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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 4, 2014 16:08:48 GMT -5
The Nightfort was the first castle on the Wall, and the largest. It is the only castle along the Wall where the steps up the side of the Wall were carved into the ice. It sits between Icemark to the west and Deep Lake to the east. It serves at the seat of the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, and the central base for them.
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 4, 2014 16:14:15 GMT -5
Varryn and Aemon land at the Nightfort early in the day riding Azuria. Varryn dismounts and retrieves his saddle. "I might be able to leave with a patrol, and split while we're out there." Varryn says, as they're heading for the central building, and the Lord Commander.
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Post by Foo Foo Cuddly-poops on Jan 4, 2014 17:32:41 GMT -5
Aemon nods as he throws a chain around a nearby wooden post, though it wasn't really needed as Azuria would stay there until he got back, he didn't like the chain loose. "Well, let us see what our friends at the wall are willing to do for you in your adventure."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 4, 2014 18:00:57 GMT -5
Varryn nodded and made his way into the fort. Asking a member along the way, he found the Lord Commander's chambers and knocked.
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 4, 2014 23:39:25 GMT -5
The Nightfort was the first castle on the Wall, and the largest, theonly castle along the Wall where the steps up the side of the Wall were carved into the ice. Nights Watch brothers mill about in the yard, hundreds of them drilling in the snow, and twice that manning the Wall above. For as many that looked upon the dragon with awe never having seen one, many more favored the Targaryens with icy stares, above the petty squabbles of the realm and the wars of its royal family. A pair of guards stood before the Lord Commander's chamber.
"What business have you here?" one of the black brothers inquired.
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 4, 2014 23:42:27 GMT -5
"I have come to speak with the Lord Commander about the status of the Wall and the lands beyond, as well as the men who man it." Varryn stood tall as he spoke, looking around them and giving an approving nod for the lie's sake.
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Post by Foo Foo Cuddly-poops on Jan 4, 2014 23:47:50 GMT -5
Aemon stands back keeping an ear open incase he hears anything from Azuria. He sits back with an amused expression on his face and lets his cousin do all of the talking.
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 5, 2014 0:04:00 GMT -5
The guardsmen favored Varryn with an incredulous glance.
"That's common enough knowledge, milord. All the castles are fully manned, Wildings are on the run and haven't troubled us in a generation, morale is high. If that's all you came to know, little need to trouble the Lord Commander. Ask any man here and they'll tell you the same."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 5, 2014 0:10:29 GMT -5
"Precisely why we are here. The truest sign of a good ruler is to expect trouble when things begin to look well. We need to know every detail of what is happening up here." Varryn took a step closer to the guard, leaning in conspiratorially. "Report has reached us that corruption is present in the Watch. Wildlings spotted beyond the Wall, appearing with no report indicating it. Why do you think the King's Justice is here? This is a matter to be handled with the utmost discretion." Varryn stepped back again, face grim.
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 5, 2014 0:15:32 GMT -5
"Don't you lot have a war to win down South?" the man asked, though with a mix of skepticism and alarm at the second point. He looked to Aemon with curiosity, clearly assuming the king's headsman would not travel so far without good cause. "I'll let the Lord Commander know you're here."
With that, the guardsman disappeared behind the door, the smell of hot spiced wine momentarily wafting out before the door shut behind him.
A short time later it opened again, the guardsman beckoning them inside the spacious chambers.
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 5, 2014 0:19:37 GMT -5
"Never enough war for a Targaryen." Varryn waited before entering when they were allowed, glancing around the chamber before bowing to the Lord Commander; whether that was expected conduct or not, he didn't care. "Lord Commander, we are here on behalf of His Grace, King Maegor, the second. I am Lord Varryn Targaryen, and this is Prince Aemon Targaryen, the King's Justice."
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Post by Foo Foo Cuddly-poops on Jan 5, 2014 0:28:41 GMT -5
Aemon nods towards the guards as they pass through the door. Once in the room he bows politely towards the Lord Commander, "Hello, Lord Commander." He says politely before looking around.
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 8, 2014 13:42:00 GMT -5
(Back and ready to go.)
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 17:51:15 GMT -5
They are ushered into the lavish and spacious chambers of the lord. They are finely as appointed as any lord, with a roaring fire, the spell of hot spiced wine, and stewards running to and fro to see to the Lord Commander's needs. It occurred to both Targaryens that this would be a comfortable position and worthy seat for a lord's second son, had he the merit to earn the position.
So was the case of Sedriss Bolton, who had once been second-in-line to the Dreadfort and brother of its current lord. He sat in a finely upholstered by the chair, a warm smile upon his face as the two royals entered.
"Welcome to the Wall." he said, as Aemon and Varryn were offered wine. "To what do I owe the company of dragons?"
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 18:09:28 GMT -5
Inside, a small part of Varryn's soul is screaming that this is a trap, and that he should run. The poor part is never heard from again. "We come from King's Landing to check on the status of the Wall, in detail, and to gather information about rumors that have spread through the lands. Word has it that Wildlings have been spotted south of the Wall, in Stark lands, and we aim to ensure these are false."
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 18:26:02 GMT -5
"The Wall stands, as it has for living memory." the Lord Commander replied, eyes narrowing at his duty being questioned. "A Wilding has not made it south of the Wall in the decade I've held this office, nor short of the carefully maintained tree line."
"They are on the run." he said with some relish. "Hunted like dogs. Soon to be exterminated for what they are: a lesser breed."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 18:27:48 GMT -5
"It brings me great pleasure to hear this personally. No doubt the word from the west was just nonsense conjured by a farmer. When will you next send out a patrol?" Varryn grinned as he said the first part, and maintained a calm tone.
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 18:38:52 GMT -5
"We cycle through the keeps, each sending out a new patrol of Rangers at first light." he answered, sipping his wine slowly at the conjured accusation. "As it happens, the Nightfort is next in the cycle, the First Ranger likely preparing at this very moment."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 18:41:43 GMT -5
Varryn nodded, the plan being logical. "I'd like to accompany the next patrol, to form a specifically detailed report for the King."
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 18:50:02 GMT -5
"We serve the realm, not the Crown." Bolton chided. "North of the Wall is no place for a royal."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 19:25:25 GMT -5
"Some would say it is no place for anybody, royal or urchin. I do not think, or expect, you to serve the Crown. The more detailed of a report we can give to the King, though, the better prepared the realm will be, no matter what should happen."
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 19:33:23 GMT -5
"You would be a liability." Sedriss replied coldly. friendly mask slipping away. "Inspect the wall, visit each of its keeps, piss off the edge of the known world for all I care; but I have no reason to allow you through those gates."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 19:35:42 GMT -5
"You should not judge a man until you know what he is capable of. I am not some frail steward, quivering with his orders. If the situation to the North is as secure as you say, then there is nothing I should be a liability to." Varryn's tone took a cold edge, his happy facade being discarded.
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Post by The Gambler on Jan 9, 2014 19:38:54 GMT -5
"No man that has not taken the black has been north of the Wall since our founding." the Lord Commander countered, with finality. "You will not be the first."
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Post by Varryn Targaryen on Jan 9, 2014 19:49:05 GMT -5
Varryn stares at the man silently for a few moments before shaking his head. "Fine, keep the damn cold to yourself. I won't give up everything to see a few miles of frozen hell."
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all alone and also really bored 
Hopefully going to kickstart the festival too