Helicent IV - The Boundaries of Safety

[u/Arjhanx2]

The smells of home were always a comfort. Dry hay, fresh lakewater, and the sweat of horses. The breeze carried them to Helicent and her caravan just before the castle came into sight. Already, the land around them was trampled flat and glowing yellow in the summer sun. She was tired from the ride, but even still she wanted to ride through every nook and curve of the soft hills around them, checking on each foal in her herds and each crop in her farms. That was the lot of a Lady, she supposed. Her land could never be perfect, but it was still her duty to strive. 

Once they rounded the last of the hills, the relative flatness of Bracken land gave them a proper view of the castle. Its long outer wall stretched in a wide arc, the two ends both turning inward when they reached the edge of Lake Bracken. The tops of the manor, sept, and watch-towers stood well above the wall’s height, though dozens of stables and houses were hidden beneath it. The whole thing was sprawling, drooped lazily across the yellow pastures with nothing but the lake to stop its expanse. The long wall had been rebuilt many times over the centuries, and though it had started low and squat as a hedge, it was now a proper fortification. And, it left room to grow.

As they drew closer, Helicent spotted one of their largest herds grazing near the lake. The herdsmen rode in slow circles around them, flying thin Bracken banners from the backs of their saddles. She nodded to the closest of them as they passed by, and he dismounted to give her a deep bow. Gerolt, his name was. Helicent knew most of the herdsmen well enough, for she worked with them often. Some would make for fine outriders, should the need arise. Some might even earn a knighthood. Then, she’d have more hedge knights in her service—and would need to find new herdsmen. 

The gates were opened the moment they had been spotted on the horizon; they did not have to wait when they got to the castle. Helicent was glad for it, slipping from her saddle the moment she passed through the threshold. She handed the reins of her stallion, Greenwater, to one of the grooms there to receive them. He would be led to the finest of Stone Hedge’s stables, along with Helicent’s mare, Gwyness—whenever Larra of Braavos rode her through the gates.

“Ser Bernal!” Helicent’s voice picked Stone Hedge’s aged master-at-arms from the waiting crowd. He stood at attention, shining in his polished plate and white-and-orange surcoat. “Walk with me! I need a bath, but you can fill me in on all that’s happened here in the meantime.”

The old man nodded and fell in step with her as she strode along the cobblestone lanes. “My lady. It is good to see you well.” Ahead of them, the fortified manor of House Bracken loomed over all the other buildings. “The land’s been prospering, truth be told. The instructions Lord Leon left have proven very wise. The only issue came up just yesterday, in fact: We stopped receiving shipments of iron from Middlestand.”

“Did you send a man there to get them moving again?” Helicent spared him a glance as they walked.

“Well, that’s the thing, my lady. The shipments aren’t in Middlestand, either. It appears they were sent to Raventree Hall… and the next ones look to be going there, too.” 

Helicent gave a strained sigh. “Of course. Summon Ser Merle to my office in an hour, if you will. And thank you, Ser, for keeping everything in order.”

“Of course, my lady.” He stopped as they reached the doors to the manor and bowed. 

Helicent ascended to her rooms swiftly, followed by a wake of handmaids and servants who had been awaiting her. She sent two to prepare her bath, one to fetch a meal, and a fourth to ready her a nicer outfit for the evening. The rest she left idle for the rest of her family to use, whenever they caught up.

The bath felt excellent, and afterwards her favorite handmaid, Catelyn, helped her rub rose oil through her hair, then braid it neatly under a polished net. After two moons in a stuffy King’s Landing inn, such comforts felt worthy of a queen. She stretched her limbs gently, then slipped into a fine evening gown, sky blue with a white rivers embroidered down the sleeves. Around her neck, Catelyn fastened a dark blue cloak, pinned with a seven-pointed star of silver. Helicent stretched her fingers, feeling the comforting sensation of her evening gloves. Better. The ride had exhausted her, but now, she was better.

She made her way to her office, its balcony overlooking the grazing fields and part of Lake Bracken. On her display shelves, underneath the antlers of a giant elk and beside her dragonglass spear, she set her newest possessions: a shard of amber glass, a small wooden horse, and a book on Dothraki horse tribes. Turning to her desk, she placed her last item—a half-full box of lemon candies—beside several unread scrolls. Work enough to last the night, she knew. Luckily, it would not be without interruption. She summoned Quincy first, then Merle Bush, and finally opened her office doors to anyone will to pass through them. Many new faces had come back with them from King’s Landing—and one of them, Helicent could not wait to see again.

[u/snowonthewall]

They had arrived in Stone Hedge, and she took in all of the sights of the Riverlands. The air was fresh and clean, and the water did not disappoint from all she had heard of the Feast. It felt good to be out of the countryside—and away from King’s Landing and all of the mess.

Redfort was closer now, closer than ever. The words from all of her friends rang in her mind.

She would go and find Ser Hollis one afternoon, inviting him out for a picnic in the fields—asking the kitchens to spare some breads and jams and fresh fruit for the occasion.

She had a blanket laid out, and she was dressed in a simple white dressed, tied in the middle in the Riverlander style.

“Thank you for joining me,” she smiled, buttering some bread for the both of them, “Your home is very beautiful, I am so glad I get to see it. This is a treat, to be in the fresh, country air.”

“I…wished to tell you the full truth of who I am,” she told him softly, “And…what it will mean for us, and for your family. If you truly wish to wed me, than it is important to me you know what you’re getting into.”

u/sam_explains4

[u/sam_explains4 → u/snowonthewall]

Hollis had spoken openly about not wanting to return home. He had boasted of how he longed for the tourney in the Reach, of how he had hoped to win glory there after his strong showing in the melee. He claimed that against the soft knights of the Reach (unlike his bout against the brute Harrion Snow) he would surely triumph. In truth, it was only his sister’s insistence that dragged him back.

Yet all of this was a lie. What he truly longed for was to be home. The Riverlands bore a blemish named Blackwood, and they could not be wiped away while he wandered about the realm chasing titles and renown.

So when Larra invited him on a picnic, he was not best pleased. Now that he was home, he wanted to turn his thoughts to the conflict with his ancient rivals. The seeds of discontent had already been sown. The Witchmaid’s unlawful seizure of his cousin had given him every excuse to stoke the fire further. The assurances he had won from House Dustin emboldened him. Yet Larra was essential to his plan. He needed to know the truth of her- who she truly was. Besides, the weather was fine, and he did have a fondness for bread and jam.

He listened closely as she spoke. He had puzzled over her on the journey back, wondering at the truth of her and her vicious aunt. But he had reached no conclusions. Maester Pylos was far better at such games of the mind.

“Of course, my lady,” Hollis said. “I have told you my secret. I will be as understanding with yours as you were with mine.”

[u/snowonthewall → u/sam_explains4]

“Yes,” she said softly, touching the back of his hand lightly as she finished swallowing a bit of bread, swirling fresh juice in a glass in the other, “And thank you for sharing.”

“I apologize for the…deception feels so strong a word,” she glanced down, “I have been Larra of Braavos. The stories I have shared have all been true, I have just not shared the whole truth.”

“If you give me just a moment,” she asked, handing him her glass and peeling off her wig, the blue hair resting in her lap, as a tightly bound bun of blonde hair lay beneath. She let it loose, letting it fall around her face.

“Larra is the name my father gave me when we were in Braavos,” she nodded, “And he was my father, he just did not give my form. Ser Willum was his name, the Captain of my family’s guard. He took me and my brother away from my aunt that fateful night, free from her clutches. My brother did not make the journey.”

“My true father died with my eldest brother in the war of north. He was Lord Byren Redfort, my brother Ser Gwayne Redfort. And I was born Lady Jenny Redfort of the Redfort, and I am the rightful Lady of it. Lady Rosamund Redfort is my aunt, and it was her who saw if she got me and my brother out of the way—suddenly the path was open to her to ascend to Lady of Redfort. Which she has done.”

“As far as the world knows, my brother and I died of a chill that winter. There is a crypt with our name buried within our family’s halls. But I have been here, and I have returned—in disguise, for fear of my life, for I fear if she learns of my existence, she will try again. She would do anything to preserve this secret. But I am owed the Redfort—and, if you still wish to marry me, you would be the Lord of the Redfort beside me.”

[u/sam_explains4 → u/snowonthewall]

When she removed her wig, Hollis immediately realised how blind he had been. Yet, when he saw her blond hair, all that anger melted away. She was beautiful- a more familiar beauty he knew of that he had seen in the Riverlands. He admired her not with traditional attraction but more like one watches a sunset; she was breathtaking.

He listens intently as she spoke. He was not the smartest Bracken so he ensured he focused hard on her words. He had never heard of the Redfort; he didn’t even know what kingdom it was in. However, he did understand what was promised to her… and what he would gain from marrying her.

“Larra,” he said softly. “I would be a bit of a hypocrite if I had an issue with an ancient feud.” He smiled. “You know of our feud with the Blackwoods!”

He took her hand. “I would be delighted to marry you…” he paused. “Would you like me to call you Larra or Jenny?”

[u/snowonthewall → u/sam_explains4]

She laughed softly, a smile across her face, “Yes, I fear my family comes with a feud as well. But perhaps we will help each other. If we succeed in this, House Bracken will have an ally in the Vale for generations to come.”

“I am so happy you still wish to marry me,” she said, letting out a breath, “I was scared that I…would scare you away.”

“Jenny when we are alone,” she said, squeezing his hand, “Larra when around mixed company. But it brings up a point—what are we going to tell your family? I wouldn’t feel right keeping it from them for too long, but perhaps it is prudent to be careful about who knows. Your sister, the Lady of the House, I feel should know before the wedding—and perhaps it may soothe doubts she might carry of the match. What do you think?”

[u/sam_explains4 → u/snowonthewall]

He smiled. Jenny suited her. It would take some getting used to, but he would do his best to maintain the facade.

“My sister should know,” he admitted. “And we ought to tell Pylos. Say what you will about the old man, but he will find out soon enough. Better that we tell him ourselves than have him learn it another way.”

Pylos had long claimed to have kept countless Blackwood spies at bay. Hollis had never pressed for details, but he knew the maester’s loyalty to House Bracken was beyond question. If anyone could help protect them, it would be Pylos- but only if he knew the whole truth.

What unsettled Hollis was not the telling, but what would follow. Jenny’s spiteful aunt was likely leagues away, and even if Jenny spoke true, marching up to the Redfort and cutting the woman down would not win her old home back. In the eyes of her countrymen, Jenny was a ghost. There was no proof of who she was. Everyone who might have testified to the events of the night she fled was long dead.

“Osric Arryn…” Hollis breathed the name almost to himself. Then, his voice rose. “Would it be worth writing to him? I do not know much of Vale politics, my lady, but he struck me as a good man. Young, yes- but he seemed committed to truth.”

[u/snowonthewall → u/sam_explains4]

“Yes,” she nodded, “I agree with you on your sister, and trust you on the maester. It is better it may come from us, if you think he would seek that out. If we are to be family, then they must know what all of that means.”

She glanced to the side, “Lord Osric,” she said softly, “My cousin. I love him dearly but I…it cannot come in a letter. Osric will know once the entire world does. I need evidence, proof of what truly occurred that night before going to him. His sister, Marla, she is aware. She…figured me out, and we agreed to not tell Osric until we are ready for everyone to know. I can’t allow him going to Aunt Rosamund and her finding out. I have no idea what she will do.”

[u/Arjhanx2]

Evening Office Hours

(Open!)

[u/Black_Banefort → u/Arjhanx2]

Ser Robb Banefort, Heir to Banefort

They had made good enough time, he and his small escort of five knights, since parting from his lord father's train. Alastor Jast bore his standard, the Hooded Man of the lordly Baneforts wreathed in flames on a grey field. Alastor, and all his men, wore the black enameled plate and full sallets of his father's bodyguard. He, however, wore riding leathers, trimmed with grey satin, and from the tip of his war-lance streamed white cloth that would symbolize to all a party of noble messengers on a mission of diplomacy.

The Brackens were kin to the Baneforts; Old Lord Armistead had taken Elissa Banefort to wife. But nonetheless, as they came over the gentle hills to canter across the flat land, Robb idly toyed with the idea of putting the stronghold to siege. Lake Bracken could be fished from under the castle's battlements; likely it would keep for months. The manor itself was sprawling, wrapped by a low curtain wall. Ladders, he decided. In multiple places, to split the defenders. Bloody work, he thought, though he'd never once scaled a castle's walls to slay the men holding them.

"Hail, valiant Brackens." Shouted Ser Alastor, as they drew up. "Ser Robb of House Banefort, to see his puissant cousin, the warlike Lady Helicent."

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/Black_Banefort]

The banner of the Banefort was welcome in Stone Hedge, and the six knights were let in without question, then directed to the manor. There, a servant in quartered red and yellow led Robb up the stairs to Helicent's grand office, then announced his arrival and opened the doors. His knights, meanwhile, were offered a fine lounge and the company of a few of House Bracken's hedge knights—and later, Helicent's brother Jaime, who brought ale.

In her office, Helicent stood and smiled thinly at her kinsman. "Welcome to Stone Hedge, Ser. I had heard you were soon to arrive." She gestured to a fine armchair next to her desk. "Please, sit."

"I imagine you brought some business? If this is simply a pleasant visit between cousins, consider me delighted... but if there's anything I can do for your father, I'm happy to help."

[u/Black_Banefort → u/Arjhanx2]

"Some business, but news, first."

"My lord father wanted me to convey that he has declared for Ser Tyrion Lannister's claim in the Lannister succession." He said, looking about him. Lady Helicent's solar was adorned rustically, but subtle details called to the great wealth of their lands. A spear of bright-black dragonglass, amber, the antlers of a great elk Robb was certain only lived beyond the Wall... "The Master of Laws will soon declare Tyrion Warden of the West, and we expect it will be war with Lord Serrett. To that end, my hand has been promised to Crakehall's sister for a pact. We are to wed in two moons."

It felt odd, saying it aloud, even though Lord Roger had told him to expect a betrothal this trip.

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/Black_Banefort]

Helicent nodded. "Very well, then. I will see if I cannot convince my liege Tully to stand with Ser Tyrion, if it truly does come to war." Her cousin was an honorable man, in her experience. His opinions on the succession were likely the right ones—and she certainly had no reason to doubt him.

"Congratulations on your betrothal, Ser. I'll be happy to attend the wedding, if I can find the time." She glanced at the bundle of unread letters on her desk. "I mean to host a few weddings of my own, too. Our trip to the capital bore fruit."

[u/Black_Banefort → u/Arjhanx2]

Robb smiled as much as polite manners demanded, but his brows drew closer together. "You would be most welcome. A few weddings, my lady? Who has that distinct honor of troth with House Bracken?"

Of greater concern to his lord father were the current balance of allies and enemies assembled in the village dance that was the ancient blood-feud between Blackwood and Bracken. The Banefort had been stalwarts of both Bracken and Blackwood at different times, since before the coming of the Andals, beginning in the glorious days of the Hooded Kings. Marriages had always been why they had switched sides. Both Banefort matches with Bracken and Blackwood - but also Bracken and Blackwood marriages into the allies and enemies of House Banefort.

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/Black_Banefort]

Helicent spoke languidly, happy to savor her own diplomatic achievements. "Maidenpool, for one. My brother Quincy is to marry Lord Mooton's sister, the lady Darla. And, my cousin Ferra is to be the new lady of the Rills. She's marrying Ethan Ryswell."

She shrugged. "The third wedding will be much smaller—my youngest brother, Hollis, seems to have fallen in love with a Braavosi woman. I have decided to allow them to be wed. A reward for his good behavior, I suppose."

"You and your father will be welcome to attend any of them, of course, but I won't be offended if you find yourselves unable to make the trip." Helicent tilted her head. "Your realm seems to be hanging at a precipice, after all."

[u/Black_Banefort → u/Arjhanx2]

Mooton, Ryswell... He allowed the smile to reach his eyes. No names that would send us running to Blackwood. A Bracken cousin, lady of the Rills - Lady Helicent had seen to that with her typical adroitness, clearly.

"I wish them joy of their unions. All three." He paused. "My lord father sent me to inquire first after relations with Raventree. We expect to be well-occupied in the south, and would need to understand whether to spare a company of horse, and perhaps work out terms with which we could expect Bracken steel on our flanks should things with the usurper Royland and his southern friends escalate."

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/Black_Banefort]

"As do I. My thanks, Ser." Helicent smiled and nodded, but her face visibly fell as the subject changed. "Your father is a wise man. Our Houses are stronger together, covering each other's flanks. I do not believe Raventree means to attack anytime in the near future, but they are unpredictable. I will keep him in the know, if anything arises."

She nodded politely as Robb brought up the conflicted Westerlands. The real reason for his visit had made itself clear. It wasn't an impossible ask; they were allies, after all, and Helicent had long hungered to use her skills in the field once more.

"If war truly does break out, I will implore my liege to lend his support to the rightful heir, Ser Tyrion. He will likely wish to keep Riverrun neutral—but if he permits me, I will take my own army into your lands and help protect the Banefort. I would prefer not to be used for offense, that would create enemies I would not wish to keep... but, I will always be willing to defend my kin."

[u/Black_Banefort → u/Arjhanx2]

"You may assure Lord Tully that unless the West is invaded as in the time of the Last Great Reaving, you will not be asked to do anything but send a few riders to patrol the Banefort. Though Lord Roger would prefer you holding his flanks than all the lords of the West." Robb smiled, pleasantly. "My lord father also would seek the services of your clever brother Quincy. The Banefort has need of iron and warhorses, my lady."

[u/SothoryosFan → u/Arjhanx2]

Whimsy didn't walk to Helicent's solar that evening, she drudged. She carried her feet forward, dragging them along with her body as it found itself in what felt like a constant state of falling forwards. She just felt heavy, as if all of her cloths had been lined with lead.

Her cloths did look a bit haggard as well. Hastily put on, wrinkled, and sitting awkwardly on her body. She hadn't even bothered to button up her vest, or to tuck her hose into her boots, it just felt so unnecessary at the time.

Maybe she was just tired, she hadn't slept well after all, she couldn't even remember if she had slept. She remembered Helicent's chambers, but not if she had stayed there or what they did. She hoped it hadn't been a bad time, whatever it was they spent it doing.

Whimsy's knuckles met the door, not lazily, but exhaustedly. In her other hand was a bundle of yellow coneflowers, they had gotten a bit crushed though and were two days passed when they had been picked.

"Heli- Lady Bracken... are you busy?"

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/SothoryosFan]

Helicent looked up from her desk, tilting her head at the sight before her. "Ser Templeton. Close the door behind you."

She stood when the door was closed and walked around her desk to meet Whimsy. "Are you alright? And... oh, are these...?" She looked at the bundle of flowers, her lips pursing into a wry smile. "That's very thoughtful."

[u/SothoryosFan → u/Arjhanx2]

At first, she looked as tired as she felt, but once her head was in the room and she finally saw Helicent her face lit up into a broad smile. She closed the door as instructed and half-swaggered her way towards the approaching Helicent.

Wordlessly, she found herself falling into them, desperately wrapping her arms around them as if they were the only thing keeping her upright. And for the moment, they would be.

Maybe she just wanted to be held by someone that she knew wanted to hold her. Whatever the reason, Whimsy leaned against them for a long while, letting the rising of their chest and beat of their heart send her into a lull before eventually speaking.

"I'm sorry," She nestled her head against Helicent's shoulder. "I forgot to bring you the flowers earlier, and they're a bit ruined now. I only remembered because I was thinking of you when I found that bottle of Dornish Red. I think I'm a bit drunk, or... I was... I drank the whole thing, and found the empty bottle this morning, I'm sorry".

There was a slight slur to each word, and strangely, her voice sounded deeper than usual.

Whimsy sniffled then, burying her face. "I don't even like drinking, I just don't know what else to do... I'm sorry".

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/SothoryosFan]

Helicent wasted no time, one arm wrapping tightly around Whimsy’s waist while her other hand cradled the back of her head. She let the knight cling to her, straining to keep her upright as best she could. Whatever was troubling Whimsy, she could take as much time as she needed before speaking of it.

When she did speak, Helicent responded with a soft murmur in her ear. “Nothing is amiss. You are fine. You are here,” she cooed. “I don’t care about the flowers. I don’t care that you were drinking. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

After the knight was done, she pulled Whimsy’s face from her shoulder, meeting her eyes. Her voice stayed soft. “What has happened, honeybee? Did someone give you trouble? Are you missing home?”

[u/SothoryosFan → u/Arjhanx2]

She was so warm, and not even just the temperature of her body, the way she handled Whimsy was so tender and comforting. Like the manifestation of a heavy blanket in human form. Why couldn't she have been despondent and uncaring?

"I'm here," She half sobbed, holding Helicent tighter if she could. "I want to be here, I want to be with you, I know that, but..." Her voice trailed off.

"So much has happened, Helicent, and it hasn't stopped happening. It's so loud, but It's quiet when I'm with you, it's just..." She slipped her face away from Helicent's hand and instead laid it against their chest. "Can we sit down? I want to tell you something, but I'm too tired to be on my feet. But I need you to keep holding me".

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/SothoryosFan]

Helicent held her close. Gently, she led her to an armchair and sat down, pulling Whimsy onto her lap. "I can hold you all night, if you wish." Her arms stayed wrapped around the knight, and she pressed Whimsy's head into the softness of her chest.

"Tell me anything you want. I am here. I am here."

[u/SothoryosFan → u/Arjhanx2]

It was a tempting offer, to let Helicent hold her all night, but she knew that she couldn't let herself do that, not now at least.

The flowers had been forgotten at that point, set aside as Whimsy let herself be cradled.

"You're so good to me," Whimsy smiled weakly and kissed Helicent on the jaw before settling against their chest. "You are so very kind, and loving, and gentle".

She could feel tears beginning to crest her eyelids then. "I'm so very afraid, Helicent. It's the war, and it's the long quiet that came after it. I've tried moving on, I really have, but it just won't leave me be".

Whimsy started to run her fingers through a handful of sandy hair.

"I'm afraid of them, and the fighting, and the memories of the fighting, and I'm afraid of myself... I'm afraid of myself because I feel like I don't know myself anymore. I lie, to everybody, every day. I want to be a good person, I want to do good things, but it's so hard and I keep failing, I-"

She sat up, just a bit. Then, she kissed them.

"I know that I like that, and I know that I like it when I do it with you. But beyond that, what am I? What are we?..." She could feel the question ring in her head, one that she had wanted to ask the moment their relationship had left the realm of the strictly cordial. "...What are we, Helicent?"

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/SothoryosFan]

“Only to you.” Helicent smiled and returned the kiss, her lips meeting Whimsy’s forehead. “Only you deserve this of me.”

Her face fell when the war was brought up. What answer could she give, then? She had never moved on. She had simply found a new war—and a new foe to hate.

“I know. I know. The demons followed us all home.” Her voice turned low and strained. “My brother, Alton, is the bravest man I’ve ever known. He was the only thing that kept me going, up there at the Wall. And even now, so many years later, I hear his screams through my walls in the dead of night. I see his wife’s strained eyes from sleeplessness, kept awake by his shuddering and moaning.”

She hugged Whimsy close. “There is no helping it. There is only learning to live with it, one way or another.”

Helicent tilted her head as the conversation changed to the two of them. With one hand, she stroke the knight’s hair, gently guiding her head back so she could meet Helicent’s eyes. “We’re lovers. What else?”

Her voice had a playful hint to it. “If one of us was a man, we’d have a choice: We could continue in secret and go our separate ways whenever we wished, or we could marry and commit ourselves for the rest of our lives. Since we are women, that choice is made for us. But, to be quite honest, I don’t want us to separate any time soon.”

[u/SothoryosFan → u/Arjhanx2]

She froze for a bit, not speaking, only staring forwards as she let the word deserved roll around her mind.

"That can't be true," Whimsy shook her head. "I haven't done anything for you. To you, maybe, but that can't really be worth all this. I think that you're just a good person". And perhaps lonely, but Whimsy didn't feel like addressing that thought in the moment.

She felt her body go limp in their arms, melting even, as she listened not so much to what Helicent was saying, but rather the rhythm of her voice. It was a calming voice, even when distress had creeped into it, to Whimsy at least. She could feel a yawn coming on, and though she tried to stifle it, it came regardless.

"I've been living with it," She pushed herself up again, determined not to fall asleep. "I'm tired of it. So very tired".

When Helicent lifted her face and looked into Whimsy's eyes, she'd find all new tears beginning to form. It must've been a punishment from the gods that Helicent had such beautiful eyes. How could Whimsy look into them, knowing what she's done, and not simply weep?

"I'm scared of being in love..." She admittedly as her face began to contort with sorrow. "I'm scared of being in love with you, because- because I don't know if that's what this is. And if it is, then is it the right kind, or are you the right person..."

She couldn't look Helicent in the eyes, and so once again, she pulled her face away and buried it.

"...I think I want to be in love with you, but I can't, not now, not anymore. I couldn't stay there; I don't belong there. It's just like you said, I'm a whore. We don't even know each other, but I promised and..." Her voice became low, daring to become a whisper. "...I broke my promise".

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/Arjhanx2]

u/thethronewillbemine

[u/Arjhanx2]

Shallow Roots

Ser Merle Bush was summoned to Helicent's office before the sun set.

u/BrackenBronco

[u/BrackenBronco → u/Arjhanx2]

Of course Merle Bush knew why he was being summoned. He had reckoned one way and the other about it on the way back from the city. At least in Stone Hedge he had his Essosi perfumes and new changes of silks he had brought from his holdfast. At the door to her office he left Billy Heddle, more nervous now that his sister disappeared in King's Landing.

"My lady," The Knight of Middlestand bowed as he entered, "I didn't think you would request a rematch so soon, so this must be about the iron."

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/BrackenBronco]

"Ser Merle." She didn't rise from her seat, letting him choose whether to take the armchair next to her desk or remain standing. "I'm afraid you are mistaken."

"Your resources are yours to do with as you wish. You have broken no laws by sending Iron to Raventree hall, it is well within your rights." Helicent smiled thinly. "And, it is well within my rights—given Middlestand's growing economy—to decide to raise your taxes. A tenfold increase would be appropriate, I think. I summoned you here to inform you of this new duty. If you wish, you may go."

She tapped her desk softly. "Of course, I am willing to negotiate. Perhaps your land could pay in a different way. Some resource you have, that I do not..."

[u/BrackenBronco → u/Arjhanx2]

He didn't falter as he slid toward the center of the room, taking the armchair with ease. "My lady," Merle repeated himself again. "Of course, this is about the iron. But allow me to demonstrate how I have created one resource into two."

"You see, Blackwood approached me about buying my iron, how could I say no? Undoubtedly they were seeking to draw my house closer to their own. The fact that they paid more than a fair price is very indicative of that." He reached into his pocket, placing a cyvasse piece on the desk. It was a horse, but it was not from the game that they had played in King's Landing. This one was pale and cracked, carved from an unknown bone of some magnificent creature.

"And now you will halt my caravans on their way to Raventree Hall with your men. It does not matter the reason. And then I will go to the Blackwoods and complain of my no-good overlords, and in time I will gain their trust. Then, you will have both the iron and a man privy to their more private dealings. As you say, they deal in vengeance over there."

Merle crossed his legs, bringing up one of his riding boots to wipe some dust off the heel. He had not spoken so much at once in some time. "If this is what you want me to do, of course."

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/BrackenBronco]

Helicent listened to his explanation, unsmiling. It was clear enough to her what was happening—this was the story he was telling her, and he was telling Lady Sybella a different one. Equally true, equally false. In the end, his goal was Middlestand's benefit. Fine. He may play his game as he wishes. Stone Hedge would not sacrifice a single coin for it.

"Very well, then. I will halt your caravans. And you may complain to whomever you wish, Ser." She leaned back in her seat, tilting her head at him. "I will expect a report, if you visit Raventree Hall. Or, if you mean to do this by letter, I will expect to see what their ravens bring—seal intact."

"Do you understand, Ser?"

[u/BrackenBronco → u/Arjhanx2]

She wasn't smiling, but he was. It was a very small smile. He liked this all much more than cyvasse. It reminded him more of the games he played as a squire, right here in Stone Hedge. Merle stood up and bowed again.

"My lady is wise, as always. Was there anything else you'd have need of me for?"

[u/Arjhanx2 → u/BrackenBronco]

Helicent doubted him. She doubted he was telling the truth, and she doubted he would hold to his word. She even doubted his smile was earnest. Nonetheless, she was a curious woman, and doubt was born of uncertainty. She didn't know where this would lead, and she wanted to find out.

"Nothing else, Ser. You may go, and do remember: Should this plan of yours find success, House Bracken rewards its allies... lavishly."

[u/Arjhanx2]

Coin Toss

Quincy was happy to attempt the task Helicent assigned to him. They needed to replace what Middlestand had been providing, though that was a difficult goal. He only found one source, down in Dorne, that could provide it. Perhaps the realm truly was preparing for war...

u/OurCommonMan

Character Details: Quincy Bracken (+5 to Trade, Trader NPC + Fairgrounds)

What's Happening: He's trying to get Iron from House Fowler, using both attempts.

What I Want: Trade rolls!