Thread: Under the Thumb of a Tyrant (Valanaer x Swagbeast)

Cain had arrived at the council meeting before people began to speak but stood away from the table itself for the time being, his eyes studying each individual seated around the long table. A few he even recognized, past enemies when he served in the traditional military and a couple individuals of note whom he had never seen in combat but heard rumors of. It was certainly an interesting group to see together ranging from beautiful to ugly and small to large, none of them were quite as daunting as Ammon though. It wasn't because of his personal experiences with her either it was just something about her, the way that any of the others would hesitate under her gaze or how, while she wasn't sitting at the head of the table, she seemed to be the center nonetheless. Regardless of who was the most powerful or which one of them commanded the most respect it didn't change Cain's opinion, and that opinion was that they seemed more a political group than a war council. You would never have heard a true military leader ask for food or have such meaningless chatter during a serious council. What struck Cain as most interesting was when York spoke and his words were ignorant although nobody seemed to notice as more pressing news was dangled at the end of his sentence. Sure Hespith found men in the Barrens but he had never heard of a true army from there, just tribal people which meant numbers but few soldiers capable of beating armored men hardened in battle. What Cain was concerned about were the pirates. He was not planning on taking their boats, if he could he would enlist the pirates as allies for they not only knew the waters better than any sailor, they knew where to dock and how to fight better than some of the people out in the camps. That was not a worrisome topic, he had already been informed by Ammon that he would be handling that particular arrangement so if allegiance was what he wanted he would get it. As Ammon began speaking of him he remained still not really caring to introduce himself to this group of people quite yet and being very content in watching from a distance. That was until he caught Edmure looking right at him and it didn't go unnoticed, soon another one of the people sitting at the table had turned to look at him and not in a good way, apparently when a closed council meeting was in session they didn't like others watching on like it was no big deal and before Cain even moved he had drawn the attention of most of the table, although a few, including Lady Nefertiri didn't seem to care. Who is this? One of the men around the table inquired, a gentleman of small stature but exquisite plate armor red in color. Cain didn't wait for an introduction at that point and instead just pushed himself off the wall and took a few steps forward, I am Cain Stark, the new general Ammon spoke of. That seemed to grab the attention of any member of the council not already focused on him. It seemed they were expecting him to say something, all of them seemingly looking to feel him out and see what made him special enough to receive such a promotion from Ammon. As Ammon said I will be accompanying her to Yemen but unlike York stated previously I will be looking to enlist the aid of the 'pirates' of Yemen. They may be rough but they know the seas better than any average sailor and as long as they are kept in line they will make incredibly powerful allies. Of course if they decline we can procure the ships but that will just have to wait to be decided. Cain didn't feel the need to say anything more and looked around the table without another word, waiting for whatever response people had to the news, although a small smirk rose on his face when his eyes fell upon York, still carrying a strong dislike for both York and Edmure.