perceon nodded. "I am sure our fathers would be remiss if we were to work out all the details here now without their involvement, so it seems sufficient to drink to friendship for the time being." He declared, raising his drink for the toast.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 1:46:54 GMT
Kyle raises his glass. "To friendship. So then," he thinks, "what interests you? Friends should share experiences, tighten the bond."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 2:02:29 GMT
Perceon drank, taking another small sip to better disguise how it was unpleasant going down.
"I am afraid I must confess I have a soft spot for the tales of ancient times and all the great men and women who have shaped what Westeros looks like in the present. I'll admit it's not a particularly useful fascination, but sometimes there is something to be learned from the past. Beyond that I like helping my family members and friends when the opportunity presents itself for me to. It is one of the benefits of being the heir that rather offsets some of the less pleasant duties." Perceon responded. "And what of the two of you? What things do you prefer?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 9:43:29 GMT
"You'll not see something so ancient as our raindwood castles," he said, "they have been sitting there since the First Men set foot in Westeros, and some were swallowed by the forest and never returned to us." Bethan spoke up.
"I much prefer my books and singing," she said in her soft voice. "My brother enjoys fishing and boating; we have a skiff that explores the coasts," she explained. "We also like training falcons."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 16:09:19 GMT
"I should very much like to see one in my lifetime. I hope the gods shall bless me with that opportunity." Perceon replied to his male counterpart before addressing the man's sister. "And I should also like to learn falconry. It has the sound of a pastime I would enjoy. I gather it can be a challenge?" He asked her.
"I do enjoy exploring my lands as well, although I must confess I am rather impressed by your courage. I would be worried about running into ironborn out on the ocean relatively alone." He added.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 20:36:44 GMT
"We stay near the coast," she explained in her lyrical voice, "our boat is rather small, just for fun, not for a real voyage, but yes, training falcons is difficult but quite rewarding. Every bird has its own personality." She shrugged. "And we have plenty of Ironborn next to our lands, to worry about them on the sea. You get the raiders, we get the armies, I hear."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 21:08:52 GMT
"Ah, well then I imagine your trips along the coast are quite pleasant. I am rather envious I must confess." Perceon replied. "You have my sympathy. Raiders are a nuisance, but an army is a true threat."
He looked about the room for any signs they had brought falconry gear. "Did you bring any of your birds with you for your stay?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 21:11:21 GMT
Kyle nodded. "Theya re at the compass for the tourney," he said. "We brought four, in case of a hunt." Bethan nodded.
"I'd be pleased to show you, milord. Whenever convenient."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 21:16:02 GMT
Perceon grinned broadly. "I would be delighted to see your falcons. Although not today of course. I am sure you both wish to rest after your journey."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 21:17:26 GMT
Kyle nodded. "It was a long journey," he agreed. "But please consider it. I think you'll find it invigorating. And the land around here is truly gorgeous around the lake."
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 21:25:24 GMT
"I should not wish to take any more of your time today then." Perceon responded, finishing what remained of his whiskey, grateful he had whittled it down over the course of their conversation rather than having to drink it quickly. "Thank you for your hospitality. Please do send me word when you have time to show me your falcons in all their glory, and I shall ensure I am free to join you."
He made for the door before turning back, remembering one more thing he ought to say. "Oh, and I do look forward to seeing the knights of the Stormlands in the lists. I am sure they shall acquit themselves honourably."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Aug 9, 2017 21:27:05 GMT
"If you're not first you're last," Kyle agreed. Bethan nodded politely.
"I shall send for you, then, my lord. I do hope you ride as well as you speak," she joked. Kyle smiled at that as she curtsied her farewell.
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Post by King Perceon IV Gardener on Aug 9, 2017 21:33:23 GMT
"I shall do my best." Perceon replied with a smile, inclining his head to brother and sister in turn before he parted.
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