2nd Battle | VIDEO

[robb]

[ he may as well use this damn network for research. ]

If you were to take loyalties to a king, what kind of king would you want them to be? Would you think better if they were harsh or if they were wise? What sort of person would you lend your allegiances too?

[ It's a general topic. he's curious to hear the opinions of people around him. he seems less rigid than when he first arrived. the break from all the battles has done well on him. he's not uneasy and robb speaks with a warm confidence. ]

Comments

[equivoco]

Not all men that replace wicked man may be without blame in other matters, and so those that deserve admiration are not always in the position to lead. My loyalty, then, is most often with the people themselves.

[robb]

Are you a Maester ser? You appear to be quite wise.

[ Robb is 18 and impressionable. SOBS. ]

[equivoco]

[ machiavelli has encountered worse. usually the worse tries to stab him, so impressionable and young is a nice change of pace. ]

I am not sure what a maester may be, messere. My experience is in the study of law and the aid of men who rule. Such a thing gives a man perspective.

[robb]

[ Machiavelli has done nothing to set Robb off, so for now. There's no stabbing. ]

I apologize. Many have used foreign tongue against me, I know it not to be a good experience. A Maester is someone who devotes his life to knowledge. They help with everything from medicine to the vast histories of the city. They are wise men. I thought you to be such.

[equivoco]

[ a nod, acknowledging and respectful. ]

I have known men of similar station; a life entire dedicated to knowledge is enviable. Have you asked such Maesters these questions about kings?

[robb]

No.

[ a beat. ]

I cannot talk to many people in regards to this back in Westeros. They will think me - [ he shifts in his place. ] Unfit, as a leader. I should not seek their council.

[ He may have earned his men's loyalties, but respect wanes. ]

[equivoco]

A common problem when men must lead while others follow. To ask them their opinion ingratiates them to your advisement, and gives them the idea that you will act on their words. [ it's a small commendation for robb's aversion to ask for help at home. still, of course, there's a caveat. ]

Was there no way for you to seek this council before you became a leader? No men you trust who know the ways of your home that will not compromise your position?

[robb]

[ there are positives and negatives towards but robb is very young. earning the respect of his men is already a feat on his own, to always ask for help will lower morale. if he's being honest, he isn't sure about what he should be doing most of the time. ]

Aye, each man will tell a different tale of what I ought to be doing and I cannot accept each story.

[ he combs his hair back and acknowledges that this is a problem. ] There was my mother, but what man will deem a king worthy if he only listens to his mother?

[ Cat remains the only person he can ask advice from without any holds barred. Even then that was not so wise. She did let go of a very important prisoner. ]

Friendship falters next to kingship. [ he says earnestly. ]