The Kingsmoot (1000 AI)

[Lucius Malfoy]

This is a prologue to the War of the Three Kings.

It is the year 1000 AI (After Invasion), a full millennia has passed since the arrival of the Andals. Since the First Men cowered before the iron swords and the Faith of the Sevedn that were brought by these foreigners. While many of the Old Gods and First Men fled Northward, seeking refuge in the Northern Kingdom ruled by House Stark, the Ironborn remained untouched by these invaders. Their raiding along the mainlands continued as if nothing had happened, that the overlords of Westeros had not changed. These Andals did bring pretty salt wives though and new kinds of riches that plunder for. However, the seas had been quiet and voided of the familiar black sails of the Ironborn. The seas knew peace for some reason and that reason was the Kingsmoot. A couple years ago, Urras II, the most tyrant of Kings, was slayed upon his flagship due to a mutiny by the disguised Lucimore Greyiron who sought revenge against his uncle for his father's death. Though the Driftwood Crown was hereditary to the Greyirons, the Ironborn still wished for a Kingsmoot after three Greyiron Kings who proved too young, unfortunate and a tyrant.

Upon the Island of Old Wyk, the most holy of Ironborn Islands, the many lords gathered within the chest cavity of the great Sea Dragon, Nagga. The mighty beast that was slayed by the Grey King, the first Iron King, with the help of the Drowned God. The Drowned Priests gathered, lighting torches and preparing for the Kingsmoot, the first in a thousand years. Among the crowd, three stood the tallest:
Lucimore of House Greyiron, the rightful heir to the Seastone Chair by hereditary status
Harmund of House Greyjoy, claimant to the Seastone Chair by right of Grey King ancestry
Dagmer of House Harlaw, claimant to the Seastone Chair by right of power and wealth, as Harlaw is the wealthiest of the Iron Islands

[Lucius Malfoy]

The crowd of lords falls silent as Lucimore Greyiron enters the Kingsmoot, followed by his two brothers and twin sisters. It was already whispered of the deed Lucimore did for the Iron Islands, the slaying of the tyrant, Iron King Urras II. Though this deed was grand and would win Lucimore support, the Lord of Orkmont could already smell the distaste towards House Greyiron for three Kings who had proven to be too young, unfortunate and a tyrant. Gone were the days of Torgon II 'the Sea-Scourge' and the future seemed uncertain for his house. Lucimore quietly walked down the center of the crowd of lords as they parted for him, his eyes keeping a lookout for those who would be his opponents and his allies. Rodrik 'Half-Iron' and Victarion, his brothers, quietly follow behind him with their twin sisters, Ynys and Yara, following quietly as well.

[Jokern]

Harmund Greyjoy stood in silence when the Greyiron entered. Behind him were his two brothers Rodrik and Dagmer and his son and heir Qarl, as silent as him, as well as his vassal lords. They were all dressed in black and gold and iron hauberks, except for Dagmer clad in grey wool and sea shells and seaweed. Harmund, the Grey Kraken, was also one of the main contenders for the Seastone Chair, partly based on his ancestor the Grey King, but mostly because the Greyirons had ruled for too long, and he was an old and respected king of the Iron Isles. Most of his lords already saw him as the rightful High King, calling him the Kraken King, but that was to be expected. The Greyirons still enjoyed great prestige and power on some of the islands, while the upstart Harlaws had complete control over their own island, rich and populous. He didn't like it, but all kings had a right to put themselves forward as contenders during the kingsmoot, so he couldn't stop it. However, Harmund had already made a decision: the Driftwood Crown was his, and if the others dare challenge him... as Dagmer always said, the Drowned God always needs more oarsmen.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Victarion and Rodrik glanced on either side of their brother, noticing their supporters easily...the local gentry of Orkmont, Great Wyk and Old Wyk, where the Kingsmoot was taking place. Victarion hears his brother stop at a place close to where the Iron King was usually announced. He keeps his voice low to Lucimore who stood still, glancing around once in awhile.

Seems our competition is Greyjoys and the upstart Harlaws...Greyjoys have a claim, but Harlaws? Greedy Ironborn I'd say.

I don't need your comments, Victarion. I know how to deal with this. All I need you to do is get the task I told you to do done as soon as possible.

Lucimore spoke quietly and bitterly to his younger brother, giving him a steeled gaze. Victarion bows his head, backing off his elder brother. The Greyiron heir, known by his supporters as the Sea Dragon King, was already forming strategies on how to handle this situation. Long had the Greyirons ruled and now their rule was close to faltering and falling into another's lap. Victarion had his task to deal with which was the most important of them all. If it succeeded, the scales would tip in Lucimore's favor. His gaze turns to the Drowned Priest as they begin to congregate at the far end of the Kingsmoot, which meant it would be starting shortly.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer Harlaw stood amid the gathered Ironborn. As Greyiron entered, he scoffed. Just like him to arrive late for the sake of appearances, Dagmer thought. At Dagmer's side were his two sons, Quellon, "The Golden" and Qored "The sea Viper." He had lived under the fist of useless, tyrannical, and even pitiable Greyirons for long enough. It would have been simple to back the Greyjoys, with his support, their claim could hardly have failed. However, he had decided that the only way he could guarantee the ironborn would have the best king was to take control of them himself. His family would be an important factor, he knew. Quellon was well-loved by the people for his easy going nature and prowess, and Qored was respected for his raids against the greenlander coasts and command abilities.

His brother, Rodrik, "Ironskull" could also play a role. He was feared by many, as he stood as one of the tallest ironborn, and from behind his braided black hair, a single eye peered. The scarred remains of the other were covered by scrap of cloth bearing the Harlaw scythe. Yes, Dagmer had strong and true allies in his family, now all he needed were allies from the rest of the islands.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once the priests saw the contenders were present, they began a long procession down to the front of the Kingsmoot. A lead priest took his spot on an elevated position, where the Iron King would stand if chosen. He raises his hands, causing murmuring to quiet down among the Ironborn lords. He coughs slightly and strokes his long greyed beard. His voice was rather hoarse, forcing him to speak loudly.

May the contenders for the Seastone Chair please step forth. May the Drowned God see who among you all will become our next Iron King.

The gentry of Orkmont, Great Wyk and Old Wyk move out of the way, looking in the direction of Lucimore who goes forth to the front where the others were gathering. Victarion nods to Rodrik before departing the scene. Rodrik remains with his twin sisters as they watch Lucimore step forth. Once there, Lucimore glanced to either side, wondering where the others would take their places.

[Jokern]

Harmund Greyjoy steps forward after Lucimore Greyiron, standing right beside his contestant. So it begins, he thought, noticing his brother Rodrik leaving Nagga's Hill. Good, his brother's temper could sometimes get the better of him, and they didn't want that on this most sacred of places. Besides, his Lord Captain must always be ready to sail. Qarl and Dagmer still remained to see the outcome of the kingsmoot.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer moved forward from the cup of his family, taking his position in front of the Volmarks and Kennings, who would be great fools indeed to turn their axes upon the lords of their own island. The blacktydes had also moved behind him, he noted to his satisfaction. His brother looked down at him with his one eye, then slapped his shoulder and stepped back among his supporters. Dagmer noted that the lord Greyjoy had stepped forward, then turned toward the Greyiron side. One of the Sea Dragon's brothers turned and left the moot, but Dagmer did not pay him too much mind.

[Lucius Malfoy]

(I will be basing this off the islands, not so much the specific areas)

The Drowned Priest who stood on the platform stood there for a moment, blinking with his rather greyed eyes. He looks at the other priests who were murmuring among each other and offering some shrugs. The Iron Islands had effectively divided itself among the three contenders. The elder priest strokes his beard quietly. He moves to the front of Harmund Greyjoy.

Who shall declare for the contender, Lord Harmund Greyjoy of Pyke?

The voices of Pyke, Saltcliffe and Lonely Light rose up from among the crowd. The Drowned Priest then moves onto Lucimore.

Who shall declare for the contender, Prince Lucimore Greyrion, Lord of Orkmont?

The voices of Orkmont, Great Wyk and Old Wyk rose up to shoot their support. This only further confuses the priest as he moves to Dagmer Harlaw.

And who shall declare for the contender, Lord Dagmer Harlaw, Lord of Harlaw?

The voices of Harlaw and Blacktyde rise to support their candidate. The Drowned Priest looks at his fellow clergy who were all unsure of this now. Surely the Drowned God would not be happy with three equally supported members. The elder strokes his beard, coughing once more. He slowly withdraws from the platform to speak with his fellow members. Lucimore grimaces at this; how could this Kingsmoot be so divided. If only he had brought his troops to do what his ancestor, Urron 'Redhand' had done. The Greyiron prince looks at his two competitors.

Hm...we Ironborn might be quarrelsome...but in the wake of these successful Andals, must we resort to dividing our home?! Are you both that greedy for a title that has been the hereditary throne of House Greyiron for thousands of years?

[Axis Sunsoar]

"We are quarrelsome indeed, Lord Greyiron, " Dagmer Hoare answered, "And as you say, the Andals are powerful. These two things you have said are true. And I see why you have made a claim to the throne, through your family. No one doubts the power and influence of the Greyirons among the ironborn, the only doubt I have is in their prowess."

Whoops rose from behind him, but he did not turn to see if he had won anyone beside his Blacktyde and Harlaw men, he stared directly into the eyes of the Greyiron.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucimore turns to look directly at Dagmer Harlaw. He snorts slightly.

Prowess you say? I have proven that such...I waited patiently for almost two decades. Building up my support, honing my abilities and earning fame...right under my bastard uncle's nose. I waited for the right moment to strike, when his sons were dead and he was nothing to but an empty husk, a wounded seal.

He gestures to the blade that was being held for him by his half-brother, Rodrik.

My sword sang when I plunged it into my uncle's chest. Twisted till he screamed and begged for a quick death which I never gave. He withered and twisted till he was as pale as the moon. I still remember the cheers from among the ships when they heard of Urras's death. We threw him into the water, a sacrifice to the Drowned God.

Lucimore goes silent for a moment, then turns once more to Lord Harlaw.

I did that for not only the sake of my own house's dignity and pride, as well to avenge my father, but for all the Iron Islands! To be free of that man who only took what was rightfully ours! Soured our pride, violated our property and spat upon our rights as Ironborn! And never once gave to us what we earned!

[Axis Sunsoar]

"Aye, and we all thank you for that, my Lord, but now, if you truly do what is best for the ironborn, you will set your claim aside that we may be governed by a man who hasn't put a blade through his own father."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucimore laughs at the end of that remark. He continues to laugh for awhile before speaking.

My father you say, Lord Harlaw? My father was Iron King Rodrik, who was murdered in cold blood by Urras II, my uncle. Murdered due to the envy and jealousy of my bastard uncle! No, I killed my uncle, not my father. Killing my uncle was not only within the right of the Ironborn, but also my own personal right to avenge my father and save my family's reputation and dignity.

[Jokern]

Harmund looked at Lucimore with contempt. He did not like this boy questioning his motives for claiming what was rightfully his.

"What insolence is this? My honor questioned by a Greyiron, whose ancestor slaughtered his contestants at the last kingsmoot and let the crown pass through his line for a thousand years, and whose uncle was one of the worst iron kings ever to be born?! I am here because I believe that the ironborn have had enough of your house's incompetence. When the green landers threaten to invade us and slaughter us all, we must be united and strong. It is not greed that has brought me here, but my duty as an ironborn who cares about our ways, the Old Way. Your house seems to have forgotten it, Greyiron."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Harmund looked at Lucimore with contempt. He did not like this boy questioning his motives for claiming what was rightfully his.

"What insolence is this? My honor questioned by a Greyiron, whose ancestor slaughtered his contestants at the last kingsmoot and let the crown pass through his line for a thousand years, and whose uncle was one of the worst iron kings ever to be born?! I am here because I believe that the ironborn have had enough of your house's incompetence. When the green landers threaten to invade us and slaughter us all, we must be united and strong. It is not greed that has brought me here, but my duty as an ironborn who cares about our ways, the Old Way. Your house seems to have forgotten it, Greyiron."

Hm, duty as an Ironborn or is it more just that distant claim from the Grey King? If I remember correctly, your house is prideful of it. If you were to win, Greyjoy, eventually one of your own would become as mad as The Tyrant Urras...and you will be in my shoes as well when one of his kin has slayed him for the betterment of the future.

"A father or an uncle, you have slain your kin, Lucimore, my own sons would be equally cursed whether they slew me, or Rodrik."

The eyes of the assembly turned towards his imposing brother as he allowed himself a small smile.

To kill a brother due to envy is a cursed by the Drowned God. To redeem your father and slay the man who did the deed, whether he is of family or not, is to redeem your house's honor. I do not count that man as no kin of mine. Do not lie to me and say you would not be claiming the same words I speak.

He glances at Harlaw and then back at Greyjoy. At that point, Lucimore stood up. It seemed the Kingsmoot was not to be helpful in this endeavour.

[Jokern]

Hm, duty as an Ironborn or is it more just that distant claim from the Grey King? If I remember correctly, your house is prideful of it. If you were to win, Greyjoy, eventually one of your own would become as mad as The Tyrant Urras...and you will be in my shoes as well when one of his kin has slayed him for the betterment of the future.

L"We Greyjoys know our history and our traditions, I don't need to be reminded by you, Greyiron. Our lineage makes me a valid claimant for the Seastone Chair, as my forefather slew the great Nagga and built his halls where we now stand. But we ironborn choose our kings, the Driftwood Crown is not an inheritance from father to son. If I am crowned iron king and eventually joins my ancestors in the Drowned God's halls, we Greyjoys will respect the justness of the kingsmoot, as we always have. The Greyirons have not."

[Axis Sunsoar]

"A father or an uncle, you have slain your kin, Lucimore, my own sons would be equally cursed whether they slew me, or Rodrik."

The eyes of the assembly turned towards his imposing brother as he allowed himself a small smile.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer watched as Greyiron rose, but made no move himself. "What is your intent in rising to your feet Lucimore? Will you use them for force, or flight?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Why would I flee from an island that supports my claim, Lord Harlaw.

He gestures behind him, revealing the gentry of Old Wyk supported his claim. He looks at the murmuring Drowned Priests.

No...instead I feel a test of prowess is needed to show who is the rightful heir to the Seastone Chair. For as you both seem to be telling me, you need a proven King, so why not a battle upon the seas? A battle that proves our abilities upon the sea. A true Ironborn knows the waves and her currents. Knows his crew and ships. Do you both not agree?

He gestures to those behind them.

Look at how even our claims are. How evenly divided it is. It would takes weeks to decide a true heir...time which we cannot waist with the Andals just over the waters.

[Jokern]

Why would I flee from an island that supports my claim, Lord Harlaw.

He gestures behind him, revealing the gentry of Old Wyk supported his claim. He looks at the murmuring Drowned Priests.

No...instead I feel a test of prowess is needed to show who is the rightful heir to the Seastone Chair. For as you both seem to be telling me, you need a proven King, so why not a battle upon the seas? A battle that proves our abilities upon the sea.

Intrigued, Harmund kept silent to listen to Lucimore's proposal. Yet a fight of some kind on the boy's terms... he sensed a trap of some sort. One should never trust kinslayers, he reminded himself.