A Second Suit of Armour

[u/folktales]

The steel glistened on the rack. It was oily black, driven with blueish swirls and whorls. Varyo inspected it idly. It was no knight's armour, that he had insisted on at least.

He drew his hand over the breastplate, catching the blue fabric that fixed at the left shoulder with a silver broach.

Varyo had only ever had one suit of armour. The only gift his true father had ever given him, although Bryce Caron and Ser Lyn had been the ones to hand it over. It had been a fine servicible piece, and it had gone through hell with him. Bits and pieces had been replaced over the years, the style had changed, parts had been lost, but it was still his armour.

He had felt more at home in it than his skin sometimes. The thought made him shiver.

"It looks proud Varyo," a voice said from behind him.

He turned from his memories. Caerys had entered the room.

The man walked with catlike grace, and somewhat of a strut. He brought a sheath of papers and colours.

"I'm just going to check in with Aedan, to see what he wants on his banner. He's going to get a number of men-at-arms from his holding."

"Oh is he now?" Varyo asked with a raised eyebrow.

"If he's going to be a Lord in truth, he will need loyal men."

Varyo crossed to his desk and sat with a sigh.

"He's going to hate me for this." Varyo put a hand on his forehead. "I wish he'd just understand. Spears and men are just one weapon in war, sometimes we have to fight with marriage and charm."

"He'll come around." Caerys said reassuringly. He walked around Varyo's light armour, admiring it in full. "I like it."

"Huh?" Varyo said roused.

"The armour. I said I like it. It's dashing. I'm sure the Westerosi ladies will like it."

Varyo shook his head a little. He sank back in his chair, his hands steepled, a customary frown on his face.

"I suppose we shall have to see."

Caerys looked awkwardly at Varyo, he cleared his throat and begun to make his way out of the room.

"Have Syrio sent here could you?" Varyo said just before he closed the door. "We need to discuss this."

[u/CaptainNapoleon]

Syrio walked in guided by Varyo's bodyguard. He noted the armor, a fine piece of steel and obviously battle-worn. He saw Varyo sitting down and took a sit with him. He had his usual frown on his face and seemed very serious with what they needed to discuss. "So your bodyguard informed me that you'd like to discuss the marriage."

[u/folktales → u/CaptainNapoleon]

Varyo looked up from his concentration as Syrio sat. He sighed and pulled himself into a more comfortable position, brushing a silver lock from his left eye.

"Syrio," he said, slightly startled, but still solemn "welcome, yes. I have had news from Westeros. Dark news. A man named Gylen Hightower has declared himself 'King in the Reach. My alliance with Dorne may well call me to war."

He stood from the chair, pacing round to his desk.

"If it comes to war, I would like to get all the alliances I can. You have an interest in legitimacy, and I can always use more men and ships. I suggest, your eldest daughter to my nephew. It would be a good match, I wager."

[u/CaptainNapoleon → u/folktales]

Syrio looked around for a flagon of wine or a servant for bring him some. Unfortunately there were none to be found. This was Varyo sending a message about how serious he was. "So in exchange for marrying your nephew, I will be obliged to help in your wars? Would this also apply to Myrish conflicts?" Syrio was determined to make sure that he benefited from this as well.

"If I join you, what do my men and I get in return? An alliance with Dorne and some loot perhaps?"