#THRONESINTERROGATION

[rulcrs]

UNA BARATHEON NEE HIGHTOWER’S INTERROGATION

to what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ?

SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN EARLY IF SHE THOUGHT THIS WAS IMPORTANT. Her time is of great value, and not even gold or the promises of it can possible reach it. The wicked moves in earnest. However, Una knows that everyone must be questioned, and she will not risk unsavoury attention to befall her; and so she bows her head to her queen and answers with a clear voice: “I am, as Her Majesty may be familiar with, in my apartments with my ladies-in-waiting. House Baratheon has been in constant preparation for the coronation. I was seeing to my children’s choice of clothing, checking upon my dear husband to ensure he is fit and well for the occasion, going back and forth with our vassal lords and such - I was being a mother and being the lady of our great house - as any good lady would have had at the time.” She takes a breath in, her eyes meeting Selina, before a small, sweet smile crossed her lips.

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ?

THERE ARE NO SECRETS IN KING’S LANDING. Una understands the ebb and flow of the crown and its allure. There are eyes everywhere here, and so she made sure that they saw her that morning - stark out in the procession with her head held high as the king walked towards the throne, and then bent low to show subversion. The whole throne room saw her, she knew, and she made it so. “No, I must admit. Like any loyal and proud Southron, my eyes were on my King. But you should ask some of the guards and squires - it is imperative that we identify those who move with such suspicion.”

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them.

UNA ALMOST LAUGHS AT THE ABSURDITY. Her mind blanks for a second, but a gnawing heaviness on her chest dares her to speak in truth. “You dare ask me this?” Her question is pointed, her tone sharp. There is anger and shame building in within her and she is close to lashing out, for truly how dare they -  She regains her mind quickly as she realizes that showing her hand cane easily and readily lead to losing her head.  “Do you, in good conscience, must ask me of this, Selina?”  She trains her voice to break and quake, half-feigned grief colouring her tone. There is redness in her eyes that promise tears, should she be pressed further - and she makes it known. “My husband, the Queen’s brother, died by my side as he sipped soup. The Lord of Storm’s End dropped face first into his bowl and frothed in the mouth. - I was there beside your brother, Selina. It was my scream of terror and despair that alerted the hall. It was I who lost a loved one first.

“I beg to the Seven that none of you ever be asked how your beloved died and be reminded of such horrors in this a shameful manner. Now, excuse me as I compose myself.” 

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ?

NO ONE SUSPECTS A GRIEVING WIDOW. Una had locked herself up in their apartments, under the guise of grieving and mourning in solitude. Rare did she ever went out to meet those who would offer their condolences; rarer were correspondences outside of her own children and ladies-in-waiting -- or is her story. In truth, her time at her tower saw many ravens in and out: from the middle of the night to the bright high noon. Una was mourning, surely, she had loved her husband, but it did not mean that she was not busy; though this council need not know that. “I prayed to all the Gods I knew,” she said instead, having taken a small break to compose herself, “the Old and the New, the gods of Mantarys and of the Dothraki. I spent the whole time in my chambers praying for the soul of Jullen - that he may be guided into peace and light; that once this life ends that I may be blessed to meet him again and be with him for all eternity.

“I apologize for not being much help regarding what happened during The Alignment of the Wanderers. I would have not even left my chambers had it not been for what happened after.”

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ?

THERE IS A LIGHT SCAR ON HER ARM. It is shallow yet long, and it appears as a cut made from a fine blade. It is precise and not fatal. Una barely gives it any mind, yet in front of her interrogators she makes a motion to grab the flesh of her arm and emphasize her words: “I bear the scar of that day. When the shouts and chaos came upon us, my ladies-in-waiting and I hurried ourselves to check upon my children. They are - and always will be - my priority. Do you know what it feels like to be a mother to children who have lost their father? To be a mother to Lord of a Great House in the middle of such commotion? I hurried to find my babies - I cared little for propriety and my own safety, for in my haste, I had been snagged by the sharp edge of a falling beam. The pain is of little consequence, however. I was not content until I knew my children were safe.

“I believe we share this, Selina. There is nothing we would not do to protect our children.” - and it is true, for Una regrets that her sweet, sweet Cassandra had been harmed so viscously. She regrets it, but some regrets are necessary, perhaps.

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ?

“I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THERE WERE ASSAILANTS.” Her reply rushes out of her; a hand on her chest as if still in shock at the fact, much more the question. As the questions poured in of spies and who they might be aligned to, Una merely shakes her head in concentration; her brows were furrowed  in processing the words. “I had seen the fires break out from my chamber windows up in our towers, and it was all I thought was happening. I only learned of the assassinations after from our maesters.”

She knew they were going to ask such banalities. There will always be spies and assassins and vengeance stemming from hurt feelings. This is King’s Landing after all.

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ?

FINALY, THEY ARE ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. If would not come off as patronizing and rude, she would have voiced it out loud, but instead she tells them that she knows nothing about them. “King’s Landing is huge and is open to all. I cannot imagine that anyone is ever safe here, and it should be our priority to ensure everyone's safety. All of the Houses are here, and we cannot be soft or complacent.

“I’m afraid that all the monsters are here, and they have been all been invited.” - and Una can never say so to such invitations.

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them.

IT IS HER BUSINESS TO KNOW THEM. She has planted her roots deep into making sure she knows as much of everything, and the King and the Prince in the North were no exception. She knew of what Lucaery Targaryen’s would tell his small council, of what his likes and dislikes were, of what his routine would be. She knew of Robert Stark’s whispering, of how he has started an investigation of his own, and just how close he was. Well, he never got close enough - and no one needed to know any of that. Instead, she gives them what the court already knows: that Lucaery’s is her sister-in-law’s husband, that she had met him as a young lad during the time that Selina and he were preparing to be wed, and that she thought well of him.

“He is part of our family,” she supplies them with a slow and heavy tone. “It is heartbreaking to see the nieces and nephews in marriage be fatherless.” She then mentions Robert and recounts his visits in Storm’s End when he was a lad. “My son, Zirq, thinks of Prince Robert’s brother, King Benjen, as he is his own blood. Zirq and Benjen are chosen brothers, and I mourn for the Starks and their losses. Whatever reason it must be for their fall, their deaths are brutal.”

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ?

THE AFTERMATH, THEY SAY. To call it such sounds so bland and uninspired. It takes great minds and ambitions to bring a king down - precision and will. Una studies Selina’s face from where the Regent sits on the Iron Throne. A Baratheon on the throne is such a welcome sight.  “No, I did not. I am actively seeking answers myself.” Una dips her head slightly show her compliance to the Queen.    Una hopes Selina enjoys and relishes in this aftermath. 

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ?

LUCAERYS WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD KING. Una knows it to be true for she knows that he was a good father to their children. A man’s worth and nature is easily revealed on how he treats his family. It is not hard to imagine a prosperous, and perhaps even a peaceful future, for Westeros under his rule. Still, there are better heads more suited for the crown; and Una knows plenty of them. Her expression is grim and regretful when she says: “No, I cannot, and I can’t imagine how as to why anyone would.”

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ?

THE SAYING GOES: THERE ARE NO HORSES IN NEED OF STEALING, BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN NEED OF KILLING. There will always reason to want someone dead. Una knows many of them - she has even shared most of her life intimately knowing one. The weak must be culled; the weak must be cut. Jullen can be strong when he wanted to be, but he couldn’t be strong when Una needed him to be. - and so it is she who lives. It’s simple as. 

Una merely shakes her head. The expression on her face is practiced grim and concentration. “Of course not, what horrid business.”

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ?

OH, HOW PRACTICED. How anticipated, really. It seemed the whole point of their time going back and forth with questions and answers all boil down to this. “House Hersy, have we heard from them? Their banner and sigil were borne of the man who poisoned my husband. Lord Arryn - the Seven bless his soul - may be gone, but his son, Warrik, must have answers for such devastation. Are they not their bannermen? 

“And what of the Greenseers? Do they not reside in the North? Should we fear for their war coming down upon us? Two Starks are dead, and a Greenseer was involved. The more I deliberate on such facts, the more I grimly realize that the North must be involved somehow. Their ties reach the Iron Islands and well into our lands. How can we know that they did not bring this upon us? Perhaps the Stark hand is slipping, perhaps a stronger rule must prevail.

“But I speak out of my own concern of what limited truth I have come to know. I do wish that this whole - “ her hand flies from her to the dais, the three figures looming tall from their steps “ - questioning brings us closer to the truth.” 

Preferably Una’s truth, of course.

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ?

IS THERE ANYMORE? Of course there is. There always will be. The hungry are never satisfied. To be satisfied is to be complacent and to be complacent is to be in ruins. The cogs of this machine are well-oil and working. Selina looks regal from her throne. Queenship becomes the Baratheon. There is pride in the name. This is Una’s design. This is her aftermath. “No, that will be all.”

[ferrumanes]

INTERROGATION: WARIK ARRYN

queen  regent  selina  targaryen  sits  square  upon  the  iron  throne,  flanked  on  either  side  by  the  hand  of  queen  and  the  lord  commander  of  the  queensguard.  their  questions  have  been  thought  out  carefully  and  there  is  a  heavy,  somber  feeling  as  the  first  person  comes  to  stand  before  her.  it’s  hard  to  say  if  they  will  offer  the  truth,  or  simply  more  lies,  but  there  is  only  one  way  to  find  out  and  the  interrogations  quickly  begin.

Warik Arryn is called upon, entering the hall for questioning. How he’s announced now, his title while it is fitting is entirely foreign half expecting to turn around and see the surly figure of his father hobble before him. When that does not happen, the man having regained some of his strength, still healing walks forward with the weight of the Vale on his shoulders. The doors shut behind the new warden of the east and questioning begins...

tw death, tw injuries, + mentions of these,

what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ? Here before the throne stood the mountains of the moon, stood the vale of arryn and the bird of prey that Warik Arryn was. Staring up at the Queen he respected as much as he did his own King Warik answered to the best of his availability. “Preparing to attend the coronation, seeing to family business as usual - speaking to merchants and stone masons about their request for more materials. Father was busy with other things but I was handling business “

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ? “I did not leave. My father is-” Warik paused catching himself “My father was old and did choose to retire with my step-mother, the dowager lady of house arryn and my youngest sibling. I was there to represent my house and be there with my king”

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them. "If you are referring to the guard they dragged in wearing an Arryn uniform, that was not one of ours. For as long as there has been the ability to remember the Starks and the Arryn have been allies, friends - family. I knew Ser Rickard Stark well, he was the uncle of my dearest friends and a man I highly regarded as if he were my blood. He taught the direwolves of winterfell when they were pups and the wandering bird and his wildling brother. We were allies and closer than friends. The guard you dragged in was specifically planted to sow discord between a bond that runs thicker than blood - that is the family I choose. It was a blatant attempt by someone to drive a wedge and weaken the north." He spoke, remember a youth that seemed so far away when so many people he cared about were still alive and where his mother too was there shaking her head at the boys that played and how they flocked to the Stark Uncle. Warik's response though quite firmly established that he would never have done such a thing and that to his knowledge the Arryns were innocent.

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ? "I had been having conversations with my former fiancé - Erik Forrester speaking about old days and I was near Lady Lythene Mooton and o-her daughter Myrcella” Warik spoke trying to keep his mind from wandering or revealing things none of them were ready to speak on yet.

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ? "As an Arryn it is my duty to be as high as honor and when others sink to the depths they do to cause such chaos I fought for those around me - northern or southerner. Mostly I flung myself at the little girl to shield her from debris as mother and child attempted to get to safety. Debris, heavy and sharp, fire searing fell but I could not allow the little girl to come to harm. Any parent would do such a thing for any child and without thinking or perhaps with only one thought without concern for my safety I used my body to shield her”

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ? "Listen to your question - the speculation you are fraught with is the same question I ask myself are how? What matters not is how they breached the walls but that they were able to breach them at all. Help or not they meant to strike a blow at the heart of every country and tear away from us what semblance of safety we had. They’ve accomplished what they wanted - discord and distrust. A distraction.” Warik spoke clearly. How was he supposed to know how they got over the wall or who had been helping them? He’d been high off his ass with pain medication the past few days and before them was there time to stop and ask an assailant for their full five year plan for world domination or detailed list of entry points and escape routes? Warik was tired from standing. 

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ? Warik understood the need for these questions, knowing they needed to be asked but it could not be helped the look on his face. Was this a serious question to ask of a Stark / Northern Kingdom Loyalist? Blinking he exuded an exasperated energy, lips pursing with a single brow lifting wanting to make a snide remark but holding it back. Big dick what the fuck energy. “I was under medical care for the past few days. I have only as you know just recently become aware of how much my world has changed - I have yet to look into as I am sure you will - what others know about this affront. There is every reason to believe they are tied to someone here in the capital. “

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them. The question was deeply offensive to the Lord Arryn when asked if he knew any of the dead personally. Was he meant to carve out his heart for the southern queen and toss it bloody and bruised before her to show he knew pain? This was not so much for his father who he did strangely enough feel his loss more than he expected it to but of the true other half of himself. He had loved Rob from the very depths of his soul - not in the way a man had feelings for Erik or Lythene but this was perhaps greater than all of those feelings were someone could say he'd loved anyone. Before Tharon, before he had his own siblings, Rob was his person. He would travel through the supposed seven hells and back, through dragon fire and over the wall into worlds unknown to see his brother by choice. Warik stood silent for a moment there staring off into the distance seeing the place he used to go, climbing up to the top of their world to stare down at the places Warik had now inherited to soon to promises of forever. To promises of being old men harassing one another, to seeing their children become friends like they were and to all the adventures that would never be had and tears leaked from his eyes thinking the children would never know any of these dreams. Would it satisfy the Selina to know a single question had leveled a mountain to dust. All the Arryn could see was the rock that would be forever empty on the top of a mountain where a wolf should sit. Taking a ragged breath he held up a hand feeling the wind stop in his lungs trying to compose himself. The only solace he had was imagining that one day that maybe when he himself was dead after what would seem like eternity was that far beyond the wall where wild things grew a direwolf would roam and a falcon would sore overhead finally having made it where they'd always wished an adventure to lead; reunited. Composure came and there was a steel to the Arryn that was frightening. "One was my father and the Stark that was murdered was my best friend. I do not make idle threats but I will have justice. I have reasons not to want a war, reasons you surely share but should another strike against those I care about our conversations will cease to be civil. Mountains can bury dragons and falcons too fly. If I had the powers to resurrect a man I would pick the latter”

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ? Blinking Warik Arryn was tired contemplating walking out of the interrogation entirely but he would stay. “I do not remember anything before throwing myself over the girl. The memory I have is foggy at best and I was more concerned over the child and her mother than to care what they looked like. I only know Lythene and her child were brought to safety and the second I was there I passed out”

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ? "No, we had business. I have business with most everyone supplying needed building materials across Westeros and Dorne. Why would I kill someone that was not only paying me for goods made in the Vale but was one of my best customers?” War breathed, feeling wabbly. A guard noticing this brought the man a chair seeing that he was not fully back to strength yet and the emotions of an early question had taken a toll.

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ? "For the same reasons I have stated prior - yes and no. Yes for the coward who put the heads of nobles on spikes during a coronation being the same who have murdered family. No in the same vein for the reason I didn’t wish Lucaerys dead, my king is the king in the north but Lucaerys was a trading partner

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ? “Perhaps your closest allies - the Tyrell. They have always been ambitious and until we know their motivations if one could ever know them in the first place I would not be surprised this is all a grand plot to take Westeros for herself:

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ? "That is all. “ Warik stated, standing now. It was painful but out of the hall he strode with proverbial wounds exposed.

[throneshq]

          the  recent  attack  has  left  a  sour  taste  in  the  mouth  of  every  person  that’s  found  themselves  stuck  within  king’s  landing’s  walls.  as  to  be  expected,  of  course,  with  so  many  dead  and  so  many  more  facing  serious  injuries.  something  needs  to  be  done,  the  people  say,  someone  has  to  pay.  and  though  eyes  scrutinize  every  move  of  their  dragon  hosts,  fingers  are  eager  to  lay  blame  on  anyone  that  might  dare  to  say  the  wrong  thing  to  the  wrong  person.  no  one  knows  who’s  to  trust,  who  is  truly  friend  or  foe  and,  tired  of  walking  on  eggshells,  the  new  queen  regent  of  the  southern  kingdom  has  begun  a  series  of  interrogations  in  search  of  answers  for  the  death  of  the  king,  for  the  burning  of  her  kingdom.  every  noble,  lowborn,  and  member  of  staff,  including  the  targaryen’s  themselves  will  stand  before  her,  one  by  one,  in  great  hall  and  answer  her  questions,  and  she  will  not  rest  until  she  gets  the  answers  she  deserves.

         queen  regent  selina  targaryen  sits  square  upon  the  iron  throne,  flanked  on  either  side  by  the  hand  of  queen  and  the  lord  commander  of  the  queensguard.  their  questions  have  been  thought  out  carefully  and  there  is  a  heavy,  somber  feeling  as  the  first  person  comes  to  stand  before  her.  it’s  hard  to  say  if  they  will  offer  the  truth,  or  simply  more  lies,  but  there  is  only  one  way  to  find  out  and  the  interrogations  quickly  begin.

general information .

while  this  task  is  not  mandatory,  it  is  strongly  encouraged  that  you  participate  with  each  of  your  characters,  as  it  may  give  them  the  opportunity  to  get  something  off  their  chest,  or  point  their  fingers  in  someone  else’s  directions  to  get  the  attention  away  from  them.

you  will  have  approximately  two  weeks  to  answers  the  questions  below  in  whatever  kind  of  post  format  you’d  like.  consider  march  5th  to  be  a  tentative  end  date,  though  an  update  will  be  given  to  members  closer  to  this  time.

all  questions  should  be  answered  in  character,  and  each  character  should  have  their  own  standalone  post.  how  your  characters  answer  the  questions  is  entirely  up  to  you,  as  there’s  no  right  or  wrong  way,  merely  what  they  think  of  in  the  moment  !

be  sure  to  tag  your  tasks  as  #thronestask01  and  #thronesinterrogation  so  that  we  can  all  enjoy  your  answers  !

if  you  have  any  questions,  don’t  hesitate  to  reach  out.

the questions .

please  note  that  when  creating  your  posts  and  answering  the  questions,  each  question  must  be  answered  in  the  order  they  are  listed.  while  most  questions  pertain  to  this  plot  drop,  some  questions  do  pertain  to  the  previous  attack.

what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ?

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ?

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them.

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ?

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ?

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ?

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ?

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them.

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ?

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ?

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ?

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ?

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ?

[ferrumanes]

INTERROGATION: DERYA DRUMM

queen  regent  selina  targaryen  sits  square  upon  the  iron  throne,  flanked  on  either  side  by  the  hand  of  queen  and  the  lord  commander  of  the  queensguard.  their  questions  have  been  thought  out  carefully  and  there  is  a  heavy,  somber  feeling  as  the  first  person  comes  to  stand  before  her.  it’s  hard  to  say  if  they  will  offer  the  truth,  or  simply  more  lies,  but  there  is  only  one  way  to  find  out  and  the  interrogations  quickly  begin.

Derya Drumm is called upon, entering the hall for questioning watching the others behind her still waiting to be interrogated. The doors shut behind the ironborn and questioning begins...

what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ? There was a certain level of defiance in the way the ironborn commanded the floor just as the southern queen commanded from the throne of a thousand swords her fallen husband's ancestors forged from dragon fire. The hall echoed with the question as there were only these beings and a handful more of the queensguard and the tidebreaker, the blood hand; the short sword of old wyk widely known for being a vicious and effective killer. Perhaps the guards were a show to intimidate her quarry from on high but part of Derya would like to imagine the increased presence of force was because for as friendly as the new queen and an iron ghost were the former was just a little bit afraid of the other's reputation. Taking a deep breath staring forward a sigh left with the rise of their chest before committing words to an answer. It was clear the woman on thr throne was not a friend at the moment and this conversation would be anything but painless. "I cannot answer that. Likely I was with my brother caring for his son whom I have asked you for advice in caring for children as no Drumm other than my brother currently has children or has had experience with them and my brother's wife is not there to care for him because she is dead.."

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ? Looking at long fingernails that clearly needed attention or at the very least a proper filing to be sharp enough to kill one breathed again. "Lets not beat around the bush here and simply ask if I had any part in the issue that was the first attack. Yes I did leave for reasons that will still remain my own but I did not kill anyone. If I had you have yet to find them and I certainly wouldn't have cocked it up so - royally. When you have practice killing and doing it well you know how not to leave a mess"

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them. "I am not going to answer this. You are the queen of the southern kingdom and before you sat on that throne you were more than well enough aware of everyone's relationship to each other. If I need to describe to you my relationship with anyone I suggest you replace your spy master as they clearly have been quite a failure at their job now and before" Derya spoke frankly watching a guard come close to unsheathing their sword before releasing their grasp on it as the ironborn made no sudden movement to provoke what was certainly a slip shot swordsman she could overcome with a piece of cutlery. From what she saw of the man, vaguely remembering his name being Qyle her assumption was mostly right. Still an over eager guard as a dangerous one.

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ? Derya's mildly flippant nature ceased, a notable shift in her demeanor as this question was raised staring up at a queen and soon to be sister in law to the person she was in congress with before things fell apart. Could she say she was arguing with a former lover, speaking in heated words doing their best not to physically harm him or fight the urge to ruin him for all other loves and drag him into a dark alley to smother him in caresses he frankly was no longer entitled to since he'd broken her heart. Had it been her intention to argue with the stark king and in the heat of it all drag him away to find release of her absolute frustrations in his arms? Derya saw things too yes but without incriminating the north which she truly had little allegiance to she did this for Benjen. "Buying knives. Drinking. Everyone is suspicious of anyone buying knives and who can hold their ale better than any high lord. Several people can corroborate that. Again your spy master runs a terrible operation if you were not already aware and I would never assume you, Queen Selina would ever be mistaken as a fool"

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ? Derya chuckled, clutching her stomach as she wheezed at the implied thought of any ironborn running from danger or a fight. Wiping dark eyes free of tears the Drumm breathed again. "I would see your spy master executed surely. What do you think I did? Do I strike you as a person that flees in a fight - we ironborn don't have the luxury of being raised where hiding or running is an option. We are all born fighting even if death we do not go quietly in life. I fought beside a Stark, which Stark - not the dead one. Back to back to keep them alive saving others. For the southern kingdom though I don't fight. I'm neither an ally or an enemy and had little care to preserve it. Life is what mattered and innocents, people who had no stake in any political fight north or south were saved. Your people”

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ? "Again your spy master is an absolute joke, your guards are hardly effective looking intimidatingly pretty. Any person knows there are spies everywhere and little birds who whisper for the right price and I've been looking into contacting them yes to see what they know because your means of access to the criminal underworld in this city and its extensive network barely scratch the surface" Derya explained cracking their knuckles before sighing again remaining in the same spot . "The obvious answer to this would be that of course they had help, perhaps even your own spy master for not a single soul seemed to have an idea until the attack descended. Queen Selina you are of course again asking questions as if I know anything about the attack or that I was a part of it. If I were a part of it would anyone be fool enough to admit it?" Derya questioned in return, stepping forward this time only to halt again abruptly as the overly eager guard had unsheathed his sword, pressing it to her neck. To be fair, her hand has rested on the hilt of a knife as she moved forward but casting a side long glance at Qyle the guard she smiled tapping the blade. Her eyes then shifted toward the direction of the cough showing the knife drawn on the guard himself. "Qyle be reasonable, I'm not enough of an idiot to attack a queen I do mostly like and I think you may like to keep your dangly bits"

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ? Deciding to cooperate mostly, over the touch of theatrics and the fact there was a blade currently still where it was with their own remaining situated in a southern region, Derya sighed. Perhaps Queen Selina's spy master wasn't as much of an incompetent person as Derya would think to have noticed the Drumm doing her own investigation and leaping from roof to roof in the middle of the night and the encounter with the lannister knight was surely reported to his liege. "I have it on good authority from people that are certainly not going to speak to an inquiry board or Qyle over here that it most certainly is tied to someone here. My own thoughts though are that they may try to play a role of pure ignorance - perhaps even intentionally getting injured to mask their involvement. I would watch your son closely "

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them. "I heard Steffon Arryn was an asshole" Derya quipped with a smile, Qyle remaining where he was. "Did I have a personal relationship with any of them no. I have sought your own audience several times to help better care for my brothers son and we do get along despite whom we are aligned with and my brother"

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ? Derya at that point had mostly seen nothing but as memory served them something was strange. "They seemed to leave none of their own dead, disappearing around corners and into the night. You are definitely encountering someone who knows your city well and its defenses and blind spots and where to disappear"

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ? "He is not my king. I cared little for the man personally but everyone had a reason to want to kill him. Maybe even you at some point wanted him dead. I have never been married so I can’t assume I know anything but I don’t imagine you were always happy” Derya spoke speaking the question into existence not knowing how much in love the Queen was in love with her husband. "In the effort of honesty, yes. I had my personal reasons to want him dead but where the king fell I was no where near. I fought by a stark and to save lives no matter how good I am at ending them. Though they are mostly drunks I saved so not an entirely solid alibi"

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ? There was a dark chuckle as the ironborn pushed her neck forward to feel the scraping of a blade against her neck. "Of course, even people in this room." Derya said immediately gauging the reaction of the guard, dropping her blade and swiftly bending backwards, dropping low at the same time. A balled fist as she dropped to the ground connected with the thing all men valued between their legs sending Qyle to the ground. Qyle did not hit the floor just yet and in that same movement as not only the fist of a drumm connected with his manhood but her knee jerked up to knock him squarely in the nose. Writing on the floor with a bloody nose the hall echoed with his whimpering cry and the clanging of his sword to the ground. Two others came forward to protect their sovereign from a possible attack. Derya drew two more knives ( not all the ones on her person ) dropping them to the ground holding her hands up. "If I wanted someone dead I would do it quietly, efficiently not so sloppy to destroy a city or cause such havoc. I do want people dead, I have wanted people you are related to dead but only for the situations already dead men have put them in and stolen from me a dream that few ironborn entertain"

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ? Fairly certain this was going to result in a night in the dungeon for injuring the guard that was not beginning to get up Derya shook their head. "It was not my countrymen nor the Starks. Their king is too honest and too loyal to his people to want to throw them head first into war. I would imagine purely from everything already stated the person orchestrating this has some intelligence, a great knowledge of the city as if they were born to it and has people quite loyal to them. I would look to your own house and keep your son close."

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ? "I can help you find these culprits certainly. They've struck a blow against people I vaguely care about only because their continued existence benefits my family. I will not allow them to hurt my brother or his son and if you should wish to work together you know where you can find me in the morning" The drumm said with a small growl as their hands were grabbed and bound guards and Qyle leading them out of the doors they entered and towards the dungeons. Some knights were so sensitive being beaten by a woman... Qyle deserved it though for not withdrawing his blade. Derya's offer was serious though if only for the name she couldn't say and the family still unaware of her former attachment to Benjen Stark.

[ferrumanes]

INTERROGATION: DELILAH

queen  regent  selina  targaryen  sits  square  upon  the  iron  throne,  flanked  on  either  side  by  the  hand  of  queen  and  the  lord  commander  of  the  queensguard.  their  questions  have  been  thought  out  carefully  and  there  is  a  heavy,  somber  feeling  as  the  first  person  comes  to  stand  before  her.  it’s  hard  to  say  if  they  will  offer  the  truth,  or  simply  more  lies,  but  there  is  only  one  way  to  find  out  and  the  interrogations  quickly  begin.

Delilah, tailor to Lord Clegane is called upon, to enter the hall for questioning. She had watched many high lords and ladies questioned, petty lords and merchants, and though nowhere near the end it was her turn. Gently nudging Thyra forward the young mother encouraged the small one that there was no need to be frightened but still the child clung to her. Looking to a guard she asked for a moment, crouching to pick up the little pup with beautiful blue eyes who promptly buried her face into long flowing brown hair. Making a quiet apology for the delay the mother and child walked forward. Thyra in the softest voice called to Delilah for her horsey, for the large wolfhound that had a soft spot for the child but all Delilah could do was promise her later- later they would see the dog. The doors shut behind the tailor and questioning begins...

what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ?

Setting Thyra down, a mother's hand kept little digits safe as she turned to the tiny human with a knowing look and both bowed. She was immensely proud of the darling little girl with beautiful blue eyes. Gently snatching her up again, holding her close the young woman spoke. "We were with the Cleganes, your majesty. I am the personal tailor, outfitter to his lordship Tybor Clegane and his sister - I do additionally some work for those in the westerlands. The morning of the coronation I was hemming one of their ladyships dresses. It is a great deal of work keeping all of them looking as dazzling as they do" 

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ?

Delilah knew where this question was directed knowing the story of the arryn guard and the greenseer. The question was intended to draw out the staff of other houses that had traveled with them here if they the ones unnoticed by many had seen these two. Delilah knew nothing of this however. "I did, only for a moment to care for Thyra. It was lovely until things happened and the fact that some of the staff were allowed to be there not in a working capacity was kind of your majesty - I do not know more."  

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them.

Both Delilah and her daughter shook their head no, Lilah smiling at Thyra for being brave and answering questions. "No we did not, I had heard of the lady from the westerlands but never personally met her" 

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ?

Letting the child down to smooth the front of her dress she took a deep breath. “I cannot accurately remember. With a little one as small as she is I do try to see she gets to sleep ob time and with so many things she found fascinating as we have never travelled before Thyra kept asking questions fighting off sleep. Lord Clegane suggested I get her something to eat”

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ?

“I was protecting my child. She is my most precious possession" Delilah spoke doing her best not to cry knowing half as many times persons to be unnamed used the little girl as leverage to keep her. Instinctively,  a hand moved to touch the little girl and pull the little soul closer to her, taking a deep breath composing herself knowing though she was just on the edge of tears. "Who else will keep her safe but me?" She pointed out as a little face popped up exclaiming 'Horsey protect me,' and to that Delilah nodded brushing back her hair. Glancing to the queen with an uneasy but relieved laugh she smiled "Lord Clegane's dog. They have a special attachment, she calls him her horsey and he's quite attentive to her when she has cause to be near the wolfhound. The lord tolerates her love for the large animal" 

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ?

“I do not know” Delilah breathed but of spies and secrets and dangerous human beings she knew. For once she held her tongue knowing it would look badly for Tybor if she were to say that if the Lannisters asked him Tybor would rend the world to pieces for he was so loyal to them. His father had taught him that and taught him there was no such thing as love or antiquated views of women and it like everything else had been conditions from the smallest age to be what he believed. Evil for the purpose of power and to be the teeth a lannister could so command “I do not know” 

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ?

Delilah again answered honestly shaking her head. “Nothing, I know nothing but lords have long been fighting over your seat. We commoners know this for it is our dead most often burried because of their ambition. Perhaps it does tie to someone here but I know nothing more beyond pure speculation” 

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them.

“I have never been outside of the Westerlands and Thyra is only two. If they had come through and stopped at my lord’s keep or passed through the village I grew up in I paid them no mind” Delilah again spoke truthfully.

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ?

“I did not” Delilah again responded seeming to ease a bit in this whole interrogation seeing familiar faces in guards and the fact that Thyra had started to wave at ones she met. The room did soften slightly “Staff do whisper though and I am sure some of us have heard or even seen. Questioning a few of them may be helpful to your cause.”

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ?

“Kings could always be kinder, lords and ladies considerate of the people they forget about but I have no reason to want a kind dead” Delilah spoke with a litle girl also shaking her head. The child was good and honest, a mother’s influence a powerful thing even where the child grew. The best and most beautiful thing Delilah had a hand in creating was the little creature beside her.

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ?

There was a small spot of hesitation, a moment when she could remember an argument had when bags had been packed and it had been pointed out to her there was no where else to go to that she could’ve killed him. As much as her hands at times trembled with anger and rage there were also times she forgot how she could hate, when he was in her arms sleeping there while she stroked his hair. She stared at their daughter he cared not to acknowledge and looked at the little being and as much as there were times Delilah could’ve killed him the woman would’ve never been able to forgive herself of robbing such pup of their father even if to the small soul that would remain a secret. “No”

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ?

“My lord’s opinion is Dorne. I have heard him say as much but my business is fashion, Fabrics and sewing and making sure that the Clegane’s and others look as grand as their station provides. I have many opinions but not on this” Delilah did lie just then. She had many opinions and as a mother only wanting the safety of a daughter she wished a better life for could state this name and that or even implicate the west but for a commoner the survival of her own mattered more than who ruled what or killed who.

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ?

 “Your majesty, I do not. I am deeply sorry for your loss not that I can imagine the sadness you must feel-” Delilah stated unsure how she had not given any sort of lip or insulted anyone’s fashion sense. As she was to continue she felt a sudden push off her leg and before a mother could reach out for her child the tiny little thing went running. “Thyra” Delilah said her heart dropping hoping to all she’d ever prayed to that the guard the one ironborn had punched was not here to strike a child or overreact to her. Dropping to her knees Delilah was ready to spout tears before her little pup stopped to look at a guard and hold out something she’d been keeping in her hand. “Flowers make my mommy happy when she’s sad. Can you give it to her - magwest- majest- magestie?” The sweet little soul remarked. It was a weed truthfully, a dandelion and Delilah’s audible sigh of relief rang through the hall. The guard graciously accepted it before gently nudging the little girl back towards her mother for Delilah to wrap her arms around the babe. “Thank you” Delilah breathed to the guard before small tears did escape as she picked the child up again to give a smile in the direction of the queen who had lowered herself to speak with the seamstress. “May you rule better than those before you Majesty and I do hope you as a mother keep your sweet son safe”

[ferrumanes]

INTERROGATION: TALITHA DAYNE

queen  regent  selina  targaryen  sits  square  upon  the  iron  throne,  flanked  on  either  side  by  the  hand  of  queen  and  the  lord  commander  of  the  queensguard.  their  questions  have  been  thought  out  carefully  and  there  is  a  heavy,  somber  feeling  as  the  first  person  comes  to  stand  before  her.  it’s  hard  to  say  if  they  will  offer  the  truth,  or  simply  more  lies,  but  there  is  only  one  way  to  find  out  and  the  interrogations  quickly  begin.

Talitha Dayne is called upon, entering the hall for questioning. with the swagger of a determined and mildly perturbed woman. Rolling up her sleeves who else could claim they were doing so much for a country that was not even their own. Maesters clearly had showed their hand and been matched step for step by a woman they'd denied access to their knowledge forcing her to find her own way. Talitha had patients to tend to, some of the queens own guards to care for who suffered injury and burns that would take them an age to heal from. Here she was though submitting herself to questioning not for the queens sake but for her country, for the Dornish trapped here. The Dornish had not started this fight and her mother the sword of the morning had exited just as she had entered giving a knowing glance to her eldest child. Talitha reached out to take her mother's hand, squeezing it tightly before moving to bow and kiss the hilt of Dawn before moving forward. The doors shut behind the evening star and questioning begins...

tw death, tw injuries, + mentions of these,

what  were  you  doing  the  morning  before  the  coronation  ?

 "I can only speak to what I remember. I was with my mothers, sisters and young Uhtred. We were having breakfast in our apartments here. There was fruit, under salted eggs, a piece of toast and some tomato jam - it is one of my sisters' favorites. Some families do enjoy eating together. We had thought to invite some of the dornish contingent to share a meal with us but thought we have many of them over for a meal when we are at home. It was a quiet moment and then we proceeded to the coronation" Talitha answered truthfully sure that her mothers before her stated much the same. Her sister too later would surely confirm the same. What reason was there to lie to anyone who sat on that throne? Tyrants and mad men had inhabited that seat, it seemed to corrupt the best and expose the worst in anyone. Certainly for as many dornish women that had been married to that crown and the occupant of that seat you would think there would be more sense. She remembered her ancestor Dyanna Dayne who married Maekar I whose own mother was a Martell only what was it - six rulers ago? Talitha hoped a family that had forgotten their Dornish roots and the fact they still remained unconquered one wondered if sense had left them to think to imply the Dornish. By the many faced god, Talitha's own ancestor not so long ago Arthur Dayne served the last dragon. A dayne had every reason to demand better of a Targaryen but the difference here was Selina was not and for this Talitha too would be honest. She was different than anyone else who had held that seat. "Beyond that I cannot say. I am thankful our family was not targeted. "

did  you  leave  the  coronation  at  any  point  prior  to  it  beginning  or  during  it  ?  if  not,  did  you  see  anyone  that  did  ?

" No, I frankly do not remember and was admittingly distracted" Talitha answered. Her memory of that day was  foggy save for watching her mothers, sisters and brother. She always remembered seeing a blonde woman and fighting the urge to stare or to look for Hal. "With the type of poison though its a hard to find plant that grows in harder areas to access. Any maester worth their salt investigating this would've told you it before hand. There are many books written by scholars in Essos that speak about poisons - if there is no longer any poison to sample or anything effected by it it would be hard to determine where it came from or who may have mixed it but I would question local apothecaries”

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  from  the  first  attack  ?  if  so,  please  describe  your  relationship  to  them.

"No. I knew none of them" Talitha said simply. It was the truth because again there was no reason to lie.

where  were  you  at  and  what  were  you  doing  at  the  time  that  the  wanderers  aligned  ?  did  you  see  anything  suspicious  ?

"Watching the sky. Uhtred sat on my shoulders to get a better view but we didn't see anything that appeared to be out of the ordinary. Daynes have always been fascinated by the cosmos. Our family origin story the coming of Dawn born out of a dying star ...

what  action  did  you  take  when  the  fighting  broke  out  ?  did  you  run  and  hide,  or  did  you  fight  in  defense  of  the  southern  kingdom  ?

 “My goal was to protect my younger siblings and other Dornish nobles. When fighting broke out it was a task to fight to get to safety. I know as my mother was is just before me - the sword of the morning fought as it is her duty to guard the realm of man. She is a defender of all and though our loyalties are firmly Dornish at the moment - the sword of the morning once stood at a Targaryen’s side until his death in single combat at the tower of joy serving his prince's wishes until his dying breath”

how  do  you  think  that  the  assailants  managed  to  get  over  the  walls  and  into  the  city  ?  do  you  believe  that  there  are  spies  living  among  us,  helping  them,  or  did  they  manage  it  of  their  own  accord  ?

The mention even vaguely of infiltration did unsettle the Dayne for Starfall, remembering reasons she trusted few people and allowed herself to love less. Was it a thought that some poor person was persuaded by sweet words or promises that were surely unkept that angered her? The rage was subtle, evident there in the tightening of Talitha’s jaw but nothing else. “It’s not my concern how they managed to get over the walls? I would not have helped them and I have no knowledge of the inner workings of the landing - a foreigner to the city would be as useful to them as pearls would be before swine. What is more likely is that someone let them in. The last time the landing was truly sacked was when a Lannister who knew the inner works of the city marched on it and they let him in without knowing he’d come to destroy them or that he’d given his daughter’s hand to the baratheon. History is known to repeat itself but the Lannisters now are different people”

what  do  you  know  about  the  murders  that  occurred  ?  do  you  have  have  any  reason  to  believe  they’re  tied  to  anyone  currently  within  the  capital  ?

“Its too orchestrated to be done at random. The Stark prince, a Targaryen King and Lord of the Vale? They are all clearly tied to the events before this. Either they were someone that was meant to be targeted before and was missed resulting in the unfortunate deaths of those who died before or that because of them perhaps they came too close to knowing who the perpetrator was and was eliminated in a way it would look like the prince was defending himself, etcetera” Talitha voiced folding her hands in front of her before coming to another conclusion. “Your guards have not allowed anyone to come or go. All entrances and exits to the landing are closed, the waterways monitored. It would be reasonable to assume since all your enemies and friends are here - killers still remain” 

did  you  know  any  of  the  deceased  personally  ?  if  so,  tell  us  of  your  relationship  to  them.

“No” The dayne answered having no ties to any of the dead currently in need of burying. “I am becoming quite familiar with a number of the injured and dying. If your maesters are allowed to continue purely medieval practices of letting blood and harming more than they are helping we will have more mass funerals”

what  about  in  the  aftermath  of  the  attacks  ?  did  you  hear  or  see  anything  that  can  help  us  identify  who  should  be  held  responsible  ?

Talitha shifted her weight from one foot to the other, tapping long lithe fingers against soft dark skin that had the most wonders natural glow. The dornish were uniquely blessed to be not as entirely pasty as most north of their borders. The question though was rather obviously answered as she then moved to gesture to her attire. “Since the attack, from the moment it ended I have been up to my ass, pardon my language, in the injured. I have fought of old maesters who think someone who has lost fluids needs more of them removed. Burn victims, broken limbs, stab wounds and trying to keep those I care about alive. I am still doing this and while your septas largely accept my knowledge the maesters are intentionally making it harder for me. If I knew or heard anything I have not even had time to process it all or even de-stress myself.”

did  you  have  any  reason  to  want  king  lucaerys  dead  ?

“To my knowledge, none of my relatives or myself have wanted the king dead. We are after all distant cousins, quite distant and our ties to Dorne are stronger than to the throne but for a Dayne to take arms up against a family member is unheard of” Talitha sighed. “Dyanna Dayne was married to King Maekar I, mother to his heirs great great great grandmother to your husband. We do mourn with you in a way” 

did  you  have  reason  to  want  anyone  dead  ?

“I have killed all the people I have ever wanted dead but there is no one I have wanted to hurt in the longest time. My hands, they seek to heal and increase longevity. When my mother passes - perhaps it will be my burden to be sword of the morning but no.”

is  there  any  house  or  kingdom  that  you  suspect  has  a  hand  in  all  this  ?

“I have no thought of who it would be here - perhaps it is not a domestic threat but across the sea from Essos? Poison first and now this - I wouldn’t rule it out” Talitha offered

is  there  any  other  information  you  have  for  us  ?

“You are low on bandages” Talitha ended with before giving a slight nod. Turning she moved toward the door and excited promptly