The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and Jaron almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly approachable, not even nearly as powerful as he used to be, as if a part of him was missing. Jaron wasn't sure if the crippled man's melancholia came from the sudden and unexpected ending of the war that had defined the last four years of his life, or because of Harpy's actions.
“He said he would like to heal this city. I believe... I believe someone made him do all these things”, Jaron explained. “Not necessarily a real person. He was sick in the head” The Burned Man gave him a nod. “Obviously”, he agreed and for the first time since Jaron knew him, a genuine smile appeared on the man's face. “It is a good thing that he is dead”
Jaron gave him a reluctant nod. He wasn't proud of what he did in the warehouse, but he had to agree. Still... part of him wished he would have spared Butterfly, if only to prove that he was better than him. “What would have happened to him the moment you would have met him?”, Jaron asked. The Burned Man's smile faded as he looked him sternly in the eye.
“We would have talked. We would have made a deal, one of these deals where I know that he will keep his end of the bargain. Then we would have made sure that the Solvers would have been disbanded, that men like the Tom or Harrington would be out of the city. And then I would have ordered his death”, he explained calmly. “Mercy can be a good thing, but there are situations where it is inappropriate. Some men are too dangerous to get mercy. Some men don't deserve mercy”
He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Still, the knowledge that she had to be the one to kill him pains me”, he revealed. “Up until now, she had managed to retain some of the innocence she had as a child, despite her surroundings. It was... it was something that set her apart from this city. Now, after what she did... only time will tell if it has a lasting effect on her”
“I'm sorry, Burned Man”, Jaron said truthfully. By now, he regretted that he hadn't stepped in, that he hadn't stopped Harpy. The look on her face as they walked back to the Burned Man's hideout, so utterly shocked at her own actions... it made him regret to give in to his anger. “I should have stopped her”, he said.
“Maybe”, the Burned Man agreed. “But I am not angry at you” A warm, friendly smile appeared on his face as he looked at Jaron. “If anything, I am indebted to you, in a way I will never be able to repay. What you did... you saved her life, you stood by her side. I can't thank you enough for this. And I intend to repay my debt, as much as possible”
He leant forwards, looking into Jaron's eyes. “What is the one thing you desire the most in this world. Do you desire more money than you can ever count? A castle and a title? Do you desire your name to live on for a thousand years?”, he asked. “Whatever it is, name it and it shall be yours”
Jaron pressed his lips together as he thought of this question. What he desired the most in this world... For a moment, he had to imagine himself, standing in his own castle, a mountain of gold next to him... and her dark eyes, her gentle smile.
He took a moment too long to respond and the Burned Man's smile vanished. “I únderstand”, he growled and for a moment, every trace of affability was gone from his face. “Do you like her?” Jaron gave him a nod. “I... I do”, he answered. “I mean she is...”
“I know”, the Burned Man cut him off and his inquisitive stare pierced through Jaron, made him shiver. “I see the way you look at her and if it weren't for the way she looks back at you, I would be... very displeased by it”
“Ser, I...”, Jaron stuttered, the look in the Burned Man's dark eyes being enough to make him shiver. “Silence, boy. Let me talk”, the crimelord growled. “I can imagine what she sees in you. You are honest. Straightforward. Honourable. Character traits Harpy always longed for, but rarely encountered in the rotten world she grew up in. You fascinate her, just as she fascinates you” Finally, his face cleared up a little bit, the hint of a smile appearing on it. “Ser Jaron, if this is what you wish from me, I will not interfere in any of your attempts of getting closer to her”
For a moment, the two men looked at each other in silence. Jaron tried to resist the intimidating stare the man in front of him had and failed miserably. He gave him a short nod. “I like her”, he admitted. “A lot actually. I know she has her flaws, to put it mildly, but that does not change a thing for me”
The Burned Man gave him a pleased nod. “Then go after her, with my blessing. Make her happy”, he said and his smile faded. “But there is one thing, Jaron”, he growled. “I like you, but if you ever break her heart, I will break everything else in your body. Always keep that in mind when you go after her”
Jaron gave him a slight nod, unsure how he should answer to this barely hidden threat. To his surprise, the Burned Man's kind smile returned and he started to chuckle as soon as he noticed Jaron's shocked stare. “The best thing about being the undisputed ruler of Oldtown's underworld is that no one ever knows if you're joking or not”, he said with a slight grin. “Though I'd like to advice you not to test me”
“Advice taken, Ser”, Jaron said hastily. The uncomfortable warmth that always surrounded the Burned Man started to get to him. On top of that, the heat caused his broken arm to throb in pain. The crimelord tried to fold his hands, which would have looked more intimidating if the fingers on his charred left hand would have moved the way it should do. Still, the gaze in his dark eyes was intimidating enough. “It's a good thing that we understand each other”, he said. “Now let me ask you a question to something completely unrelated. It could be better to change the topic here” His dark eyes stared at Jaron and he gave him a questioning look. “Butterfly might be dead, but that does not mean that this war is over is over. His men will continue. First messages from my eyes and ears around the city have already arrived”, he explained.
“As expected, Jaylon Gordus switched sides and works for the city guard now, so he isn't a problem anymore. Samuel Harrington disappeared completely, which is a remarkable feat. I assume that he is still in this city, but he has yet to make his next move. But most importantly, a majority of the Solvers has joined the ranks of Butterfly's most cruel, most sadistic underling, the one who is known as 'The Tom'”, he explained. “Finding the Tom and neutralizing the threat he poses has to be our next step. Only then can this city achieve true peace”
“And what do you plan once this city is at peace?”, Jaron's mouth asked before his thoughts could stop him. The Burned Man raised an eyebrow, starting to tap with the fingers of his right hand. “You're meaning to ask if my plans for this city are any better than Butterfly's, aren't you?”, he growled. “It depends. Do you see clean streets, an ultimately lower crime rate, the absence of starving orphans and a gentle order as bad goals?”
His face got a slightly upset expression, as he let out a sigh. “Oh, do not look at me like that!”, he hissed. “What do you think were my plans for this city after Butterfly? Do you think I plan to turn this place into even more of a miserable hellhole? Do you think I plan to exploit the inhabitants of Oldtown, to suck them dry until they have nothing left?”
Jaron shook his head. “I... I don't know what you have planned, Ser”, he answered and the Burned Man gave him a nod. “Well, you know now. Every city has criminal activity. Without someone to guide them, there will be anarchy on the streets. The bigger the city, the more desolate it's living conditions. The city guard is powerless compared to the power of the common thieves, the smugglers, the killers. That's why every city needs men like me”, he answered and let out a sigh.
“I have never beaten a farmer into submission because he was unable to pay his taxes. I have never hung a whore who had to kill an influential punter in self defence. I have never mutilated a thief who stole a loaf of bread for his starving children”, he explained. “And yet, they dare calling me a crimelord. Tell me, Ser Jaron, is this the kind of plan you would have expected from me?”
Jaron gulped, before shaking his head again. “So, you're telling me you have this cities best interests in mind?” he asked and the Burned Man gave him a smirk. “I have my best interests in mind, and hers, always. They just happen to overlap with what is best for Oldtown”, he answered. “I plan to control the crime, to regulate it. I plan to feed the poor, to win their loyalty and their love. Of course, I plan to get filthy rich in doing so, even more than now, but can you blame me for profiting when everyone else profits as well?”
“No, Ser”, Jaron mumbled. What the Burned Man implied sounded more noble than he would have expected from someone like him. It sounded like something he could even support. But one question remained... “Why are you doing this, Ser?”, he asked. “All of this? I want to hear the truth”
For a moment, the Burned Man's gaze seemed to be distanced as he looked into the fireplaces, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes. He slightly began to shiver, despite the heat. “I can still feel the pain, Ser Jaron”, he answered, without looking at him. “I still feel the fire, how it burns. I can still hear my own screams as it consumed my flesh. But most importantly, I remember what I promised, then and now, even before the fire touched me”
His gaze moved back to Jaron, but the fire still seemed to reflect in his eyes. “One day, I said to her, one day the whole world will be yours. There will be no master above you. They will all look up to you and all will be as it should be”, he mumbled. “It has been a lie, back when I first said it, a white lie to put a smile on her face. It has been a lie when I lay in the gutters of Yunkai, preparing to die, a white lie to stop her from crying. Then we arrived in Oldtown and suddenly I saw the chance to turn a small piece of this lie into the truth. Suddenly I saw the opportunity to give her a small part of the world I always promised her” His gaze hardened as he leant forward and his baritone voice sounded even deeper as he continued. “Tell me, what kind of monster wouldn't have taken this chance?”
“That means you're doing it all for her?”, Jaron asked, feeling a lump in his throat. The Burned Man shook his head, the hint of a smile on his face. “I would lie if I'd pretend that I don't enjoy the benefits my current situation gives me”, he answered, only for his smile to fade again. “It does not matter if you believe me or not. I'm doing it for me, because it's among the few things I can still do, because I enjoy it, but more than anything else, I'm doing it for Harpy”
In this moment, Jaron did not doubt that he was hearing the truth. “I'm glad to see that we understand each other”, the Burned Man stated. “Now, what are your plans after the events of today? I assume you have no intentions of spending the rest of your life working for me”
Jaron frowned as he heard this, slightly grinding his teeth. Of course, he had thought about it. Butterfly was dead and no matter how horrible this death had been, it was a good thing for the city, Jaron was almost sure of it. But there were still things to do for him. Of course, working with the Burned Man wasn't his idea of honourable behaviour, but he had done something good ever since he arrived here, he had changed something. The people he met, he saw them as friends. Leaving them behind... maybe one day. But for now, he wasn't done here.
“I saw what Butterfly did to this city, to its people. I can imagine what his men will do”, he explained and immediately noticed that he had the right thing. The Burned Man gave him a kind nod. “You say the Tom took over most of Butterfly's operations in the city. Clearly, he should be our next target” These words caused the Burned Man to raise an eyebrow. “Our?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a nod. “Listen, Burned Man”, he answered. “We don't have the same ideas about what is good and just in this world, but we have a similar understanding about injustice. You know I can't just turn around and leave now, when this city is only halfway through all of this. Which means, I will support you, until we have won”
A genuine smile flashed across the Burned Man's face and the crimelord almost seemed to be moved. “I am... I am pleased to hear this”, he said with a controlled tone in his voice, albeit Jaron noticed that his shivering got stronger. The Burned Man seemed to notice this too and his facial expression started to get more forced as he gave Jaron a smile. “And now excuse me, please. I have a lot of work to do right now. Plans to make”, he said and for a moment, his smile seemed to be distrait. “I... I haven't felt that free for years...”
Jaron suppressed the urge to salute in front of this man and settled for a short bow instead. Yes, that seemed appropriate. So... this was done. Butterfly was dead and no matter how much work there would remain, it would be a new chapter for this city. Only time would tell if it would be a good chapter under the Burned Man's rule.
The first thing he noticed as he left the room was the absence of the intense heat in the hallway. Compared to the always burning fireplace in the Burned Man's office, the rest of the mansion almost seemed to be chilly. The sudden change in temperature sent a shiver of pain through his left arm.
The second thing he noticed was the man leaning against the wall in front of him. He was about as tall as Jaron, but more muscular and he seemed vaguely familiar, his olive skin hinting at his non-westerosi origin. He had hazel eyes and brown, wavy hair, with a clean-shaven face and a prominently sturdy jawline.
“Kept me waiting, Ser Jaron”, the man said with a grin as he approached him, giving him a strong handshake. “My name is Ayden Blackwell. We have met in the warehouse” As he mentioned it, Jaron remembered the man as one of several mercenaries who fought for Martin a few hours earlier. He had assumed that most, if not all of them had left the Burned Man's employ again after the job was done. To his content, he had obviously been wrong.
“It's a pleasure to meet you again, Ayden”, Jaron said and the man gave him a short nod. “You're probably wondering why I'm waiting for you”, the mercenary said. “I guess I can thank your friend Martin for it. He thought it would be funny to give me the simple task of escorting you to the mansions great hall in the second floor” Ayden's grin faded. “And he found it especially funny to sent me here half an hour ago”
He and Jaron shared a short chuckle and the knight had to shake his head. “Yeah, that's Martin. Always trying his best to make a good first impression”, he grinned. “What is happening in the great hall?” Ayden gave him a handwave, commanding him to follow, before he started to answer. “Your Burned Man is a generous man. I honestly regret that I haven't found my way to him earlier. He sponsored a great feast for his victorious men. Wine, ale, roasted meat, music, dance, whores, the whole nine yards. Martin dearly misses you there, after all it had been mainly your work that ensured our victory”
With these words, they entered the mansions great hall. Of course, great hall was a very generous term, considering they weren't inside of a castle. The walls were oak-panneled, just like the ground and just like everything inside of this mansion, it was lavishly decorated. Several large tables were located inside of this room, several fireplaces burning bright. The appetizing smell of roasted meat, paired with the bitter stench of cold ale lay in the air and the sounds alone were nearly earsplitting. As expected, the room was bristling with people, children, older people, men, women.
Before Jaron could enter the room, Ayden grabbed him at the shoulder. “There would be one more thing. I have already talked to the Burned Man earlier, when that backalley Maester took a look on your arm... how is that one anyway?”, he asked. Jaron tried to shrug and regretted the attempt immediately, as pain flashed through his elbow. “I won't loose it, which is pretty much the only good thing I can say about it. Hurts like seven hells”
“I guessed that much”, Ayden remarked. “For what it's worth, I hope it gets better soon. Anyway, I have talked to the Burned Man earlier, about the cat-masked freak they call Tom” The mention of this name immediately ensured Jaron's attention, as Ayden already continued. “You have talked about him, haven't you?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a nod. “Good. The thing is, I know a way how we could get to him. A plan of some sorts. Naturally, most of the Burned Man's best men will be involved in it. You. Martin. Obviously me too”
His explanation was cut short by someone calling Jaron's name in a loud tone. As Jaron looked inside of the hall, he quickly spotted Martin, sitting on a small table together with Bakr. While the Ghiscari was obviously pissed drunken, Martin seemed to be still somewhat sober and determined to change this. On his lap sat a nearly topless woman, obviously a whore from the way she laughed at every movement Martin made. Jaron had to admit that his friend had found a remarkably pretty whore however, a shapely young woman with olive skin and brown hair.
“Ser Bastard!”, Martin yelled and both, Bakr and the whore started to join in on his call. Ayden let out a sigh. “Usually, I would insist on making these plans first, you know. But today... there is a whole evening left to make plans. I don't enjoy this kind of entertainment, not with my girl back home, but perhaps you'd like to join Martin and his... his acquaintance over there first. Just for a few hours of course. In the meantime, I can already start alone, making a few plans. You can join me later. Or perhaps you want to do this now, keeping your oh so funny friend waiting”, he explained and looked past Jaron, past Martin, towards the door that lead to the balcony. “Or... there would be one more thing you should know. I know, it's none of my business, but... Harpy went out there shortly before I left the room. She took a large bottle of strong wine with her and looked like she could need every single drop of it. Looks like she hasn't returned yet”
He quickly raised his hands as he noticed the look in Jaron's eyes. “As I said, none of my business. Just thought you should know. I mean, you like her don't you? It's a long evening and I guess you will have time for all of it. The question is just what you'd like to do first. Making plans with me, fooling around with your friends or a... probably very uncomfortable talk”
[Join Martin and Bakr first][Talk to Harpy first][Make plans with Ayden first]
The Burned Man gave him a pleased nod. “Then go after her, with my blessing. Make her happy”, he said and his smile faded. “But there is one thing, Jaron”, he growled. “I like you, but if you ever break her heart, I will break everything else in your body. Always keep that in mind when you go after her”
Heheheh.
“Ser Bastard!”, Martin yelled and both, Bakr and the whore started to join in on his call. Ayden let out a sigh. “Usually, I would insist on making these plans first, you know. But today... there is a whole evening left to make plans. I don't enjoy this kind of entertainment, not with my girl back home, but perhaps you'd like to join Martin and his... his acquaintance over there first. Just for a few hours of course. In the meantime, I can already start alone, making a few plans. You can join me later. Or perhaps you want to do this now, keeping your oh so funny friend waiting”, he explained and looked past Jaron, past Martin, towards the door that lead to the balcony. “Or... there would be one more thing you should know. I know, it's none of my business, but... Harpy went out there shortly before I left the room. She took a large bottle of strong wine with her and looked like she could need every single drop of it. Looks like she hasn't returned yet”
Wine? Alluring, but nah.
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
Muahahhahahhahahaha
Can't wait till they find out that Mullendore is the real problem. They're screwed.
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
[Make plans with Ayden first] Getting rid of Mullendore's goons is top priority to save Lucas and weaken him. But oh boy if Jaron has to fight The Moggy, this can prove bad.
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
[Buy an I Heart Oldtown t-shirt for 15.99] This is the best way to get past grief! Go show Leonard and Harris his new Oldtown swag. Maybe this can help he get some new girls to hook up with. Out with the old and in with the new, that's what Leonard would say.
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will accept Jaylon's surrender
This is a very major choice for this chapter and you definitely changed … morea lot of things with it. Time will tell if this was a good or a bad decision, or perhaps even both. Now that I think about it, 'both' sounds very GoT-ish. One thing I can tell you: If they would have fought now, Samantha would have killed Jaylon with relative ease. Do what you want with that information.
I have looked through InGen's newest polls and the results were... results. From the first poll I see that you seem to be pretty torn about how fucked Lucas is, albeit a majority of you voted for the higher options. Well, one of the coming parts will give you a glimpse exactly how screwed he is. One thing that should be sure is, Mullendore is not fooling around.
In the poll, the option that somewhat won by a narrow margin was the option "Mullendore will give him cookies and let him go". What can I s… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and J… morearon almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly appro… [view original content]
Welcome back, it's great to see you returning here You have missed perhaps one, two somewhat important plot twists in the later Chapter 4, but I have recently updated the summary, if you want to catch up again
I have to say, I am not unpleased that this option won. It won't mean that Jaron won't get the questionable pleasure of making plans with Ayden Blackwell or having a long overdue talk with Harpy later in this chapter, but it will mainly mean that there will be a bit of alcohol involved in these later scenes, which can't possibly be a bad thing, right? There will also be drunken backstory time for Bakr, which can't possibly be a good thing, right?
Anyway, I have looked through the results of the poll and I was surprised to see such a clear majority in the opinion that the Burned Man will betray Jaron sooner or later, especially as both options had a pretty even amount of votes the last time I checked the poll. Especially as it seems like there have been more people voting on the poll than voting on the part. Emphasis on 'it seems'
What can I say, you will get your answer in time... sort of. However, one of the main differences between the Burned Man and Butterfly, aside from the fact that the Burned Man is absolutely not a sadistic torturous troll, is that while the Burned Man would always need a good reason to betray someone who served him well, Butterfly needs a reason not to do it. The gratitude he showed in this part was genuine. This means, as long as Jaron won't give him a very good reason for a betrayal, he will be somewhat safe. As safe as someone can be in the company of a man who calls himself 'the Burned Man' of course.
Roughly 2/3 of the next part are written. It will be a Marak part, it was quite amusing to write and it will be up in a few hours.
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no problem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better than pickled fish.
Thanks to his magnetic personality and his undeniable charisma, he already managed to get into contact with two men, probably locals or something he did not really care about. To his left sat a pudgy guy, at least a head shorter than he was, with messy light-brown hair and a moustache, paired with a pathetic excuse for a stubble beard. He had a somewhat sad and frustrated look in his light blue eyes as he stared into his ale. To his right sat a lanky and bony guy, who looked a lot less sad, with a clean shaven face, short, dark brown hair and a confident look in his brown eyes. He was visibly drunken already, but still managed to be surprisingly articulate. Marak never trusted men who were able to talk straight after consuming alcohol. Those were the men he had to be wary about.
“So, what is your problem, stranger?”, the man with the moustache asked, albeit his voice made it clear that he couldn't be less interested in Marak's story. The lanky guy to his right put down his ale and turned his head towards them, apparently slightly more interested. Marak let out a sigh and pointed at Noelle. He knew, he was subtle as always, but she somehow still noticed his movement from across the taproom and slightly narrowed her eyes.
“You see that woman over there?”, he asked and both men nodded. “She looks pretty hot if you don't mind me saying”, the lanky guy remarked, giving Marak a crooked grin. “Is she your girl?” Marak gave him a disgusted stare and quickly shook his head. “Hell no! She's not my girl, she's my problem. Noelle of Braavos, a legitimately insane madwoman. Ever since I met her, she won't stop babbling about her fire and how she sees exciting things to come, but all that happens is more talk and more scheming and more black magic... worst of all is, she honestly calls herself a priestess of something called 'rollmop'”
“R'hllor”, the man with the moustache interjected and Marak gave him an irritated frown. “What?”, he asked and the man looked him in the eyes. “It's R'hllor, not rollmop. Common mistake, you're welcome”, he explained and Marak shook his head. “Listen, I don't know you, but I travelled with that crazy lady over there through half of the Stormlands and the Reach. Trust me, I know how her equally crazy god is called”, he insisted and the man visibly rolled with his eyes. “Whatever, be ungrateful”, he moaned. “Not my job to correct you. Apparently I don't have a fucking job anyway”
“What is your problem, friend?”, the lanky man asked and the man with the moustache let out another sigh. “Similar to that ripped beast next to us, my problem is a woman”, he explained and Marak grinned as he heard the compliment. Ripped beast... now that was quite flattering! “Similar to his problem, my woman is legitimately insane too. But she does not worship R'hllor”, he explained and put a lot of emphasis on the name of the god. “I travelled with her through half of the continent, I cook her meals, I watch after her when she has nightmares, once I got imprisoned for her and I even saved her life from a bandit not long ago” His voice got on Marak's nerves, a squaking, whiny sound. By the Drowned God, if rollmop had a voice, it would sound like this!
“And do I get a 'Thank you' for my work? Any recognition at all? No, I get mocked. She tells me how useless I am and what a failure I am, just like everyone else”, the man continued, apparently starting to talk himself into a rage. “I even trimmed my beard for her and all she did was laughing at me when I managed to cut myself with that cursed knife” Marak took a look at the man's moustache, raising an eyebrow at the term 'beard', as he moved the fingers of his right hand through the thick red hair that formed his own beard, falling down to his chest.
“Do you want her to thank you? Do you want to impress her?”, the lanky man interrupted the tale and the other man looked up in surprise. He opened his mouth and quickly closed it again, slightly, but unconvincingly shaking his head.
“What? Her? No? Why... why should I? Why are you asking?”, he stuttered. “It's not like she's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen! Okay... she is pretty. And sometimes she is friendly towards me, friendlier than most of the others. And she's bright and strong and has a good heart...” He interrupted himself, looking at his empty mug. “And that's the alcohol talking. Good man, I absolutely don't want anything to do with her. Ever since I met her, my life got even worse”
Even though this man was pathetic in Marak's eyes and annoying, he had to put his massive hand on the man's shoulder, causing the man to look up. “I know that feeling”, Marak said sympathetically. “It sounds strange, but I completely understand you. Ever since I met Noelle, my life got a lot worse than before”
“You... you understand me?”, the man with the moustache asked, completely surprised. Before Marak could answer, the lanky man interrupted him. “Now, that's touching. But could we talk about my problems for a moment?”, he asked. “I mean, it's not like I'm not interested in your stories, but you're gonna be baffled when I tell you what my problem is”
“You got problems?”, the man with the moustache asked and it sounded like a mixture between a question and a statement. The lanky man gave him a short nod. “Indeed I have, my chubby friend. And, you won't believe it, my problem is a woman too!”, he exclaimed and from the way he said this he probably expected Marak and the moustache-man to look at him in awe. When the expected reaction didn't came, he slightly rolled with his eyes before continuing.
“You know, I recently visited my brother, my beloved older brother, after not seeing him for many years. We were very close in our childhood, so the least I expected of him was to give me a brotherly hug, to sit down with me and to talk about my problems, because as unlikely as it seems, I have quite a lot of them and they forced me to travel here, to this damnable city”, the man explained and let out a sigh. “And when I finally arrived, all he talked about was his daughter. Literally every sentence out of his mouth had something to do with his daughter. I guess he mentioned his dead wife once, but I haven't really listened to him for most of the talk. Daughter here, daughter there, bah, bah, bah”, he moaned.
“So, we're all here because of some problem with a woman?”, the man with the moustache asked and Marak and the lanky man gave him a short nod. “Aye”, Marak remarked. “Looks like it. Women are the source of our problems” “Most of our problems”, the moustache-man interrupted him. “She is by no means all of my problems. The man she is working for is much, much worse, because he doesn't even look good while he ruins my life. Oh, and the whole goddamn Vale of Arryn of course, that's probably my biggest problem.”
“Women are the source of most of our problems”, Marak corrected himself and this time, the man gave him a pleased nod. “Yeah, you're welcome. Don't bother with thanking me for correcting your mistake, it was my fucking pleasure”, he said with a whiny voice. “What's your name, by the way?”
Marak took another deep gulp from his mug, emptying it before answering. “Marak”, he said. “Just Marak” The man with the moustache gave him a short nod and shook his outstretched hand. “Pleased to meet someone who is not completely insane, Just Marak. My name is Irving Todd”
Irving and Marak looked towards the lanky man, who gave them another crooked smile, before giving them a clumsy bow. “May I introduce myself. The name is Alan Harking. Yes, the Alan Harking”, he introduced himself, before slightly coughing as he saw the puzzled looks on the faces of Marak and Irving. “Eh, you have probably never heard of me”
“Irving, Alan, it's a pleasure to meet you”, Marak said and he almost meant it. “So, we all have problems with women. I have heard somewhere that it helps to talk about problems. My problem is named Noelle Mield” He raised his mug. “Fuck Noelle!”, he almost exclaimed loudly, but thanks to his cunning mind, he managed to turn his voice down to a whisper. Still, he could feel her hot glare burning against the back of his head.
“My problem is named Maya Iresons. Ambassador Maya Iresons”, Irving explained and raised his mug. “Fuck Maya” Marak chuckled as he patted him on the back. “Man, I bet you would”, he answered and gleefully noticed how Irving's face got red. Instead of answering, the chubby man looked at Alan, who slightly shook his head. “Friends, problem or not, she is still my niece and I like her in some way, so I'm not going to say that”, he protested, before a sly smile appeared on his face. “Fuck women!”, he exclaimed loudly and Marak raised his mug. “That's something I can drink to! Fuck women!” Irving looked at them as if they had lost their minds, but raised his mug too. “Yeah, fuck women, I guess...”, he mumbled.
“Hey Ilish!”, Alan called the barmaid, an unassuming looking girl with short, dark hair, far too thin for Marak's taste. “Fuck women”, the man told her with a grin, to which she narrowed her eyes in a mixture of anger and disbelief. Alan did not notice it and Marak had to shake his head at his lack of subtlety. Instead, the man even gave her a short wink, before leaning closer towards Marak. “That girl is totally into me”, he said with the grin of a drunken man.
“So, what's the deal with your niece either way?”, Irving asked, apparently uncomfortable with the current topic of the conversation. Marak was impressed at himself that he noticed this. Alan seemed to be pleased that someone asked him a question and immediately began to answer.
“Oh, you know... I haven't seen my brother for over a decade. There has been a slight misunderstanding after our father died and apparently I got most of his inheritance. Richard wasn't okay with that, we got into an argument, he called me names, like legacy hunter, or treacherous weasel and I, as the collected and mature brother, left this city and built a new existence in Oldtown. I swear, it wasn't my fault that I lost most of the money later...”, he started to talk, but was cut off by Irving. “Whatever”, the man moaned. “Turns out I'm not that interested in your story”
Alan gave him a frown before shaking his head. “But now comes the outrageous part. So, I went to my brothers home, to reconcile with him and of course, to ask him for a bit of money, and he wouldn't shut up about his daughter”, he complained. “Apparently she got attacked by some sort of deranged killer while we were talking, but that's really not my fault, is it? I mean, I'm not saying he should put her aside completely, but a little bit of attention towards his long-lost brother would be nice, wouldn't it? Jenna is not the only one with problems after all”
Only then, Alan noticed the slightly shocked expression on Marak's and Irving's faces. “Whoa man... that sounds pretty, fucking selfish...”, Irving said toneless and Alan cut him off with a pleased grin. “Exactly what I'm saying. I mean, I get it, Jenna was in danger, but hey, I could need some help too”, he said quickly. “That sounds pretty fucking selfish from you”, Irving completed his sentence. “Seven Hells, I really hope she does not see me the way I see you right now”
Alan gave him an irritated frown as a response, before opening his mouth again. “And you? Is your story any better?”, he asked. Irving thought about this for a short moment, before slowly shaking his head. “It's actually quite depressing, now that I think about it”, he admitted. “You know, I'm not even serving her out of my own free will. Lord Royce, the man we're both working for, basically forced me to go with her. Stupid Lord Royce and stupid Vale of Arryn!” He looked around as he said these last words, as if he expected anyone to be displeased by these words.
”Ever since I first met her, I have to do all the stupid jobs, the ones our dear Miss Ambassador does not want to do”, Irving moaned, let out a sigh and pressed his lips together, causing an upset look to appear on his face. “Cooking for her isn't too bad. After all, I get to eat some of it too. But oh, she won't stop complaining about the delicious meals I create. And then there is the rest. If there is a disgusting job to do, any disgusting job, you can bet your ass that she chooses me to do it. I always have to do the worst shift when it comes to guarding the camp at night and she even blames me when I fall asleep. She is the one who keeps giving me this shift, so if anything it is her fault!”, he complained, causing Marak and Alan to exchange a quick look.
The lanky man raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing on his face. “I'd give you the worst shift too”, he chuckled. Irving either did not hear him or deliberately ignored this remark, as he continued without much of a pause. “I mean, I don't want to fight for her, like that creepy wolf knight or that stinking mountain man. I'm fine with doing some chores in the camp. But I travelled with her from Gulltown to Raylansfair, over five hundred miles. I'm not asking for much, but a little bit of respect at times would be nice!”, he complained.
Marak wanted to shake his head at this complaining, whiny and overall pathetic man, but he still felt Noelle's fiery stare at the back of his head. Instead, he just gave him an understanding nod. “You have no idea how familiar that sounds”, he agreed. “If there is anyone to beat up, it's always me who has to do it. Looking intimidating? Of course I have to do this. Doesn't matter if I'm in a good mood or stuff, she commands me to look gruff and angry, so I have to look gruff and angry”
A smile appeared on Irving's face and Marak realized that the man finally found someone who was able to understand his problems. It would have been sad if it wasn't so damn funny. “Well, she's probably better at looking gruff and angry than me. Or at beating up people. Not that I want to beat up people. There's always the chance that they beat me up instead”, Irving explained, calming down a little bit. “It would just be nice if she could show me that she appreciates my company, at least occasionally”
“Perhaps she doesn't”, Alan interjected. “Appreciating your company, I mean” Irving gave him a glare and the lanky man raised his hands up to his head. “Oh, you're angry now? Come on, can't be the first time you hear something like that”, he said with a grin and Marak felt obliged to intervene. He put a hand on Alan's back, the other on Irving's and gave each of them a friendly grin. “Mates, we really shouldn't insult each other. We are... what's the term? Comrades in suffering! Yes, that's the term!”, he proclaimed, causing Alan and Irving to give him puzzled looks.
“Eh, maybe you're right...”, Alan mumbled, looking from Irving to the massive axe strapped to Marak's back. “But I have to say that my niece Jenna isn't my biggest problem. You don't happen to have a bit of money?”, he asked. “Not much of course! Perhaps one or two-hundred golden hands. You know, I got this friend from Volantis and he deals with awnings. For two-hundred, he would give me a whole shipment of them. I sell these to various noble houses all over the Reach and get my old fortune back in no time!”
“Awnings...”, Irving repeated. “In the Reach. In late autumn” He looked at Alan as if the man had lost his mind. “I mean... I'm not saying it's a stupid idea, but it's about as useful as selling a mountain man's shit to Sharra Arryn”, he explained. “Which means, yes, it is a stupid idea”
“Whatever”, Alan growled, turning away from him. “You have obviously no idea. The winter will end, a long summer will follow and the noble ladies will need Harking's awnings” The way he put emphasis on the last two words made it seem as if he expected Marak and Irving to be in awe because of it. When the intended reaction clearly did not happen, he let out a frustrated sigh. “Seven Hells, it's just like explaining something to Richard. The long hours outside have fried his brain. Now he even wants to hunt a group of serial killers”
This last sentence caught Marak's attention again and he narrowed his eyes. “Serial killers?”, he asked. “Here in Raylansfair?” Alan gave him a nod and Irving slightly rolled with his eyes. “Indeed”, the lanky man explained. “At least two of them. They attacked my niece and now my brother wants to go after them, as if he would be somehow qualified to do it. They have crossbows”
“Great...”, Irving mumbled sarcastically. “Just my fucking luck again. Of course there had to be a group of serial killers in the city the ambassador, emphasis on ass, decided to drag me to. How many have they killed already?” Alan shrugged indifferently before answering. “No idea. My niece is still alive, but they cut her face pretty badly. Apparently they killed some old woman in the castle and maybe some more. I don't really care”
“Oh man...”, Irving mumbled resignedly. “Guess with my luck, I'm going to be their next victim” He looked at Marak with a sullen frown on his face. “And you? What is it your priestess wants you to do? Perhaps anything that causes even more trouble in this city?”
Marak gave him an apologizing grin and a short nod. “I'm afraid yes. Honestly, I have no idea what she is planning specifically, but she's talking a lot about war and fire and other cosy things”, he answered, causing Irving to groan in frustration. “Stupid rollmop”, the chubby man complained and Marak nodded in agreement. “Stupid rollmop”, he confirmed and immediately felt her burning stare again.
“Umm, Marak...”, Alan cleared his throat. “Not going to say anything, but your hot priestess just started staring at you. I have the feeling she wants to talk to you” “To give me orders”, Marak interjected and attempted to stand up from his chair. “My friends, it has been nice. But now I have to return to the woman who pays my beer”
“Wait, Marak”, Irving said, grabbing his arm. “Or you could stay for a while longer before returning to your priestess, like a dog to it's owner. We had such a nice talk... about psychotic serial killers and stupid ambassadors and Alan's ego... well, at least we had a talk. Best one I had in weeks. Why don't you stay for a while? If she wants to talk to you, she can come here”
Alan gave him a hasty nod. “Irving speaks the truth. Let her come, if she really wants to talk to you. In the meantime, you can buy us a new round, that would be an excellent decision”, he said and patted Marak on the back before the Ironborn had any chance to answer. “Splendid decision my friend! I'll take another mug of ale”
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan][Leave them and talk to Noelle]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no proble… morem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better… [view original content]
Comments
[Buy an I Heart Oldtown t-shirt for 15.99]
XD This is the best thing I ever read!
[Buy a Maron Mullendore bobblehead for 27.99]
Heheheheehehehe
[Buy a Hightower snow globe for 13.99]
Fucking god dammit Mullendore... You never cease to amaze me..
Jaron
“So, this is what happened”, the Burned Man remarked after Jaron had finished, calmly looking at him. His face was motionless and Jaron almost assumed that he was still under the influence of the milk of the poppy, but the hint of sadness in his eyes told him how much attention the Burned Man truly paid. “Harpy did... these things to him?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a short nod. He still remembered her in this moment and Martin's warning from earlier came to mind.
“I would have liked to talk to him”, the Burned Man admitted. “In my mind, I imagined this conversation over and over. What I would say. What he would say. In the end, there was one question that would have truly mattered to me...” He paused, his charred hand slightly shivering. “Why?”, he mumbled. “I would have liked to ask him why he did these things. Has he...?”
Jaron slightly shook his head and the Burned Man let out a sigh. In this moment, he looked oddly approachable, not even nearly as powerful as he used to be, as if a part of him was missing. Jaron wasn't sure if the crippled man's melancholia came from the sudden and unexpected ending of the war that had defined the last four years of his life, or because of Harpy's actions.
“He said he would like to heal this city. I believe... I believe someone made him do all these things”, Jaron explained. “Not necessarily a real person. He was sick in the head” The Burned Man gave him a nod. “Obviously”, he agreed and for the first time since Jaron knew him, a genuine smile appeared on the man's face. “It is a good thing that he is dead”
Jaron gave him a reluctant nod. He wasn't proud of what he did in the warehouse, but he had to agree. Still... part of him wished he would have spared Butterfly, if only to prove that he was better than him. “What would have happened to him the moment you would have met him?”, Jaron asked. The Burned Man's smile faded as he looked him sternly in the eye.
“We would have talked. We would have made a deal, one of these deals where I know that he will keep his end of the bargain. Then we would have made sure that the Solvers would have been disbanded, that men like the Tom or Harrington would be out of the city. And then I would have ordered his death”, he explained calmly. “Mercy can be a good thing, but there are situations where it is inappropriate. Some men are too dangerous to get mercy. Some men don't deserve mercy”
He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Still, the knowledge that she had to be the one to kill him pains me”, he revealed. “Up until now, she had managed to retain some of the innocence she had as a child, despite her surroundings. It was... it was something that set her apart from this city. Now, after what she did... only time will tell if it has a lasting effect on her”
“I'm sorry, Burned Man”, Jaron said truthfully. By now, he regretted that he hadn't stepped in, that he hadn't stopped Harpy. The look on her face as they walked back to the Burned Man's hideout, so utterly shocked at her own actions... it made him regret to give in to his anger. “I should have stopped her”, he said.
“Maybe”, the Burned Man agreed. “But I am not angry at you” A warm, friendly smile appeared on his face as he looked at Jaron. “If anything, I am indebted to you, in a way I will never be able to repay. What you did... you saved her life, you stood by her side. I can't thank you enough for this. And I intend to repay my debt, as much as possible”
He leant forwards, looking into Jaron's eyes. “What is the one thing you desire the most in this world. Do you desire more money than you can ever count? A castle and a title? Do you desire your name to live on for a thousand years?”, he asked. “Whatever it is, name it and it shall be yours”
Jaron pressed his lips together as he thought of this question. What he desired the most in this world... For a moment, he had to imagine himself, standing in his own castle, a mountain of gold next to him... and her dark eyes, her gentle smile.
He took a moment too long to respond and the Burned Man's smile vanished. “I únderstand”, he growled and for a moment, every trace of affability was gone from his face. “Do you like her?” Jaron gave him a nod. “I... I do”, he answered. “I mean she is...”
“I know”, the Burned Man cut him off and his inquisitive stare pierced through Jaron, made him shiver. “I see the way you look at her and if it weren't for the way she looks back at you, I would be... very displeased by it”
“Ser, I...”, Jaron stuttered, the look in the Burned Man's dark eyes being enough to make him shiver. “Silence, boy. Let me talk”, the crimelord growled. “I can imagine what she sees in you. You are honest. Straightforward. Honourable. Character traits Harpy always longed for, but rarely encountered in the rotten world she grew up in. You fascinate her, just as she fascinates you” Finally, his face cleared up a little bit, the hint of a smile appearing on it. “Ser Jaron, if this is what you wish from me, I will not interfere in any of your attempts of getting closer to her”
For a moment, the two men looked at each other in silence. Jaron tried to resist the intimidating stare the man in front of him had and failed miserably. He gave him a short nod. “I like her”, he admitted. “A lot actually. I know she has her flaws, to put it mildly, but that does not change a thing for me”
The Burned Man gave him a pleased nod. “Then go after her, with my blessing. Make her happy”, he said and his smile faded. “But there is one thing, Jaron”, he growled. “I like you, but if you ever break her heart, I will break everything else in your body. Always keep that in mind when you go after her”
Jaron gave him a slight nod, unsure how he should answer to this barely hidden threat. To his surprise, the Burned Man's kind smile returned and he started to chuckle as soon as he noticed Jaron's shocked stare. “The best thing about being the undisputed ruler of Oldtown's underworld is that no one ever knows if you're joking or not”, he said with a slight grin. “Though I'd like to advice you not to test me”
“Advice taken, Ser”, Jaron said hastily. The uncomfortable warmth that always surrounded the Burned Man started to get to him. On top of that, the heat caused his broken arm to throb in pain. The crimelord tried to fold his hands, which would have looked more intimidating if the fingers on his charred left hand would have moved the way it should do. Still, the gaze in his dark eyes was intimidating enough. “It's a good thing that we understand each other”, he said. “Now let me ask you a question to something completely unrelated. It could be better to change the topic here” His dark eyes stared at Jaron and he gave him a questioning look. “Butterfly might be dead, but that does not mean that this war is over is over. His men will continue. First messages from my eyes and ears around the city have already arrived”, he explained.
“As expected, Jaylon Gordus switched sides and works for the city guard now, so he isn't a problem anymore. Samuel Harrington disappeared completely, which is a remarkable feat. I assume that he is still in this city, but he has yet to make his next move. But most importantly, a majority of the Solvers has joined the ranks of Butterfly's most cruel, most sadistic underling, the one who is known as 'The Tom'”, he explained. “Finding the Tom and neutralizing the threat he poses has to be our next step. Only then can this city achieve true peace”
“And what do you plan once this city is at peace?”, Jaron's mouth asked before his thoughts could stop him. The Burned Man raised an eyebrow, starting to tap with the fingers of his right hand. “You're meaning to ask if my plans for this city are any better than Butterfly's, aren't you?”, he growled. “It depends. Do you see clean streets, an ultimately lower crime rate, the absence of starving orphans and a gentle order as bad goals?”
His face got a slightly upset expression, as he let out a sigh. “Oh, do not look at me like that!”, he hissed. “What do you think were my plans for this city after Butterfly? Do you think I plan to turn this place into even more of a miserable hellhole? Do you think I plan to exploit the inhabitants of Oldtown, to suck them dry until they have nothing left?”
Jaron shook his head. “I... I don't know what you have planned, Ser”, he answered and the Burned Man gave him a nod. “Well, you know now. Every city has criminal activity. Without someone to guide them, there will be anarchy on the streets. The bigger the city, the more desolate it's living conditions. The city guard is powerless compared to the power of the common thieves, the smugglers, the killers. That's why every city needs men like me”, he answered and let out a sigh.
“I have never beaten a farmer into submission because he was unable to pay his taxes. I have never hung a whore who had to kill an influential punter in self defence. I have never mutilated a thief who stole a loaf of bread for his starving children”, he explained. “And yet, they dare calling me a crimelord. Tell me, Ser Jaron, is this the kind of plan you would have expected from me?”
Jaron gulped, before shaking his head again. “So, you're telling me you have this cities best interests in mind?” he asked and the Burned Man gave him a smirk. “I have my best interests in mind, and hers, always. They just happen to overlap with what is best for Oldtown”, he answered. “I plan to control the crime, to regulate it. I plan to feed the poor, to win their loyalty and their love. Of course, I plan to get filthy rich in doing so, even more than now, but can you blame me for profiting when everyone else profits as well?”
“No, Ser”, Jaron mumbled. What the Burned Man implied sounded more noble than he would have expected from someone like him. It sounded like something he could even support. But one question remained... “Why are you doing this, Ser?”, he asked. “All of this? I want to hear the truth”
For a moment, the Burned Man's gaze seemed to be distanced as he looked into the fireplaces, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes. He slightly began to shiver, despite the heat. “I can still feel the pain, Ser Jaron”, he answered, without looking at him. “I still feel the fire, how it burns. I can still hear my own screams as it consumed my flesh. But most importantly, I remember what I promised, then and now, even before the fire touched me”
His gaze moved back to Jaron, but the fire still seemed to reflect in his eyes. “One day, I said to her, one day the whole world will be yours. There will be no master above you. They will all look up to you and all will be as it should be”, he mumbled. “It has been a lie, back when I first said it, a white lie to put a smile on her face. It has been a lie when I lay in the gutters of Yunkai, preparing to die, a white lie to stop her from crying. Then we arrived in Oldtown and suddenly I saw the chance to turn a small piece of this lie into the truth. Suddenly I saw the opportunity to give her a small part of the world I always promised her” His gaze hardened as he leant forward and his baritone voice sounded even deeper as he continued. “Tell me, what kind of monster wouldn't have taken this chance?”
“That means you're doing it all for her?”, Jaron asked, feeling a lump in his throat. The Burned Man shook his head, the hint of a smile on his face. “I would lie if I'd pretend that I don't enjoy the benefits my current situation gives me”, he answered, only for his smile to fade again. “It does not matter if you believe me or not. I'm doing it for me, because it's among the few things I can still do, because I enjoy it, but more than anything else, I'm doing it for Harpy”
In this moment, Jaron did not doubt that he was hearing the truth. “I'm glad to see that we understand each other”, the Burned Man stated. “Now, what are your plans after the events of today? I assume you have no intentions of spending the rest of your life working for me”
Jaron frowned as he heard this, slightly grinding his teeth. Of course, he had thought about it. Butterfly was dead and no matter how horrible this death had been, it was a good thing for the city, Jaron was almost sure of it. But there were still things to do for him. Of course, working with the Burned Man wasn't his idea of honourable behaviour, but he had done something good ever since he arrived here, he had changed something. The people he met, he saw them as friends. Leaving them behind... maybe one day. But for now, he wasn't done here.
“I saw what Butterfly did to this city, to its people. I can imagine what his men will do”, he explained and immediately noticed that he had the right thing. The Burned Man gave him a kind nod. “You say the Tom took over most of Butterfly's operations in the city. Clearly, he should be our next target” These words caused the Burned Man to raise an eyebrow. “Our?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a nod. “Listen, Burned Man”, he answered. “We don't have the same ideas about what is good and just in this world, but we have a similar understanding about injustice. You know I can't just turn around and leave now, when this city is only halfway through all of this. Which means, I will support you, until we have won”
A genuine smile flashed across the Burned Man's face and the crimelord almost seemed to be moved. “I am... I am pleased to hear this”, he said with a controlled tone in his voice, albeit Jaron noticed that his shivering got stronger. The Burned Man seemed to notice this too and his facial expression started to get more forced as he gave Jaron a smile. “And now excuse me, please. I have a lot of work to do right now. Plans to make”, he said and for a moment, his smile seemed to be distrait. “I... I haven't felt that free for years...”
Jaron suppressed the urge to salute in front of this man and settled for a short bow instead. Yes, that seemed appropriate. So... this was done. Butterfly was dead and no matter how much work there would remain, it would be a new chapter for this city. Only time would tell if it would be a good chapter under the Burned Man's rule.
The first thing he noticed as he left the room was the absence of the intense heat in the hallway. Compared to the always burning fireplace in the Burned Man's office, the rest of the mansion almost seemed to be chilly. The sudden change in temperature sent a shiver of pain through his left arm.
The second thing he noticed was the man leaning against the wall in front of him. He was about as tall as Jaron, but more muscular and he seemed vaguely familiar, his olive skin hinting at his non-westerosi origin. He had hazel eyes and brown, wavy hair, with a clean-shaven face and a prominently sturdy jawline.
“Kept me waiting, Ser Jaron”, the man said with a grin as he approached him, giving him a strong handshake. “My name is Ayden Blackwell. We have met in the warehouse” As he mentioned it, Jaron remembered the man as one of several mercenaries who fought for Martin a few hours earlier. He had assumed that most, if not all of them had left the Burned Man's employ again after the job was done. To his content, he had obviously been wrong.
“It's a pleasure to meet you again, Ayden”, Jaron said and the man gave him a short nod. “You're probably wondering why I'm waiting for you”, the mercenary said. “I guess I can thank your friend Martin for it. He thought it would be funny to give me the simple task of escorting you to the mansions great hall in the second floor” Ayden's grin faded. “And he found it especially funny to sent me here half an hour ago”
He and Jaron shared a short chuckle and the knight had to shake his head. “Yeah, that's Martin. Always trying his best to make a good first impression”, he grinned. “What is happening in the great hall?” Ayden gave him a handwave, commanding him to follow, before he started to answer. “Your Burned Man is a generous man. I honestly regret that I haven't found my way to him earlier. He sponsored a great feast for his victorious men. Wine, ale, roasted meat, music, dance, whores, the whole nine yards. Martin dearly misses you there, after all it had been mainly your work that ensured our victory”
With these words, they entered the mansions great hall. Of course, great hall was a very generous term, considering they weren't inside of a castle. The walls were oak-panneled, just like the ground and just like everything inside of this mansion, it was lavishly decorated. Several large tables were located inside of this room, several fireplaces burning bright. The appetizing smell of roasted meat, paired with the bitter stench of cold ale lay in the air and the sounds alone were nearly earsplitting. As expected, the room was bristling with people, children, older people, men, women.
Before Jaron could enter the room, Ayden grabbed him at the shoulder. “There would be one more thing. I have already talked to the Burned Man earlier, when that backalley Maester took a look on your arm... how is that one anyway?”, he asked. Jaron tried to shrug and regretted the attempt immediately, as pain flashed through his elbow. “I won't loose it, which is pretty much the only good thing I can say about it. Hurts like seven hells”
“I guessed that much”, Ayden remarked. “For what it's worth, I hope it gets better soon. Anyway, I have talked to the Burned Man earlier, about the cat-masked freak they call Tom” The mention of this name immediately ensured Jaron's attention, as Ayden already continued. “You have talked about him, haven't you?”, he asked and Jaron gave him a nod. “Good. The thing is, I know a way how we could get to him. A plan of some sorts. Naturally, most of the Burned Man's best men will be involved in it. You. Martin. Obviously me too”
His explanation was cut short by someone calling Jaron's name in a loud tone. As Jaron looked inside of the hall, he quickly spotted Martin, sitting on a small table together with Bakr. While the Ghiscari was obviously pissed drunken, Martin seemed to be still somewhat sober and determined to change this. On his lap sat a nearly topless woman, obviously a whore from the way she laughed at every movement Martin made. Jaron had to admit that his friend had found a remarkably pretty whore however, a shapely young woman with olive skin and brown hair.
“Ser Bastard!”, Martin yelled and both, Bakr and the whore started to join in on his call. Ayden let out a sigh. “Usually, I would insist on making these plans first, you know. But today... there is a whole evening left to make plans. I don't enjoy this kind of entertainment, not with my girl back home, but perhaps you'd like to join Martin and his... his acquaintance over there first. Just for a few hours of course. In the meantime, I can already start alone, making a few plans. You can join me later. Or perhaps you want to do this now, keeping your oh so funny friend waiting”, he explained and looked past Jaron, past Martin, towards the door that lead to the balcony. “Or... there would be one more thing you should know. I know, it's none of my business, but... Harpy went out there shortly before I left the room. She took a large bottle of strong wine with her and looked like she could need every single drop of it. Looks like she hasn't returned yet”
He quickly raised his hands as he noticed the look in Jaron's eyes. “As I said, none of my business. Just thought you should know. I mean, you like her don't you? It's a long evening and I guess you will have time for all of it. The question is just what you'd like to do first. Making plans with me, fooling around with your friends or a... probably very uncomfortable talk”
[Join Martin and Bakr first] [Talk to Harpy first] [Make plans with Ayden first]
Heheheh.
Wine? Alluring, but nah.
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
Muahahhahahhahahaha
Can't wait till they find out that Mullendore is the real problem. They're screwed.
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
Great part!
Love Ayden so far but I think we should [Talk to Harpy first]
[Make plans with Ayden first]
[Talk to Harpy first] Do it, my bastard!
[Make plans with Ayden first] Getting rid of Mullendore's goons is top priority to save Lucas and weaken him. But oh boy if Jaron has to fight The Moggy, this can prove bad.
[Make plans with Ayden first]
[Buy an I Heart Oldtown t-shirt for 15.99] This is the best way to get past grief! Go show Leonard and Harris his new Oldtown swag. Maybe this can help he get some new girls to hook up with. Out with the old and in with the new, that's what Leonard would say.
[Join Martin and Bakr first] Ain't no party like a Martin party cause a Martin party don't stop!
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
POLL
http://strawpoll.me/5078958
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
[Talk to Harpy first]
[Make plans with Ayden first]
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
[Make plans with Ayden first] Submitted btw.
Welcome in the forums and thanks a lot for submitting! He's a very nice character
[Join Martin and Bakr first]
[Talk to Harpy first] time to get da pussy!
I rise from the dead.
[Make plans with Ayden first]
Welcome back, it's great to see you returning here
You have missed perhaps one, two somewhat important plot twists in the later Chapter 4, but I have recently updated the summary, if you want to catch up again 
The Voting is closed!
Jaron will talk to Martin and Bakr first
I have to say, I am not unpleased that this option won. It won't mean that Jaron won't get the questionable pleasure of making plans with Ayden Blackwell or having a long overdue talk with Harpy later in this chapter, but it will mainly mean that there will be a bit of alcohol involved in these later scenes, which can't possibly be a bad thing, right? There will also be drunken backstory time for Bakr, which can't possibly be a good thing, right?
Anyway, I have looked through the results of the poll and I was surprised to see such a clear majority in the opinion that the Burned Man will betray Jaron sooner or later, especially as both options had a pretty even amount of votes the last time I checked the poll. Especially as it seems like there have been more people voting on the poll than voting on the part. Emphasis on 'it seems'
What can I say, you will get your answer in time... sort of. However, one of the main differences between the Burned Man and Butterfly, aside from the fact that the Burned Man is absolutely not a sadistic torturous troll, is that while the Burned Man would always need a good reason to betray someone who served him well, Butterfly needs a reason not to do it. The gratitude he showed in this part was genuine. This means, as long as Jaron won't give him a very good reason for a betrayal, he will be somewhat safe. As safe as someone can be in the company of a man who calls himself 'the Burned Man' of course.
Roughly 2/3 of the next part are written. It will be a Marak part, it was quite amusing to write and it will be up in a few hours.
Marak
Now, in the early afternoon, Raylansfair's surprisingly good excuse for an inn was well patronized. Of course, Noelle had no problem in finding a free table. Usually, she drew people towards her like moths towards a flame, but if needed she had the fascinating ability to push them away as well, something that came in handy whenever she needed a table for herself. Marak knew, she would tell him something about her plans if he would ask. He knew, she wouldn't object if he would sit next to her. But right now, after the things she told him, the things she expected him to do, he needed a strong drink and more importantly, he needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't answer in cryptic phrases, someone who had a good sense of humour, someone who worshipped the right gods. Well, at least that last part was hard to find here in Raylansfair, but the Seven were alright, he guessed. Of course, inferior to the Drowned God, but still better than pickled fish.
Thanks to his magnetic personality and his undeniable charisma, he already managed to get into contact with two men, probably locals or something he did not really care about. To his left sat a pudgy guy, at least a head shorter than he was, with messy light-brown hair and a moustache, paired with a pathetic excuse for a stubble beard. He had a somewhat sad and frustrated look in his light blue eyes as he stared into his ale. To his right sat a lanky and bony guy, who looked a lot less sad, with a clean shaven face, short, dark brown hair and a confident look in his brown eyes. He was visibly drunken already, but still managed to be surprisingly articulate. Marak never trusted men who were able to talk straight after consuming alcohol. Those were the men he had to be wary about.
“So, what is your problem, stranger?”, the man with the moustache asked, albeit his voice made it clear that he couldn't be less interested in Marak's story. The lanky guy to his right put down his ale and turned his head towards them, apparently slightly more interested. Marak let out a sigh and pointed at Noelle. He knew, he was subtle as always, but she somehow still noticed his movement from across the taproom and slightly narrowed her eyes.
“You see that woman over there?”, he asked and both men nodded. “She looks pretty hot if you don't mind me saying”, the lanky guy remarked, giving Marak a crooked grin. “Is she your girl?” Marak gave him a disgusted stare and quickly shook his head. “Hell no! She's not my girl, she's my problem. Noelle of Braavos, a legitimately insane madwoman. Ever since I met her, she won't stop babbling about her fire and how she sees exciting things to come, but all that happens is more talk and more scheming and more black magic... worst of all is, she honestly calls herself a priestess of something called 'rollmop'”
“R'hllor”, the man with the moustache interjected and Marak gave him an irritated frown. “What?”, he asked and the man looked him in the eyes. “It's R'hllor, not rollmop. Common mistake, you're welcome”, he explained and Marak shook his head. “Listen, I don't know you, but I travelled with that crazy lady over there through half of the Stormlands and the Reach. Trust me, I know how her equally crazy god is called”, he insisted and the man visibly rolled with his eyes. “Whatever, be ungrateful”, he moaned. “Not my job to correct you. Apparently I don't have a fucking job anyway”
“What is your problem, friend?”, the lanky man asked and the man with the moustache let out another sigh. “Similar to that ripped beast next to us, my problem is a woman”, he explained and Marak grinned as he heard the compliment. Ripped beast... now that was quite flattering! “Similar to his problem, my woman is legitimately insane too. But she does not worship R'hllor”, he explained and put a lot of emphasis on the name of the god. “I travelled with her through half of the continent, I cook her meals, I watch after her when she has nightmares, once I got imprisoned for her and I even saved her life from a bandit not long ago” His voice got on Marak's nerves, a squaking, whiny sound. By the Drowned God, if rollmop had a voice, it would sound like this!
“And do I get a 'Thank you' for my work? Any recognition at all? No, I get mocked. She tells me how useless I am and what a failure I am, just like everyone else”, the man continued, apparently starting to talk himself into a rage. “I even trimmed my beard for her and all she did was laughing at me when I managed to cut myself with that cursed knife” Marak took a look at the man's moustache, raising an eyebrow at the term 'beard', as he moved the fingers of his right hand through the thick red hair that formed his own beard, falling down to his chest.
“Do you want her to thank you? Do you want to impress her?”, the lanky man interrupted the tale and the other man looked up in surprise. He opened his mouth and quickly closed it again, slightly, but unconvincingly shaking his head.
“What? Her? No? Why... why should I? Why are you asking?”, he stuttered. “It's not like she's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen! Okay... she is pretty. And sometimes she is friendly towards me, friendlier than most of the others. And she's bright and strong and has a good heart...” He interrupted himself, looking at his empty mug. “And that's the alcohol talking. Good man, I absolutely don't want anything to do with her. Ever since I met her, my life got even worse”
Even though this man was pathetic in Marak's eyes and annoying, he had to put his massive hand on the man's shoulder, causing the man to look up. “I know that feeling”, Marak said sympathetically. “It sounds strange, but I completely understand you. Ever since I met Noelle, my life got a lot worse than before”
“You... you understand me?”, the man with the moustache asked, completely surprised. Before Marak could answer, the lanky man interrupted him. “Now, that's touching. But could we talk about my problems for a moment?”, he asked. “I mean, it's not like I'm not interested in your stories, but you're gonna be baffled when I tell you what my problem is”
“You got problems?”, the man with the moustache asked and it sounded like a mixture between a question and a statement. The lanky man gave him a short nod. “Indeed I have, my chubby friend. And, you won't believe it, my problem is a woman too!”, he exclaimed and from the way he said this he probably expected Marak and the moustache-man to look at him in awe. When the expected reaction didn't came, he slightly rolled with his eyes before continuing.
“You know, I recently visited my brother, my beloved older brother, after not seeing him for many years. We were very close in our childhood, so the least I expected of him was to give me a brotherly hug, to sit down with me and to talk about my problems, because as unlikely as it seems, I have quite a lot of them and they forced me to travel here, to this damnable city”, the man explained and let out a sigh. “And when I finally arrived, all he talked about was his daughter. Literally every sentence out of his mouth had something to do with his daughter. I guess he mentioned his dead wife once, but I haven't really listened to him for most of the talk. Daughter here, daughter there, bah, bah, bah”, he moaned.
“So, we're all here because of some problem with a woman?”, the man with the moustache asked and Marak and the lanky man gave him a short nod. “Aye”, Marak remarked. “Looks like it. Women are the source of our problems” “Most of our problems”, the moustache-man interrupted him. “She is by no means all of my problems. The man she is working for is much, much worse, because he doesn't even look good while he ruins my life. Oh, and the whole goddamn Vale of Arryn of course, that's probably my biggest problem.”
“Women are the source of most of our problems”, Marak corrected himself and this time, the man gave him a pleased nod. “Yeah, you're welcome. Don't bother with thanking me for correcting your mistake, it was my fucking pleasure”, he said with a whiny voice. “What's your name, by the way?”
Marak took another deep gulp from his mug, emptying it before answering. “Marak”, he said. “Just Marak” The man with the moustache gave him a short nod and shook his outstretched hand. “Pleased to meet someone who is not completely insane, Just Marak. My name is Irving Todd”
Irving and Marak looked towards the lanky man, who gave them another crooked smile, before giving them a clumsy bow. “May I introduce myself. The name is Alan Harking. Yes, the Alan Harking”, he introduced himself, before slightly coughing as he saw the puzzled looks on the faces of Marak and Irving. “Eh, you have probably never heard of me”
“Irving, Alan, it's a pleasure to meet you”, Marak said and he almost meant it. “So, we all have problems with women. I have heard somewhere that it helps to talk about problems. My problem is named Noelle Mield” He raised his mug. “Fuck Noelle!”, he almost exclaimed loudly, but thanks to his cunning mind, he managed to turn his voice down to a whisper. Still, he could feel her hot glare burning against the back of his head.
“My problem is named Maya Iresons. Ambassador Maya Iresons”, Irving explained and raised his mug. “Fuck Maya” Marak chuckled as he patted him on the back. “Man, I bet you would”, he answered and gleefully noticed how Irving's face got red. Instead of answering, the chubby man looked at Alan, who slightly shook his head. “Friends, problem or not, she is still my niece and I like her in some way, so I'm not going to say that”, he protested, before a sly smile appeared on his face. “Fuck women!”, he exclaimed loudly and Marak raised his mug. “That's something I can drink to! Fuck women!” Irving looked at them as if they had lost their minds, but raised his mug too. “Yeah, fuck women, I guess...”, he mumbled.
“Hey Ilish!”, Alan called the barmaid, an unassuming looking girl with short, dark hair, far too thin for Marak's taste. “Fuck women”, the man told her with a grin, to which she narrowed her eyes in a mixture of anger and disbelief. Alan did not notice it and Marak had to shake his head at his lack of subtlety. Instead, the man even gave her a short wink, before leaning closer towards Marak. “That girl is totally into me”, he said with the grin of a drunken man.
“So, what's the deal with your niece either way?”, Irving asked, apparently uncomfortable with the current topic of the conversation. Marak was impressed at himself that he noticed this. Alan seemed to be pleased that someone asked him a question and immediately began to answer.
“Oh, you know... I haven't seen my brother for over a decade. There has been a slight misunderstanding after our father died and apparently I got most of his inheritance. Richard wasn't okay with that, we got into an argument, he called me names, like legacy hunter, or treacherous weasel and I, as the collected and mature brother, left this city and built a new existence in Oldtown. I swear, it wasn't my fault that I lost most of the money later...”, he started to talk, but was cut off by Irving. “Whatever”, the man moaned. “Turns out I'm not that interested in your story”
Alan gave him a frown before shaking his head. “But now comes the outrageous part. So, I went to my brothers home, to reconcile with him and of course, to ask him for a bit of money, and he wouldn't shut up about his daughter”, he complained. “Apparently she got attacked by some sort of deranged killer while we were talking, but that's really not my fault, is it? I mean, I'm not saying he should put her aside completely, but a little bit of attention towards his long-lost brother would be nice, wouldn't it? Jenna is not the only one with problems after all”
Only then, Alan noticed the slightly shocked expression on Marak's and Irving's faces. “Whoa man... that sounds pretty, fucking selfish...”, Irving said toneless and Alan cut him off with a pleased grin. “Exactly what I'm saying. I mean, I get it, Jenna was in danger, but hey, I could need some help too”, he said quickly. “That sounds pretty fucking selfish from you”, Irving completed his sentence. “Seven Hells, I really hope she does not see me the way I see you right now”
Alan gave him an irritated frown as a response, before opening his mouth again. “And you? Is your story any better?”, he asked. Irving thought about this for a short moment, before slowly shaking his head. “It's actually quite depressing, now that I think about it”, he admitted. “You know, I'm not even serving her out of my own free will. Lord Royce, the man we're both working for, basically forced me to go with her. Stupid Lord Royce and stupid Vale of Arryn!” He looked around as he said these last words, as if he expected anyone to be displeased by these words.
”Ever since I first met her, I have to do all the stupid jobs, the ones our dear Miss Ambassador does not want to do”, Irving moaned, let out a sigh and pressed his lips together, causing an upset look to appear on his face. “Cooking for her isn't too bad. After all, I get to eat some of it too. But oh, she won't stop complaining about the delicious meals I create. And then there is the rest. If there is a disgusting job to do, any disgusting job, you can bet your ass that she chooses me to do it. I always have to do the worst shift when it comes to guarding the camp at night and she even blames me when I fall asleep. She is the one who keeps giving me this shift, so if anything it is her fault!”, he complained, causing Marak and Alan to exchange a quick look.
The lanky man raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing on his face. “I'd give you the worst shift too”, he chuckled. Irving either did not hear him or deliberately ignored this remark, as he continued without much of a pause. “I mean, I don't want to fight for her, like that creepy wolf knight or that stinking mountain man. I'm fine with doing some chores in the camp. But I travelled with her from Gulltown to Raylansfair, over five hundred miles. I'm not asking for much, but a little bit of respect at times would be nice!”, he complained.
Marak wanted to shake his head at this complaining, whiny and overall pathetic man, but he still felt Noelle's fiery stare at the back of his head. Instead, he just gave him an understanding nod. “You have no idea how familiar that sounds”, he agreed. “If there is anyone to beat up, it's always me who has to do it. Looking intimidating? Of course I have to do this. Doesn't matter if I'm in a good mood or stuff, she commands me to look gruff and angry, so I have to look gruff and angry”
A smile appeared on Irving's face and Marak realized that the man finally found someone who was able to understand his problems. It would have been sad if it wasn't so damn funny. “Well, she's probably better at looking gruff and angry than me. Or at beating up people. Not that I want to beat up people. There's always the chance that they beat me up instead”, Irving explained, calming down a little bit. “It would just be nice if she could show me that she appreciates my company, at least occasionally”
“Perhaps she doesn't”, Alan interjected. “Appreciating your company, I mean” Irving gave him a glare and the lanky man raised his hands up to his head. “Oh, you're angry now? Come on, can't be the first time you hear something like that”, he said with a grin and Marak felt obliged to intervene. He put a hand on Alan's back, the other on Irving's and gave each of them a friendly grin. “Mates, we really shouldn't insult each other. We are... what's the term? Comrades in suffering! Yes, that's the term!”, he proclaimed, causing Alan and Irving to give him puzzled looks.
“Eh, maybe you're right...”, Alan mumbled, looking from Irving to the massive axe strapped to Marak's back. “But I have to say that my niece Jenna isn't my biggest problem. You don't happen to have a bit of money?”, he asked. “Not much of course! Perhaps one or two-hundred golden hands. You know, I got this friend from Volantis and he deals with awnings. For two-hundred, he would give me a whole shipment of them. I sell these to various noble houses all over the Reach and get my old fortune back in no time!”
“Awnings...”, Irving repeated. “In the Reach. In late autumn” He looked at Alan as if the man had lost his mind. “I mean... I'm not saying it's a stupid idea, but it's about as useful as selling a mountain man's shit to Sharra Arryn”, he explained. “Which means, yes, it is a stupid idea”
“Whatever”, Alan growled, turning away from him. “You have obviously no idea. The winter will end, a long summer will follow and the noble ladies will need Harking's awnings” The way he put emphasis on the last two words made it seem as if he expected Marak and Irving to be in awe because of it. When the intended reaction clearly did not happen, he let out a frustrated sigh. “Seven Hells, it's just like explaining something to Richard. The long hours outside have fried his brain. Now he even wants to hunt a group of serial killers”
This last sentence caught Marak's attention again and he narrowed his eyes. “Serial killers?”, he asked. “Here in Raylansfair?” Alan gave him a nod and Irving slightly rolled with his eyes. “Indeed”, the lanky man explained. “At least two of them. They attacked my niece and now my brother wants to go after them, as if he would be somehow qualified to do it. They have crossbows”
“Great...”, Irving mumbled sarcastically. “Just my fucking luck again. Of course there had to be a group of serial killers in the city the ambassador, emphasis on ass, decided to drag me to. How many have they killed already?” Alan shrugged indifferently before answering. “No idea. My niece is still alive, but they cut her face pretty badly. Apparently they killed some old woman in the castle and maybe some more. I don't really care”
“Oh man...”, Irving mumbled resignedly. “Guess with my luck, I'm going to be their next victim” He looked at Marak with a sullen frown on his face. “And you? What is it your priestess wants you to do? Perhaps anything that causes even more trouble in this city?”
Marak gave him an apologizing grin and a short nod. “I'm afraid yes. Honestly, I have no idea what she is planning specifically, but she's talking a lot about war and fire and other cosy things”, he answered, causing Irving to groan in frustration. “Stupid rollmop”, the chubby man complained and Marak nodded in agreement. “Stupid rollmop”, he confirmed and immediately felt her burning stare again.
“Umm, Marak...”, Alan cleared his throat. “Not going to say anything, but your hot priestess just started staring at you. I have the feeling she wants to talk to you” “To give me orders”, Marak interjected and attempted to stand up from his chair. “My friends, it has been nice. But now I have to return to the woman who pays my beer”
“Wait, Marak”, Irving said, grabbing his arm. “Or you could stay for a while longer before returning to your priestess, like a dog to it's owner. We had such a nice talk... about psychotic serial killers and stupid ambassadors and Alan's ego... well, at least we had a talk. Best one I had in weeks. Why don't you stay for a while? If she wants to talk to you, she can come here”
Alan gave him a hasty nod. “Irving speaks the truth. Let her come, if she really wants to talk to you. In the meantime, you can buy us a new round, that would be an excellent decision”, he said and patted Marak on the back before the Ironborn had any chance to answer. “Splendid decision my friend! I'll take another mug of ale”
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan] [Leave them and talk to Noelle]
[Leave them and talk to Noelle]
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan]
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan] Bros before hoes
[Leave them and talk to Noelle] As hilarious as this meeting of jerks was I think I'd rather hear about rollmop than more of their problems
This guy knows what's up.
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan] ¯_(ツ)_/¯
[Buy another round for Irving and Alan]
Fuck Jenna, fuck Noelle, and fuck Maya!
I love drunken banter. Always amusing.
http://strawpoll.me/5095940
[Leave them and talk to Noelle]
Screw the women in this town!