Meetings and Conversations

[Lucius Malfoy]

OOC: Decided to go with a separate thread where Maegor seeks out various people and speaks with them, hoping to gain their support. If there is someone I wish to speak to, expect a VM from me.

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With no word from the Golden Company, Maegor began to plan a means to gain support within Westeros, in case the traitor among his own ranks was ensuring the support he needed from Tyrosh was preventing it. There were a number of people within the city now that he could meet with; the Red Priest, Lord Baratheon, Lord Stark, Ser Tully and so forth. All of whom he could try to secure support from in the hopes of making a claim for the Iron Throne. He would still keep a relatively passive demeanor and supportive attitude, but beneath this mask, his designs for the throne were very clear.

The first he sought to meet with was Lord Baratheon. Maegor was able to find him within the Red Keep after the Small Council session. True, the Stormlander had shown support for Rhaegar, but perhaps he could be convinced otherwise. Perhaps showing a more matured and educated choice may make the Baratheon see the folly in supporting a young heir over one who has a better knowledge of the world around them.

[Gandalfus]

Lord Baratheon was making himself at home in his somewhat temporary quarters as Maegor came to meet with him, in particular reading over a letter that had come from his uncle at Storm's End. As the Taragaryen entered, Baratheon folded the letter and set it down, before rising from his seat.

"Ah, Maegor." He said, somewhat surprised by the man's presence.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maegor bows to the Lord Paramount, despite having his Princely title restored to him by Aerys. The Targaryen had lived an odd life and learned some tips along the way which may be helpful.

My Lord Baratheon, I was hoping we could speak. Especially given our shared past with a certain monster we were forced to serve once.

[Gandalfus]

"Maelys?" Grimacing, the Stormlord paused, and eventually gave a nod. The memory of his captivity was still raw in his mind, and he still sometimes relived his father's death at the hands of the monstrous Blackfyre in his dreams.
"I was unaware you were forced to serve him, Maegor. A horrid king, in body and mind."
Was he any worse than Aerys? He quietly dispelled the thought, as the memory of the wildfire crept into his mind. At least his father died honourably, in battle. Not burned to kindling like Tyrell.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Aye, I was captured by him shortly after he took Storm's End.

Maegor would sigh lightly, remembering those days when Maelys could have almost executed him.

At that time, I lived near the ruins of Summerhall and had come to your ancestral castle to gather some needed supplies, believing the Monstrous Blackfyre could not take the unbreakable fortress of Storm's End. He could have killed me, but instead, forced me to serve him as a commander and knight. I believe his intention was to use me as a possible means to kill Aerys, making me a Kingslayer and giving Maelys an excuse to end my life as well.

The Targaryen glances outside for a moment, remembering how he had fought the royal army at Wendwater.

I ensured I took a torso wound to prevent me from ever commanding troops for that monster again. I reminder of my forced servitude and what I did to prevent myself from fighting my kin. Yet Aerys did not believe it and had me imprisoned for over a year when I returned to the courts shortly before his death. I was treated as an outsider once more by my own kin and looked upon with suspicion just as others did during the Great Council of 223 AC... all because of my name and my father.

[Gandalfus]

"The last great council, when unlikely Aegon was chosen as King over you, a mere boy." Steffon mused, wondering if events would perhaps repeat themselves. The river of time was a curious thing.
"I was a hostage in my own castle for the duration of the war. My uncle managed to avoid doing any fighting on my behalf, thank the Seven." Baratheon remembered being at the mercy of the foul Silvertongue and his creatures for most of the war, locked in his chambers while they feasted and whored in his castle.
"So, Aerys had you imprisoned eh?" A harsh chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head. "Where did you go, after King's Landing? Dragonstone? Summerhall? Essos?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maegor could have easily said Essos, but he decided to make things a little more interesting for the Baratheon. He glances northward for a moment before speaking to Steffon.

For a time, I drifted from place to place, eventually finding a temporary home in the Riverlands and then in the mountains of the Vale. I remained there for a few years until something urged me to Lys.

He reflects for a moment about Lys, remembering how he went there to gain the hand of Serra Blackfyre, granddaughter of Aegor Bittersteel and great-granddaughter of Daemon Blackfyre.

As I had imposed myself into this exiled life, I felt I was in my father's footsteps. Aerion went to Lys when he was exiled by my grandfather. I went to Lys to rediscover myself and return to the Seven Kingdoms, just as my father did before I was born. I felt that I shouldn't run away from what I had done where I had no control over it. So I took my chances and returned to Westeros. A year later, I ventured to the capital to speak with Aerys in the hopes of returning to the nest.

[Gandalfus]

"I see." Baratheon replied, watching the Targaryen intently. "And you did return, though at the wrong time it seems. I would have stayed away from the capital."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maegor chuckles lightly and shakes his head. How it would be so easy to avoid the capital.

My father was brave in the Third Blackfyre Rebellion and my grandfather was one of the bravest Kings of my family's lineage. Bravery and, for that, boldness runs in my veins, Lord Baratheon. If I could not face the possible consequences without being bold nor brave, how could I be the son of Aerion Brightflame and grandson of Maekar Targaryen? No, I had to come back, no matter what fate awaited me.

[Gandalfus]

"And what fate awaits a son of Kings?" Baratheon enquired thoughtfully, clasping his hands behind his back.

[Lucius Malfoy]

That fate is still to be decided, my Lord Baratheon. I have come at an odd time with Aerys dead, my cousin Rhaegar denounced by the Faith... I had hoped to return and do something good for the realm in the service of the Crown, but now, I am unsure of what to do. With a future so uncertain, perhaps I should return to my simple life. Yet the blood of Maekar calls for me to do greater things, but what, I ask myself.

Maegor sighs lightly, pondering once more upon the obstacles that surrounded him, including Steffon himself, who had a claim over the Iron Throne.

[Gandalfus]

"You want the Crown. Just say it." Baratheon replied, recalling how Maegor had earlier staked his claim within the Red Keep. His eyes were curious, though, and without malice.

[Lucius Malfoy]

As much as I want the crown, I would want to ensure I have support that can trust me. Maelys was a brute and Aerys was a tyrant. I would rather foster good relations than force them with the point of my sword.

He looks at Steffon, noticing the curious look in his eyes. Maegor looks away for a moment, sighing. His following words sounded full of anger, pent up most likely after all these years.

I was only overlooked because I was named Maegor. Because my father was mad enough to drink wildfire! I was looked upon with suspicion by own kin because of these. All of this, judged before a boy could become a man.

Maegor then turns to Steffon, feeling a grimace starting to take over his face.

Well there you have it. You know that I have ambitions and could easily have me arrested and thrown away like Aerys did. After all, you have a claim yourself, Lord Baratheon, through one of Aegon's daughters.

[Gandalfus]

"I do, yes, you are correct there." Steffon responded, his face turning to a frown. He had wanted to crown Rhaegar, but his convictions had been rocked of late - Targaryen's were either born to madness or greatness, and sometimes both.
"Maegor. Aye, a cursed name, or so some say. Some fools." He shook his head, and poured a cup of wine, before offering it to the Valyrian.
"I could throw you in prison, but to what end? Rhaegar is not even crowned, as of now, we have no king."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maegor looks at the cup of wine curiously before taking it into his hands.

Yet, you support Rhaegar's elevation, Lord Baratheon. Me being here stands as a obstacle to Rhaegar's ascension does it not?

[Gandalfus]

"I don't know what or who to believe. All I am concerned about is what is best for the realm, and whoever will bring the stability we need to last into the future." The longer he stayed in this city, the more toxic his thoughts became. Many times he'd thought of crowning Maegor, or himself, rather than leaving the Kingdoms in the hands of a child. The Faith had changed things, that was certain, as had Aerys. There were no dragons anymore, only shadows of snakes.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I would want to see the realm know peace and the actions of Aerys to be reversed, which was why I killed Bronn Waters for his treachery and took Corlys Dragoncrab into my care. We cannot have a royal bastard upset the balance of power.

Maegor looks at the cup of wine for a moment before taking a hearty swig from it. He sighs lightly and ponders for a moment. He desired the Iron Throne above all, to prove that those of the past were wrong about him.

I fear a regency may upset the realm further given the zealous posture of the Faith now towards any faith that is not their own. That is why I am unsure of support Rhaegar, despite him being the true heir.

[Gandalfus]

"Aye, and myself. We would have a long regency, undoubtedly dominated by his grandmother." Baratheon was Shaera's nephew, but she did not feel like kin to him; she was too domineering and political for him to regard her as anything more than a potential ally... or foe.

[Lucius Malfoy]

That is what concerns me, Lord Baratheon. Rhaegar would surely be dominated by his grandmother and, most likely, Dornish nobles, if the rumors of Queen Rhaelle being in Dorne are true. The question would be where would men like myself, you and Stark be then? What of Criston Tully? Would he be removed and replaced with one of the Dowager Queen's candidates or a Dornish one? A regency could easily lead to these possibilities and that is what I fear.

Maegor, at least, could see that Steffon and him agreed on the opinion with Shaera, who would surely dominate the courts and the direction of the regency.

[Gandalfus]

"At home, in Storm's End, probably cast aside like a used whore." He grumbled. The thought did not please him, being sent to fester at Storm's End for the rest of his days.