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Vixere
CaptainBritton((A collaboration with these comrades in arms: @MrDidact@AtomicNut@Greenie@NecroKnight))
The Castle of Golden Tooth, departures and new arrivals.
Lady Cerenna found herself being stopped in the hallways of Golden Tooth by none other than Ser Martyn of House Lannister himself. The noble knight certainly cut a dashing figure, his well kept armor adding the overall dazzling affect he had. Cerenna couldn't help by find the energetic knight to be both very dashing and attractive. Remembering her manners and courtly etiquite, after scanning over Ser Martyn once more, Cerenna curtsied low to the knight who was charged with rooting out the vile rebels that had now begun to infest the Westerlands. Cerenna made good measure to flare out her dress in a show of womanly beauty for the knight of gold and red.
"The honor is all mine, Ser Martyn Lannister. Knight-Captain of the famous Golden Knights, and you have certainly charmed me. Duty calls us all, noble knight, and once you have attained victory in the field of battle, I would be thrilled share a meal with you. To better get to know the honorable man who is in charge of defending the Westerlands from evil and vile foes." Cerenna smiled, finishing with another curtsy, before listening to Ser Martyn continue his charming discourse. Perhaps he was being just courteous and nice, or perhaps again he was true in his words and found Cerenna to be a fair flower in its prime. Pushing those thoughts aside, Cerenna refocused on Ser Martyn once more.
"Well, such a humble request on your part must be answered without hesitation." Cerenna revealed a thin blade from beneath her gowns, using it to cut a strip of cloth from her garments, and with Ser Martyn's permission, tying it about his left arm by the bicep. She smiled, stepping back to admiring her own handywork. "Hopefully this boon will be of some use to you. Or at the very least, so your friends know not to shoot you full of arrows should the enemy also be equiped in such dazzeling armor as yours. I ask but of one gift for you to bring back, Ser Martyn. Bring just yourself back alive and well, or perhaps a few cuts so I may help tend to them and enjoy your company some more." Cerenna smiled, and curtsied once again, allowing Ser Martyn to be on his way, not wishing to hold the knight up any more than she already had.
Lady Cerenna quickly made her way to the paraphets of the castle wall, watching the stream of well armed and armoed knights and men at arms making their way out of the gates and towards the countryside. She smiled and waved at Ser Martyn, watching him disappear into the distance, before going back about her duties deep within the Golden Tooth, which at this time of day, was helping create bandages for any wounded that could end up in the castle infirmary. As she soaked fresh linen and cotton strips of cloth in a cauldron of boiling hot water, she thought of her former crush, Ser Aerion, and that of her new one, Ser Martyn.
A few hours later, at the gates of the Golden Tooth.
Lord Lorimer was abruptly pulled away from spending time with his lady wife when a runner came searching for him. He had been helping her figure out what meals to cook and serve for the return feast of the noble Golden Knights, the men at arms, and in general, for victory over the enemy. Sighing, Lorimer rose up, kissing his wife, and followed the runner into the hallway, turning back to smile and say his goodbyes to his wife. "Sweetheart, you keep enjoying yourself, I will be back when I can. I want you to have some fun with this. You are my lady wife and nobility, plan a feast that you would love and enjoy." The two smiled at one another, with Lady Myrielle blowing her husband a kiss. Lorimer reached out to catch it, smiling happily, before turning on his heel and heading to the gates where the members of House Vikary await him.
Lord Lorimer spoke to the runner, listening to what the members of the Vikary party had said and stated. He had not met the members of the Vikary family before, even though they had the same liege lord in the Westerlands overall. He belted his sword to his hip, as well as donning a leather jerkin to his chest, as a small amount of protection should luck not be on his side today. Lorimer shaded his eyes as he stepped out into the sunlight of the mid-afternoon day. It was warm, with a hint of humidity in the air, though a nice breeze was blowing to help keep those on the walls cool. The runner darted ahead, making his way to the gatehouse to call out below to the House Vikary party. He was a simple man-at-arms, and spoke as politely as he could down to the gathered soldiers. "Ser Leon of House Vikary, m'lord Lorimer is coming to meet you at the gates 'imself. We thank yee for your patience." Lorimer could hear the man-at-arms call out, and couldn't help but chuckle to himself, before making his way down to the courtyard of the castle via a set of stone steps descending from the wall.
"Open the gates... let the men of House Vikary pass through so that I can speak to them as equals. Ser Lorimer called out aloud to the three men manning the gates. A short while later, both the large wooden doors and the iron porticulis were opened, leaving Lord Lorimer and four men-at-arms standing at the threshhold of the Golden Tooth. He sized up the Vikary men, looking at them, their gear, their banners, and mounts. Seem friendly enough, Lorimer thought, perhaps a score of decent looking soldiers, at least a few knights among them too. Lorimer bowed slightly, before speaking to the guests before his gates. " Ser Leon of House Vikary, I welcome you and all your men into my home. Welcome to the Golden Tooth. You may keep your weapons and arms. We are all loyal subjects of the Westerlands, and should such dire events transpire, I'd rather have my guests armed so that they can defend themselves. But let us not worry about such things until we have shared bread and salt, so that you can enjoy the hospitality of House Lefford." Lorimer turned his head towards a pair of pages in the colors of his house. Together they carried a tray of freshly cooked bread, still warm from the ovens, along with another tray of salt, butter, and sliced mutton. A small but friendly offering to a guest, but would ensure guest rights to any and all who would partake. "My guests, enjoy... "
The men rode into the keep and dismounted, and the knight at the lead took off his tusked helm and revealed a comely golden-haired man of five and twenty years with a strong square jaw and a scar that ran down the length of his face. His youthful good looks were somewhat marred by the scar, and his sorrowful brown eyes showed he had not lived as idly and comfortably as most nobleman. Ser Leon accepted the trays and passed them around to his men who all partook. Leon inclined his head to Lorimer, "Thank you for your hospitality, my lord. The country isn't as friendly as it could be."
He pointed to a scratched dent in his breastplate, "We came upon a bandit party that raided a merchant caravan. Then the corpse-eaters arrived in the night. We had a few more men before we set out. And strong walls are a welcome sight."
Lorimer listened to Ser Leon with respect, feeling saddened that the current state of affairs that had afflicted the Westerlands, his home. The Vikary men certainly seemed to need a good night's rest out of the elements and a warm meal. 'By the seven, they are welcome to the baths as well, should they wish it', Lorimer thought to himself. He smiled and bowed his head forward as Ser Leon thanked him for his hospitality. "Ser Leon, I am glad that I could be of help to you and your men in these troublesome times. I welcome you into my home and to rest your feet and backs for as long as you need. If you would like, you can also use the bathhouse to freshen up before dinner tonight. Put the thoughts of bandits and corpse-eaters from your mind, at least for tonight. These walls should keep out the common ilk of criminals and beasts, but I would ask but one thing, should the castle come under attack, would you fight alongside us against the common foes of the Westerlands?" Lord Lorimer spoke honestly and with respect for his fellow Westerman.
Ser Leon nodded, drawing out his sword and kneeling to the ground, offering the blade up to Lord Lorimer, "Your gallantry and chivalry are a beacon of light in these dark times. I do so swear upon the honor of my house that my men and I will conduct ourselves with the utmost honor and that our swords will be at your disposal as long as we are your guests. I swear we will abide by all the rites of hospitality, on the soul of my mother I swear it." Ser Leon's men kneeled as well. It was an old, extremely formal gesture, but was also completely ironclad. No knight could break such an oath without proving themselves as no knight at all. It was as close to a guarantee as any host was like to receive.
Lord Lorimer felt deeply humbled by Ser Leon's extension of customs and curtesies, plus a vow that few ever dared to offer. He extended his right hand out, in offer to help Ser Leon back up. "Ser Leon, noble knight of House Vikary, please, rise. Come, let us enjoy the day that is left, have your men relax themselves and see to their needs. I am only doing what any good man would do for a neighbor and loyal subject of House Lannister, and that of House Targaryen by extension. We are all one people here, the Westermen. Too much blood has been shed during our faltering fight during the War of the Five Kings. Its time to put our swords aside, and forged plows and farming tools." Lord Lorimer spoke in a friendly tone. He returned Ser Leon's kneeling with a formal and deep bow, to show his own reverence to the vow that was made. Lormier then turned, beckoning the Vikary men to come into the castle proper, to stable their horse, to enjoy shelter from the coming storm.
Clouds began to quickly descend on the late afternoon, the sky darkening and promising the outset of rain and gloom. Ser Leon accepted the gesture with a greatful nod and said, "I agree, my lord. Too long has the West been wracked by strife. It is my dream that the men of our homeland be allowed to live in peace, free of corruption, war, banditry, and political conniving. And of the dangers of forces we cannot truly control nor understand." Leon gestured to the men to rise and they followed Lefford's contingent, the men handing off horses to the stableboys.
Leon walked next to Lord Lorimer, "Thank you for the offer of a bath. My men and I can surely use it. Mud, blood, and sweat hardly make for a pleasant aroma. And it would be shameful to appear in such a state before the ladies of the castle." He sent off his men to bathe and clean themselves and followed them, "You're welcome to join us my lord. Perhaps we can have a drink or a talk while we wash off the grime."
Lord Lorimer stood in the courtyard, chatting with both his own knights and men-at-arms, and conversing with those of the House Vikary party. He looked up, taking a break from the conversations, noticing the dark gray and gloomy clouds the loomed in the distance. 'Rain...' He thought to himself, before her focused back to his conversation with Ser Leon. He pondered the propisiton, then shrugged. It would be nice to enjoy a hot bath, and some vital conversation with those who had been in the area longer, men who knew the problems that plagued the region more personally than region dispatches and reports. "Ser Leon, I think that would be rather enjoyable and enlightening to join you and a few others for a soothing bath. The bathes are this way... I will send a page to bring us some food and refreshments. I must admit, I will probably ask you a few questions to get a better lay of the area for myself and those that serve alongside me. You can have a few of your men join us, as I shall do the same." Lorimer finished, stepping aside to both point the way to the bathes, and to also lead the way with a few of his selected knights.
Leon nodded at Lorimer, "I will be happy to answer them my lord. Surely you have many, having just freshly arrived back home." The party entered the bath houses of the Golden Tooth, and the men-at-arms began stripping off their leather and weapons, whooping with joy or sighing in relief as they slipped into warm pools, the knights having their own bath separate from the other men. A smile touched Ser Leon's grim visage as he began washing, his natural good looks becoming much more apparent with the gradual absence of dirt and muck.
"There's nothing quite like a warm bath after a long journey. I can't tell you how grateful I am for your hospitality. These days it is not so common for doors to be open in this way. Folk are often afraid to open their doors to strangers. And rightly so. Ask me anything you like, my lord. I am at your disposal."
Lorimer had stripped down to the buff, easing himself into the warm pools of his bathhouse. He reclined against the edge of the pool, letting the heat soak into his body, his muscles and bones. This was the greatest perk of living here in the Golden Tooth. Lorimer raised his right hand and arm slightly, smiling in a friendly manner, "Ser Leon, don't mention it. If other people wish to act out of fear, let them. You are my guest, and I am your host, it would be dishonorable of me to treat you any less. Trying times sometimes adle people's minds. Let them cower behind their walls, not like you and your men. As to my questions, I will do my best to keep them as few as possible. I know you want to relax more than have to wrack your brain for nuggets of knowledge." Lorimer smiled, before taking a moment to enjoy the waters, washing his own sweat from his face and body.
After a minute or so, Lorimer began to ask his questions, and as he promised, they were as few as possible, him more so listening, rather than trying to talk or ask followup questions unless he needed to. He asked about the nature of the Reyne rebels, who was the man claiming to be of that House. How many houses were sworn to the rebels, how many men had been lost, what were the Lannisters doing about the situation, were there any sparrows, rogue warriors of the faith, and so on, allowing Ser Leon to both enjoy his bath, but answer the question at his own liesure. Lorimer catalogued the answers in his mind, knowing he would have to act upon that knowledge accordingly.
Leon answered succintly. He answered that none had actually seen the lord who called himself Lord Reyne, and that he was most likely somewhere in hiding. No houses had outright declared for the Reynes, but many were suspected of providing safe harbor for them or monetary aid and arms, as the Brotherhood Without Banners had operated in the war past. They were also suspected to be in collaboration with the Gardeners, Fishers, and Black Krakens, along with the Vultures and Scorpions.
Right now there were only small raids and skirmishes, losses in the dozens or scores of men, and the Lannisters had been combing the countryside asking questions and trying to root out the rebels, without much success. Sparrows and other rogue faithful were also a common site in the area and were operating very similarly to the Reynes, but many more had died in clashes between the extremists and their targets and the Lannisters had been more succesful in finding and eliminating Sparrow dens though the threat hadn't been stamped out yet. The extremists hadn't had as strong a hold as in the Riverlands, but it was still a visible problem.
Lorimer ponderd all that was relayed to him, for such information was troubling indeed. From the sounds of it, no information about the Lord Reyne spoke of either a lack of spies for the Master of Whispers, or that there could be traitors in the midst of the capital, and the outyling provinices. Or, just by sheer dumb luck, whoever this man, or even woman was, had a number of hiding places that couldn't be found. At least, even if it was a small consolation, none of the Houses in the Westerlands had declared for the Reynes, but perhaps this was more troubling than nought, for Ser Leon assumed that houses were no doubt providing funding, arms, and armor to the rebels. Appear to be loyal, then strike like a snake in the grass at the opportune moment. More so, was the odd informaton concerning the apparent collaboration amongst the formerly extinct houses, and the Vulture King rebels and Scorpion rebels. Almost as thought someone was behind the scense pulling all the strings. Were things truly that sinister, something bigger was at work.
Odd though, Lorimer though, as to the other bits of intel. There had only been small raids, little skirmishes in the more rural regions of the Westerlands, places that the bulk of Lannister might rarely ever traversed. Furthermore, many people still remember Lord Tywin Lannister, and the reign of Lady Cersei Lannister. It was no real surprise that many of the small folk did not wish to speak with the Lannister forces asking questions. Stories of the Mountain's Men traveled far beyond the Riverlands. The only real sucess being experience at all so far was battles with the Faith Militant. The fanatical holdouts never seem to shy away from battle, wich at least made them easy to fight, but you had to find them first. They were extremists, fanatics that harrased the small folk and nobility alike. Lorimer was thankful that they were not as strong as their foothold in the Riverlands, but he could not worry about other realms when the one he lived in had its own slew of problems.
He sighed, thanking Ser Leon, and continued to enjoy his bath. Dinner time would arrive eventually, but for now, let all enjoy the hot bathes and little snacks brought by the servants.
Aftermath of the battle at the Maiden's Men's stronghold.
Aerion surveyed the scene around him, the smell of blood, sweat, spilled liquor, and other unsavory scents filled his nose. He breathed heavily, letting the thick putrid air fill his nose and lungs, the acrid taste of candle smoke ever present. He looked to the Crown Prince, perhaps afraid of having overstepped his boundaries, or that the Crown Prince would cut down the sellswords anyway. Instead, Crown Prince Aemon raised his hand, signalling a ceasation of hostilites amongst his own forces. The fighting ceased, the loyalist forces still holding their blades at the ready, as the fate of the remaining Maiden's Men now hung in the balance of the Big Captain's decision. Aerion looked back at her, looking from her to Ser Malik and Ser Ellion, hoping that these two knights wouldn't give into a fit of bloodlust or vengance.
By the Seven, such a bloody afair did not happen. The lady captain of the Maiden's Men tossed her sword to the wooden floor in defeat, the blade bouncing foward a little before comming to a stop a few feet from the three knight's feet. The other sellswords soon followed suit, their weapons clanking and clacking off the floor as they dropped their weapons. Aerion listened to the Big Captain speak, her voice oddly erotic in a foreign way. It was tinged with fear, but strong nonetheless. "Aye. You've beaten us." The Crown Prince then stepped forward, his blade still in hand, covered in gore, which caused a glint of fear to appear in the Big Captain's eyes, before it was allayed as the Crown Prince himself spoke. "Fear not. I will abide by my man's vow. You will not die. But if you wish to avoid a cell, you have a choice. Bend the knee and enter the service of the Iron Throne, or spend the rest of your life in captivity. I can think of no worse fate for one who loves the sea.". Aerion felt a sense of pride that he was mentioned by the Crown Prince, and relief as the Big Captain took only a few seconds to accept the Crown Prince's offer.
The Big Captain bent the knee, removing her cap revealing a red bandanna holding her golden blonde hair back from her face. Aerion sheathed his own blade, wiping sweat from his face as the Big Captain and the Crown Prince spoke to one another. Aerion moved back from the scene, seeking out his friend Lady Lyvia, to check on her well being, while also seeking out Lady Greyjoy, to thank her for helping him during the chaos of the fight. He could hear the Big Cap and the Crown Prince convering in the background, as he came across Lyvia, who was sitting on a stool cleaning her blade and shield of the battle's aftermath. She looked up, smiled and nodded to Aerion, before going back to her work. 'The blood of the Mountain seems to keep her from ever getting hurt,' Aerion thought to himself, before he jostled Lyvia's shoulders and smiled back at her. "I am glad you are alright... I'll bother you later with talk and food, fair enough?" Aerion spoke softly, recieiving a friendly shove in return from Lyvia as she nodded back at him. "I will hold you to it that you cook us a fine tasting meal, as for some odd reason I can't cook worth two coppers. Now begone and let me clean my gear Aerion."
Aerion then came across Lady Greyjoy, who was minding her own business as she stood about. Aerion moved to stand next to the woman, and bowed partially at the waist before speaking. "Lady Greyjoy, thank you. You certainly helped keep me from garnering a rather nasty wound and scar if not worse. I hope one day I can repay you for your ferocity on the field of battle. I extend you my friendship as well, should you accept, and you are always welcome to join myself and Lady Lyvia for anything you may need. I won't take any more of your time, but thank you again, my lady." Aerion bowed once more, awaiting any reply from Lady Greyjoy, before stepping back and away as the Crown Prince approached Taria to speak with her.
Taria smiled a little and gave Ser Aerion a nod. "You're welcome," she replied quietly. It was a little embarrassing if she was being honest with herself, as she didn't have the sort of skill that any of the other fighters here did. Still, that being said, a hand of friendship was never to be pushed away. "Of course I would accept, it'd be an honour." She bowed her head once again before excusing herself, hearing the Crown Prince.
Aerion volunteered himself, as did Lyvia, to help watch the remaining Maiden's Men upon their ship. It would be good to actively doing something other than scrubbing pots or watching the rolling waves of the sea. And beside, Aerion wished to speak with the Big Captain, to get to know her, and humanize her in a way that the others seemed unable to do. These sellswords, in Aerion eyes, were no different than he was a number of years ago, they were men and women hard on their luck at times, fighting for coin to put food not only in their mouths, but the mouths of their families as well. Aerion knelt down beside a group of dead, from both sides, and began to say their last rites. While not an overly religious man, it seemed odd to leave things unsaid for the dead and gone. To Aerion, it was the least he could do for those that payed the ultimate price, be it for king and realm, or for the alure of golden coin and warm food. He went about the grim task of closing their eyes and crossing their arms atop their torso's, mouthing a small and simple prayer to the Crone to light their path to the other side.
Aerion rose up at the command of the Crown Prince, who ordered the Maiden's Men survivors to be escorted back to their own ship, so that they may be ready to depart in the morning. Lady Lyvia fell in beside Aerion, her sword and shield as clean as the day they were made. Aerion smiled at his friend, the two sharing a friendly arms about their shoulders, walking alongside the Maiden's Men sellswords and their own loyalist forces as they all began to file out of the building. Aerion's sense of accomplishment and relaxization turned sour as he heard the anger and venom rolling from Lord Bolton's mouth. Lord William Bolton spoke as though the command of the Crown Prince did not matter, nor did the semblance of honor and respect for a foe who had yielded. Aerion began to draw his blade as Lord Bolton spoke, ready to not only parry the drunken sot's attack, but to take his head off as well. " Get your twits in line, this isn't a peasent revolt. They won't 'see the light'. I think you'll find that they have been killing their whole lives, and today was just more of the same. Any commander with any brains at all would call for their execution, starting with blondie in the middle. Allow me to demonstrate. You! Best start praying."
Aerion looked across to see the anger and fear in the Big Captain's face, as she could do nothing to save her own men. Aerion himself felt an unbriddled frothing anger burning within him, listening to Lord Bolton not only call into question the decision of the Crown Prince, but also insult the up and coming King. His blade was almost fully out of its scabbard, ready to cut down Lord Bolton, when the steely grip of Lady Visenya snaked out and stopped Lord Bolton from doing anything further. Aerion could see the pain flashing in Lord Bolton's face, the anger in Lady Visenya's, and the sudden ceasation of Lord Bolton trying to continue his rash and dishonorable actions. While he could not make out what Lady Visenya was saying, she was clearly angry, her voice low and almost eminating like a hiss. She ended her discussion with Lord Bolton by shooting a fearsome glare at a sellsword, before pushing Lord Bolton before her so the two could continue walking.
Resheathing his blade, Aerion shook his head in disgust. He turned to Lyvia, speaking in a low tone to her, "He is a vile man not befitting of being a Lord or having the honor to serve in the King's armies. He will be nothing but trouble. We will have to keep an eye out for that venomous prick, should he get any ideas to try and seek retribution." Ser Aerion turned then to the Big Captain and the sellswords about her, after Lyvia had nodded. He eyed the captain up and down, admiring her jewelry and in all honesty, her natural beauty. He then spoke in a tone loud enough for any to hear, to include Lord Bolton and Lady Visenya, plus a few others no doubt. "My lady Captain, I swore on my vows as a knight to protect you and your men from harm. I have been where you stand now, as a sellsword that has been defeated. I will not break that vow as long as I live and draw breath. You put your trust in my words, and that of the Crown Prince. I put my trust in you and your fellow sellswords to keep your word as well. Pay no attention to those who seek to debase themselves at your expense. Not everyone who serves the crown is honorable and upstanding." Aerion cast a disdainful look at Lord Bolton, before walking by him with the rest of the Maiden's Men, not wasting anymore time listening to the dishonorable words and thoughts Lord Bolton would be spouting out.
Ser Aerion called out to Lady Visenya as he was leaving the building through the front door. "Lady Visenya, I hope to see you once again, your friend has defiled the air with his dishonorable actions and thoughts. I bid you good luck and good fortune, and may the Seven guide your path." Aerion strode out of the Maiden's Men's base with the remainder of the sellswords, Lady Lyvia following him as well as those who volunteered to guard the sellswords. The night was dark, and on the edges of town and in the vile corners of buildings, terrors stalked the weak. Aerion and Lyvia chatted to one another for a moment, before Lyvia moved farther ahead in the line of sellswords. This left Aerion standing next to the Big Captain herself, so, he decided to strike up conversation with the woman.
"My lady Captain, I find myself at a disadvantage, in that I do not know your name. It seems odd and dehumanizing to call you captain all the time, or Big Cap'n as some of your men favor. You know my name, allow me to ask and know yours, my lady."
The sellsword captain looked at the man, surprised, before saying, "Normally, I'd tell you to fuck off. But you saved my life in there, and the lives of my men. You're alright for a knight, not like a lot of highborn cunts I've met."
She smiled wickedly at Ser Aerion and bowed with a flourish of her cap, "I am Serona Drennys, bastard of the great Drennys family of Pentos. Captain of the Maiden's Men. And I owe you my life, and I don't like owing people. Even without the coin your dragon prince promised me, I am bound to help you. Even sellswords and pirates have their honor. And I am a woman of my word."
Aerion smiled, bowing his head in respect to the Sellsword captain. "I'm glad you are not telling me to fuck off, for I rather enjoy your company and if I can be so bold, dazzling good looks. So, enough of me oogling you, and you are welcome. I've been a sellsword for a long time, served with that cunt Bloodbeard in the Company of the Cat. Perhaps it helps having to have fought under the lunatic to make me a bit more likable that all the pampered lords and ladies of the West. Lady Serona Drennys, a bastard too. Well, it certainly seems like we share that... I am a bastard too, from House Targaryen, lucky us, the unwanted leftovers from the great and powerful." Aerion paused, looking about before continuing.
"Lady Serona, you owe me nothing. I don't care if you would not have offered quarter to us if the tables were turned. You didn't deserve to die, nor your men. Being a sellsword is shitty enough of a career, no sense in dying for one idiot and their lost cause. The Iron Throne pays well, and rewards those that serve it nicely. You can help me by being a friend and sharing in good conversation. I can't tell you how god awfully boring it is to listen to these highborn lords and knights talk of their achievements in the tourneys here and there. Yeah, good for you, you can knock a man off his horse with a wooden stick."
Serona laughed, a bright and silvery sound that hinted at the happier woman she might have been, in a different life, "Handsome and a charmer too. You'd have a good career as a gigolo, Ser Aerion. Bloodbeard you say? I know the old bastard. I served with him in the Company when I was younger, before I left to join the Maiden's Men and lead it. I heard he was dead. And good riddance. Son of a bitch made me bed him." She spit on the ground as they walked on.
She side-eyed the knight, "A bastard you say? I would never have guessed. I thought perhaps you were brother or cousin to the dragon princes. Trueborn, that is. I've met quite a few bastard, Ser Aerion. None with your manners. How does a bastard sellsword become a King's Man?"
Aerion rather enjoyed the bright and silvery peel of laughter that eminated from Serona's lips. She had a bright spark of happiness deep within herself, something this world had not managed to extinguish yet. He smiled, and let out a hearty laugh of his own, deep and velvety. "A gigolo... my my, if only such a fate could keep me happy, but alas, I aspire to a different walk of life. I assure you of this, Lady Serona, handsome and charming are but a few pieces of who I am. But anyhow, yes, I served under that crazy old codger. The murderous fool loved to dye his beard with the blood of his enemies. He is dead, thank the Seven. He took a spear to the neck and fell from his horse, not surprised, he always had to be in the thick of all the fighting." Aerion paused, casting a sidelong glance at Serona, before speaking in a lowered tone. "He was a vile man, through and through. I am sorry you had to share his bed. May his corpse rot for the worms, and his soul burn for his evils." Aerion sighed, and offered a smile at Serona.
"Aye, a bastard, legitamized, or at least so I am told, or was, by my mother long ago. Said we were decended from a Targaryen prince from long ago, I share his name. Prince Aerion Brightflame, banished to Lys for a few years, made love you my female forebear, or raped her, whatever the truth, my family was birthed in the world nine months later. We've lingered on since then, survived the Blackfyre tyrant, a few unfortunate events, and a countless amount of storms. But yeah, I am not the pure bloodline of the others, I am my own man and blood, save for Prince Aerion's." Aerion finished for a moment, taking a few sideways steps to avoid a puddle of shit in the street, before continuing. "As to serving the King, and all that it entails, I just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. I helped save the king, or say they say. So, I decided to try my luck in Westeros, and see what kind of man I can make myself." Aerion shrugged, and continued walking beside Lady Serona.
Serona listened to his story attentively, then said, "Sounds too good of an end for him to my end. But it makes no matter now. Not the worst man I ever had. But we're all better off without him alive. Normally, any man who told me such a story, I'd call him a liar and a cunt. You don't know how many old salts or bilge-rats around here claim descent from the Black Pearl or the Saans. But you, I think you are too damned honest to tell one. And quite a story it is. You must have a special kind of luck. And I am glad for it. Otherwise my head would be on a spike right now. And I rather like my head. Friends? It may be too early to say that. But we can have a drink anytime."
Ser Aerion could see that they were drawing closer to the Silver Serpent, and the enjoyable conversation he was having with Serona would have to come to end for at least the time being. Still, he enjoyed every moment of it, taking in her voice, the way her eyes looked about, the colors in them, the strands of her hair, both tied back and a few rogue loose strands that defied Serona's bandanna. He laughed at the way Serona spoke, it was so honest, almost as though taking the time do else was just not worth it for the sellsword captain. "No sense in lying, just makes you look like an idiot and makes things worse for you in the end. Bloodbeard is dead and gone, as are many of his shit-headed lieutenants, so thats a consolation at least for me. Lady Serona, perhaps you are spending too much time out at sea and at the docks, rather than looking in the forgotten parts of the world that we tend to ignore. I am glad your head is not on a spike, and is instead attached to your body. You are far too stunning to have them separated. And how could I talk to you as well? Friendship is something that will happen over time, we can work on it as we share this adventure together." Aerion laughed softly, and bowed his head slightly, "As for drinks, perhaps, but only if you share a meal with me as well, so we may talk of whatever we fancy at the time over a good hearty bit of food. Fair enough?"
Lady Seronna smirked, "A noble knight asking me to sup? If only my mother could see me now. I will share supper with you and yours, ser. But only because you are fair to the eyes and a good deal less rank than most of my men. And far better company. Besides, we'll be on the same ship anyway. Perhaps someday, if I'm alive to see many more days, you can show me more of the land. I've been on all the seas. But I've never truly seen as many countries as I'd like. Especially not mainland Westeros."
Aerion laughed happily and with great amusement at Serona's response. He smiled at the sellsword captain, nodding his head at her, "I look forward to supping with you then. There you go again with your own sweet words that butter me up. I guess I will have to be guide for you in Westeros, though I can't honestly say that I know every knook and cranny there, so, perhaps it will be a fun adventure for both of us and whoever else may aspire to tag along for the journey. And I am glad to smell somewhat decent, and be of acceptable company to you as well. I gave you my word and promise to do all I could to keep you alive, I plan on keeping that vow unbroken Lady Serona. We are almost to the Silver Serpent, but I promise that there will be more time for talk later tonight perhaps, and the days and maybe even weeks to come."
Serona dipped her hat to Aerion, "I'll hold you to that promise, my lord." The last she said with more than a touch of humor and fell in with her men.
Ser Aerion neared the Silver Serpent with the recently turned sellswords. He had enjoyed his converstation with Lady Serona Drennys, Captain of the Maiden's Men. He had brought the prossession to a halt, allowing those that had volunteered to guard the sellswords to go aboard the Silver Serpent to collect their affects and gear to take aboard with them to the Maiden's Men ship. Aerion himself had to collect his armor and rucksack full of spare clothes and such. He was chatting idly with a few sellswords, trading stories of battles fought on this island, that beachhead, those fields, them mountains, and so on, when he saw it was his turn to go and collect his affects. Lyvia had returned with her rucksack and supplies, nodding to Aerion for him to go aboard the Silver Serpent. "Well, I will do my best to be quick so you all can get some sleep."
"We all need some sleep altogether." Seran interjected, rubbing his swollen face still. He limped so slightly, the emotions having worn off long ago. "Besides, that was quite the thing. Sparing the pirate. Huh. Hope it doesn't bite us in the back." The Lyseni said, as he still stood tall. <<"Just be careful. Honour is double edged." >>The lyseni reminded in Valyrian.
Aerion paused halfway up the gangplank. He mused a smile at Seran of Lys, his right hand resting on the pommel of his Valyrian steel sword, the other holding the taunt rope of the gangplank. Aerion spoke plainly as he continued to board the Silver Serpent, "Seran, noble Seran of Lys, look around you and see the price of bloodshed. You've fought as a sellsword as long as I have. You have fought all across these disputed lands, and seen first hand what comes from senseless killing and cutting down your foes in anger. Not to mention what happens to non-combatants when that bloodlust takes over both good and bad men." Ser Aerion paused as he stood on the deck of the Silver Serpent, making his way to stand beside Seran. << "Seran, you are a good man and an honorable one too. We all have a chance to make the world a better place, to do what even the most honorable and civilized of our enemies may not. Honor is double edged, because it is a great burden to shoulder. Kings and Queens may move men, Captains bellowing out orders, but so can a man move himself. When it all ends, and we stand before whatever gods we believe in, one can not say 'But I was told by others to do thus,' or virtue was not convenient at the time. Thus can never do, and one only sells themselves short. If I die, I die as an honorable man with a clean concience.">> Aerion finished in Bastard Valyrian. He smiled at Seran, and offered his right hand outwards, as a gesture of both trust and friendship.
"You two always are babbling in your foreign language. I can only wonder what you are saying... perhaps you are planning to marry this princess and that." Lyvia bellowed out, a wide smile upon her face. She snickered with Serona, returning to her conversation with the sellsword captain.
"You killed people for coin. How can you have a clear conscience." Seran spat back, his only blue eye glaring back. "And I did the same. I decided that my sister's happiness weighed more than honour back in Lys. But the thing is...I don't like many unknowns in such a task. It's not because anger, but concern." The Lyseni answered back, folding his arms. He heard the woman's reply altogether, and he frowned. It was impossible to tell, because his face was messed up.
"I'd rather marry you." Seran added. "Unlike princesses you can watch my back." He spat back. "I'm a man of simple aspirations. My sister's happines, and some cozy place to live the end of my days, maybe even a partner. I could even take the wine business even." He sighed. "Do not assume that just because I'm from lys, I will fall for princesses."
Aerion still held his hand out, smiling at his friend who was now a bit angry at a cursory appearance. << "Seran... just because we are sellswords, fighting for gold, does not mean we become evil and vile men. I fought soldiers, I fought fellow sellswords. We are no different from knights or men-at-arms, we all at the end of the day fight for coin, for food, for a place to lay our head out of the elements. I can't speak for everyone in the world, but when a foe layed their weapon down, when a man or woman turned to run, I did not cut them down. I chose what orders to follow, and what orders to disobey. Fighting for coin does not make a man or woman dishonorable, its the actions they commit that determines what guilts weigh upon their concience. You are a good man, choosing a hard life with little last reward in order to give your lady sister a better life. We've all made sacrifices, but our honor and souls do not have to be such.">> Aerion paused, and then returned back to the common tongue of Westeros, "Seran, I appreciate your concern, and see that it is rightfully placed and spoke. I ask you to trust that those that volunteered to guard the Maiden's Men will ensure their loyalty, that the sellswords are deep down good men and women trying to make ends meet and make it home to whatever is waiting for them." Aerion finished replying, letting out a laugh as he and Seran both turned to look at Lyvia down below.
Raising an eyebrow at Seran's comment, Aerion laughed happily, and responded as well to the jeer, "Alas Lady Lyvia, if only you were a princess, a noble lady of refinemet and delicacy... " Aerion laughed again, smiling at his friend below.
Lyvia rolled her eyes, turning away from Serona. Crossing her arms, she replied in kind to both Seran and Aerion. "If only you were bigger Seran. I'm afraid the act of love making would leave you broken and crippled, a man stuck in a wooden wheelchair. I would have to treat you like the lady, dress you in fine clothes and jewelry. You sell yourself short Lyseni. Simple aspirations are lies we tell ourselves that we can settle for. You want a strong stout home and lands, like anyone. A dutiful wife to cook and clean for you, and Gods knows what else." Turning her attention to Aerion, she laughed as she retorted back to her friend. "A princess, really? You can't keep your eyes off of me, even if I was a swineheard, you foolish Valyrian Bastard. I am noble as they come, I just had a murderous rampaging mountain for a father. I wager you are the delicate one, with your pretty hair and purple eyes. You can't handle a woman like me." Lyvia finished, blowing a kiss to both Seran and Aerion, offering a wink to a third person on the Silver Serpent who was standing back aways from the two men.
Layali was a little confused. She hadn't gotten far, still slightly lost in her nostalgic thoughts, but ... Was I just winked at?. She looked behind herself but there was no one there, at least no one who was paying attention at the winking lady.
"Uh..." Well, this was a perfect chance to introduce herself, she reckoned. "I'm assuming that was for me, right?" Still holding on to the bow, she walked over, stopping just a foot or so away from the others. She looked from the woman to the man who wasn't Seran, noting his hair and eye colour. Another Lyseni then? There sure were a lot today.
Seran rolled his eyes as Aerion followed his spiel, finally accepting his hand. "Just please stop the sermon. I get it." He said. Lyvia's jeering however, awoke something in the lyseni, as his hands became hooks, scraping the wood with his nails, and he bit part of his swollen lip, drawing blood. His good eye also narrowed a lot, as he shot a glare first to Aerion. It was more like a plea. Asking the fellow Lyseni to stop him if he went berserk.
But after a few breaths, he said in a low, hoarse voice full of hostility. "I'll just say this once, you dumb Mountain-bitch. Never desire that fate on anyone. My own brother, who is dead now, was crippled from birth. For that, my father beat my mother until she died of her wounds on Lysara's birth. And I took the sword to gut the bastard. But someone beat me to it." He spat, his gaze boring holes in Lyvia's skull.
Aerion shook hands with Seran, happy that at least they could still be friends, even if they did not always see eye to eye. However, it was Lyvia comment that caused him to sigh and start rubbing his face in exasperation. 'Great...' He thought to himself. As Seran began to harshly berate down at Lyvia, Aerion turned to find an attractive woman standing at the railing now. Seran was certainly engaged in his grudge match with Lyvia for the moment, so Aerion bowed to the woman, speaking to her in a friendly tone. "My lady, an honor to meet you. Ser Aerion Goldfyre, at your service." Aerion rose back up, offering a toothy smile in concurrence with his greetings. He turned to look down at Lyvia, who was now also begining to seethe with anger too. He sighed, and listened to her response.
"Oh, I'm not a lady, really." Layali let out a nervous laugh, forcing her focus on the man who called himself Aerion. If he had ever been to Meereen, he would recognize her accent being from there. "I'm Layali, most honoured to meet you as well." She smiled cheerfully at the man, deciding to ignore Seran and the woman for the time being. Thankfully they had moved away so that made it much easier. She wasn't sure what was the matter, but getting so angry couldn't be good for Seran's face.
Aerion smiled at Layali, a soft gentle smile one favors a friend with, or perhaps a close aquaitance. "One does not have to be nobility to be a lady, Lady Layali. Our daily lives can be hard enough, it never hurts to be polite. If I may gander a guess, it sounds like your are of Meereenese decent. What brings you all the way out here to these godless lands? Surely it can't be for the weather, too hot during the summer, and too wet in the winter. Aerion had a few thoughts in his head, as the woman was no doubt attractive, but, best not to assume things. He sighed, casting a look towards Lyvia and Seran, before moving a few more feet away from Seran and his anger.
"Well... you're right, I didn't come here for the weather." Layali's smile wavered slightly, looking away momentarily before looking back at Aerion. "I had left a rather lovely home in Meereen, my destination being King's Landing." Her eyes brightened a little. "It had been my wish since I was small to meet the Queen. Mother had been there, the day Meereen was freed from the masters. So was Father... Anyway, I had left on a ship, heading to King's Landing when pirates attacked. I wasn't killed, thankfully..." Lifting her shoulders in a shrug, Layali tilted her head to the side. "I was brought here instead. I can't even remember how long it has been..." A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "It probably feels longer than it has been."
"I am glad that fate brought us here then, to help you gain your freedom. I am sorry for the ordeals you had to suffer under these criminal and vile men. Lady Layali, one day, events like you experience will hopefully become distant memories and bed time tales told to scare children, rather than true fears." Aerion turned his head, and sighed, turning back to Layali, and speaking with her, "Looks like Seran and my friend and at eachother's throats, lucky us..." Aerion dismissed himself for a moment to look at the events unfolding.
Lyvia walked away from the others, standing at the edge of the docks, looking up at Seran with her cool steely blue eyes. Her hands rested on her hips, standing defiantly looking up at the Lyseni man full of hostility. She spoke in a fearsome tone, tinged with anger as well, "Call me dumb Mountain-bitch to my face, little man. Come down from your high horse and stand in front of me. Life is a cruel mistress, she fucks everyone raw, and then spits on your roast chicken before pissing on the floor. You had a family, consider yourself lucky. Not everyone even has that, a family, even if its all fucked and broken." Lyvia turned to look to Aerion, seeing him gesturing to her to shut up and cut it short. Sighing, and rolling her eyes with a snort, she spoke in a more reserved tone towards Seran, "I am sorry for your brother and your mother. I bid you good night, little Lyseni man, besides, it seems you have the company of another lovely lady with you two princess chasers." Lyvia then smiled, looking at the woman who came to the railing, and spoke to her in a more friendly tone, "Don't let these two dolts bore you. If you want some good conversation, don't hesitate to pay me a visit."
"Well if you insist, I surely won't." Layali looked to the lady, gifting her with a smile. It seemed whatever had those two riled up had been quelled, which was hopefully a good thing. "Lovely to make your acquaintance, my Lady. I'm known as Layali." It was something of a relief, not having to turn on her fake charm that had been a necessity at the brothel. She could simply be herself, for better or for worse.
Seran eyed Lyvia's angry expression with a cold sneer. Good, that lesson stung, even if she went with that spiel. And then she suddenly cut short, before anything else happened. He turned to look Aerion. Maybe he had rattled her leash? Still an apology was an apology, and Seran breathed deep, hand in the rail.
And he jumped down in a single leap, rolling to absorb the fall, right next to Lyvia Clegane, showing off that not everything about his ability to fight relied in swordplay. His good eye stared at hers. "Apology accepted. I'm sorry for calling you names aswell." He thought.
"But this isn't over, you know." Seran added, glaring once more. "We shall settle this like proper mercenaries. A showdown, staking our lives." He paused. "I'll drink you under the table, anytime."
Lyvia stood perfectly still as Seran lept down from the ship to the docks, the Lyseni man rolling to his feet before her. She looked downwards at him, with his own eyes looking up at her. She surpressed the urge to smile, as Seran spoke to her. An apology on his part, though it was followed with a drinking challenge. 'Lucky me...' Lyvia thought to herself, before she spoke to Seran with bravado, "I bet you would like that, wouldn't you little Lyseni man, me under the table, by your little sausage. You best be ready to be down on your knees under the table, looking at whats between my legs. You will never out drink me, little man. I accept your foolhardy challenge, and look forward to having to carrying you home like a little lamb. Till next time, Seran Little man of Lys." Lyvia then smiled slightly, moving her right hand to try and jostle Seran's left shoulder, before she stalked off to the front of the line with the sellswords. As she walked away from Seran, she looked over her shoulder to call out to Layali, "Layali... a pretty name for a pretty lady. I hope you enjoy the same things as myself, and perhaps some mulled wine if it fancies you. I hope to see you around, Lady Layali..." Lyvia winked to Layali, before turning and walking out of range.
"Well that's nice of you to say!" Layali smiled and waved as she watched the lady walk off. "I hope so as well!" So far it looked like the men here were respectable enough, and the woman beautiful. Freedom was looking better as time passed.
She turned to look up at Aerion, smile still on her face. "What was her name, Ser?"
"That, Lady Layali, is none other than Lady Lyvia Clegane, my friend, sparing partner, and lovely food taster of meals that I cook. Since she can't cook worth a shit. She is one hell of a fighter though, and has a wonderful singing voice. Anything else you would like to know about her?" Aerion asked with a smile.
"I think that should be enough," Layali replied with a small giggle. "If I know everything, then what will I have to talk to her about. Besides... it's rude if I don't speak of the person who is standing right before me. It may be too soon to say, but I do hope to make friends with you all... or at least be on friendly terms." A mischievous smile brightened her face. "Especially one who knows to cook!"
"Then I was glad to have been able to give you a few bits of information about Lady Lyvia. You would probably enjoy her company, she really is rather nice and pleasent once you get past the whole angry exterior." Aerion laughed along with Layali. He offered out his hands in a friendly manner, a clasped handshake of sorts. "Well, you are in luck, if you wish to be a friend with myself and Lyvia, I can cook like no other, I promise you that. You'll never go hungry and look at a meal and think, 'I can't eat this... it'll kill me.' One can never have too many friends my lady. I must bid you goodnight. I have to collect my affects, and be on my way. We all need to get some sleep and rest for the days to come. Lyvia is an early riser too, if that is of any use to you. My lady." Ser Aerion bowed low to Layali, awaited a response if any, then left to grab his affects and mosey on back to the docks, and from there, to the Maiden's Men's ship.
"Well, the last thing I'd want is to die due to food." Layali couldn't help but chuckle at that. "To be honest, that could very well happen in a place like Stepstones. I wonder if it's the same for King's Landing?" She hmm'd for a moment, tapping her chin with her finger in thought. "I suppose I shall find out when I reach there." There was certainly excitement in that thought, clear from the grin on her face.
"Of course," she replied with a nod. "I hope you have a restful sleep, Ser." She smiled and waved as Aerion walked off before deciding she may as well rest too. It had been a long day for her as well.
Of course, things can never be easy. As Ser Aerion walked, he came to the stark realization that he had left behind his recipe book, or scrolls, whatever it was, in the ship's galley. Sighing, and chastising himself, Aerion turned back around, telling the few remaining guards and sellswords he would catch back up with them once he grabbed his recipes for all the food dishes he made. Aerion broke into a run, and made his way back to the Silver Serpent, clambering up the gangplank and making his way to the galley below decks of the ship. They were where he had left them, sitting on a pantry shelf, neatly tied up and waiting for him to take them with him to his next cooking area, wherever that may be. Aerion opened his rucksack, and packed the culinary knowledge away, reshoulder his pack, before turning around to find himself face to face with Lady Merebelle Gray. "Lady Gray, is it? An honor to meet you... how are you tonight? I hope you wound is healing nicely, you fought well those few days ago."
"Yes, I am. I apologise for not being able to help," said Lady Gray. Still having her main arm bandaged up and doing fine in healing.
No infection either, so it meant that she would make a full recovery soon.
Aerion nodded his head in aknowledgement. He spied the bandaged arm as Lady Gray held it in view. "No need to apologize for resting your arm up and healing. You took wounds in battle, no one would ever slight you for remaining here to guard the ship and ensure you're fully recovered for the next battle. Wouldn't want anyone coming here and stealing our means of escape and travel." Aerion shifted the rucksack on his back, fixing it to be more center on his person. He looked about the relatively empty room, and then back to Lady Gray. "What brings you to the galley this time of night?"
"Standing watch. Better than trying to sleep amongst several dozen men. What about you? Why are you suddenly back here? I was under the assumption you guys were going to be gone for some time now," she said.
"Speaking of time. How long will we be being here? I am barely informed on what you guys are doing at all."
Aerion motioned to his rucksack, and then to a shelf behind him. "I guess it is better to be on watch than in the stuffy bunk areas. I had forgotten my reciepe books here, for cooking. I can't exactly leave behind those family treasures, not to mention it would make creating certain meals a bit harder. But yes, I was a fool and forgot my secrets and tricks to making delectable meals for my friends and myself." Aerion moved to take a seat at one of the benches. He beckoned for Lady Gray to join him. He collected his thoughts for a moment before speaking once more.
"To be honest, I was as much in the dark as you were up until a few hours ago. I knew like you that a shore party had been sent into both the town and to the keep. From what some of the other soldiers relayed, those that went to the keep killed the local pirate lord, while the other folks went to a brothel and sellsword hideaway. The brothel bunch picked a fight with a pirate crew, and capture its leader, while the hideaway detachment made buddy buddy with the sellswords to gleen information from its captain." Aerion paused, taking a breath, before continuing.
"You were here when the ship was attacked, I guess that was from the remaining pirates of the brothel pirate captain they captured. The Crown Prince devised a plan to defeat the sellswords. Your companion, Ser Ellion, apparently was quite the deadly swordsman, from what I saw and those that were with him said. The Lyseni man, Seran, he volunteered to disguise himself as the Crown Prince, and Lady Visenya took him as a captive to the sellsword hideaway. While you remained with a few others to guard the ship, the loyalists stormed the sellsword's base, The Maiden's Men. We defeated the sellswords, got them to yield rather than be butchered. The plan is to head for some link up point with the rest of the rebel forces. For now, we are still going to ride under the fog, pretending to be pirates and sellswords loyal to this Scorpion Rebel Leader. I myself, and others, have been detailed to guard the remaining Maiden's Men, as they have the connections we need to get closer to ending this rebellion. I think that about sums it all up, though it wouldn't hurt to pick your companion Ser Ellion's brain, word is you two are somewhat 'close'." Aerion said the last word with a bit of aprehension, but finished what he had to say to Lady Gray. He looked at her to see if she had any more questions or concerns of her own.
"Speaking of Ser Ellion. How is he doing? Or what is he rather doing?" asked Gray, as she sat down next to him.
"I mean, it gets rather boring here alone - while the other guys are around, they are mostly busy sleeping and nursing their wounds.
"Ser Ellion... to be honest, I don't know. He is alive, breathing, and being his normal self from what I have seen and heard. He certainly seems to enjoy kill, among his other pursuits. He should be above decks, last time I saw him."
"The joys of being on watch. At least nothing bad has happened, so thats a blessing in of itself."
"I haven't seen him much around here. I thought he had gone with you guys?" asked Gray in reply, look at Aerion. "So how long do you think this will last? Or what has the Crown Prince planned? How long will it take until you reach the hideout of these 'rebels' and deal with them?"
"Will I still be able to add my piece - or at the very least accompany Ser Ellion and make sure, he won't go do something stupid on his free time," she added.
"Ser Ellion Tyrell did march out with us to assault the hideout. He also marched back to the docks and this ship, at least I think he did, hard to miss a man like him." Aerion spoke in a tone of displeasure, as though talking about Ellion was not at the top of his list of enjoyable things.
"As for Crown Prince Aemon's plans, I don't know anything for certain. We will get our marching, or rather sailing orders in the morning. Our destination is South of here, perhaps a few days tops, unless weather slows us down." Aerion paused, then continued after a small shrug, "Rebellions are hard to quell, it seems no sooner you lop the head off one snake, another two take its place."
"Once you are healed, thats your decision to fight or not. And something for you and Ser Ellion Tyrell to discuss... perhaps something you two should speak on sooner rather than later."
"I guess so, where can I find the man in question? I haven't seen him in quite awhile now - and I am not sure, where I might have to go or seek to find him," spoke Merebelle Gray, as she sat with Aerion.
"Do you perhaps happen to know, where he is? I would very much like to go and see him," she said.
"To be honest, I am not sure. He could be at the brothel with the Crown Prince and Lady Greyjoy. Perhaps some of the other men-at-arms may know, they have a fondness for him." Aerion toyed with a wooden plate, before looking back at Lady Gray.
"You should be careful about him, my lady. I can't speak with a certainty, but from what I have heard, he is not the kind of man to be tied down to any one woman... for what its worth."
"For what it is worth Ser Aerion - I also have a dendency to reply to lies and betrayal with utmost harsh force," replied Merebelle Gray. "While I might not ask much, I do ask for fidelity from Ellion Tyrell..."
"Because we are...'supposed' to be half-way engaged. Don't ask...long story," she explained. "The fact of the matter is - if he tries to cheat on my honor or trust, then I will say this. I plan on challenging him to a Trial of Combat...for the crime of being a unfaithful..."
"I know, it sounds strange. A woman demanding that from a man...but I say, why not?`We already are having more and more female knights. Plus a man can accuse a woman of unfaithfulness - why can't I do the same. There isn't any rule against it...last I checked..."
Aerion steepled his fingers before him, nodding to what Lady Gray had said. "Fair enough, Lady Gray. If you've talked to him about such things, then such things have no more need to be discussed. Though, I hope for both your sakes, he remains adherent to his vow or promise to you. From what I have seen during the fight aboard the Grey Ice... you might be the better fighter than him."
"It sounds no less strange than other female warriors, like Lady Brienne of Tarth. Well, the hours draw far later into the night. May I excuse myself to get back to my duties, I have taken up your time enough as it is, my lady. May the Seven guide you, in all that you endeavor."
"You as well, safe travels...and if you see Ser Ellion - tell him to get his butt back here. We need to talk," she spoke, watching Aerion leave - as she soon resumed her patrol around the ship.
The Castle of Golden Tooth, departures and new arrivals.
Lady Cerenna found herself being stopped in the hallways of Golden Tooth by none other than Ser Martyn of House Lannister himself. The noble knight certainly cut a dashing figure, his well kept armor adding the overall dazzling affect he had. Cerenna couldn't help by find the energetic knight to be both very dashing and attractive. Remembering her manners and courtly etiquite, after scanning over Ser Martyn once more, Cerenna curtsied low to the knight who was charged with rooting out the vile rebels that had now begun to infest the Westerlands. Cerenna made good measure to flare out her dress in a show of womanly beauty for the knight of gold and red.
"The honor is all mine, Ser Martyn Lannister. Knight-Captain of the famous Golden Knights, and you have certainly charmed me. Duty calls us all, noble knight, and once you have attained victory in the field of battle, I would be thrilled share a meal with you. To better get to know the honorable man who is in charge of defending the Westerlands from evil and vile foes." Cerenna smiled, finishing with another curtsy, before listening to Ser Martyn continue his charming discourse. Perhaps he was being just courteous and nice, or perhaps again he was true in his words and found Cerenna to be a fair flower in its prime. Pushing those thoughts aside, Cerenna refocused on Ser Martyn once more.
"Well, such a humble request on your part must be answered without hesitation." Cerenna revealed a thin blade from beneath her gowns, using it to cut a strip of cloth from her garments, and with Ser Martyn's permission, tying it about his left arm by the bicep. She smiled, stepping back to admiring her own handywork. "Hopefully this boon will be of some use to you. Or at the very least, so your friends know not to shoot you full of arrows should the enemy also be equiped in such dazzeling armor as yours. I ask but of one gift for you to bring back, Ser Martyn. Bring just yourself back alive and well, or perhaps a few cuts so I may help tend to them and enjoy your company some more." Cerenna smiled, and curtsied once again, allowing Ser Martyn to be on his way, not wishing to hold the knight up any more than she already had.
Lady Cerenna quickly made her way to the paraphets of the castle wall, watching the stream of well armed and armoed knights and men at arms making their way out of the gates and towards the countryside. She smiled and waved at Ser Martyn, watching him disappear into the distance, before going back about her duties deep within the Golden Tooth, which at this time of day, was helping create bandages for any wounded that could end up in the castle infirmary. As she soaked fresh linen and cotton strips of cloth in a cauldron of boiling hot water, she thought of her former crush, Ser Aerion, and that of her new one, Ser Martyn.
A few hours later, at the gates of the Golden Tooth.
Lord Lorimer was abruptly pulled away from spending time with his lady wife when a runner came searching for him. He had been helping her figure out what meals to cook and serve for the return feast of the noble Golden Knights, the men at arms, and in general, for victory over the enemy. Sighing, Lorimer rose up, kissing his wife, and followed the runner into the hallway, turning back to smile and say his goodbyes to his wife. "Sweetheart, you keep enjoying yourself, I will be back when I can. I want you to have some fun with this. You are my lady wife and nobility, plan a feast that you would love and enjoy." The two smiled at one another, with Lady Myrielle blowing her husband a kiss. Lorimer reached out to catch it, smiling happily, before turning on his heel and heading to the gates where the members of House Vikary await him.
Lord Lorimer spoke to the runner, listening to what the members of the Vikary party had said and stated. He had not met the members of the Vikary family before, even though they had the same liege lord in the Westerlands overall. He belted his sword to his hip, as well as donning a leather jerkin to his chest, as a small amount of protection should luck not be on his side today. Lorimer shaded his eyes as he stepped out into the sunlight of the mid-afternoon day. It was warm, with a hint of humidity in the air, though a nice breeze was blowing to help keep those on the walls cool. The runner darted ahead, making his way to the gatehouse to call out below to the House Vikary party. He was a simple man-at-arms, and spoke as politely as he could down to the gathered soldiers. "Ser Leon of House Vikary, m'lord Lorimer is coming to meet you at the gates 'imself. We thank yee for your patience." Lorimer could hear the man-at-arms call out, and couldn't help but chuckle to himself, before making his way down to the courtyard of the castle via a set of stone steps descending from the wall.
"Open the gates... let the men of House Vikary pass through so that I can speak to them as equals. Ser Lorimer called out aloud to the three men manning the gates. A short while later, both the large wooden doors and the iron porticulis were opened, leaving Lord Lorimer and four men-at-arms standing at the threshhold of the Golden Tooth. He sized up the Vikary men, looking at them, their gear, their banners, and mounts. Seem friendly enough, Lorimer thought, perhaps a score of decent looking soldiers, at least a few knights among them too. Lorimer bowed slightly, before speaking to the guests before his gates. " Ser Leon of House Vikary, I welcome you and all your men into my home. Welcome to the Golden Tooth. You may keep your weapons and arms. We are all loyal subjects of the Westerlands, and should such dire events transpire, I'd rather have my guests armed so that they can defend themselves. But let us not worry about such things until we have shared bread and salt, so that you can enjoy the hospitality of House Lefford." Lorimer turned his head towards a pair of pages in the colors of his house. Together they carried a tray of freshly cooked bread, still warm from the ovens, along with another tray of salt, butter, and sliced mutton. A small but friendly offering to a guest, but would ensure guest rights to any and all who would partake. "My guests, enjoy... "
The men rode into the keep and dismounted, and the knight at the lead took off his tusked helm and revealed a comely golden-haired man of five and twenty years with a strong square jaw and a scar that ran down the length of his face. His youthful good looks were somewhat marred by the scar, and his sorrowful brown eyes showed he had not lived as idly and comfortably as most nobleman. Ser Leon accepted the trays and passed them around to his men who all partook. Leon inclined his head to Lorimer, "Thank you for your hospitality, my lord. The country isn't as friendly as it could be."
He pointed to a scratched dent in his breastplate, "We came upon a bandit party that raided a merchant caravan. Then the corpse-eaters arrived in the night. We had a few more men before we set out. And strong walls are a welcome sight."
Lorimer listened to Ser Leon with respect, feeling saddened that the current state of affairs that had afflicted the Westerlands, his home. The Vikary men certainly seemed to need a good night's rest out of the elements and a warm meal. 'By the seven, they are welcome to the baths as well, should they wish it', Lorimer thought to himself. He smiled and bowed his head forward as Ser Leon thanked him for his hospitality. "Ser Leon, I am glad that I could be of help to you and your men in these troublesome times. I welcome you into my home and to rest your feet and backs for as long as you need. If you would like, you can also use the bathhouse to freshen up before dinner tonight. Put the thoughts of bandits and corpse-eaters from your mind, at least for tonight. These walls should keep out the common ilk of criminals and beasts, but I would ask but one thing, should the castle come under attack, would you fight alongside us against the common foes of the Westerlands?" Lord Lorimer spoke honestly and with respect for his fellow Westerman.
Ser Leon nodded, drawing out his sword and kneeling to the ground, offering the blade up to Lord Lorimer, "Your gallantry and chivalry are a beacon of light in these dark times. I do so swear upon the honor of my house that my men and I will conduct ourselves with the utmost honor and that our swords will be at your disposal as long as we are your guests. I swear we will abide by all the rites of hospitality, on the soul of my mother I swear it." Ser Leon's men kneeled as well. It was an old, extremely formal gesture, but was also completely ironclad. No knight could break such an oath without proving themselves as no knight at all. It was as close to a guarantee as any host was like to receive.
Lord Lorimer felt deeply humbled by Ser Leon's extension of customs and curtesies, plus a vow that few ever dared to offer. He extended his right hand out, in offer to help Ser Leon back up. "Ser Leon, noble knight of House Vikary, please, rise. Come, let us enjoy the day that is left, have your men relax themselves and see to their needs. I am only doing what any good man would do for a neighbor and loyal subject of House Lannister, and that of House Targaryen by extension. We are all one people here, the Westermen. Too much blood has been shed during our faltering fight during the War of the Five Kings. Its time to put our swords aside, and forged plows and farming tools." Lord Lorimer spoke in a friendly tone. He returned Ser Leon's kneeling with a formal and deep bow, to show his own reverence to the vow that was made. Lormier then turned, beckoning the Vikary men to come into the castle proper, to stable their horse, to enjoy shelter from the coming storm.
Clouds began to quickly descend on the late afternoon, the sky darkening and promising the outset of rain and gloom. Ser Leon accepted the gesture with a greatful nod and said, "I agree, my lord. Too long has the West been wracked by strife. It is my dream that the men of our homeland be allowed to live in peace, free of corruption, war, banditry, and political conniving. And of the dangers of forces we cannot truly control nor understand." Leon gestured to the men to rise and they followed Lefford's contingent, the men handing off horses to the stableboys.
Leon walked next to Lord Lorimer, "Thank you for the offer of a bath. My men and I can surely use it. Mud, blood, and sweat hardly make for a pleasant aroma. And it would be shameful to appear in such a state before the ladies of the castle." He sent off his men to bathe and clean themselves and followed them, "You're welcome to join us my lord. Perhaps we can have a drink or a talk while we wash off the grime."
Lord Lorimer stood in the courtyard, chatting with both his own knights and men-at-arms, and conversing with those of the House Vikary party. He looked up, taking a break from the conversations, noticing the dark gray and gloomy clouds the loomed in the distance. 'Rain...' He thought to himself, before her focused back to his conversation with Ser Leon. He pondered the propisiton, then shrugged. It would be nice to enjoy a hot bath, and some vital conversation with those who had been in the area longer, men who knew the problems that plagued the region more personally than region dispatches and reports. "Ser Leon, I think that would be rather enjoyable and enlightening to join you and a few others for a soothing bath. The bathes are this way... I will send a page to bring us some food and refreshments. I must admit, I will probably ask you a few questions to get a better lay of the area for myself and those that serve alongside me. You can have a few of your men join us, as I shall do the same." Lorimer finished, stepping aside to both point the way to the bathes, and to also lead the way with a few of his selected knights.
Leon nodded at Lorimer, "I will be happy to answer them my lord. Surely you have many, having just freshly arrived back home." The party entered the bath houses of the Golden Tooth, and the men-at-arms began stripping off their leather and weapons, whooping with joy or sighing in relief as they slipped into warm pools, the knights having their own bath separate from the other men. A smile touched Ser Leon's grim visage as he began washing, his natural good looks becoming much more apparent with the gradual absence of dirt and muck.
"There's nothing quite like a warm bath after a long journey. I can't tell you how grateful I am for your hospitality. These days it is not so common for doors to be open in this way. Folk are often afraid to open their doors to strangers. And rightly so. Ask me anything you like, my lord. I am at your disposal."
Lorimer had stripped down to the buff, easing himself into the warm pools of his bathhouse. He reclined against the edge of the pool, letting the heat soak into his body, his muscles and bones. This was the greatest perk of living here in the Golden Tooth. Lorimer raised his right hand and arm slightly, smiling in a friendly manner, "Ser Leon, don't mention it. If other people wish to act out of fear, let them. You are my guest, and I am your host, it would be dishonorable of me to treat you any less. Trying times sometimes adle people's minds. Let them cower behind their walls, not like you and your men. As to my questions, I will do my best to keep them as few as possible. I know you want to relax more than have to wrack your brain for nuggets of knowledge." Lorimer smiled, before taking a moment to enjoy the waters, washing his own sweat from his face and body.
After a minute or so, Lorimer began to ask his questions, and as he promised, they were as few as possible, him more so listening, rather than trying to talk or ask followup questions unless he needed to. He asked about the nature of the Reyne rebels, who was the man claiming to be of that House. How many houses were sworn to the rebels, how many men had been lost, what were the Lannisters doing about the situation, were there any sparrows, rogue warriors of the faith, and so on, allowing Ser Leon to both enjoy his bath, but answer the question at his own liesure. Lorimer catalogued the answers in his mind, knowing he would have to act upon that knowledge accordingly.
Leon answered succintly. He answered that none had actually seen the lord who called himself Lord Reyne, and that he was most likely somewhere in hiding. No houses had outright declared for the Reynes, but many were suspected of providing safe harbor for them or monetary aid and arms, as the Brotherhood Without Banners had operated in the war past. They were also suspected to be in collaboration with the Gardeners, Fishers, and Black Krakens, along with the Vultures and Scorpions.
Right now there were only small raids and skirmishes, losses in the dozens or scores of men, and the Lannisters had been combing the countryside asking questions and trying to root out the rebels, without much success. Sparrows and other rogue faithful were also a common site in the area and were operating very similarly to the Reynes, but many more had died in clashes between the extremists and their targets and the Lannisters had been more succesful in finding and eliminating Sparrow dens though the threat hadn't been stamped out yet. The extremists hadn't had as strong a hold as in the Riverlands, but it was still a visible problem.
Lorimer ponderd all that was relayed to him, for such information was troubling indeed. From the sounds of it, no information about the Lord Reyne spoke of either a lack of spies for the Master of Whispers, or that there could be traitors in the midst of the capital, and the outyling provinices. Or, just by sheer dumb luck, whoever this man, or even woman was, had a number of hiding places that couldn't be found. At least, even if it was a small consolation, none of the Houses in the Westerlands had declared for the Reynes, but perhaps this was more troubling than nought, for Ser Leon assumed that houses were no doubt providing funding, arms, and armor to the rebels. Appear to be loyal, then strike like a snake in the grass at the opportune moment. More so, was the odd informaton concerning the apparent collaboration amongst the formerly extinct houses, and the Vulture King rebels and Scorpion rebels. Almost as thought someone was behind the scense pulling all the strings. Were things truly that sinister, something bigger was at work.
Odd though, Lorimer though, as to the other bits of intel. There had only been small raids, little skirmishes in the more rural regions of the Westerlands, places that the bulk of Lannister might rarely ever traversed. Furthermore, many people still remember Lord Tywin Lannister, and the reign of Lady Cersei Lannister. It was no real surprise that many of the small folk did not wish to speak with the Lannister forces asking questions. Stories of the Mountain's Men traveled far beyond the Riverlands. The only real sucess being experience at all so far was battles with the Faith Militant. The fanatical holdouts never seem to shy away from battle, wich at least made them easy to fight, but you had to find them first. They were extremists, fanatics that harrased the small folk and nobility alike. Lorimer was thankful that they were not as strong as their foothold in the Riverlands, but he could not worry about other realms when the one he lived in had its own slew of problems.
He sighed, thanking Ser Leon, and continued to enjoy his bath. Dinner time would arrive eventually, but for now, let all enjoy the hot bathes and little snacks brought by the servants.
Aftermath of the battle at the Maiden's Men's stronghold.
Aerion surveyed the scene around him, the smell of blood, sweat, spilled liquor, and other unsavory scents filled his nose. He breathed heavily, letting the thick putrid air fill his nose and lungs, the acrid taste of candle smoke ever present. He looked to the Crown Prince, perhaps afraid of having overstepped his boundaries, or that the Crown Prince would cut down the sellswords anyway. Instead, Crown Prince Aemon raised his hand, signalling a ceasation of hostilites amongst his own forces. The fighting ceased, the loyalist forces still holding their blades at the ready, as the fate of the remaining Maiden's Men now hung in the balance of the Big Captain's decision. Aerion looked back at her, looking from her to Ser Malik and Ser Ellion, hoping that these two knights wouldn't give into a fit of bloodlust or vengance.
By the Seven, such a bloody afair did not happen. The lady captain of the Maiden's Men tossed her sword to the wooden floor in defeat, the blade bouncing foward a little before comming to a stop a few feet from the three knight's feet. The other sellswords soon followed suit, their weapons clanking and clacking off the floor as they dropped their weapons. Aerion listened to the Big Captain speak, her voice oddly erotic in a foreign way. It was tinged with fear, but strong nonetheless. "Aye. You've beaten us." The Crown Prince then stepped forward, his blade still in hand, covered in gore, which caused a glint of fear to appear in the Big Captain's eyes, before it was allayed as the Crown Prince himself spoke. "Fear not. I will abide by my man's vow. You will not die. But if you wish to avoid a cell, you have a choice. Bend the knee and enter the service of the Iron Throne, or spend the rest of your life in captivity. I can think of no worse fate for one who loves the sea.". Aerion felt a sense of pride that he was mentioned by the Crown Prince, and relief as the Big Captain took only a few seconds to accept the Crown Prince's offer.
The Big Captain bent the knee, removing her cap revealing a red bandanna holding her golden blonde hair back from her face. Aerion sheathed his own blade, wiping sweat from his face as the Big Captain and the Crown Prince spoke to one another. Aerion moved back from the scene, seeking out his friend Lady Lyvia, to check on her well being, while also seeking out Lady Greyjoy, to thank her for helping him during the chaos of the fight. He could hear the Big Cap and the Crown Prince convering in the background, as he came across Lyvia, who was sitting on a stool cleaning her blade and shield of the battle's aftermath. She looked up, smiled and nodded to Aerion, before going back to her work. 'The blood of the Mountain seems to keep her from ever getting hurt,' Aerion thought to himself, before he jostled Lyvia's shoulders and smiled back at her. "I am glad you are alright... I'll bother you later with talk and food, fair enough?" Aerion spoke softly, recieiving a friendly shove in return from Lyvia as she nodded back at him. "I will hold you to it that you cook us a fine tasting meal, as for some odd reason I can't cook worth two coppers. Now begone and let me clean my gear Aerion."
Aerion then came across Lady Greyjoy, who was minding her own business as she stood about. Aerion moved to stand next to the woman, and bowed partially at the waist before speaking. "Lady Greyjoy, thank you. You certainly helped keep me from garnering a rather nasty wound and scar if not worse. I hope one day I can repay you for your ferocity on the field of battle. I extend you my friendship as well, should you accept, and you are always welcome to join myself and Lady Lyvia for anything you may need. I won't take any more of your time, but thank you again, my lady." Aerion bowed once more, awaiting any reply from Lady Greyjoy, before stepping back and away as the Crown Prince approached Taria to speak with her.
Taria smiled a little and gave Ser Aerion a nod. "You're welcome," she replied quietly. It was a little embarrassing if she was being honest with herself, as she didn't have the sort of skill that any of the other fighters here did. Still, that being said, a hand of friendship was never to be pushed away. "Of course I would accept, it'd be an honour." She bowed her head once again before excusing herself, hearing the Crown Prince.
Aerion volunteered himself, as did Lyvia, to help watch the remaining Maiden's Men upon their ship. It would be good to actively doing something other than scrubbing pots or watching the rolling waves of the sea. And beside, Aerion wished to speak with the Big Captain, to get to know her, and humanize her in a way that the others seemed unable to do. These sellswords, in Aerion eyes, were no different than he was a number of years ago, they were men and women hard on their luck at times, fighting for coin to put food not only in their mouths, but the mouths of their families as well. Aerion knelt down beside a group of dead, from both sides, and began to say their last rites. While not an overly religious man, it seemed odd to leave things unsaid for the dead and gone. To Aerion, it was the least he could do for those that payed the ultimate price, be it for king and realm, or for the alure of golden coin and warm food. He went about the grim task of closing their eyes and crossing their arms atop their torso's, mouthing a small and simple prayer to the Crone to light their path to the other side.
Aerion rose up at the command of the Crown Prince, who ordered the Maiden's Men survivors to be escorted back to their own ship, so that they may be ready to depart in the morning. Lady Lyvia fell in beside Aerion, her sword and shield as clean as the day they were made. Aerion smiled at his friend, the two sharing a friendly arms about their shoulders, walking alongside the Maiden's Men sellswords and their own loyalist forces as they all began to file out of the building. Aerion's sense of accomplishment and relaxization turned sour as he heard the anger and venom rolling from Lord Bolton's mouth. Lord William Bolton spoke as though the command of the Crown Prince did not matter, nor did the semblance of honor and respect for a foe who had yielded. Aerion began to draw his blade as Lord Bolton spoke, ready to not only parry the drunken sot's attack, but to take his head off as well. " Get your twits in line, this isn't a peasent revolt. They won't 'see the light'. I think you'll find that they have been killing their whole lives, and today was just more of the same. Any commander with any brains at all would call for their execution, starting with blondie in the middle. Allow me to demonstrate. You! Best start praying."
Aerion looked across to see the anger and fear in the Big Captain's face, as she could do nothing to save her own men. Aerion himself felt an unbriddled frothing anger burning within him, listening to Lord Bolton not only call into question the decision of the Crown Prince, but also insult the up and coming King. His blade was almost fully out of its scabbard, ready to cut down Lord Bolton, when the steely grip of Lady Visenya snaked out and stopped Lord Bolton from doing anything further. Aerion could see the pain flashing in Lord Bolton's face, the anger in Lady Visenya's, and the sudden ceasation of Lord Bolton trying to continue his rash and dishonorable actions. While he could not make out what Lady Visenya was saying, she was clearly angry, her voice low and almost eminating like a hiss. She ended her discussion with Lord Bolton by shooting a fearsome glare at a sellsword, before pushing Lord Bolton before her so the two could continue walking.
Resheathing his blade, Aerion shook his head in disgust. He turned to Lyvia, speaking in a low tone to her, "He is a vile man not befitting of being a Lord or having the honor to serve in the King's armies. He will be nothing but trouble. We will have to keep an eye out for that venomous prick, should he get any ideas to try and seek retribution." Ser Aerion turned then to the Big Captain and the sellswords about her, after Lyvia had nodded. He eyed the captain up and down, admiring her jewelry and in all honesty, her natural beauty. He then spoke in a tone loud enough for any to hear, to include Lord Bolton and Lady Visenya, plus a few others no doubt. "My lady Captain, I swore on my vows as a knight to protect you and your men from harm. I have been where you stand now, as a sellsword that has been defeated. I will not break that vow as long as I live and draw breath. You put your trust in my words, and that of the Crown Prince. I put my trust in you and your fellow sellswords to keep your word as well. Pay no attention to those who seek to debase themselves at your expense. Not everyone who serves the crown is honorable and upstanding." Aerion cast a disdainful look at Lord Bolton, before walking by him with the rest of the Maiden's Men, not wasting anymore time listening to the dishonorable words and thoughts Lord Bolton would be spouting out.
Ser Aerion called out to Lady Visenya as he was leaving the building through the front door. "Lady Visenya, I hope to see you once again, your friend has defiled the air with his dishonorable actions and thoughts. I bid you good luck and good fortune, and may the Seven guide your path." Aerion strode out of the Maiden's Men's base with the remainder of the sellswords, Lady Lyvia following him as well as those who volunteered to guard the sellswords. The night was dark, and on the edges of town and in the vile corners of buildings, terrors stalked the weak. Aerion and Lyvia chatted to one another for a moment, before Lyvia moved farther ahead in the line of sellswords. This left Aerion standing next to the Big Captain herself, so, he decided to strike up conversation with the woman.
"My lady Captain, I find myself at a disadvantage, in that I do not know your name. It seems odd and dehumanizing to call you captain all the time, or Big Cap'n as some of your men favor. You know my name, allow me to ask and know yours, my lady."
The sellsword captain looked at the man, surprised, before saying, "Normally, I'd tell you to fuck off. But you saved my life in there, and the lives of my men. You're alright for a knight, not like a lot of highborn cunts I've met."
She smiled wickedly at Ser Aerion and bowed with a flourish of her cap, "I am Serona Drennys, bastard of the great Drennys family of Pentos. Captain of the Maiden's Men. And I owe you my life, and I don't like owing people. Even without the coin your dragon prince promised me, I am bound to help you. Even sellswords and pirates have their honor. And I am a woman of my word."
Aerion smiled, bowing his head in respect to the Sellsword captain. "I'm glad you are not telling me to fuck off, for I rather enjoy your company and if I can be so bold, dazzling good looks. So, enough of me oogling you, and you are welcome. I've been a sellsword for a long time, served with that cunt Bloodbeard in the Company of the Cat. Perhaps it helps having to have fought under the lunatic to make me a bit more likable that all the pampered lords and ladies of the West. Lady Serona Drennys, a bastard too. Well, it certainly seems like we share that... I am a bastard too, from House Targaryen, lucky us, the unwanted leftovers from the great and powerful." Aerion paused, looking about before continuing.
"Lady Serona, you owe me nothing. I don't care if you would not have offered quarter to us if the tables were turned. You didn't deserve to die, nor your men. Being a sellsword is shitty enough of a career, no sense in dying for one idiot and their lost cause. The Iron Throne pays well, and rewards those that serve it nicely. You can help me by being a friend and sharing in good conversation. I can't tell you how god awfully boring it is to listen to these highborn lords and knights talk of their achievements in the tourneys here and there. Yeah, good for you, you can knock a man off his horse with a wooden stick."
Serona laughed, a bright and silvery sound that hinted at the happier woman she might have been, in a different life, "Handsome and a charmer too. You'd have a good career as a gigolo, Ser Aerion. Bloodbeard you say? I know the old bastard. I served with him in the Company when I was younger, before I left to join the Maiden's Men and lead it. I heard he was dead. And good riddance. Son of a bitch made me bed him." She spit on the ground as they walked on.
She side-eyed the knight, "A bastard you say? I would never have guessed. I thought perhaps you were brother or cousin to the dragon princes. Trueborn, that is. I've met quite a few bastard, Ser Aerion. None with your manners. How does a bastard sellsword become a King's Man?"
Aerion rather enjoyed the bright and silvery peel of laughter that eminated from Serona's lips. She had a bright spark of happiness deep within herself, something this world had not managed to extinguish yet. He smiled, and let out a hearty laugh of his own, deep and velvety. "A gigolo... my my, if only such a fate could keep me happy, but alas, I aspire to a different walk of life. I assure you of this, Lady Serona, handsome and charming are but a few pieces of who I am. But anyhow, yes, I served under that crazy old codger. The murderous fool loved to dye his beard with the blood of his enemies. He is dead, thank the Seven. He took a spear to the neck and fell from his horse, not surprised, he always had to be in the thick of all the fighting." Aerion paused, casting a sidelong glance at Serona, before speaking in a lowered tone. "He was a vile man, through and through. I am sorry you had to share his bed. May his corpse rot for the worms, and his soul burn for his evils." Aerion sighed, and offered a smile at Serona.
"Aye, a bastard, legitamized, or at least so I am told, or was, by my mother long ago. Said we were decended from a Targaryen prince from long ago, I share his name. Prince Aerion Brightflame, banished to Lys for a few years, made love you my female forebear, or raped her, whatever the truth, my family was birthed in the world nine months later. We've lingered on since then, survived the Blackfyre tyrant, a few unfortunate events, and a countless amount of storms. But yeah, I am not the pure bloodline of the others, I am my own man and blood, save for Prince Aerion's." Aerion finished for a moment, taking a few sideways steps to avoid a puddle of shit in the street, before continuing. "As to serving the King, and all that it entails, I just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. I helped save the king, or say they say. So, I decided to try my luck in Westeros, and see what kind of man I can make myself." Aerion shrugged, and continued walking beside Lady Serona.
Serona listened to his story attentively, then said, "Sounds too good of an end for him to my end. But it makes no matter now. Not the worst man I ever had. But we're all better off without him alive. Normally, any man who told me such a story, I'd call him a liar and a cunt. You don't know how many old salts or bilge-rats around here claim descent from the Black Pearl or the Saans. But you, I think you are too damned honest to tell one. And quite a story it is. You must have a special kind of luck. And I am glad for it. Otherwise my head would be on a spike right now. And I rather like my head. Friends? It may be too early to say that. But we can have a drink anytime."
Ser Aerion could see that they were drawing closer to the Silver Serpent, and the enjoyable conversation he was having with Serona would have to come to end for at least the time being. Still, he enjoyed every moment of it, taking in her voice, the way her eyes looked about, the colors in them, the strands of her hair, both tied back and a few rogue loose strands that defied Serona's bandanna. He laughed at the way Serona spoke, it was so honest, almost as though taking the time do else was just not worth it for the sellsword captain. "No sense in lying, just makes you look like an idiot and makes things worse for you in the end. Bloodbeard is dead and gone, as are many of his shit-headed lieutenants, so thats a consolation at least for me. Lady Serona, perhaps you are spending too much time out at sea and at the docks, rather than looking in the forgotten parts of the world that we tend to ignore. I am glad your head is not on a spike, and is instead attached to your body. You are far too stunning to have them separated. And how could I talk to you as well? Friendship is something that will happen over time, we can work on it as we share this adventure together." Aerion laughed softly, and bowed his head slightly, "As for drinks, perhaps, but only if you share a meal with me as well, so we may talk of whatever we fancy at the time over a good hearty bit of food. Fair enough?"
Lady Seronna smirked, "A noble knight asking me to sup? If only my mother could see me now. I will share supper with you and yours, ser. But only because you are fair to the eyes and a good deal less rank than most of my men. And far better company. Besides, we'll be on the same ship anyway. Perhaps someday, if I'm alive to see many more days, you can show me more of the land. I've been on all the seas. But I've never truly seen as many countries as I'd like. Especially not mainland Westeros."
Aerion laughed happily and with great amusement at Serona's response. He smiled at the sellsword captain, nodding his head at her, "I look forward to supping with you then. There you go again with your own sweet words that butter me up. I guess I will have to be guide for you in Westeros, though I can't honestly say that I know every knook and cranny there, so, perhaps it will be a fun adventure for both of us and whoever else may aspire to tag along for the journey. And I am glad to smell somewhat decent, and be of acceptable company to you as well. I gave you my word and promise to do all I could to keep you alive, I plan on keeping that vow unbroken Lady Serona. We are almost to the Silver Serpent, but I promise that there will be more time for talk later tonight perhaps, and the days and maybe even weeks to come."
Serona dipped her hat to Aerion, "I'll hold you to that promise, my lord." The last she said with more than a touch of humor and fell in with her men.
Ser Aerion neared the Silver Serpent with the recently turned sellswords. He had enjoyed his converstation with Lady Serona Drennys, Captain of the Maiden's Men. He had brought the prossession to a halt, allowing those that had volunteered to guard the sellswords to go aboard the Silver Serpent to collect their affects and gear to take aboard with them to the Maiden's Men ship. Aerion himself had to collect his armor and rucksack full of spare clothes and such. He was chatting idly with a few sellswords, trading stories of battles fought on this island, that beachhead, those fields, them mountains, and so on, when he saw it was his turn to go and collect his affects. Lyvia had returned with her rucksack and supplies, nodding to Aerion for him to go aboard the Silver Serpent. "Well, I will do my best to be quick so you all can get some sleep."
"We all need some sleep altogether." Seran interjected, rubbing his swollen face still. He limped so slightly, the emotions having worn off long ago. "Besides, that was quite the thing. Sparing the pirate. Huh. Hope it doesn't bite us in the back." The Lyseni said, as he still stood tall. <<"Just be careful. Honour is double edged." >>The lyseni reminded in Valyrian.
Aerion paused halfway up the gangplank. He mused a smile at Seran of Lys, his right hand resting on the pommel of his Valyrian steel sword, the other holding the taunt rope of the gangplank. Aerion spoke plainly as he continued to board the Silver Serpent, "Seran, noble Seran of Lys, look around you and see the price of bloodshed. You've fought as a sellsword as long as I have. You have fought all across these disputed lands, and seen first hand what comes from senseless killing and cutting down your foes in anger. Not to mention what happens to non-combatants when that bloodlust takes over both good and bad men." Ser Aerion paused as he stood on the deck of the Silver Serpent, making his way to stand beside Seran. << "Seran, you are a good man and an honorable one too. We all have a chance to make the world a better place, to do what even the most honorable and civilized of our enemies may not. Honor is double edged, because it is a great burden to shoulder. Kings and Queens may move men, Captains bellowing out orders, but so can a man move himself. When it all ends, and we stand before whatever gods we believe in, one can not say 'But I was told by others to do thus,' or virtue was not convenient at the time. Thus can never do, and one only sells themselves short. If I die, I die as an honorable man with a clean concience.">> Aerion finished in Bastard Valyrian. He smiled at Seran, and offered his right hand outwards, as a gesture of both trust and friendship.
"You two always are babbling in your foreign language. I can only wonder what you are saying... perhaps you are planning to marry this princess and that." Lyvia bellowed out, a wide smile upon her face. She snickered with Serona, returning to her conversation with the sellsword captain.
"You killed people for coin. How can you have a clear conscience." Seran spat back, his only blue eye glaring back. "And I did the same. I decided that my sister's happiness weighed more than honour back in Lys. But the thing is...I don't like many unknowns in such a task. It's not because anger, but concern." The Lyseni answered back, folding his arms. He heard the woman's reply altogether, and he frowned. It was impossible to tell, because his face was messed up.
"I'd rather marry you." Seran added. "Unlike princesses you can watch my back." He spat back. "I'm a man of simple aspirations. My sister's happines, and some cozy place to live the end of my days, maybe even a partner. I could even take the wine business even." He sighed. "Do not assume that just because I'm from lys, I will fall for princesses."
Aerion still held his hand out, smiling at his friend who was now a bit angry at a cursory appearance. << "Seran... just because we are sellswords, fighting for gold, does not mean we become evil and vile men. I fought soldiers, I fought fellow sellswords. We are no different from knights or men-at-arms, we all at the end of the day fight for coin, for food, for a place to lay our head out of the elements. I can't speak for everyone in the world, but when a foe layed their weapon down, when a man or woman turned to run, I did not cut them down. I chose what orders to follow, and what orders to disobey. Fighting for coin does not make a man or woman dishonorable, its the actions they commit that determines what guilts weigh upon their concience. You are a good man, choosing a hard life with little last reward in order to give your lady sister a better life. We've all made sacrifices, but our honor and souls do not have to be such.">> Aerion paused, and then returned back to the common tongue of Westeros, "Seran, I appreciate your concern, and see that it is rightfully placed and spoke. I ask you to trust that those that volunteered to guard the Maiden's Men will ensure their loyalty, that the sellswords are deep down good men and women trying to make ends meet and make it home to whatever is waiting for them." Aerion finished replying, letting out a laugh as he and Seran both turned to look at Lyvia down below.
Raising an eyebrow at Seran's comment, Aerion laughed happily, and responded as well to the jeer, "Alas Lady Lyvia, if only you were a princess, a noble lady of refinemet and delicacy... " Aerion laughed again, smiling at his friend below.
Lyvia rolled her eyes, turning away from Serona. Crossing her arms, she replied in kind to both Seran and Aerion. "If only you were bigger Seran. I'm afraid the act of love making would leave you broken and crippled, a man stuck in a wooden wheelchair. I would have to treat you like the lady, dress you in fine clothes and jewelry. You sell yourself short Lyseni. Simple aspirations are lies we tell ourselves that we can settle for. You want a strong stout home and lands, like anyone. A dutiful wife to cook and clean for you, and Gods knows what else." Turning her attention to Aerion, she laughed as she retorted back to her friend. "A princess, really? You can't keep your eyes off of me, even if I was a swineheard, you foolish Valyrian Bastard. I am noble as they come, I just had a murderous rampaging mountain for a father. I wager you are the delicate one, with your pretty hair and purple eyes. You can't handle a woman like me." Lyvia finished, blowing a kiss to both Seran and Aerion, offering a wink to a third person on the Silver Serpent who was standing back aways from the two men.
Layali was a little confused. She hadn't gotten far, still slightly lost in her nostalgic thoughts, but ... Was I just winked at?. She looked behind herself but there was no one there, at least no one who was paying attention at the winking lady.
"Uh..." Well, this was a perfect chance to introduce herself, she reckoned. "I'm assuming that was for me, right?" Still holding on to the bow, she walked over, stopping just a foot or so away from the others. She looked from the woman to the man who wasn't Seran, noting his hair and eye colour. Another Lyseni then? There sure were a lot today.
Seran rolled his eyes as Aerion followed his spiel, finally accepting his hand. "Just please stop the sermon. I get it." He said. Lyvia's jeering however, awoke something in the lyseni, as his hands became hooks, scraping the wood with his nails, and he bit part of his swollen lip, drawing blood. His good eye also narrowed a lot, as he shot a glare first to Aerion. It was more like a plea. Asking the fellow Lyseni to stop him if he went berserk.
But after a few breaths, he said in a low, hoarse voice full of hostility. "I'll just say this once, you dumb Mountain-bitch. Never desire that fate on anyone. My own brother, who is dead now, was crippled from birth. For that, my father beat my mother until she died of her wounds on Lysara's birth. And I took the sword to gut the bastard. But someone beat me to it." He spat, his gaze boring holes in Lyvia's skull.
Aerion shook hands with Seran, happy that at least they could still be friends, even if they did not always see eye to eye. However, it was Lyvia comment that caused him to sigh and start rubbing his face in exasperation. 'Great...' He thought to himself. As Seran began to harshly berate down at Lyvia, Aerion turned to find an attractive woman standing at the railing now. Seran was certainly engaged in his grudge match with Lyvia for the moment, so Aerion bowed to the woman, speaking to her in a friendly tone. "My lady, an honor to meet you. Ser Aerion Goldfyre, at your service." Aerion rose back up, offering a toothy smile in concurrence with his greetings. He turned to look down at Lyvia, who was now also begining to seethe with anger too. He sighed, and listened to her response.
"Oh, I'm not a lady, really." Layali let out a nervous laugh, forcing her focus on the man who called himself Aerion. If he had ever been to Meereen, he would recognize her accent being from there. "I'm Layali, most honoured to meet you as well." She smiled cheerfully at the man, deciding to ignore Seran and the woman for the time being. Thankfully they had moved away so that made it much easier. She wasn't sure what was the matter, but getting so angry couldn't be good for Seran's face.
Aerion smiled at Layali, a soft gentle smile one favors a friend with, or perhaps a close aquaitance. "One does not have to be nobility to be a lady, Lady Layali. Our daily lives can be hard enough, it never hurts to be polite. If I may gander a guess, it sounds like your are of Meereenese decent. What brings you all the way out here to these godless lands? Surely it can't be for the weather, too hot during the summer, and too wet in the winter. Aerion had a few thoughts in his head, as the woman was no doubt attractive, but, best not to assume things. He sighed, casting a look towards Lyvia and Seran, before moving a few more feet away from Seran and his anger.
"Well... you're right, I didn't come here for the weather." Layali's smile wavered slightly, looking away momentarily before looking back at Aerion. "I had left a rather lovely home in Meereen, my destination being King's Landing." Her eyes brightened a little. "It had been my wish since I was small to meet the Queen. Mother had been there, the day Meereen was freed from the masters. So was Father... Anyway, I had left on a ship, heading to King's Landing when pirates attacked. I wasn't killed, thankfully..." Lifting her shoulders in a shrug, Layali tilted her head to the side. "I was brought here instead. I can't even remember how long it has been..." A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "It probably feels longer than it has been."
"I am glad that fate brought us here then, to help you gain your freedom. I am sorry for the ordeals you had to suffer under these criminal and vile men. Lady Layali, one day, events like you experience will hopefully become distant memories and bed time tales told to scare children, rather than true fears." Aerion turned his head, and sighed, turning back to Layali, and speaking with her, "Looks like Seran and my friend and at eachother's throats, lucky us..." Aerion dismissed himself for a moment to look at the events unfolding.
Lyvia walked away from the others, standing at the edge of the docks, looking up at Seran with her cool steely blue eyes. Her hands rested on her hips, standing defiantly looking up at the Lyseni man full of hostility. She spoke in a fearsome tone, tinged with anger as well, "Call me dumb Mountain-bitch to my face, little man. Come down from your high horse and stand in front of me. Life is a cruel mistress, she fucks everyone raw, and then spits on your roast chicken before pissing on the floor. You had a family, consider yourself lucky. Not everyone even has that, a family, even if its all fucked and broken." Lyvia turned to look to Aerion, seeing him gesturing to her to shut up and cut it short. Sighing, and rolling her eyes with a snort, she spoke in a more reserved tone towards Seran, "I am sorry for your brother and your mother. I bid you good night, little Lyseni man, besides, it seems you have the company of another lovely lady with you two princess chasers." Lyvia then smiled, looking at the woman who came to the railing, and spoke to her in a more friendly tone, "Don't let these two dolts bore you. If you want some good conversation, don't hesitate to pay me a visit."
"Well if you insist, I surely won't." Layali looked to the lady, gifting her with a smile. It seemed whatever had those two riled up had been quelled, which was hopefully a good thing. "Lovely to make your acquaintance, my Lady. I'm known as Layali." It was something of a relief, not having to turn on her fake charm that had been a necessity at the brothel. She could simply be herself, for better or for worse.
Seran eyed Lyvia's angry expression with a cold sneer. Good, that lesson stung, even if she went with that spiel. And then she suddenly cut short, before anything else happened. He turned to look Aerion. Maybe he had rattled her leash? Still an apology was an apology, and Seran breathed deep, hand in the rail.
And he jumped down in a single leap, rolling to absorb the fall, right next to Lyvia Clegane, showing off that not everything about his ability to fight relied in swordplay. His good eye stared at hers. "Apology accepted. I'm sorry for calling you names aswell." He thought.
"But this isn't over, you know." Seran added, glaring once more. "We shall settle this like proper mercenaries. A showdown, staking our lives." He paused. "I'll drink you under the table, anytime."
Lyvia stood perfectly still as Seran lept down from the ship to the docks, the Lyseni man rolling to his feet before her. She looked downwards at him, with his own eyes looking up at her. She surpressed the urge to smile, as Seran spoke to her. An apology on his part, though it was followed with a drinking challenge. 'Lucky me...' Lyvia thought to herself, before she spoke to Seran with bravado, "I bet you would like that, wouldn't you little Lyseni man, me under the table, by your little sausage. You best be ready to be down on your knees under the table, looking at whats between my legs. You will never out drink me, little man. I accept your foolhardy challenge, and look forward to having to carrying you home like a little lamb. Till next time, Seran Little man of Lys." Lyvia then smiled slightly, moving her right hand to try and jostle Seran's left shoulder, before she stalked off to the front of the line with the sellswords. As she walked away from Seran, she looked over her shoulder to call out to Layali, "Layali... a pretty name for a pretty lady. I hope you enjoy the same things as myself, and perhaps some mulled wine if it fancies you. I hope to see you around, Lady Layali..." Lyvia winked to Layali, before turning and walking out of range.
"Well that's nice of you to say!" Layali smiled and waved as she watched the lady walk off. "I hope so as well!" So far it looked like the men here were respectable enough, and the woman beautiful. Freedom was looking better as time passed.
She turned to look up at Aerion, smile still on her face. "What was her name, Ser?"
"That, Lady Layali, is none other than Lady Lyvia Clegane, my friend, sparing partner, and lovely food taster of meals that I cook. Since she can't cook worth a shit. She is one hell of a fighter though, and has a wonderful singing voice. Anything else you would like to know about her?" Aerion asked with a smile.
"I think that should be enough," Layali replied with a small giggle. "If I know everything, then what will I have to talk to her about. Besides... it's rude if I don't speak of the person who is standing right before me. It may be too soon to say, but I do hope to make friends with you all... or at least be on friendly terms." A mischievous smile brightened her face. "Especially one who knows to cook!"
"Then I was glad to have been able to give you a few bits of information about Lady Lyvia. You would probably enjoy her company, she really is rather nice and pleasent once you get past the whole angry exterior." Aerion laughed along with Layali. He offered out his hands in a friendly manner, a clasped handshake of sorts. "Well, you are in luck, if you wish to be a friend with myself and Lyvia, I can cook like no other, I promise you that. You'll never go hungry and look at a meal and think, 'I can't eat this... it'll kill me.' One can never have too many friends my lady. I must bid you goodnight. I have to collect my affects, and be on my way. We all need to get some sleep and rest for the days to come. Lyvia is an early riser too, if that is of any use to you. My lady." Ser Aerion bowed low to Layali, awaited a response if any, then left to grab his affects and mosey on back to the docks, and from there, to the Maiden's Men's ship.
"Well, the last thing I'd want is to die due to food." Layali couldn't help but chuckle at that. "To be honest, that could very well happen in a place like Stepstones. I wonder if it's the same for King's Landing?" She hmm'd for a moment, tapping her chin with her finger in thought. "I suppose I shall find out when I reach there." There was certainly excitement in that thought, clear from the grin on her face.
"Of course," she replied with a nod. "I hope you have a restful sleep, Ser." She smiled and waved as Aerion walked off before deciding she may as well rest too. It had been a long day for her as well.
Of course, things can never be easy. As Ser Aerion walked, he came to the stark realization that he had left behind his recipe book, or scrolls, whatever it was, in the ship's galley. Sighing, and chastising himself, Aerion turned back around, telling the few remaining guards and sellswords he would catch back up with them once he grabbed his recipes for all the food dishes he made. Aerion broke into a run, and made his way back to the Silver Serpent, clambering up the gangplank and making his way to the galley below decks of the ship. They were where he had left them, sitting on a pantry shelf, neatly tied up and waiting for him to take them with him to his next cooking area, wherever that may be. Aerion opened his rucksack, and packed the culinary knowledge away, reshoulder his pack, before turning around to find himself face to face with Lady Merebelle Gray. "Lady Gray, is it? An honor to meet you... how are you tonight? I hope you wound is healing nicely, you fought well those few days ago."
"Yes, I am. I apologise for not being able to help," said Lady Gray. Still having her main arm bandaged up and doing fine in healing.
No infection either, so it meant that she would make a full recovery soon.
Aerion nodded his head in aknowledgement. He spied the bandaged arm as Lady Gray held it in view. "No need to apologize for resting your arm up and healing. You took wounds in battle, no one would ever slight you for remaining here to guard the ship and ensure you're fully recovered for the next battle. Wouldn't want anyone coming here and stealing our means of escape and travel." Aerion shifted the rucksack on his back, fixing it to be more center on his person. He looked about the relatively empty room, and then back to Lady Gray. "What brings you to the galley this time of night?"
"Standing watch. Better than trying to sleep amongst several dozen men. What about you? Why are you suddenly back here? I was under the assumption you guys were going to be gone for some time now," she said.
"Speaking of time. How long will we be being here? I am barely informed on what you guys are doing at all."
Aerion motioned to his rucksack, and then to a shelf behind him. "I guess it is better to be on watch than in the stuffy bunk areas. I had forgotten my reciepe books here, for cooking. I can't exactly leave behind those family treasures, not to mention it would make creating certain meals a bit harder. But yes, I was a fool and forgot my secrets and tricks to making delectable meals for my friends and myself." Aerion moved to take a seat at one of the benches. He beckoned for Lady Gray to join him. He collected his thoughts for a moment before speaking once more.
"To be honest, I was as much in the dark as you were up until a few hours ago. I knew like you that a shore party had been sent into both the town and to the keep. From what some of the other soldiers relayed, those that went to the keep killed the local pirate lord, while the other folks went to a brothel and sellsword hideaway. The brothel bunch picked a fight with a pirate crew, and capture its leader, while the hideaway detachment made buddy buddy with the sellswords to gleen information from its captain." Aerion paused, taking a breath, before continuing.
"You were here when the ship was attacked, I guess that was from the remaining pirates of the brothel pirate captain they captured. The Crown Prince devised a plan to defeat the sellswords. Your companion, Ser Ellion, apparently was quite the deadly swordsman, from what I saw and those that were with him said. The Lyseni man, Seran, he volunteered to disguise himself as the Crown Prince, and Lady Visenya took him as a captive to the sellsword hideaway. While you remained with a few others to guard the ship, the loyalists stormed the sellsword's base, The Maiden's Men. We defeated the sellswords, got them to yield rather than be butchered. The plan is to head for some link up point with the rest of the rebel forces. For now, we are still going to ride under the fog, pretending to be pirates and sellswords loyal to this Scorpion Rebel Leader. I myself, and others, have been detailed to guard the remaining Maiden's Men, as they have the connections we need to get closer to ending this rebellion. I think that about sums it all up, though it wouldn't hurt to pick your companion Ser Ellion's brain, word is you two are somewhat 'close'." Aerion said the last word with a bit of aprehension, but finished what he had to say to Lady Gray. He looked at her to see if she had any more questions or concerns of her own.
"Speaking of Ser Ellion. How is he doing? Or what is he rather doing?" asked Gray, as she sat down next to him.
"I mean, it gets rather boring here alone - while the other guys are around, they are mostly busy sleeping and nursing their wounds.
"Ser Ellion... to be honest, I don't know. He is alive, breathing, and being his normal self from what I have seen and heard. He certainly seems to enjoy kill, among his other pursuits. He should be above decks, last time I saw him."
"The joys of being on watch. At least nothing bad has happened, so thats a blessing in of itself."
"I haven't seen him much around here. I thought he had gone with you guys?" asked Gray in reply, look at Aerion. "So how long do you think this will last? Or what has the Crown Prince planned? How long will it take until you reach the hideout of these 'rebels' and deal with them?"
"Will I still be able to add my piece - or at the very least accompany Ser Ellion and make sure, he won't go do something stupid on his free time," she added.
"Ser Ellion Tyrell did march out with us to assault the hideout. He also marched back to the docks and this ship, at least I think he did, hard to miss a man like him." Aerion spoke in a tone of displeasure, as though talking about Ellion was not at the top of his list of enjoyable things.
"As for Crown Prince Aemon's plans, I don't know anything for certain. We will get our marching, or rather sailing orders in the morning. Our destination is South of here, perhaps a few days tops, unless weather slows us down." Aerion paused, then continued after a small shrug, "Rebellions are hard to quell, it seems no sooner you lop the head off one snake, another two take its place."
"Once you are healed, thats your decision to fight or not. And something for you and Ser Ellion Tyrell to discuss... perhaps something you two should speak on sooner rather than later."
"I guess so, where can I find the man in question? I haven't seen him in quite awhile now - and I am not sure, where I might have to go or seek to find him," spoke Merebelle Gray, as she sat with Aerion.
"Do you perhaps happen to know, where he is? I would very much like to go and see him," she said.
"To be honest, I am not sure. He could be at the brothel with the Crown Prince and Lady Greyjoy. Perhaps some of the other men-at-arms may know, they have a fondness for him." Aerion toyed with a wooden plate, before looking back at Lady Gray.
"You should be careful about him, my lady. I can't speak with a certainty, but from what I have heard, he is not the kind of man to be tied down to any one woman... for what its worth."
"For what it is worth Ser Aerion - I also have a dendency to reply to lies and betrayal with utmost harsh force," replied Merebelle Gray. "While I might not ask much, I do ask for fidelity from Ellion Tyrell..."
"Because we are...'supposed' to be half-way engaged. Don't ask...long story," she explained. "The fact of the matter is - if he tries to cheat on my honor or trust, then I will say this. I plan on challenging him to a Trial of Combat...for the crime of being a unfaithful..."
"I know, it sounds strange. A woman demanding that from a man...but I say, why not?`We already are having more and more female knights. Plus a man can accuse a woman of unfaithfulness - why can't I do the same. There isn't any rule against it...last I checked..."
Aerion steepled his fingers before him, nodding to what Lady Gray had said. "Fair enough, Lady Gray. If you've talked to him about such things, then such things have no more need to be discussed. Though, I hope for both your sakes, he remains adherent to his vow or promise to you. From what I have seen during the fight aboard the Grey Ice... you might be the better fighter than him."
"It sounds no less strange than other female warriors, like Lady Brienne of Tarth. Well, the hours draw far later into the night. May I excuse myself to get back to my duties, I have taken up your time enough as it is, my lady. May the Seven guide you, in all that you endeavor."
"You as well, safe travels...and if you see Ser Ellion - tell him to get his butt back here. We need to talk," she spoke, watching Aerion leave - as she soon resumed her patrol around the ship.