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[vermax]

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jacaerys

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[perzo]

He does not have Vhagar to press his advantage, but remain cautious.

I had believed so, but we do not know what we will return to, or the dangers that will have emerged in our absence. Why not have the wedding here, while all have agreed to peace?

[vermax]

They say the library grants requests. I imagine he will ask.

With many of us here and Aegon bed-bound, perhaps we will find luck on our side for when we return.

Would this be a family affair or one before the whole of the mansion?

[perzo]

From what I know, he is still abed, suffering from the grievous wounds he sustained at Rook's Rest. And with the Greens' forces marching from the north, with Vhagar among them, King's Landing may very well be unprotected.

Would you prefer it be before a handful of witnesses? Although I'm certain the Balfours would welcome any excuse for another banquet.

[vermax]

And ours, if those who remain make the right moves. Lord Stark's men march south and will met our enemies in the Riverlands. I have faith in him.

It would be more advantageous for us if we were to use this as an opportunity to build allies amongst the Balfours and other residents. ( see, mom, he can play the political game! and he sees what you're suggesting. )

[perzo]

You did well securing his allegiance.

We could sway them further to our cause by requesting that they host a reception for you and Baela. [ she only knows of portia by reputation and hearsay, but she might very well be able to appeal to the other woman's mothering instinct, if such a thing exists. ]

At this moment, our numbers supersede our enemies'. Though I cannot say for certain how many Alicent may have persuaded to support her son's claim.

[vermax]

He is an honorable man and Starks do not shirk their oaths.

We cannot rely on that to remain the same. For a while, it was only you and Alicent. I do not doubt that Aemond has begun to twist the truth of the matter to others here. Baela told me his version of events after Aunt Laena's funeral are quite... selective. ( which paint him and Baela in a light worse than the reality of the situation. )

[perzo]

I have heard whispers of a Stark here. Have you had cause to meet them?

Of course he would recall that the circumstances by which he lost his eye were unprovoked, but there were cruel words exchanged that day and even crueler allegations made. Luke always maintained that he was defending himself, and I had no reason to distrust him.

[vermax]

A Stark? No. I have not but I have found another who claims she is our descendant. ( and he would have found Cregan if he were here. Surely. )

He had me on the ground, mother, with a rock raised to smash in my head. Luke did it to protect me. ( and Jace’s suggestion eventually lead to his brave baby brother to his death. )

[perzo]

Daenerys. Yes, she believes she is a descendant of our line, rather than the enemy's. She has asserted her fealty to our side as well.

[ but she also can't underestimate aemond's powers of persuasion, as well as the lengths he might go to in order to threaten one who is of her blood. ]

I do not know when he began to carry such enmity towards you or your brother. Perhaps it had to do with him claiming a dragon so late in life.

[vermax]

And you trust her?

We were not kind to him as children, it is true. But we were children all the same and Aegon was no kinder. ( and even though Jace is-- was only two years older than Luke, the younger was still his baby brother in his eyes. )

[perzo]

I have no reason not to, yet.

And now Aegon lies abed, suffering from grievous wounds. It is unclear whether his brother may have been the cause of those as well. [ so many reports from rook's rest had been conflicting — aegon had ridden sunfyre into battle, only to be met in the sky by both meleys and vhagar, but how had both dragon and rider been burned so terribly? ]

[vermax]

I doubt Aegon thought him capable, with the way he spoke of his Aemond when we were boys. I won’t make that mistake, mother.

I am no fool.

[perzo]

You could never be a fool, my son.

[vermax]

Neither will I give you reason to sorry.