A meeting of Ironborn

**The Mad Skylord** · December 17, 2015, 10:25 AM

On a small, nameless island, a ship of House Harlaw waited. King Ralf Ironwolf was there, waiting for the arrival of King Hoare and King Drumm.

**Gandalfus** · December 17, 2015, 10:50 AM

Over the roaring waves crested a longship, and although it flew no banner, one could see that warriors were aboard, warily watching for any sign of a trap.
Eventually, the longship reached the shore, and was hauled onto the beach by a throng of well armed Ironborn warriors. They clustered together on the beach, before the Harlaw ship was spotted further down the coast. A hulking figure in chainmail lead them; though his face was obscured by his ornate helmet.

**The Mad Skylord** · December 17, 2015, 12:08 PM

A large, triangular, driftwood table had been placed upon the beach. Ralf Harlaw sat at one point. Across the table, maps were pinned down and several troop counters were set out meticulously. A huddle of crew men sat down the beach, drinking and feasting around a fire. The only men with Ralf were his sons, his brother and his captain.

Ralf and his advisers waited patiently for the warrior to arrive.

**Gandalfus** · December 17, 2015, 12:23 PM

As the warriors approached, it was clear to see that their shields were strapped to their backs, as was the custom to show an Ironborn meant no harm. The leader of the group took off his helmet as he stepped towards his seat, revealing a bristling dark beard, a scarred and hairless scalp, and two yellow eyes that seemed almost wolfish in their gaze. Calmly, he took his seat, and looked at Ralf directly.

"Ralf Harlaw, King of the Reapers."
He stated, matter of factly. Behind him, his soldiers shuffled, joining the Harlaw men round the campfires where they began drinking, and sharing stories of war. Next to Dagon stood a wire of a man, with hair like snow and eyes as grey as the sea. Despite his age, he looked in good health, and watched the gathering silently.

**The Mad Skylord** · December 17, 2015, 12:42 PM

Ralf looked at him coolly. "King Drumm." He rapped his fingers on the table for a minute. "It seems we need only wait for Hoare."

**Gandalfus** · December 17, 2015, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21

Ralf looked at him coolly. "King Drumm." He rapped his fingers on the table for a minute. "It seems we need only wait for Hoare."

"He'll take his time, no doubt. They always do." Drumm said with a scowl. Slowly, he drew a dagger, and began idly spinning it on the table.

**The Mad Skylord** · December 17, 2015, 01:55 PM

Ralf smirked lightly. "I don't believe we are waiting for Hoare. I think we're waiting for his whore. " He started playing with a compass that had been left on the table.

**Gandalfus** · December 17, 2015, 02:05 PM

"Same difference. Dirty Andal

er." Dagon grinned, and held up the dagger to the light, inspecting the blade. He hoped he would not have to wait for Hoare for very long.

(That's your cue, Oz

)

**Oznerol** · December 17, 2015, 03:02 PM

A black ship, with black oars and sails arrives to the meeting point. Hoare lands, wearing a furry cloak and dark, somber clothes. His beard is reddish, with a copper hue, while his cold blue eyes scan the place carefully. His retainers wear mail hauberks and nasal helms, wielding long spears and wearing long woollen cloaks. On Harras' hip a longsword with a heavy iron pommel. He nods as salute.

ooc: The Reyne is Harras' mother, he's married to a cousin.

**Gandalfus** · December 17, 2015, 03:22 PM

"King Hoare." Dagon grunted as a simple greeting, before looking back to Harlaw. He sheaths the dagger, and waits to hear what Harlaw has to say.

**Oznerol** · December 17, 2015, 03:24 PM

"King Drumm"

Hoare sat at the table and coldly stared at the maps and figurines. He then studied his nails. His guards stood behind him in silent watch.

**The Mad Skylord** · December 17, 2015, 06:32 PM

Ironwolf looked from one king to the other, then he looked down to his maps. When he looked up, his eyes were full of the greed of the Ironborn. "I have invited you here, Kings, to discuss a triple alliance between our crowns. I believe our reaving would be much more profitable if our ships combined forces." Harlaw grinned suddenly, and became crafty, he slid a dagger out of his belt. He stabbed it down onto the map. Oldtown. "I wish to do what has not been done in many years. I want to sack both Oldtown and its Hightower, and sack the capitol of the Reach itself - Highgarden. I also wish to claim treasure from the Arbor and the Oak Islands. I do not have the ships for all of this alone. We could all stand to become very rich in plunder, if we worked together."

**Oznerol** · December 18, 2015, 06:31 AM

Harras nodded.

"It is time that our sails are again glanced in the Reach, to instill terror on their hearts"

Said Hoare sternly.

"I suggest that we strike first the Shield Islands, for they protect the Reach from our ships. Once they are defeated we might plunder the whole coast. Of course, would remain Hightower's fleet, but we can take care of it once the Shields are subdued. With those islands sacked we could advance up the Mander and ripe its riches"

His hands rested on the sword pommel.

"Hoare will sail with you"

A smirk appeared on his face.

So convenient...

**Gandalfus** · December 18, 2015, 07:38 AM

Drumm leaned forward, his two snake-like eyes inspecting every detail of the map that lay before him.

"Hoare has the right of it. The Shields block any access to the Mander. Defeat them and the Reach is ripe for plunder." Dagon's voice was gravelly and stern, a contrast with the wolfish grin that slowly spread across his face.

"I'll sail with you, Harlaw. I'm itching to kill some soft Andal lordlings."

**The Mad Skylord** · December 18, 2015, 03:45 PM

Harlaw smiled, he had expected this. They had played into his hands so far. "Gentlemen, I suggest we hoard the treasure and split it 3 ways. A third share of the total plunder will amount to more than simply reaving together and each band hoarding its gold. It may also cause less internal fighting."

Ralf stood and jerked the dagger out of the table. "I suggest you go and muster your fleets. We shall meet at Harlaw and sail for the Shield Islands. My intention is to raid the Shields, sack Highgarden and then move south, to destroy the only other fleet the Reachmen can muster - the Arbor. With the fleets of the Shields and the Arbor gone, the Reach will be at our mercy for many years to come!"

**Gandalfus** · December 19, 2015, 04:01 AM

Drumm looked at Hoare, then at Harlaw, his gaze cool and indifferent. He stood, nodded, and departed with his warriors almost as soon as he had arrived.

**The Mad Skylord** · December 19, 2015, 04:09 AM

Harlaw watched Drumm leave. This meeting was over. He had ships to muster. He nodded to Hoare and departed on his ship, after rolling up his maps and tools. This driftwood table had been used as a secret meeting place of House Harlaw for many years, and it would remain here. Ralf boarded his ship and left, heading home.