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Post by Vhagar on Dec 30, 2013 11:27:24 GMT -5
Grand Maester Benedict lives here, with some junior maesters to keep him company and do the work his age and bulk will not allow him to perform. His rooms are large and comfortable, with lots of cushions. His walls are decorated with gorgeous illuminations of historical scenes and a few of the living dragons. He has a lot of books and countless potions, herbs and other maesterly paraphernalia.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 15:04:37 GMT -5
The door was opened by one of the younger maesters, a slim young man who eyed the princess with evident interest. But the Grand Maester's cheery voice called out "Well, let them in! Don't stand there!"
"Princess Aemy, Grand Maester," said the young ma, as he ushered Aemy inside.
The old man looked up from his desk where he was sketching something. He had a welcoming smile for Aemy. "Princess! Come in! Do you care for sweetened milk?"
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:07:48 GMT -5
"I get so hot," said the Grand Maester, who carried more weight that Aemy. "It cools me down."
He called to the young man to fetch the flagon.
"It is very good of you to visit an old man. Perhaps you would like to see my latest drawings? Or read one of my books?"
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:18:41 GMT -5
The Grand Maester frowned and looked very serious. "Manticore poison. That is a very strange request from a young princess. May I ask why you are asking such questions? Do your parents know?"
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:28:52 GMT -5
"Some men would say that is not an honourable course of action, but then, I am not a knight." He looked her over with a sad expression. "There's the black markets, I suppose, but I would counsel against such an action for a princess. You cannot trust such men. I would not venture to such places myself. And Oldtown is in the grip of the enemy, besides. Yet in that instance you would have to find the stuff yourself and find someone to make the poison for you."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:39:28 GMT -5
"Probably not, but the king and queen would probably never let you go so far. The Dothraki are savages. Even in the other Free Cities. Could you cope with their various tongues? I am not sure the reward outweighs the risk. Certainly I could brew the poison for you, if I thought it prudent, and there others who might do so as well."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:48:09 GMT -5
"I could, of course. It is one of the skills we are taught. Most healers know at least a little about poison, because they may need to know the antidote. But to brew antidotes, you need to know the properties of the poison itself," he explained. "You spoke of the Manticore Islands. I may be able to help you in that regard also."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 17:54:17 GMT -5
"I have never travelled so far, but perhaps I can help you find someone who has. Also, I have some rather lovely maps which may be of use to you. If your parents agree, of course. If you cannot go yourself, why not send someone you trust on your behalf?"
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 18:06:16 GMT -5
"I am not sure I can advise you thus, but I can at least show you the maps."
He called for the young maester and ordered him to bring the maps of the Jade Sea. So the young maester went to examine the rolls of maps on one of the shelves. He leaned in close "My child, there is one at court who knows more of poisons even than I."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 18:28:35 GMT -5
"It is someone you know very well," he said with a hint of surprise. "Someone you have known your entire life."
The big map showed the Manticore isles south of Yi Ti and east of the Shadowlands but another of the maps, which was placed before her, showed her that it was also halfway across the known world with vast land masses and oceans between. It would be an extensive journey if she chose to undertake it.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 2, 2014 18:40:13 GMT -5
He shook his head. "No, do not look at a warrior, child. Poison is rarely a warrior's weapon. I am sure you have heard what they say about poison, my lady. We've no eunuchs at court, but..." He left it hanging with a wink, since he dared not speak the name aloud.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 8:16:41 GMT -5
"Of course, my dear. I wish I might speak more frankly, but it is such a dangerous matter. The Red Keep has ears. You would be wise to keep such matters to yourself and only those who need hear them. But I have every faith that you will draw the right conclusions," he replied. He smiled warmly at her and said "If you wish. I should be pleased to find you a drawing of a manticore. Have you seen one before?"
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 13:05:31 GMT -5
////////////////
The morning after the feast, Baelor got dressed bright and early, making his way to the Grand Maester's chambers. He rapped on the man's door, hoping he was at least awake.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 13:11:47 GMT -5
Fortunately for Baelor, the Grand Maester was one of those older men who have trouble sleeping for long periods. He was up drinking sweetened milk and breakfasting on bacon, bread and mushrooms, swathed in a huge robe that covered him from his huge maester's collar to his ankles. He waved Baelor over.
"Lord Baelor. Join me! There is plenty of food."
So there was, and ale to wash it down. Nobody could ever accuse Grand Maester Benedict of a lack of generosity, or an unhealthy appetite.
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 13:13:46 GMT -5
Baelor always found the Grand Maester's hospitality endearing, since it was much easier for many people to speak about serious matters over food and wine. "Many thanks, Grand Maester," Baelor said, taking a seat across from the man and pouring himself a bit of ale. "Some hair of the dog that bit my arse..." He says with a slight chuckle, having a feeling the old man would understand.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 13:19:47 GMT -5
"Indeed? I have some potions that would help. I keep them specially, because the court is so often given to overindulgence," the Grand Maester said with a smile. "I am reliably informed that it is most successful."
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 13:22:37 GMT -5
"Maybe on my way out. However, I do have a few questions for you. Do you keep track of all of the books in the King's Landing archives?" Baelor asked, taking some bacon and mushrooms and piling them on a slice of bread.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 13:34:27 GMT -5
"Of course I do. We have been cataloguing books as much as possible. There are a great many books we don't possess. The Citadel has more books than anywhere, and we're sadly denied access to those." The Grand Maester sighed. "It is most unfortunate."
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 13:45:51 GMT -5
"I was wondering if you had any books on the history of ancient Valyria. I need them for an undertaking that may prove to be the turning point in the war," Baelor said, folding one leg over the other.
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 13:56:29 GMT -5
"A few, yes. A couple are written in the Common Tongue but most are written in High Valryian, some of them are from the time of the first Targaryens who fled the Doom."
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 13:57:37 GMT -5
"I guess this is as good a time as any to learn more of the language, then," Baelor said with a laugh. "Though if you would be willing to translate a few of them, that would be incredibly helpful."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 14:06:46 GMT -5
"My dear fellow, I have not the time to translates everything for you. Perhaps one of my assistants may be of service. But tell me, are you looking for something in particular?"
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 14:08:44 GMT -5
"I'm looking for information on an older artifact, something that would have been central to Valyria's history if the legends are correct." Baelor responds, "A horn of sorts."
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Post by Vhagar on Jan 3, 2014 14:23:16 GMT -5
"Ah. I think I know that of which you speak. It is a legend, to be sure. You believe it is real, then? I am not so sure, myself."
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Post by Lord Baelor Targaryen on Jan 3, 2014 14:32:53 GMT -5
"I intend to find out for sure whether it's real or not," Baelor said, "It could prove to be quite useful in the future."
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all alone and also really bored 
Hopefully going to kickstart the festival too