The year is 286 AC. King Jaehaerys II has just passed, leaving the throne without a rightful ruler. While his three children fight for the crown, Winter creeps closer, and unimaginable darkness looms.
Not all alliances will be so typical this time. In fact, many people have a crucial effect on the way this story is told. As for the ending, we only hope there are enough people left alive to tell it after its passed.
Events
Join us for our first event, the wake of recently deceased King Jaehaerys II.
Updates
AUG. 19: So we are now officially open to the public. We have a mini-event flashback thread going on, and our main event just began. Feel free to make a second canon if you can keep both of them active enough.
Don't hesitate in pestering staff with questions; it's what we're here for! Let's raise a glass and make a cheer toward a successful launch of Winds of Winter.
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Oct 2, 2017 5:42:59 GMT
282 AC
It had been months since Aerys met Daresso at the Red Temple of Volantis. Though the moves they made had yet to play out, their machinations would remain as such until years down the line. Even now, they were still putting together the pieces of a grand puzzle that was not yet ready to fall into place.
Aerys stood still as members of the Second Sons checked his person for any dangerous equipment. He was allowed to remain armed, as was Daresso and his guards, so long as they were well aware of what weapons they carried on their persons. It was clear that these hired swords didn't feel threatened by them. The two had came to meet with a young and ambitious ambassador from Volantis. Though he claimed to be a devout follower of R'hllor, as anyone with any Volantis citizen with political dreams would, he had voiced his concerns about the Red Priest's growing presence and influence. Daresso would not only ease those concerns but back the man in his future race for a seat among the ruling council of Volantis: the triumvirate.
That man was nowhere in sight, though. Only a woman barking orders to the mercenaries charged with protecting him. Aerys exchanged a glance with the High Priest and approached the purple haired girl.
"I take it you're their captain." Aerys said, having familiarized himself with how the famous mercenary companies of Essos were structured during his time in the Red Temple's library. "For a woman to be in such a position..." Aerys began, his voice flat and lacking a tone of disrespect that one would assume would accompany such words. "You must be quite dangerous." Aerys said, raising his violet eyes to meet with hers. "What's the going rate for the Second Sons these days? Protection is a bit dull—I can put mercenary talent to real use. When I have the coin, that is."
The ship they were on was quite grand. Fitting for a man of noble roots hailing from a powerful Free City with a navy that even Braavos would be hesitant to take on. One quick look would tell anyone it was better suited for a parade than war, though. The word showboating could not be more appropriate when describing the vessel.
Crimson orbs mirrored, gazing into the shimmering famous lavender hued irises of the Targaryens. The young iron and leather clad mercenary sized up the stranger, taking notice of what visible weapons he had on his person, and instinctively the quickest ways to disarm him. Pure habit at this point of her life.
It had been mere months since she took up her lance, taking responsibility of a full regiment of Second Sons, only a few moons since she killed her master with his own weapon and claimed it for herself; weeks of time where she expected a knife at her throat or poison in her cup. There were some in the company that lacked the stomach to follow a women, but having proved herself capable, their current commander rewarded her and demanded cooperation. 'Yeah right as if they would follow any demand just cause you give it', being her thought process when she was granted captain of a full cadre and the letter to a job.
Now she found herself here, hired to guard some pompous and stout emissary of Volantis.
The location could be worse.
Raising a red apple to her lips she took a sloppy bite before looking away from the silver haired dragon. "You can say that. I jus' think Cap'n ran outta intelligent men for options. Lemme know if you want to test steel, maybe you can get a answer on whether or not im capable. "
Rose colored metal rested at her back, leaning against the wooden element, it was a mere movement away, -- her weapon of choice, a tall and heavy lance. It was effective against those that took up a sword, range and reach using leading to her victory over most. She had never lost a fight so far, and had her life to prove that.
"Job doesn't work like that, you make an offer and the Commander will tell you yes or no. Though if you are carrying enough gold around that fat gut of yours, then you might have just earned the loyalty of everyone here."
Throwing away the hard core, tossing it into the water nearby, the woman crossed her arms underneath her chest. "Most Second Sons arn't Second Sons for long. The contract is binding yes, but we last time to hunt down deserters. Most men find themselves either under the thumb of some rich lord, --or dead. We like to assume the latter, it makes things simpler."
Last Edit: Oct 2, 2017 21:42:01 GMT by SYRIUS BUROS
Post by DARESSO SORELLION on Oct 3, 2017 7:24:26 GMT
Setting the Tinder - 282 AC
Though ever so brief, a look of skepticism flickered within the Red Priest’s eyes as his gaze continued to sweep about the ship deck. The mercenaries present caused a bit of unease to stir within some dark corner of Daresso’s mind as he’d continue to follow beside the young Targaryen. This was only natural of course. After all, these Second Sons were present not due to his own bidding but rather the opposing party’s influence.
Contrary to how he felt, these hired guards would find the High Priest a dismissive factor with regards to maintaining security. Boarding the ship without arms and armor, he’d present no apparent threat. It wasn’t as if he had need for such things considering the presence of his attending Fiery Hands. To be honest, their escort was already a bit excessive. One could only imagine the riots that would ensue should word leak that the High Priest had gone missing after an audience with a member of the Elephant faction.
His attention caught by the feisty woman barking orders at others, a mischievous glance was shot towards the young noble at his side. Unlike his companion, the intention behind such a glance was much more provocative, as if encouraging the youth inappropriately. “She’s quite a looker. Interested?” He’d lean in to whisper these teasing words while laughing dismissively to cover up. The Red Priest quickly grew to regret this exchange however. No sooner had the woman opened his mouth had his jaw subconsciously clenched slightly. It seemed as though her mind wasn’t quite as polished as her appearances.
Waiting quietly for the two to have their exchange, only afterwards would the red haired man chime in near the end. “Doesn’t that seem a bit sloppy? It’s careless to assume that all loose ends of a rope have been waxed and cauterized… that’s how things start to split and fray.” Though committed to his response, the man’s gaze continued to wander. He still hadn’t spotted their potential candidate as of yet.
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Oct 4, 2017 2:36:39 GMT
"I've made it a rule to not get involved with women who carry large weapons." Aerys quietly replied to Daresso without missing a beat as they approached. With how he spoke it was clear he was speaking of a past experience. They often spoke of the fury of women being rivaled by the seven hells. Imagine a woman with a spear like that.
Aerys nodded along as the sellsword spoke, smirking whenever she suggested a test of steel. "No, no. The Second Son's reputation speaks for itself. I'll take your word for it." He said as his eyes shifted from the woman to the spear on her back. The weapon appeared to be finely crafted and suitable for a capable warrior. However, it was the mercenary's confidence that sold him on her skills.
The Targaryen's hand found his stomach whenever Syrius mentioned his fat gut. Admittedly the Red Priests had made him a little too comfortable. "I wish things in Westeros were the same. Life would be a lot simpler if all these people needed was a bit of gold." Aerys spoke softly, thinking on how the lords and ladies of great and minor houses alike always felt entitled to more no matter how much they had. "I'll keep that in mind. Your commander will be hearing from me soon." He added, a warm smile stretching across his face.
"That's what makes sellswords so special. They join mercenary companies knowing they're in it for the coin and they'll be out of it for even more coin." Aerys said to Daresso as he spoke of the need to hunt down stragglers. "Am I right...?" Aerys turned to the woman, not knowing her name.
Before their conversation could extend too long, the sound of a door slamming shut would draw everyone's attention. Out came the Volantis politician known for his charisma and tenacity. He represented the Elephant party, which made him particularly cautious about today's meeting given Daresso's presence. He was tall with sharp features and dark hair contrasting his fair skin. He motioned for Aerys and Daresso to take a seat at the chairs taken out from below deck, with one for himself to be seated directly across the two.
"High Priest. I see you continue to make new friends. To what do I owe the honor of meeting with such esteemed guests?" A brief look of confusion left his face as quickly as it came when he noticed their boat had left the docks. He paid it no mind though, realizing this talk would take some time.
A brow raised to show her inquisitive reaction; she was a Second Son, a Warrior, and was above the petty provocation dealt by the priest. Right?
Wrong.
Teeth grinded against each other, a flash of fire in her eyes, and muscles aching to spring into action. If this man were not a guest she would have removed his head from his shoulders before another word crept past his scaly lips, only the distraction of the Targaryen gave her relief of her spite. She exhaled and lifted her shoulders, disregarding his question.
"Contrary to Westeros, you will find that Essos runs on coin. Here in these lands, Power, can be earned by coin, --Blood means nothing to us."
Straightening her posture she released her arms from under her chest and let one rest on her hip, "However coin can also be your downfall. Be wary of knives at ye backs, Milords," she said in reference to the hungering poor that seek any oppourtunity to strip those that find themselves in weighed down by such precious metals.
The sound that would release her from conversation, she moved closer to her ward, walking behind him as he settled himself in his given seat. She was amused by the poor accommodations he gave his two guests, but talking on deck would be far more comforting than being dragged to the stomach of the vessel.
She wouldn't need a signal for dismissal, wandering away from the subject of conversation, instead she perched herself closer to the helm, sitting upon a bannister and only letting her watchful eye do her job. No need to ear in on their conversation, as that was not her place as a sellsword.
Post by DARESSO SORELLION on Oct 5, 2017 15:17:21 GMT
Setting the Tinder - 282 AC
Having hailed from an old family tying back to Valeryia itself, the High priest could only squint mirthfully at such an ignorant statement. Any true native of Volantis would immediately recognize the unfortunate fact that blood weighted more than any amount of gold and silver a hard working merchant could hope to scrape up. Even the mounds of wealth amassed by those Elephants in the city were meaningless in the face of the society’s current standard when it came to the influence of lineage. Daresso’s train of thought was short lived however as his attention was finally caught by another.
His red orbs turning towards the source of the voice, a welcoming laugh sounded upon spotting this distant acquaintance. “Ah, Jaerio! It’s good to see you again. How has your father’s health been lately…” Though a bit unwilling, the High Priest engaged in some necessary pleasantries while offering some key points for his partner to grab onto. Touching on several subjects such as the opposing party’s current political status, available wealth and familial situation, the Red Priest inwardly hoped the youth hadn’t found himself fully enraptured by some other focus.
They had chosen this particular noble for a reason. Given his background, inexperience and willfulness to upstart the status quo, it made him the perfect target for future manipulation. All they needed to do now was cast a line and wait for a bite. As for that… it was a role that the man would defer to another. “Where are my manners, allow me to introduce you to this young Targaryen.” He’d place emphasis on the family name while a hand drifted over towards the white haired man. It was important to start with heritage unfortunately considering the staunch traditions backing these old blood families. Stepping aside to fully immerse his partner in the spotlight, he’d continue with the introduction. “This fellow here came all the way from Westeros to see you. His name is Aerys.”
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Oct 6, 2017 3:05:57 GMT
Aerys nodded quietly as the mercenary and Daresso exchanged words. His studies on Essos told him that both of their statements held true. Blood and nobility still ran deep through much of Essos, but the respect they garnered was confined to the walls of whichever city they called home. Not like Westeros, where a Stark could travel all the way South and be received as an esteemed guest. For those who wanted to venture outside of the free cities or wherever they came from, then it was coin that would speak louder than whatever ran through their veins. With how fractured this continent was, it was no surprise to see to views with such contrast.
"I'll drink to that!" Aerys spoke with a chuckle whenever Syrius mentioned knives aimed at their backs. He accepted such facts as if it were the proper order of things. Having been at near the top of the societal food chain his entire life, Aerys had always been told to be wary of those who would happily stick a knife through his backside if it meant they could walk across him like a bridge to newer heights.
The Prince quietly watched as Daresso and Jaerio exchanged pleasantries, only smiling and greeting the ambassador for now. He took mental notes on any bits of information that Daresso dropped regarding Jaerio. Purple eyes studied the ambassador's expression whenever he listened to something the High Priest had to say. Finally, when properly introduced, Aerys leaned into his chair and crossed a leg before speaking.
"It's been quite a journey." Aerys said with a smile. "I didn't come all this way to enjoy the sights, though. Daresso tells me you're quite the politician. One with aims others would say are beyond your reach. I can wash away those doubts" Aerys said, noticing that Jaerio had leaned forwards as the Prince spoke confidently of helping elevate the man's position. "The High Priest and myself have come to an understanding and would be cooperating, of course. He'll manage your concerns regarding the Red Priests and you'll come out with accomplishments others in your party could not dare strive for."
"And in exchange?" The ambassador was no fool. He was clearly interested--the light in his eyes said that much. He knew that by promising to help achieve his dreams that there was a price to pay. By now those paying close attention to the rest of the extravagant ship would notice the thinning numbers. Two of the Second Sons had gone below deck to make their rounds only to never resurface.
"Your support." Aerys spoke plainly. It was a blank check, but he knew it would be accepted.
Post by DARESSO SORELLION on Oct 8, 2017 4:56:19 GMT
Setting the Tinder - 282 AC
Jaerio was no fool. Immediately recognizing the demand of an open promise, he’d a disdainful look flickered ever so briefly within his eyes. Were this wishful youth alone, perhaps he would have readily agreed to such an offer. After all, it was a simple matter of an unassociated dagger plunging itself into the right back for a meaningless corpse to land in some isolated ditch out in the middle of nowhere. The politician’s hesitance sprouted primarily from the youth’s guarantor – the High Priest at his side.
His brows furrowed while contemplating these things, he’d begin to sound out the other party’s ambitions and demands. Specifics were needed in order to properly strike a bargain. “My support? In what endeavors?... Wealth, I have plenty. Funding for an expedition, a merchant company? These things I can do. Wealth can only go so far however... What you seek is influence, no? Influence is used primarily for one thing - power. As for what power is needed for... I believe we both already understand. You should know that the people of Volantis are disinclined to war if you seem military might. There’s a reason why the Elephants have held a majority for so long, my friend.” The man wouldn’t dig too deeply however. Understanding that both sides had secrets left better off untouched, he’d simply ask for general premises to the aid requested.
As for Daresso, he’d simply watch on with due diligence. Remaining primarily neutral in the discussion, the Red Priest’s presence was already a great boon for the Targaryen, granting him an audience previously beyond the youth’s reach. Instead, he’d continue to analyze the discussion between both sides. As expected, the white haired man from Westeros proved well educated in matters of diplomacy. As for why the Lord of Light had caused their paths to cross, he still remained clueless and could only tag along with the hope of understanding.
As the Prince of Dragons and once in direct line to inherit the Iron Throne, Aerys's Targaryen's sudden disappearance from Westeros was a loss that hurt his family in more ways than one. After five years in Essos, the Prince has returned to his homeland with hopes to prevent another civil war.
Post by AERYS TARGARYEN on Oct 10, 2017 5:19:31 GMT
Aerys listened carefully to what Jaerio had to say. The Volantis ambassador was quick to pick up on small details, but Aerys was almost dismissive of what he had to say. The moment the man brought up his city's military, Aerys raised a hand gesturing for the man to speak no further.
"Let us be clear. Power is what we both seek. What we need. I am a prince of seven kingdoms. I will be the crowned prince. And then. . ." Aerys didn't waste his breath reminding the ambitious politician that it was the Targaryen that would eventually sit upon the Iron Throne and command an army no one Free City could hope to rival. The fact that Aerys's rightful seat may be in contention was something only he and Daresso were privy too. The prince had no problem playing the role of someone who had no doubts of his future. It was how he carried himself all these years, after all.
"Your support is what I need, just like mine is what you need if you wish to elevate yourself." He said, repeating what he had mentioned earlier. "I don't need a list of deliverables inked onto paper with your signature, but your voice. And in return you'll have mine." As long as the two were seen favorably in the eyes of their own people, the good relations they shared would only serve to heighten their own standings among their peers.
Jaerio and Aerys continued their discussion for what seemed like an hour. Aerys often turning to Daresso in search of his counsel. The Targaryen and ambassador wouldn't have taken notice of the waning number of Second Sons that were once on deck. By now the hired swords were aware that members in their ranks had been disappearing.
"Syrius?" Jaerio finally spoke up to the sellsword. He scanned the deck, noticing the lack of guards yet gave the Second Sons captain the benefit of the doubt and shrugged. "Inform the Captain to bring us back to the port. We weren't supposed to leave in the first place." He said, irritation filling his voice as he saw how far they had drifted.
Should the woman do as asked, she would find the captain by entering the bridge. He along with a number of her men would be strung up with sharp wire. The blood of their faceless, lifeless corpses pooling towards her feet.
Muffled words were drowned out by the constant clash of her knife upon the wooden railing. Her posture poorly kept as she leaned over, staring at the shimmering waters. Ripples split from the vessel, traveling and growing larger with each moment, yet they were calm enough to mask the fact that they were slowly drifting from the bay.
Patience was never her forte, so standing watch over three fools who openly conversed upon deck was not exactly her cup of tea, thus mild pacing was accompanied by the habitual action of pulling at the frayed ends of her hair. --Yet that was all enough to distract her from the obscure signs that they were not the only ones on the boat.
By the time that her second in command had come to notice the lack of presence, it was far too late for him to inform the girl. His frame shadowed her own, and crimson eyes glanced up to meet his grey, the look of concern drawing her awareness.
"Captain, our ranks... they are--"
"Syrius?
The forward use of her name snatched her attention, glancing back at the tall mercenary only to leave him immediately. Brows furrowed at the politicians request, realization hitting her as she recognized the sudden lack of presence amongst them.
"Tch."
A click of her tongue and she was off, her small strides carrying her back to her coadjutor. "Find my men, dead or alive," she whispered to him, urging to prevent the threat of fear building amongst those she was paid to protect. Running, -- practically sprinting, the distance to the helm, Syri finally crossed the threshold, her gaze setting upon the crime scene.
Ichor stained the wooden floor, pooling at her feet as she stepped in to further examine the bodies; The captain, and a handful of her own. Blood decorated the area, yet there were no trails which meant that they were not dragged to this destination. It was safe to assume that she was dealing with much more than some random saboteur.
Mane like fire she dashed back to the deck, her eyes flashing to count those present. "Cast the anchor! Stop this craft immediately!" she ordered, urging a few from their feet to move forward. Eyes glanced from her men to the three, one of them was intended prey, and someone hiding amongst.
Post by DARESSO SORELLION on Oct 12, 2017 15:16:00 GMT
Setting the Tinder - 282 AC
With their conversation eventually wrapping up, Daresso would let out a heavy sigh as his shoulders loosened a bit. It was as if some great burden had been taken off his mind once things had finally concluded. Unfortunately one issue would simply replace the next as it seemed the High Priest wasn’t destined to find peace of mind today.
Considering the ambassador’s words, he’d pause for a moment only to shortly thereafter send Aerys a darting glance. The initial concern was that perhaps the wool was being pulled over their eyes… however given Jaerio’s poor acting skills during their negotiation, it was safe to say that this was no hoax and that something had already gone awry. Instead, the Red Priest would give a discerning look and nod at the two Fiery Hand who had been standing in plain sight this entire time. Their positions would shift slightly in order to keep vigilant watch on the remainder of the boat.
It was upon hearing the mercenary call for a complete stop that his brows only raised even further, encouraging his suspicions. “Is there a problem Syrius? I do believe this the opposite of returning to shore…” His words were rhetorical, primarily to prod a bit deeper in the undercurrents. A gentle cough sounded as Daresso prodded the young Targaryen slightly. Perhaps the youth hadn’t noticed anything yet? He doubted it though. Considering his partner’s long and lengthy stay at the Red Temple (as well as their uninvited guest), a sense of paranoia probably still lingered within Aerys.
Leaning in towards the youth, he’d whisper a few words of concern. “I hope you’re an excellent swimmer…”
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