|
Post by LiquidChicagoTed on May 6, 2019 14:41:41 GMT
Ah, haha, choices! Come to think of it, Arvin really is the best option for them, he's always been this character torn between two paths, probably more than any other PoV and after we prevented Gwen from turning into a Great Other cultist, Arvin is also by the current development the only PoV where I can see two 100% completely different ways for him to develop, so, yeah, it makes sense. I bring up the theory that he will likely be one of the PoV's with more choice input than others and given that I see so much potential for him to develop into one direction or the other, I'm all for it. That being said... I still don't like him I mean, I like him as a PoV, I like his role in the story and the potential, but he as much a jerk as pre-development Jamison, so I do not like him as a person. That being said, we know Jamison's development eventually turned him into an overall likeable character (though I would never go as far as to say that Jamison is not still a bit of a jerk ^^), so who knows, maybe the same is on the table for Arvin. [Ask Carolyn to leave]I mean, Arvin is already Prince Douchebag, but let's not make him into Prince Cheating Douchebag, aye? He's a married man after all and even though his marriage is understandably unhappy (and it cannot be stressed enough, that is his fault entirely), this ain't right. Maybe if we pick choices like that, he will change for the better. Also, remind me real quick... we did hear the name Safyre before, didn't we? I could be mixing things up here, but I think I vaguely recall the name being brought up in some earlier part in Book 1, where one member of the family is suspected to be behind a couple of murders. I remember that there was a report about these murders, because I immediately speculated that they are connected to the Great Other or some other dark god back then. Am I right that House Safyre was brought up in connection with that, or am I really misremembering something?
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 6, 2019 15:22:03 GMT
Ah, haha, choices! Come to think of it, Arvin really is the best option for them, he's always been this character torn between two paths, probably more than any other PoV and after we prevented Gwen from turning into a Great Other cultist, Arvin is also by the current development the only PoV where I can see two 100% completely different ways for him to develop, so, yeah, it makes sense. I bring up the theory that he will likely be one of the PoV's with more choice input than others and given that I see so much potential for him to develop into one direction or the other, I'm all for it. That being said... I still don't like him I mean, I like him as a PoV, I like his role in the story and the potential, but he as much a jerk as pre-development Jamison, so I do not like him as a person. That being said, we know Jamison's development eventually turned him into an overall likeable character (though I would never go as far as to say that Jamison is not still a bit of a jerk ^^), so who knows, maybe the same is on the table for Arvin. [Ask Carolyn to leave]I mean, Arvin is already Prince Douchebag, but let's not make him into Prince Cheating Douchebag, aye? He's a married man after all and even though his marriage is understandably unhappy (and it cannot be stressed enough, that is his fault entirely), this ain't right. Maybe if we pick choices like that, he will change for the better. Also, remind me real quick... we did hear the name Safyre before, didn't we? I could be mixing things up here, but I think I vaguely recall the name being brought up in some earlier part in Book 1, where one member of the family is suspected to be behind a couple of murders. I remember that there was a report about these murders, because I immediately speculated that they are connected to the Great Other or some other dark god back then. Am I right that House Safyre was brought up in connection with that, or am I really misremembering something? Indeed, that is exactly why I thought Arvin is the kind of PoV where the choices can really be utilized in a good way. And yeah, Arvin is arguably the most unlikable out of all the PoVs at the moment. Perhaps that will change in the future, perhaps not. And you remember correctly, House Safyre was first mentioned during Chapter 3 of Book 1, in a Nealia part you can find in the doc from page 233. It's mentioned in that part that brutal and ritualistic murders had been happening in their lands. The common rumor/suspicion was that it was the work of Mordekhai Crusher, but Lord Joachim suspected his exiled uncle Ser Ajax Safyre may have been the one behind them.
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 7, 2019 19:48:25 GMT
Voting is closed!And Arvin will ask Carolyn to leave. Mostly this was a character-building choice, but there are also some minor immediate consequences as well. Allowing Carolyn to stay would've given us more dialogue between her and Arvin, which may have given some extra info on the situation at Safyre Hall. Next up will be a Verro part, keeping us in the Manwoody lands. Verro's Book 2 storyline started from Nightsong, where he worked in the Caron household guard. We learned that Lord Trevas Caron had marched with majority of the Caron troops to support the Storm King in another war, but before that the Carons had had a bloody campaign on the Manwoody lands to avenge King Albin's actions towards Lady Kortney. Verro, Nesila and Zaltha had fought in the Caron forces, the latter having fallen towards the end of the war due to an infected wound. Now Kortney had another mission for Nesila, who chose Verro as her companion for it. The mission was to find the Free Ravens and offer them an alliance with House Caron. And so, Verro followed Nesila to the Manwoody lands, and as they came across a village that Verro remembered from the war, they were able to make contact with the Free Ravens. A man named Bruce Hall was sent to question them, and he was quick to deduce they had been sent there by the Carons. They admitted as much and asked to see the leader of the Free Ravens. Bruce told their leader was on the other side of the kingdom, but he had left someone else in charge here and they could go see him. However, before that he wanted to know if Verro and Nesila were among the Caron troops who ravaged the Manwoody lands. Verro decided to tell him the truth, and that is where we will pick up. The part should be done within a couple of days. For now though, enjoy these additions to the Book 2 album of character portraits. The two ladies introduced in the latest part, Carolyn Safyre and Clarysse the Siren:
|
|
|
Post by Tales93 on May 8, 2019 4:49:03 GMT
O man... I missed the voting. O well, it was a good part. Also, I'm excited and a little nervous for Verro's next part.
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 9, 2019 15:51:14 GMT
Verro ”Yes, we marched with the Caron army that attacked these lands,” Verro confessed tensely. Bruce Hall looked at him with serious eyes and nodded. “I appreciate your honesty,” he said with a stern but sincere tone. “However, this does make me concerned about whether our motives truly align. You fought against the people of these lands, the Free Ravens fight for them.” “We fought against King Albin,” Nesila rejoined the conversation with a fierce tone on her voice. “He is the root cause for all the suffering the people of these lands have gone through in these past few years. I’m sure we agree on that at least.” Bruce nodded, a hint of a smirk returning on his face. “Others are not without blame, but Albin is indeed the head of the beast,” he said calmly. “Alright, pack up what you have then, we have a bit of a ride ahead of us.” And a ride they had indeed, for hours across the rugged and hilly terrain by narrow and winding shepherd’s paths, which took them through forests filled with sentinel trees and Dornish yews, small hamlets built along springs and ponds, ridges with terrifyingly steep sides, and open green valleys dotted with long barrows. Verro asked Bruce who were buried in these tombs, but the man just laughed and said they were so ancient that no one knew. Finally, as the sun already approached the horizon in the west, they reached the hideout of the Free Ravens. It was in a shadowy ravine between two tall and steep cliffsides, a small creek running through it. As they rode into the camp Verro saw a couple men returning from a hunt, deer carcasses stowed on both of their mounts. A young girl and an older man were washing dishes by the creek, a muscular man with bushy beard was sharpening blades with a whetstone, someone was chopping wood, and others were sitting around the campfire singing, drinking and laughing. It was hard to estimate the exact numbers in the commotion of the camp, but Verro was sure there were at least fifty men and women here in total, most likely more. They left their horses by a makeshift hitching post near the cliffside and followed Bruce deeper into the camp. Verro smelled and eyed hungrily the steaming pot of stew as they walked past it, which Bruce clearly noticed. “You can eat once you’ve been introduced to Ser Oldman,” he promised with a small chuckle. They gathered some curious glances from the people they passed by, but no one seemed hostile towards them. One thing Verro took notice of was the diverseness of the people in this place – there were men and women, young and old, peasants and nobles, all living seemingly in harmony. At the end of the ravine there was a dripstone cave from which the creek originated, offering the Free Ravens a shelter for the nights. Bruce Hall led Verro and Nesila inside the cave, which was illuminated by torches. Deep in the cave there was a small waterfall, and close to it on a large rock was sitting a stocky middle-aged man with a long hair and thick mutton chops, both brown streaked with grey, polishing the blade of a castle forged longsword. He heard them approaching and turned his gaze towards them. The man’s light brown eyes glimmered in the light of the torch as he eyed Verro and Nesila with a sharp glare. Verro also couldn’t help but notice the long scar on the man’s face, running just an inch below his lips, from cheek to cheek. “These are the allies Harry’s son told us about?” the man asked as he stood up and sheathed his sword, and Bruce gave him a dutiful nod. “You are Ser Oldman?” Nesila asked, and the man laughed as if she had just said something hilarious. “I am Ser Dantor Templeton,” he clarified, a grin remaining on his face. “But sure, you may call me Ser Oldman, everyone else here already does.” “I am Nesila of Myr, and this is my companion Verro,” Nesila introduced them with a polite tone, to which Ser Dantor nodded approvingly. “I heard you were seeking to join our cause.” “They were sent by the Carons,” Bruce Hall threw in before either of them could respond. Dantor’s smile diminished slightly. “I am aware of House Caron’s war efforts against King Albin,” he stated calmly, a thin smile remaining on his face. “Lady Kortney Caron was imprisoned and tortured by Albin the Mad,” Nesila said, a quiet anger in her words. “My brother was murdered by him. I believe we have a shared cause, ser.” Ser Dantor Templeton remained silent for a moment, a pensive look in his eyes as he turned toward the small waterfall behind him. “We are here to punish King Albin for his crimes, that much is true,” he said with a sigh. “However, what you seek is vengeance. What we seek is justice. A subtle difference, I know, but nonetheless a meaningful one.” “You want King Albin dead, we want him dead,” Verro joined the conversation with a frustrated tone. “Call it what you will, vengeance or justice, it makes no difference.” Dantor turned around and gave Verro an approving nod. “Perhaps you’re right,” he admitted calmly. “However, what is it exactly that you have come to offer? More than just your swords, I imagine.” “An alliance,” Nesila answered confidently. “Between House Caron and the Free Ravens, against King Albin.” A smirk formed on the Valeman knight’s face, and he let out a small chuckle. “The Free Ravens don’t make alliances with noble houses,” he stated nonchalantly. “We don’t play the games of the high lords and ladies, not on their terms at least. We serve and protect the common people who suffer under unjust rulers. King Albin is our enemy, but House Caron is not our friend.” “I don’t care about the games of the high lords and ladies, and neither does Lady Kortney,” Nesila hissed, clenching her fists and fury glimmering in her eyes. “We want King Albin dead, because he has made us suffer, just as he has made his own people suffer. Please, allow us to aid you in this cause.” Ser Dantor took in a deep breath and crossed his arms. “There may be a way for House Caron to aid us,” he admitted sternly. “The people here have been generous in sharing with us their mead, bread and homes, and we do our best to provide for ourselves where we can, but resources are scarce after all the wars that have plagued this land recently. Something House Caron isn’t blameless in either.” “So, you want House Caron to provide you with food and supplies?” Nesila asked with a raised eyebrow, and Dantor nodded. “Yes, that would be more useful to us than men with swords and spears, especially ones wearing the colors of House Caron. The locals don’t much like them, you see.” “I’m sure Lady Kortney will agree to your proposal, ser,” Nesila said with just a hint of uncertainty in her words. “Fantastic!” Dantor exclaimed with a grin. “Come now, I’m sure you’re hungry.” Together with Ser Dantor and Bruce they enjoyed a much-needed meal of venison stew, accompanied with several horns of mead. Bruce told them what he claimed to be a true story from his childhood, in which he fooled all the barmaids of the inn he had grown up in to believe that a random drunkard customer was a heartbroken cousin of the king, while whispering to the drunkard’s ear that the barmaids all found him to be the most handsome man in the kingdom. The night had ended in three of the barmaids proclaiming their love for the drunkard, who had in confusion thrown up on one of them, before the innkeep had put an end to it. Dantor laughed roaringly at the conclusion of the story, and Verro let out a small laugh as well. After that Dantor was curious to learn more about them, and while Nesila remained unforthcoming, Verro opted to tell some stories about his times as a pit fighter and a pirate. Quickly darkness fell into the ravine as even the last light of the sun disappeared, leaving only the light of the moon and stars. Of course there were also the campfire and the torches, which casted large dancing shadows on the stony cliffsides around them. They were given a fur blanket to lay down on inside the cave, and Verro fell asleep almost immediately after closing his eyes. By dawn he was woken up by Nesila, who brought him some bread for breakfast. “I will leave back for Nightsong today,” she said with a subtle gulp as Verro chewed on the hardy bread. “We will leave back for Nightsong,” Verro corrected, but Nesila shook her head. “No, Verro,” she said with a remorseful sigh. “You should stay here with them. Gain their trust, learn to know them.” “I came here because of you,” Verro protested sharply. “I don’t care about these people or their cause, I care about you. Please, allow me to stay by your side.” “I will be fine, Verro,” Nesila insisted with a frustrated sigh. “Bruce Hall travels with me, to represent the Free Ravens in the negotiations with Lady Kortney.” “And how am I supposed to feel about that?” Verro asked with a frown. “I don’t trust Bruce, I don’t know him.” “The point is that I will be safe, and we’ll be back soon enough with the aid of House Caron,” Nesila said calmly. A tense silence lingered between them for a moment, until Verro let out a defeated sigh. “Fine then, I’ll stay here,” he conceded. “Thank you, Verro,” Nesila said warmly, and gave him a brief kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you again, soon,” she promised as she walked away.
|
|
|
Post by CM3434 on May 10, 2019 1:18:07 GMT
It's nice to see Verro again. I am also really intrigued to see where this Free Raven and House Caron alliance will end up going especially since the Free Ravens will no doubt need some outside aid soon enough. With all of the enemies that they are starting to gain in Dorne, they may end up needing some extra men to fight alongside them whether they like it or not and it really interests me to see where the battles involving them are going to go. When it comes to what happened in this part, having Nesila and Verro separate does bring some reason to worry but Bruce seems to be a good man so I think things could be alright. Great part!
|
|
|
Post by Tales93 on May 10, 2019 21:09:13 GMT
I'm glad to see Verro again after all this time. I wonder how this alliance with House Caron will go. I'm sure, some houses may not like it, if it is discovered that their supplying the Free Ravens with food and resources. It's sad to see my #1 ship be seperated for a while. Hopefully, after Verro learns more about the free Ravens, they can come back together soon.
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 12, 2019 10:50:29 GMT
Update!So, I just wanted to let you know that I've been working on a Naemon part. It's almost done, and should be posted later today. There actually isn't much to recap with Naemon, because he has only had one part in Book 2 so far. In that part we saw him first sparring with his squire Davos Dayne, who asked him about whether he believes what King Benedict was saying about Gwendis still being alive out there (as he had seen with his glass candle), but Naemon seemed skeptical at best. Then there was a council meeting, in which was brought up that some Reachman knight had arrived to Oakswood on a mission to find someone in Dorne, swearing he has no intention of upsetting or disturbing the local authorities while fulfilling that mission. However, more importantly King Garrison Fowler's call for aid had arrived to Blackmont, and King Benedict did concede to sending a small force to aid the Fowlers against the Martells. Naemon decided to lead these troops personally. As said, the part should be posted later today. For now, take this character portrait of the newest addition to the cast, Ser Dantor Templeton:
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 12, 2019 17:07:16 GMT
Naemon Prince Naemon sat behind the desk in his chambers, reading through the latest report that a raven had delivered to them from the Kingdom of Stone and Sky that morning. Apparently the Martells had already captured the Blackpool Keep. Prince Mors led a host of four-thousand men if the reports were to be believed, and Naemon had to wonder how big of a difference the roughly five-hundred Blackmont troops he would lead to Skyreach could make. He knew House Fowler’s troops were most certainly depleted from their wars against House Manwoody, and the Dayne reinforcements would have an even longer march than the Blackmonts did. That said, if they could all assemble in Skyreach before the Martells would attack, perhaps they would have a chance to crush this invasion – when it came to taking castles the defenders always had the advantage. Naemon’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. “Come in,” he said sternly, and the door was opened by his squire, Davos Dayne. “Ser, you’re needed at the courtyard,” the boy said with a casual tone, and Naemon raised his eyebrow. They would begin their march today, but he had a hard time believing the preparations were already done. “The men are ready?” “Soon, ser, but this is about something else,” Davos responded calmly. “The Reachman knight that Maester Mortin mentioned during the last council meeting, he has arrived.” “Ah, the Bulwer,” Naemon remembered, letting out a small sigh. “What does he want?” “To be welcomed like a noble guest, I would assume,” Davos answered with just a hint of a smirk forming on his face. “I mean, I could’ve gone to your father, but I thought His Grace…” “Aye, I’ll handle it,” Naemon cut off his squire and stood up, striding past him to the corridor. Arriving at the courtyard, he saw a tall and broad young man with brown hair and thick full beard, perhaps a few years older than Naemon. He was clad in a shining red suit of armor, and on his left hand he carried a greathelm shaped like the skull of a bull, horns and all. Behind him stood an entourage of half-a-dozen soldiers in the colors of House Bulwer, one of them wearing a finer armor than the rest – a tall and wiry knight with long dark hair and beard, a deadpan glare stuck in his bright blue eyes. “You must be Prince Naemon Blackmont,” the Bulwer knight said with a polite tone and a respectful nod as Naemon approached him. “I am,” he replied sternly. “And you are?” “Ser Blaine Bulwer, if it pleases your highness,” the man introduced himself with a grin on his wide and plain face. “As I told your bannerman at Oakswood, my mission here has no ill intentions towards you or any of the Dornish kingdoms and peoples.” “And what exactly is that mission?” Naemon asked curiously. Ser Blaine’s expression turned more serious now. “I’m looking for my betrothed, Lady Victaria Graceford,” he explained with a deep sigh. “Together with two other young noblewomen from the Reach she disappeared about a year ago, taken by a band of outlaws known as the Free Ravens. As soon as word reached me that the Free Ravens had been spotted heading into Dorne, I knew I would have to go find them and save my bride.” “A noble goal,” Naemon admitted calmly. “You’re welcome in the Kingdom of Blackmont, but I can tell you that there have been no reports about a band of outlaws in our lands as of late.” “I know,” Blaine responded with a nod. “From what I understand, the Free Ravens have been spotted in the Manwoody kingdom.” “Makes sense, that land has been plagued by wars lately,” Naemon stated nonchalantly. “Easy pickings for bandits.” “Every day I fear for the safety of my dear Victaria,” Blaine spoke with a surprisingly passionate tone, and all Naemon could do was to give him an awkward nod. “I heard you’re marching to east,” the Reachman continued, looking Naemon intensely to the eyes. “Please, Prince Naemon, allow me and my men to march with you until we reach the Wide Way.” “That should be no problem, ser,” Naemon agreed calmly, and a relieved smile formed on Ser Blaine’s face. “Thank you,” he said with a sincere tone, and offered his hand for shaking. Naemon shook the man’s hand, a thin smile on his face. “It is always an honor to aid a fellow knight in need.” A couple hours later they were ready to march, and King Benedict had come out on the courtyard to give farewells to his son. Naemon was already mounted on his horse, when his father walked next to him. The King looked up to him. “Return home safely, son,” he pleaded quietly, a tired look in his blue eyes. “Our family will be back together soon, I know it, Gwendis will come back. I wouldn’t want you to miss it.” Naemon gave his father a silent nod, not having the heart to speak against his delusional ramblings. Gwendis was gone, Naemon had learned to accept it by now, even if it seemed that Benedict never would. Without further discussion, he rode out of the gates of Blackmont, Davos Dayne by his side, Ser Blaine Bulwer with his entourage following closely behind them, and five-hundred soldiers waiting for him outside the walls. They kept up a good pace on their marching, because Naemon knew they would need to reach Skyreach as quickly as possible. Even at a quick pace it would take a week, so there was no room for slacking. By nightfall they had already marched nearly thirty miles, and hastily made a camp at the beginning of a pass that would eventually take them to the Wide Way. “Prince Naemon,” called the voice of Ser Blaine Bulwer as the prince was already making his way towards his pavilion. He and Davos turned around, seeing the Reachman hurrying towards them with a bottle of wine on his hands. “It’s Arbor gold,” the man claimed with a grin. “I thought, as a gesture of gratitude, I would invite you to have a drink with me and my friend.” Naemon exchanged a glance with Davos, and then nodded with a small chuckle. “Sure,” he said with a shrug. “I’m not one to turn down an excuse for some wine. Come, Davos.” They joined Ser Blaine by the campfire next to his pavilion, where the wiry knight with long dark hair and blue eyes was already waiting. Blaine poured some wine for all their cups, and Naemon looked at the man’s silent companion with narrowed eyes. “I don’t believe you’ve introduced yourself, ser,” he remarked with a calm and polite tone. The man just looked at him with a bored expression, until Blaine gave him an encouraging nod. “Ser Rolf Reyne,” the man then said laconically. “My good friend and bodyguard,” Blaine explained with a chuckle. “My excuses, Ser Rolf isn’t one for idle chatter.” “Works for me,” Naemon said dryly and raised his cup to take a sip. The wine admittedly had a rich flavor to it, even if slightly too sweet for the taste of the Blackmont prince. “How about a drinking game?” Blaine asked with a smirk. “I know one that’s perfect for getting to know new people.” Naemon wasn’t sure how interested he was to get to know these Reachmen, but he nodded regardless, and Blaine explained the rules. “I make a statement about your past, if it’s true you drink and if not then I drink. To keep it fair, me and Rolf will make statements about you and your squire, and you two make statements about us.” “You’ve laid with a lowborn girl,” Rolf spoke up before Naemon could even confirm that he had understood the rules. Naemon looked at the Reyne knight with a raised eyebrow, who gave him the tiniest of smirks. “Well, have you or have you not?” Chuckling and shaking his head slightly Naemon drank his wine and then poured some more. “Is it my turn now?” he asked, and Blaine nodded. Naemon turned his eyes to Ser Rolf. “You were exiled from the Kingdom of the Rock,” he stated sharply. The man shook his head. “I exiled myself. Drink.” Naemon rolled his eyes but gulped down the wine anyway. Ser Blaine cleared his throat and looked at Davos. “You have never been with a woman,” he said calmly. Davos nodded and drank. “You only met your betrothed once before she disappeared,” the squire shot back. Ser Blaine looked slightly taken aback, but drank his wine nonetheless. Then it was Rolf’s turn, and he once again made a statement about Naemon. “You’ve been to the Stormlands.” “No, I haven’t,” Naemon said with a satisfied smirk. “Drink up, Reyne!” Quite quickly they were all drunk, and the statements started to become more and more absurd. Soon Naemon found himself laughing along with these men who had been complete strangers to him just hours before, and perhaps would be again come morning. However, he didn’t care, this was the first time in a long time that he had allowed himself to have fun. In his mind resurfaced old memories of him riding around the kingdom with his friends in all sorts of harmless adventures, but also memories of laughing together with Gwendis. “Alright, alright, I’ll get this one right,” Blaine slurred, pouring himself more wine again and looking at Naemon. “You… you have never loved your father,” he said with a grin, already raising the cup to his lips with the assumption that he was wrong. However, Naemon’s smile faded as he wondered whether the statement was actually true. If there was a time when he had truly loved his father, it was so long ago that he couldn’t remember. “Drink,” Naemon said after a moment of hesitation, forcing a smile on his face, and so Ser Blaine did. However, Naemon’s mood was now ruined. “I think we’ve had enough,” he said with a sigh, looking at his squire who looked like he couldn’t even stand upright anymore. “Tomorrow will be another long march.” “Aye, I understand, my prince,” Blaine spoke drunkenly as Naemon helped Davos up on his feet. “Thank you for the pleasant evening, ser,” he said, and the Reachman saluted him. “You’re welcome, prince!” After escorting Davos to his bunk, Naemon made his way to his own. However, as he laid down he couldn’t seem to be able to fall asleep. He thought about the battle ahead, and about what Blaine had said. What am I fighting for? It was a question that had troubled Naemon’s nights for some time now. Once he might have said he fought for his family, but the only thing left of his family was Benedict. Perhaps he fought for some sense of duty towards his kingdom and its people, but that felt hollow. Gwendis had always been the one to care about that, the one to excel in it. As the tears welled up in his eyes, Naemon found himself hoping that his father’s delusions would come true after all.
|
|
|
Post by LiquidChicagoTed on May 12, 2019 21:56:15 GMT
Hm, I had a lot to do this weekend and didn't manage to comment on Verro's part in time, but I am super glad to see so frequent part updates So, first of all, with Verro's part, I need a small reminder about him and Nesila. It has been a while since we last saw them and the last thing I remember is that they were an item during the timeskip, but split up since then (with some obvious feelings remaining). So, was this kiss between them a new development, or did they already grow closer again in Book 2? But ah, in general, this was a great part. I think I said it before, Verro is a PoV who is constantly growing on me. He was sorta alright in the first chapter and then he got better with every part, which is a trend that continues with this one. I really like the direction of his storyline and Dantor seems like a nice addition to the cast, he made a good first impression. And Naemon's part, ah, the feels! I can't say I fully regret our earlier Gwen decision to go with Aisha all that much anymore, given that it went well for the time being and opened up some downright fascinating options for her, but in moments like this, I still feel a sting of regret, because while it seems this was a healthy, mind-opening decision for her in the long run, it definitely made things bad for Naemon. This part shows just how much he's still out of his comfort zone and how he and Benedict are both far from over her disappearance. At least Benedict has his hopes, though to be fair, while we know that he is right, I cannot blame Naemon and the others for thinking him deluded and their different ways of coping with the situation is likely only causing the problems between them to increase. Previously, Gwendis has always been this one person they both somewhat listened to, but with her gone (and remaining gone for the foreseeable future), I am really afraid where the resentment between Naemon and his father will grow.
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 12, 2019 22:47:57 GMT
Hm, I had a lot to do this weekend and didn't manage to comment on Verro's part in time, but I am super glad to see so frequent part updates So, first of all, with Verro's part, I need a small reminder about him and Nesila. It has been a while since we last saw them and the last thing I remember is that they were an item during the timeskip, but split up since then (with some obvious feelings remaining). So, was this kiss between them a new development, or did they already grow closer again in Book 2? But ah, in general, this was a great part. I think I said it before, Verro is a PoV who is constantly growing on me. He was sorta alright in the first chapter and then he got better with every part, which is a trend that continues with this one. I really like the direction of his storyline and Dantor seems like a nice addition to the cast, he made a good first impression. And Naemon's part, ah, the feels! I can't say I fully regret our earlier Gwen decision to go with Aisha all that much anymore, given that it went well for the time being and opened up some downright fascinating options for her, but in moments like this, I still feel a sting of regret, because while it seems this was a healthy, mind-opening decision for her in the long run, it definitely made things bad for Naemon. This part shows just how much he's still out of his comfort zone and how he and Benedict are both far from over her disappearance. At least Benedict has his hopes, though to be fair, while we know that he is right, I cannot blame Naemon and the others for thinking him deluded and their different ways of coping with the situation is likely only causing the problems between them to increase. Previously, Gwendis has always been this one person they both somewhat listened to, but with her gone (and remaining gone for the foreseeable future), I am really afraid where the resentment between Naemon and his father will grow. It's fine, with the parts that don't include choices it doesn't really matter if you get to comment in time or not, I'm glad to hear your thoughts regardless. And these parts have indeed been coming out fast recently, gotta strike while the iron is hot But yeah, this was the first outright romantic interaction between Verro and Nesila during Book 2. It's been made clear both of them still very much care for each other, so it wasn't completely out of the blue, but I'd say Verro was still surprised. Anyway, I'm happy to hear you're enjoying Verro's storyline! He was admittedly one of those characters where I was unsure at one point if I could come up with anything for him in Book 2, so much that I even considered killing him off in Book 1. I'm glad I didn't though, because I'm really enjoying writing him now. And ah, poor Naemon. He has definitely hardened himself since Book 1, and now carries himself with this aura of cynicism and apathy. However, in this part we see him first let go of that for a moment to have a drink and a laugh, and then immediately afterwards come crashing down with doubt and grief. He has certainly coped in his own way with the loss of Gwendis, but I don't think he actually ever properly went through the grieving process, so there's a lot of pent up sadness and frustration there.
|
|
|
Post by CM3434 on May 12, 2019 23:16:56 GMT
Like the others, I am also pretty hyped about the frequent updates! Having NW back in full swing is definitely a pretty awesome thing and it is nice to see all of these characters again. Naemon is of course not an exception to that. Matter of fact he is one of my favorite PoV's! With that said, Naemon really has been through so much and has debatably changed the most of any character in the story thus far. He has had it pretty rough especially with Gwendis leaving which no doubt affected him more than it has anyone. He clearly feels alone with a father that he has very conflicting emotions about and a sister he cared about more than anyone in the world that as far as he know just left him for no reason. Now he is off to fight in a war that really isn't his fight and he is completely at a loss within himself. I feel pretty bad for Naemon and hopefully things get better for him.
With that said, it was nice getting to see Naemon enjoy himself here for a little while with Blaine and Rolf who both seem like pretty good guys and I am quite excited to see wher their stories will go. On a side note, man the Free Ravens sure haven't been making too many friends. The Manwoodys,Wyls.Yronwoods, and now there's some Reachmen after them too? Ser Lucas is going to have some explaining to do!
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 17, 2019 17:49:50 GMT
Update!
Alright, next we'll move on with a part from the perspective of Princess Nymeria herself. So far in Book 2 we've seen her welcome to Sandship a royal guest from the Iron Islands, King Harmund II Hoare. She formed a trade alliance with the Ironborn king, but he also offered to aid her in the war against Daynes by sending a fleet of raiders to the shores of the Kingdom of Torrentine. Nymeria declined this offer however, which was a decision General Varyn commended her for. Later the captain of Nymeria's royal guard, Farrah of Ghoyan Drohe, reported to her that she had sent her sister Femi on a mission to find their brother Ammon, who is suspected to be linked with the conspiracy against Nymeria. Farrah pleaded from Nymeria that if Ammon would indeed be delivered to Sandship she would refrain from subjecting him to torture, but Nymeria made no promises to her. In this next part she'll once more be welcoming new guests to Sandship...
I'm not sure when exactly this part will be done, with some luck maybe even tonight, but I'd hope before Monday at the very least.
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 17, 2019 19:29:52 GMT
Nymeria Nymeria sat on her throne in the great hall of Sandship, flanked from both sides by two of her royal guards – on her left stood Farrah, and on her right Nesea. In the hall were gathered a couple dozen men and women, including Lord Ormond Bloodspill, the spymaster Edd Prally, the Braavosi keyholder Forovos Norvoshi, as well as their royal guests from the Iron Isles. A strange group of people were now escorted into the hall by General Varyn and Captain Firanisa. Leading them was a lean silver-haired man whose face was gruesomely disfigured by scars, sporting a lavish attire of dark silks and surrounded by half-a-dozen guards armed with halberds and clad in steel. Valyrian nobleman, Nymeria deduced with mild discomfort. However, behind the scarred man and his guards there were also two younger women, both of them on their early twenties as far as Nymeria could tell. One of them had the typical platinum hair of the Valyrians, but the other looked distinctly Westerosi with her flowing dark brown hair and fair complexion. Nymeria had been told these people were representatives of the church of R’hllor seeking for her audience, but that was all she knew of them. No doubt they are here to convert me, Nymeria thought calmly as her gaze slowly glided over the bunch. Of course she had no intentions to convert, but perhaps this would offer her a chance remind the people of the court of her commitment to the Faith of the Seven. The Valyrian nobleman kneeled before her, and his companions followed his example. “I have come to beg your audience, Princess Nymeria of Dorne,” the man spoke with a deep and coarse voice. “You may stand up, mylord,” Nymeria responded calmly. As the man stood up Nymeria could see that there was doubt in his eyes, and his mouth was stretched into a thin line. As the Princess of Dorne she had learned to recognize the subtle clues of someone being unhappy with her, but this man she could read like an open book. Whoever he was, he hated Nymeria. “I am Myraalduin,” he introduced himself with a heavy sigh. “Formerly a member of the Qartalor family, one of the forty ruling great families of the Freehold.” “Formerly?” Nymeria asked with a frown, and Myraalduin nodded sternly. “I used to be a dragonrider,” he stated grimly. “I flew together with three-hundred of my fellow dragonlords to crush the Rhoynar resistance led by Prince Garin. We were victorious, burning down the armies and cities of your people. However, then something happened in Chroyane.” This wasn’t the first time Nymeria had heard of the mysterious calamity that had befallen the Valyrian garrison in Chroyane after they had mocked and tortured the shackled and caged Prince Garin there. “Garin’s Curse,” Nymeria said quietly, allowing her lips to form a tiny triumphant smile. “I do not know what it was, but I know that in the darkness of the night the waters rose and swallowed us whole,” Myraalduin spoke with a hint of fear in his steely voice. “Even my dragon Kysireth died, drowned by the murky waters.” “Yet you survived,” Nymeria stated sharply, measuring the man with her eyes. “Barely,” Myraalduin grunted in response. “I woke up washed ashore with a sickness spreading on my skin. Greyscale they call it, a death sentence for even the bravest and strongest, or so I believed. However, I was found by priests of R’hllor, who took me to Asshai-by-the-Shadow. There my new master saved me and gave my life a new purpose. The Lord of Light burned away my sickness and left me with these scars to remind me of my sinful past.” “A fascinating story,” Nymeria said dryly. “However, that doesn’t explain why you are here, Lord Myraalduin.” “Because my master has commanded me to be here,” he responded bluntly. “He has seen in the flames that you must win your war, Princess Nymeria, or otherwise darkness will continue to fester and grow in this land.” “You’ve come to aid me in my conquest?” Nymeria asked with a genuinely surprised tone, and Myraalduin nodded. “There is always need for more fighters in a war,” the princess admitted with a sigh. “However, there are many under my rule who would never agree to fight beside a former dragonrider, and I cannot blame them for that. You and your fellow Valyrians burned down their homes. Our homes.” “I do not insist on fighting beside them, Your Grace,” Myraalduin stated sternly. “I am here to give you the guidance of R’hllor, and to protect you from the servants of darkness. Allow me to fulfill my duty, that is all I ask.” Nymeria looked at Myraalduin with an unenthusiastic glare. She didn’t like or trust the man, he certainly hadn’t earned a place in her council, and she doubted she’d find his guidance very useful anyway. However, perhaps she could allow him to stay in her court for now, to learn more of this mysterious purpose the man believed himself to have. Before Nymeria could give a response, the dark-haired woman behind Myraalduin cleared her throat and stepped forward. “Princess Nymeria,” she bowed her head and greeted her with a kind and melodic voice. “I can vouch for Lord Myraalduin, Your Grace. The Lord of Light has brought him to you, and I know he has no other goal than to serve R’hllor. You do not have to like him, just allow him to follow you. I’ve seen with my own eyes the darkness he wants to protect you from, and had you seen it too I know you would want to be protected from it.” “And who are you?” Nymeria asked with furrowed brows. The young woman took in a deep breath before answering, clearly nervous. “I am Princess Gwendis Blackmont, Your Grace.” Nymeria’s eyes widened in surprise, and she could hear some gasps and muttering in the hall. Sometime ago she had heard a rumor that King Benedict’s daughter had disappeared, but she hadn’t thought much of it. Benedict was still a distant enemy, and even if technically they were in war no Martell and Blackmont blades had clashed so far in the conflict. “You do know that your father and I are on the opposing sides of the war, right?” Nymeria asked with a slightly baffled tone, and Gwendis nodded to her. “I do,” she answered with a subtle gulp. “However, what I have seen and learned during these past few years has led me to believe that the true threat to all the kingdoms of Dorne are the enemies of R’hllor. Servants of darkness and death determined to bring an endless night upon us all. We must work together to overcome them, and right now you are perhaps the most powerful person in all of Dorne.” “This darkness you speak of… what is it, exactly?” Nymeria asked quietly, uncertain if she should take any of this seriously. “The Great Other,” Myraalduin now spoke up, his voice strong and the look in his eyes dead serious. “The eternal enemy of light and life. His servants are twisted beings, driven mad by the dark power he lends them.” Nymeria stood up from her seat now. “I will allow you to reside in Sandship for now, Lord Myraalduin,” she stated calmly, Farrah and Nesea staying by her side as she took a few steps closer to the Valyrian. Myraalduin bowed respectfully to her, after which Nymeria turned towards the Blackmont. “Princess Gwendis,” she said quietly. “I would like to have a word with you in private. Come to my office tonight after you’ve settled to your quarters.” And with those words Nymeria walked out of the great hall, making her way to the royal chambers where she knew her sweet daughter was waiting for her together with Maester Olivar and Jinora Ling. As Nymeria entered the room the Lengii royal guard was just playing with Sarella on the floor, while the maester sat on the settee with a book in his hands. Jinora quickly stood up as she noticed Nymeria entering, and Olivar put down his book. “Your Grace,” they spoke in unison. “Relax,” Nymeria said softly, while the little princess rushed towards her with a whoop of joy. Nymeria raised her daughter on her hands, a bright smile forming on her face. “Mama,” the girl said with pure childish joy, and Nymeria couldn’t help but let out a joyful laugh herself. “Have you been good, Sarella?” she asked, and the girl nodded enthusiastically. “Your daughter is a most well-behaved child, Your Grace,” Maester Olivar stated warmly. “She is young still, but I would dare say already that she will one day make a good and kind ruler.” “She will indeed,” Nymeria replied calmly, gently stroking her daughter’s dark hair. She could see a lot of herself in Sarella, in her attentive brown eyes, lush dark brown hair and full lips. However, there was a lot of Mors in her as well – the soft round cheeks, small nose and bright innocent smiles. With Sarella on her lap Nymeria sat down on the settee. “If I may ask, Your Grace, how did the meeting with the representatives of this foreign god go?” Olivar asked curiously. With a small sigh Nymeria raised Sarella back down on the floor. “Go play with Jinora, dear,” she encouraged the girl, and after looking at her curiously for a moment she obeyed and waddled away to play with the Lengii royal guard. “The man leading them, Lord Myraalduin, he is a former dragonrider,” Nymeria stated dryly, and a concerned expression took over the maester’s face. “Now he serves the red god, claims to have been sent by his master in Asshai to protect me from some servants of darkness.” Nymeria chuckled slightly at how absurd it all sounded. “I can’t claim to know much of the red god or his servants, but I do know about the dark reputation of Asshai-by-the-Shadow," Olivar said with a subtle gulp. “I would counsel you to be very careful with this man and his underlings.” “I’ve allowed him to stay for now,” Nymeria responded calmly. “I want to gain a better understanding of his… cause, or whatever you’d call it. And that is not all, the Valyrian had someone very unexpected travelling with him.” Olivar raised his eyebrow in a curious manner, and Nymeria allowed herself a small smirk as the maester clearly struggled not to urge her to clarify. “Princess Gwendis Blackmont,” she finally revealed, and Olivar’s eyes widened. “Daughter of King Benedict?” he asked with a dumbfounded tone, and Nymeria nodded. “I assume you remember the rumor about her disappearance?” she asked, and the maester nodded. “Well, it seems she has found her calling in religion, and the red god no less.” “So, what do you plan to do?” Olivar asked quietly. Nymeria furrowed her brows. “What do you mean?” “What I mean is… she could be valuable, Your Grace,” the maester said, having at least the decency to look slightly ashamed. “I’m sure King Benedict loves his daughter, and now she is at your mercy.” “She came here from her own free will, expecting to be treated with dignity,” Nymeria remarked sharply, and Olivar gave her a sheepish nod. “Of course, Your Grace,” he mumbled. “However, perhaps making her a captive to be used as leverage against Benedict would be… kind, in a way. Kinder than hundreds or thousands having to die in the field of battle. Would you consider the option at least, Your Grace?” [Say you will consider it] [Say you won't consider it]
|
|
|
Post by TheAPlegends on May 17, 2019 20:03:53 GMT
Oh, I'm so glad NW is back. Unfortunately I haven't noticed it until yesterday because I had no notifications for this thread, but I'm so glad to be reading this story again.
[Say you won't consider it] Olivar might be right, as we saw last part, Benedict is still in a really bad state due to his daughter's disappearance, but I would still treat Gwendis with dignity.
|
|
|
Post by Tales93 on May 17, 2019 22:08:38 GMT
[Say you will consider it]
I don't believe she will actually harm her. If it will save many lives, will it be worth it? Just from her perspective alone, it would make the most sense for her to at least consider it. On the plus side, the Blackmont's will know that she is in fact alive.
|
|
|
Post by edinosaur22 on May 18, 2019 0:27:13 GMT
[Say you won't consider it]
|
|
|
Post by CM3434 on May 19, 2019 0:08:44 GMT
Ah Wildling, it looks like the time has come to make a tough choice again. I knew this time would come eventually and well it definitely is a tough one! Right now I am looking at this from two different sides. On one hand, I don't want to take any risks that could make Gwendis a prisoner again but on the other hand, I do feel like at least considering it would be a more practical thing for Nymeria to say. With that said, I think I am going to vote to [Say you won't consider it]. When it comes to Nymeria's choices, I have seen them as being our way to mold the type of conqueror that Nymeria will be known as. She already will have a negative reputation about her because of her plans and having her hold someone who came to her in confidence captive certainly would not win any loyalty for Nymeria. I also don't want to take the chance of Gwendis becoming a prisoner once again. With that said, there is always a chance that Gwendis might end up being held captive by Nymeria anyway but I want Nymeria to at least initially be opposed to it.
|
|
|
Post by LiquidChicagoTed on May 21, 2019 2:15:08 GMT
Oh my! Oh my, I did not expect the long-awaited Gwendis/Nymeria meeting already, but in retrospect, I probably shouldn't be too surprised with the way Gwen's last part ended. I suppose we'll get to see more of it in her next part and I legitimately cannot wait for it But this was exactly what I have been hoping for, the first meeting definitely did not disappoint. And I said it before, I regret what we chose for her solely with how it affects Naemon and Benny, but Gwendis herself is moving from one dark and thrilling storyline in Book 1 into one that shapes up to be genuinely amazing in Book 2 and I look forward for what is in store for her in the parts to come! Only thing I hope is that she won't get too close to the whole Red God thing, but I fear it's a little too late for that. Between him and the Great Other, I suppose it's pretty clear who is the better choice. I'll take morally grey over pure black all the time and got little problem with Gwen being sympathetic and somewhat supportive to the church. You know, something like Kris, I feel like he gets a pretty nice balance between things. Also, I did not expect Myraalduin backstory so soon after his introduction. That is interesting. I am actually not entirely certain if I distrusted him during his introduction, but I knew I at least didn't particularly like him. Still don't, he's creepy, but he is also a pretty fascinating character with a nice backstory and I think he can be trusted to do all he can to fight against the Great Other. Given how much of a threat Valerie is, that means he might end up an important ally to Nym and Gwen. As for the choice... yeah, [Say you won't consider it]. I get why this is a hard choice for some here, I get why Nymeria might at least think about considering it, but is it really any surprise I'm picking that option right here? It's Gwen we're talking about! Her well-being is my priority, nothing changed about that. Also, I like what interaction we got between them too much to ruin it by making her a prisoner. Besides, I do not think it will achieve what Nym hopes it will. Keeping Gwendis as an ally could be of far greater value than keeping her hostage, because in that case, she is likely utterly unwilling to cooperate, which can be bad for her, for Naemon, for Benny, for pretty much everyone. If Nymeria keeps Gwendis as her guest, maybe a peaceful surrender can be arranged, through her negotiation and Benedict's willingness to cooperate. But if Nymeria uses force here, she will ruin any goodwill from the Blackmonts. That being said, I do hope that Gwendis will get a reunion with her father and brother before the war reaches Blackmont
|
|
|
Post by WildlingKing on May 29, 2019 14:31:42 GMT
Voting is closed!
And Nymeria will say that she won't consider using Gwendis as a captive to blackmail King Benedict. The kinder path to take for sure, and it will inform the relationship between Nym and Gwen going forward.
As for what's next, I must admit I haven't got much writing done for NW recently, as I concentrated on finishing Act I of TAoS. However, my plan now is to post 2 parts simultaneously, going for Femi and Gwendis. However, if it seems to take too long I might just decide to post them on at a time, we'll see. I don't think we need a recap for Gwendis, she was in Volantis throughout the timeskip between books 1 and 2, now she has come back to Dorne as the church of R'hllor once again sent their servants to cleanse the land from servants of Great Other, and as we saw she has now arrived to Sandship with Myraalduin and Laela. As for Femi, she is the younger sister of Farrah (the captain of the royal guard), who has been living as an Orphan of the Greenblood, having very little affection for Princess Nymeria, whom she sees as a warmonger. However, she accepted a quest from her sister to find their brother Ammon, who is rumored to be connected to the conspiracy against Nymeria, and with her travels Ayron (a veteran fiercely loyal to Nym) and Lysera. Femi visited an influential man known as the Turtle Prince in Planky Town, who informed her that Ammon is in Godsgrace, but also warned her not to interfere with what he was doing there.
|
|