Meeting at Highgarden

[Iron Aquilifer]

Alla wore her most regal attire, looking for all the world like a old goddess reborn in mortal form. Her golden dress sparkled as sapphires and rubies caught the light, amethysts drinking in candle and sunlight in equal measure.

Guards lined the walls, speartips aimed at the ceiling. Servants by the dozen raced from table to table, trying in vain to get the preparations completed before the guests arrived. A list had been written, detailing every landed nobleman who should be attending. When the meeting was over, those names not crossed off would be punished.

[Jokern]

Who attends the meeting?

Base 10/20 roll for all AI High Lords to attend.

Oakheart of Old Oak: 15, doesn't come.
Rowan of Goldengrove: 20, doesn't come.
Fossoway of Cider Hall: 7, comes.
Ashford of Ashford: 11, doesn't come.
Meadows of Grassy Vale: 3, comes.
Merryweather of Longtable: 19, doesn't come.
Roxton of the Ring: 9, comes.

Only Lord Fossoway, Lord Meadows and Lord Roxton answer Lady Tyrell's call for a meeting. The rest either reluctantly excuses themselves or outright refuses to come.

[Honors Bastion]

Ser Steffon Hightower arrives at the meeting as a representative of Lord Tristian Hightower with a small retinue. In addition, somewhat in secret, Ser Edmyn Hightower, son of Lord Tristian, arrives with Ser Steffon disguised as a simple knight in hopes of seeking a private audience with Lady Tyrell later on with an agenda of his own.

[Oznerol]

Ser Raymund Tarly, Alan's second son, arrived as his father's representative with a small company of riders.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Ser Steffon Hightower arrives at the meeting as a representative of Lord Tristian Hightower with a small retinue. In addition, somewhat in secret, Ser Edmyn Hightower, son of Lord Tristian, arrives with Ser Steffon disguised as a simple knight in hopes of seeking a private audience with Lady Tyrell later on with an agenda of his own.

Lady Alla greeted her most influential of vassals herself, gliding out of the briar labyrinth in order to guide them towards the Great Hall.

My heart is gladdened that Oldtown remembers its duties to Highgarden, my dearest friends of the south. Yet I must ask, where is Tristian and Baelor? Is my company such that they instead chose to remain away from my humble home? Indeed, surely Alicent and Aegon himself would be dismayed that they have not arrived to treat with me on their behalf.

Ser Raymund Tarly, Alan's second son, arrived as his father's representative with a small company of riders.

Others had already arrived when Alan arrived. Where is your father or indeed your brother, Ser Alan? She asked of the man when his arrival was made public. Is he unwilling to argue his case for Rhaeynra's claim himself?

There were still a few yet to wait on. If they did not turn up, Alla was sure to give their names to her father.

[Oznerol]

Others had already arrived when Alan arrived. Where is your father or indeed your brother, Ser Alan? She asked of the man when his arrival was made public. Is he unwilling to argue his case for Rhaeynra's claim himself?

There were still a few yet to wait on. If they did not turn up, Alla was sure to give their names to her father.

"He is willing my lady" Said Raymund "However currently he's quite busy and when the raven arrived he had already left Horn Hill. We're your son's loyal vassals and thus I was sent in his place"

[Honors Bastion]

Lady Alla greeted her most influential of vassals herself, gliding out of the briar labyrinth in order to guide them towards the Great Hall.

My heart is gladdened that Oldtown remembers its duties to Highgarden, my dearest friends of the south. Yet I must ask, where is Tristian and Baelor? Is my company such that they instead chose to remain away from my humble home? Indeed, surely Alicent and Aegon himself would be dismayed that they have not arrived to treat with me on their behalf.

"My apologies Lady Tyrell but Lord Tristian could not be here today. He had already departed for Myr to negotiate a trade agreement with the Magisters before your announcement had been made my lady. That is why I come in his place. As for my nephew Baelor, Lord Tristian's heir, he is currently meditating in the Starry Sept at the High Septon's request. I could not do anything to deny his holiness' request." said Ser Steffon. What he said was not a complete lie. Lord Tristian had indeed gone to Myr and would not be back for a few more months. Baelor presence had indeed been requested by the High Septon but it was only for a few days.

[Zeus Almighty]

Lord Alester Grimm arrives and bows to his respected peers. He is flanked by his sons Uthor Grimm, heir to the shield islands, and Belial Grimm. He arrives quietly other than the bow. He had not left Highgraden since his meeting with Lady Tyrell, neither had his sons. He knew well how this would unfold, but he would humor Alla's request anyway. Kings versus Kings versus his Lord Paramount. She might not like where the line was drawn in the sand but he told her as much when he arrived

[Xion]

Lucia Redwyne arrives in Highgarden after traveling to the delta of the Mander in one of the Redwyne's warships before transferring to a smaller riverboat to sail up the Mander to Highgarden. With her is Ser Leslyn Serry and Florian Redwyne, along with several guards and courtiers.

[Iron Aquilifer]

"He is willing my lady" Said Raymund "However currently he's quite busy and when the raven arrived he had already left Horn Hill. We're your son's loyal vassals and thus I was sent in his place"

The Lady accepted that. Declaring himself a traitor without the backing of his liege lord must have given him a hundred duties to attend to. As long as you speak with his voice I suppose that there is no problem, even if it is a shame that I could not greet with him again.

"My apologies Lady Tyrell but Lord Tristian could not be here today. He had already departed for Myr to negotiate a trade agreement with the Magisters before your announcement had been made my lady. That is why I come in his place. As for my nephew Baelor, Lord Tristian's heir, he is currently meditating in the Starry Sept at the High Septon's request. I could not do anything to deny his holiness' request." said Ser Steffon. What he said was not a complete lie. Lord Tristian had indeed gone to Myr and would not be back for a few more months. Baelor presence had indeed been requested by the High Septon but it was only for a few days.

The faith cannot be interrupted that I can understand. A pity when good noblemen waste their time with the exotic east when we have so much to offer here. At least I have your company, Ser Hightower. Speak with your brother's voice and I do not see a problem.

Lord Alester Grimm arrives and bows to his respected peers. He is flanked by his sons Uthor Grimm, heir to the shield islands, and Belial Grimm. He arrives quietly other than the bow. He had not left Highgraden since his meeting with Lady Tyrell, neither had his sons. He knew well how this would unfold, but he would humor Alla's request anyway. Kings versus Kings versus his Lord Paramount. She might not like where the line was drawn in the sand but he told her as much when he arrived

I have only one pair of eyes. I will hope that my dear uncle and cousins would lend me theirs. I may have need of your honesty again.

Lucia Redwyne arrives in Highgarden after traveling to the delta of the Mander in one of the Redwyne's warships before transferring to a smaller riverboat to sail up the Mander to Highgarden. With her is Ser Leslyn Serry and Florian Redwyne, along with several guards and courtiers.

A courtier brought the Redwyne contingent in to the Hall. Peeling herself away from the Grimms, Lady Alla greeted the envoys.

A pleasure to see you here Lucia, and you too dear Florian. I hope sweet Elinor has not caused you too much hardship. If she has I am sure that we have space in the jails to make her see the error of her ways. Come, we will begin this dreary meeting soon.

[Xion]

A courtier brought the Redwyne contingent in to the Hall. Peeling herself away from the Grimms, Lady Alla greeted the envoys.

A pleasure to see you here Lucia, and you too dear Florian. I hope sweet Elinor has not caused you too much hardship. If she has I am sure that we have space in the jails to make her see the error of her ways. Come, we will begin this dreary meeting soon.

Lucia bows, wearing a more ornate form of a captain's outfit with a longcoat which has several tassels and other decorations on it to represent Lucia's rank as one of the leaders of the Redwyne fleet. "It is a pleasure to see you again, my lady." Florian smiles. "None at all, my lady." The Redwynes and Ser Serry follow Lady Tyrell to the meeting hall.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Alester Grimm spoke loudly, hoping to silence the whispers and begin the meeting. Is this all that have come to the Lady's summons? A small amount but some of the finest Reachmen if I may say so. My Lady, I do believe that if it pleases you we can begin.

Alla accepted the lord's words, calling on her servants to see the assembled lords to their seats.

Lord Yoren Footly, marches into Highgarden. He had little time to be here, but it was a chance to convert his fellows.

Lucia bows, wearing a more ornate form of a captain's outfit with a longcoat which has several tassels and other decorations on it to represent Lucia's rank as one of the leaders of the Redwyne fleet. "It is a pleasure to see you again, my lady." Florian smiles. "None at all, my lady." The Redwynes and Ser Serry follow Lady Tyrell to the meeting hall.

Offering a flash of her teeth, Alla leads the Redwynes herself to their seat.

Alla looks at each nobleman and woman in turn, preparing herself for the 'discussion' to come. Lord Footly had been placed beside Hightower, Tarly beside Grimm. Roxton, Merryweather and Fossoway were separated by Leo and Harlen, the two Tyrells offering pleasantries to the High Lords at their sides. If this doesn't work I will have to use force.

A King has died, and in his place two royals have been crowned. One is of the blood of Hightower, the other of Arryn. One is of the Reach, one of the Vale. One is a male, by law rightfully intended to succeed, the other female, favoured by the now gone king. One controls the dragons Sunfyre, Dreamfyre and Vhagar, the other Caraxes and Syrax.

She moved over to her seat, gripping the wood tightly. She kept her voice strong and steady, unwilling to betray the emotions that wished to be uncaged.

Lord Baratheon has declared for Aegon and Lord Arryn for Rhaenyra. Their lords are united, marching for a single cause.

Looking around the assembled lords, she dared them to defy her. They knew what she would say before she even had the breath to say it.

The Reach will march united. Now is the time to voice your inner thoughts. I would ask that you do not waste this time however, as the realm will bleed.

[Oznerol]

The Lady accepted that. Declaring himself a traitor without the backing of his liege lord must have given him a hundred duties to attend to. As long as you speak with his voice I suppose that there is no problem, even if it is a shame that I could not greet with him again.

"We support a rightful cause, my Lady Tyrell. And I speak with his voice, I'll send him your regards as soon as he returns to Horn Hill"

[Iron Aquilifer]

*words*

Was a truce brokered between the two for it to have been broken? From the ravens it appeared that either Aemond or Joffrey set on the other after the negotiations. A tragedy for Queen Rhaenyra of course, for any mother. Though what was Lord Baratheon to do? What would any lord do? Vhagar is no juvenile and Aemond is no squalling babe. There was nothing the Lord of Storms End could do aside from keeping the peace within his halls. How could he and his vassals be considered traitors, when they have declared for the lawful king who resides in Kingslanding?

Alla knew what she would have done, and it was exactly the same as the course of action Lord Baratheon took. It would have meant Lyonel was protected. There was no dragon like Vhagar.

Is it kinslaying if the child is a bastard? I seem to recall that Leanor Velaryon preferred the company of boys, quite the talk of the courts I have been led to believe, to his lady wife. We have all seen the children: brown-haired and stub nosed, younger versions of Ser Strong, Rhaenyra's ever-constant companion. Even if Rhaenyra was the rightful claimant does it benefit the realm to have bastards running wild over the Red Keep?

It would benefit many, Alla and her Tyrell kin admitted to themselves. However it does not benefit us.

And having Daemon for a King? He is not fit to rule. A warrior he may be, but no ruler. And do not deny the truth: Daemon would have the power. And that does not even begin to consider that Aegon is partly of the Reach, whereas Rhaenyra is of the Vale. That is even before I begin to think of bending over for Hightower. I know where your seat is, Lord Footly: under my son's domain. As his regent I do not remember giving you military authority over my other vassals. That is an insult from Queen Rhaenyra, no matter what way you try to twist it. Another time it would have been my honour to bestow marshalship upon your lordship, I say no lie, however this is too much.

*words*

Leo stood up when the exchange became a bit heated, eyes darting to all the lords in order to make sure that none reached for a knife or other instrument which could harm. However a nod from his daughter put him back in the wooden chair.

I will say what needs to be said on the matter: Aemon will not be punished as severely as a common man. He is the King's brother, and rider of Vhagar. Only those who wished death themselves would dare to try and execute him.

"My Lady Tyrell, my sister and House Redwyne as a whole will likely receive nothing from Rhaenyra Targaryen. My late father fought against the Rogue Prince and Corlys Velaryon in the War for the Stepstones after some of their men began harassing Redwyne trade. Something I am certain neither man has forgotten and considering their positions, they likely have influence in her decisions." Lucia says after drinking half a goblet of wine. She then falls silent, deciding to wait for the argument between Grimm and Footly to simmer down before stating the position of her house in greater detail.

And all of Rhnaeyra's lords should know that. Daemon is a weakness that has to be removed if the Queen wishes to complete support of the realm. That and an heir whose parentage is above reproach.

Having remained silent this entire time, Ser Steffon Hightower finally went to speak with a huge grin on his phase due to these turn of events. “As many have already noted here, you assume much Lord Yoren Footly and frankly, most of your assumptions are dead wrong. I ask all of you Lords of the Reach, has the Hightower announced our intentions to any of you? Have we said what we are going to do, who we are going to support once this chaos has broken out? You all know the correct answer. We have said nothing so far and for good reason too.”

Ser Steffon then stood to allow his voice to carry more. “We all know that my House is bound by blood to King Aegon and that it will be our duty to raise our banners and support his claim no matter what. And yet, it is our duty and ours alone. It is not up to the Hightower to convince others to join a war that they have no reason to be a part of …. unless of course, they are like Lord Footly here who has no legitimate ties to Rhaenyra and yet he so adamantly defends her name. There must be a reason of course for him doing so and I suspect that greed is the sole reason. Make of that whatever you wish but it is something to think about.”

Ser Steffon then turned towards Lord Footly and said “And if I may ask Lord Footly, were you there at Storm’s End when Prince Joffrey Velaryon or rather as some say, Joffrey Strong, fell? Because my sources say that it was Joffrey and his dragon Tyraxes in their vanity and rage who made the first move to attack Prince Aemond and the much larger Vhagar. They were only defending themselves and it is by their right to kill if their attacker refuses to relent. And may I ask, were you there Lord Footly when King Viserys had a change of heart, when a dying man on his deathbed decided to name his son the King of Westeros, following the same tradition that we scion of First Men and Andals have been holding since the Age of Heroes.”

He then said to everyone “While we await Lord Footly’s reply, I will say this. I have not come to convince you to fight for Aegon. I have come to ask you to fight for no one and stay out of the war. Reachmen do not need to be involved in this fight unless you are bound by blood, honor, or marriage. That … is what our High Septon would prefer.”

The High Septon should always be listened to, the Lady of the Reach allowed, however the Faith does not deal with politics as it once did. The realm's future must be decided by us. All of us.

"We support a rightful cause, my Lady Tyrell. And I speak with his voice, I'll send him your regards as soon as he returns to Horn Hill"

All causes are rightful but now is not to pick them apart, that is for within my halls. Come let us deal with is as nobles do.

[Zeus Almighty]

Alester Grimm spoke loudly, hoping to silence the whispers and begin the meeting. Is this all that have come to the Lady's summons? A small amount but some of the finest Reachmen if I may say so. My Lady, I do believe that if it pleases you we can begin.

[The Mad Skylord]

Lord Yoren Footly, marches into Highgarden. He had little time to be here, but it was a chance to convert his fellows.

[The Mad Skylord]

Yoren Footly stood and turned his steely gray eyes to stare at his "liege".

"If the Reach is to march united, then it will have to march beneath the banner of Rhaenyra Targaryen, Queen of Westeros."

Yoren pulls out a letter. A letter from his Queen.

"I hold in my hand, a letter from Rhaenyra Targaryen. She has personally written to us to ask for our aid. I stood and watched as she wrote this letter, in respect of us, mere days after a terrible miscarriage. She has respect for the men and women of the Reach. We must honour our vows and march to her aid."

Yoren breaks the seal of House Targaryen, and begins to read the letter.

"To the Lords, Ladies, and men and women of the Reach and of the whole Realm,

I, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Queen of all the Seven Kingdoms, have appointed one lord Yoren Footly as the military warden of the Roseroad east of the Mandervale, and under his supervision, I have vested in him my reputation and name to seal the loyalties of the Reach lords. With my expressed consent, he may deal on my behalf until I have decreed otherwise.

To defeat the usurper and his family is the greatest of causes, and an oath is an oath. Those who keep their oaths to me, your Queen, will be rewarded for your loyalty and will be vindicated by my undisputed rule. I offer the Reachfolk my hand, if they would only accept it.

- seal of Rhaenyra Targaryen -

Yoren looks around his fellows, letting them digest this before speaking again.

"This was writ by her own hand, an honour that Aegon the Usurper has not bother his lazy treasonous arse to give us! We must stand for our Queen, and drive these usurpers into the sea!"

He glares around the assembly, waiting for responses. The letter was handed around, although only a copy was given to Hightower. It wouldn't do for Footly's royal commission to be destroyed by a Green.

[Zeus Almighty]

Alester Grimm's sons had arrived to Highgarden in the night. Not the sons that accompanied Alester now, but Lyonel and Uriel. Both had tales to tell, and Alester knew what must be done. He cleared his throat before he began and he bowed his head again to his esteemed peers. Friends, allies, brethren. Our Lady Tyrell brings us together on such an occasion so that we may remain united. Many others would seek to break our unity but Lady Alla will not have it! He ended the sentence with a rise and brought his volume back down. I am here today, bound by oath and by blood. Many of you here are bound by blood by some extension and all of you by oath, but by what oath? Thats what we are all thinking isn't it? By what code will we abide that leads us to our actions? House Hightower is bound by blood to Queen Allicent. That is family to Lord Hightower, is that a bond any one of us could ask the other to break? The other alternative is to fight for a party because why? Because it might be more just. Queen Allicent is of the Reach Lords and Ladies. THAT is what is right. All of us here, Footly, Redwyne, Tarly, Fossaway, Meadows, Roxton, none of us has the bond to a claimant stronger than Hightower by blood. Kinslaying is one of the deepest, most condemned action by the seven. Can we ask Hightower to fight his own, or turn their backs on her? I beg, for the sake of unity and family, let us join House Hightower in defense of their Family. Any one of us here would ask the same from them if we were in their position, and any one of us would hope that they would come to our aid. If not, and Aegon Targaryen loses, then we might as well have sentenced her to death ourselves. He nearly whispered the last sentence, allowing it to carry in the now still air as parchment falling from a tower window. He looked around to judge the other Lords reception.

[Iron Aquilifer]

After glancing at the letter before passing it on, Alla shared a glance with Lord Grimm. She remembered the words even if the older man might not have. Already it was beginning, her vassals being offered influence over Highgarden. Whether Rhaenyra knew it or not, she had just signed herself off from embracing the power of House Tyrell.

"The reach must stand with her, Lord Footly? It does look awfully like Rhaenyra is trying to divide the reach, granting my vassals authority where they should not have it. Yet what is offered to the rest of us? You get power where you should not have it, authority where there is meant to be none. What council position does Lady Redwyne gain? What lands are granted to Fossoway? What betrothal is offered to Lord Lyonel? You seem to have been granted the power to act as Rhaenyra's envoy in the reach, so what does that Targaryen claimant offer?"

[The Mad Skylord]

After glancing at the letter before passing it on, Alla shared a glance with Lord Grimm. She remembered the words even if the older man might not have. Already it was beginning, her vassals being offered influence over Highgarden. Whether Rhaenyra knew it or not, she had just signed herself off from embracing the power of House Tyrell.

"The reach must stand with her, Lord Footly? It does look awfully like Rhaenyra is trying to divide the reach, granting my vassals authority where they should not have it. Yet what is offered to the rest of us? You get power where you should not have it, authority where there is meant to be none. What council position does Lady Redwyne gain? What lands are granted to Fossoway? What betrothal is offered to Lord Lyonel? You seem to have been granted the power to act as Rhaenyra's envoy in the reach, so what does that Targaryen claimant offer?"

Footly turned his eyes to Tyrell.

"She did not give me authority I should not have. She gave me command to defend the Roseroad from traitors who would march up it to try and usurp her throne. Remember, Lady Tyrell, that House Footly are the High Lords of the Upper Mander, I was ordered to defend the road that runs through my lands, and to rally as many lords to my Queen's banner as possible.

Indeed, I cannot make offers for Queen Rhaenyra. I have not got the power or the right, however, she is a fair and just woman, and I am sure she would be more than happy to listen to any offers you might give.

Why would Queen Rhaenyra wish to divide the Reach? It supplies most of the crops of Westeros. It can field 100'000 men. I can tell you, with certainty, she has no desire to divide the Reach. She gave me my orders so she could prevent the rebel Stormlanders and any other rebels who might pop up from freely marching up the Roseroad.

I am more than willing to bet that everyone in this room believes, no matter what, that House Hightower will call their banners in favor of Aegon the Usurper. There are people in Westeros who believe House Tyrell will bend over a barrel to please its most powerful vassal. I do not believe this, and the Queen does not believe this. The Royalists believe House Tyrell will stand up for its interests, which do not lie in granting yet more power to the Hightower.

As I said before, I have no authority to make deals on her behalf, but present me with your offers, and I shall send a raven to her to ask her decision, I am sure she will consider your words and judge fairly."

Yoren looks to Grimm.

"You speak of Kinslaying, ser? Perhaps you have not heard the news. Prince Joffery Velaryon is dead. Slain by Aemond the Kinslayer, son of Alicent Hightower. House Hightower has already committed to the gravest act in this land. They have already slain kin. Can any man in this room tell me that they will willingly march with those who would slay their own at the drop of a hat? If they would slay family, then what is to stop them from slaying allies? Speak not of kinslaying, Alester Grimm. For House Hightower has already committed to it, and readily.

A boy of 12 was sent as an envoy to treat with Micheal Baratheon. Baratheon chose Aegon, but despite the fact Joffery came underneath a flag of truce, he allowed Aemond to slay him as the young Prince was leaving. Will you march with men who slay their own, and with men who allow children to be murdered underneath the flag of truce? For that is who you will march with by standing for the Greens."

Yoren could see the lords of the Reach grumbling to each other. Kinslaying was taboo, and murdering a child would not be looked upon kindly, either.