video; un: highgarden

[antleredcrown]

[There's a long moment at the beginning where Renly attempts to gather himself together before he speaks. When he does, it's clear he's been crying for some time, eyes red, voice hoarse and tired.]

I know that many of you have lost loved ones in this recent incident. I have, as well. My dearest friend was taken, and I hope -- I choose to hope that he remains alive and well, as do all those who were taken along with him.

This is not a plea to those in charge of the kidnappings, but rather to those who remain behind with me. I swear to you on everything that I have. My name, my crown as much as it's worth here, my very soul itself. If you can find Loras Tyrell, I will forever be in your debt. There is nothing too great or too small that you could ask me that I would not do for you, if he is returned to me.

Thank you, and I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that all our loved ones will make it home safely.

Comments

[antleredcrown]

I am not the fighter you remember, Stannis. And I would thank you not to scold me during such a time. I came to Wyver because it was where Loras was. Which means it is where I needed to be. But... thank you. I will consider this an olive branch extended, and I accept it with my whole heart.

[bruxisms]

You ought to have been with your elder brother, as is your duty. As the rest of us have done time and again.

[ his jaw remains clenched, and his teeth move from side to side. it is still something that stings, different recollections or no. ]

I cannot think of another alternative. It will not do for you to be alone during such a time.

[antleredcrown]

Ned's girl has offered to pray for me. And for Loras. Sweet of her really, though I don't know that the Old Gods or New can hear her from here. Are you going to sit and pray with me, brother? Or simply continue scolding me. Perhaps a lecture on how it was my fault Loras was taken?

[bruxisms]

You ought to know as well as I that prayers do little. The only true justice in the world is that which men make for themselves.

[ harsh words, yet he still cannot bring himself to soften them. ]

I will not give you false hope. Be that as it may, death is not truly permanent here for us, it would seem.

[ for Renly is not a child, and Stannis cannot lie to him. ]

[antleredcrown]

Truly? [His tone drips sarcasm, and he even manages a small smile] I thought perhaps because your red witch had not purified me with fire that I was back to haunt you.

Considering both Loras and I were both dead before we arrived here, this fact does not surprise me.

[bruxisms]

If a man is given a sword, he uses it. I know not of the Westeros that you knew, or of the "Stannis" that you knew, but I have never placed much faith in gods. Be that as it may, the lady Melisandre had a sort of power. Not that it was enough to save Westeros, it would seem.

[ after all, when you witness your mother and father's death as a lad, believing in caring gods is a difficult pill to swallow. ]

You ought to return to the Station, when we are able to yet again. You will find many there that ought to be dead that still sleep. Including our lord father and lady mother.

[antleredcrown]

[Something about his face softens a little, and he glances down and away, unsure how to take that news.] I had seen Robert, but not our parents. Once Loras and the others are found, I will consider attempting the journey.

[bruxisms]

You were but a babe when they perished. [ or at least he was in Stannis's Westeros. ] If you would like, I can show you them.

[ it was a truce of sorts. ]

With the transportation to the Station closed, it may take me a day or so to arrive. When I get there, you will join me in searching for clues for Ser Loras's whereabouts. He is far from the only man that was taken.

[antleredcrown]

I would... appreciate that, yes. [And those military like orders come in and Renly sighs, rubbing his fingers in small circles against his temple. Signs of an oncoming headache] Will I, then? I know little of the me you know, but I will tell you now I am all but useless in the field. I can talk to people, certainly, ask questions. But I am not a hunter, or a fighter. I would only be a detriment to any sort of effort that went that way. I worry I would do more harm than good.

[bruxisms]

[ it is an odd thing, to be sure. ]

Like our elder brother, you enjoyed your tourneys, ofttimes getting yourself knocked off horses by better men. [ a pause. as loathe as he is to admit it... ] Still, you were a better warrior than I in single combat.

[ Stannis is not unskilled with a blade, but his style of command lends itself far better to commanding from the rear. while he may be better than those not castle-trained, he was no Robert, or even Renly. ]

I hope that means you appreciated your histories more. As a young man, the Renly I knew was far more interested in tales of heroes than those who truly accomplished anything.

[ The Young Dragon, for example, when it was Oakenfist that truly won the day. ]