Stannis stood in the back of the room as he watched the negotiations commenced. The Hebert's sat in the chairs offered in Lady Militia's solar. Stannis didn't care much for politics of bureaucratic duties, but he did them if needed. Stannis did not put his duties to the side like Robert. He still did his duty despite his hatred of such menial task.
Stannis looked at the Hebert's discussing a deal that will affect them into the immediate future. Stannis trusted Taylor's Father as far as Shireen could throw him, but the man could negotiate. He could see that much from what memories he observed in Taylor's head. Hebert was competent enough in dealings regarding his daughter. The man was a broken mess, but he seemed to sober up at seeing Taylor in the care of the maesters. Stannis sighed internally as he finally paid attention to the negotiations.
"Taylor, since you don't seem to display any powers aside from Stannis, the main plan is to pass him off as a new member of the Protectorate. You will be placed in the Wards under the guise of being a tinker. Your power isn't exactly PR friendly." Lady Gold Cloak said as she pulled out a file of papers. She then placed the file in front of them. That idea made sense, plus Stannis didn't like dealing with other people's children in general. Mr. Hebert nodded as he began to flip through the papers.
Miss Militia then aimed her gaze at the one true king of Westeros.
"Since both you and Gallant appear to have knight looks in common, the PR division would like for him to act as your squire in a sense for the public. We could even have Taylor pass off as a squire or as your daughter!" Stannis scoffed internally as he returned her gaze. A squire? From what he had seen in Taylor's memories, Gallant was essentially another Loras Tyrell. Attempting to imitate the knights of song and legend without any sense of realism. On the other hand, Taylor wasn't exactly fighting material and her posing as his daughter made him uncomfortable. Judging from both the Hebert's looks, they were as well. Miss Militia seemed to sense his discomfort and spoke again.
"Or you could get a complete makeover and whatever Glenn decides." Stannis grimaced and shook his head. He was not going to wear spandex or any form of tight clothing like some whore or Renly! Renly would probably fall in love with such tight clothing. Stannis would rather deal with Robert and his drunken ways!
"Very well."
The whore nodded and continued talking. Stannis looked away awkwardly. Her outfit was something it would take time to get used to.
"You can discuss the rest of that with our PR department after you both have formally joined. Stuff like that isn't exactly my specialty."
Stannis started ignoring everything else that came out of the woman's mouth. This was boring and a waste of time. Eventually, Stannius noticed that all of the other living beings in the room were staring at him awkwardly in silence.
"What is it?"
"I'm afraid we are going to have you sign some papers Stannis. Especially since you aren't exactly a US citizen, luckily we can use some of the forms our Case 53 recruits are afforded!" Miss Militia said as she moved a rather large folder and a pen in his direction. Stannis sighed, and moved forward to sit in the extra chair. It creaked slightly from the armor he had on, but Stannis didn't care. It was no Laz-e-Boy, so he didn't care if it broke. That and it wasn't his chair in the first place.
Miss Militia extended a pen towards him, which Stannis grabbed and grunted. Stannis made sure to read each paper carefully, as well as pointing out any changes he wanted. Keeping most of his equipment for example. Well, it wasn't like they could take it away from him in the first place, but it didn't hurt to be sure. Stannis felt the Hebert's a gaze into the back of his head as he took his time, but he ignored them. After quite a large stack of papers, Stannis handed back the writing utensil to Lady Gold Cloak.
"Finally." Taylor whispered under her breath, but Stannis ignored her. Taylor's Father on the other hand, fell asleep. If he was on guard duty, Stannis would have had him whipped so less than 20 times. Why they were still waiting here in the first place, Stannis did not know, but neither did he care. His business with the papers was done. Thankfully, it appeared that the common tongue was still in use here.
Miss Militia simply smiled and extended her hand to shake. Stannis simply glared at her as he took her hand with a firm handshake. These people had such weird customs.
"Welcome to the Protectorate and Wards." She also shook Taylor's and her father's hand.
"We can introduce you to the others after we get your costume plans done. Director Piggot will also want to meet with you two." Miss Militia said as she stood up from her desk. Stannis scoffed internally, no doubt this Piggot was some sort of beaurocrat with no military experience.
"First things first, I'll escort everyone to the PR department before I leave you to Glenn's magic." Miss Militia said that last part with a hand gesture called "air quotes". Such a weird culture.
"Afterwards, Stannis could meet the other members of the Protectorate and Taylor can go meet the other Wards! Of course revealing your identity to your fellow teammates is completely up to you." She said as she pulled out two domino masks from her desk. Miss Militia held them out to which Taylor grabbed one nervously. Stannis simply stared at the offending woman's hand before speaking.
"I'm not wearing that." He said bluntly. Taylor stared at him in shock, but Stannis pointed at the mask in Miss Militia's hand.
"I'm not some mummer who dresses up for the entertainment of others." Stannis said coldly as he leveled his cold, blue eyes at Miss Militia.
Miss Militia tilted her head before laughing.
"If you say so. I won't force you to wear it, but that does mean you're fine with everyone knowing your identity?"
Stannis shrugged. He hadn't thought of that so far, but he'll handle it when it's time.
"Very well then. Please follow me." She said as she led them out of the room down the hallway.
"What's a mummer?" Stannis heard Mr. Hebert whisper.
Stannis felt his jaw tighten.
He was not going to enjoy this.
A/NI really need cape names for Stannis and Taylor so feel free to leave some suggestions!