Mick takes his usual place, quit for now. He's played the part of a sympathetic aid for a long time. He has some...undisclosed desires that scare him, and oddly, what happened with Jaime seems to have triggered them to the surface. He should bring it up to Ethan, but not yet. In time.
For now, he's just trying to get comfortable, already missing their bed and not exactly too fond of camping out, even if the tent is spacious and they have protection.
Morning he's not exactly willing to be up, but he's struggling to roll up and face the day. There's preparations to make, and Mick's willing to have a makeshift breakfast done before they head off. At least he got some time in.
Ethan is happy to set off. He and Mick are given the ability to ride point with only two scouts ahead. Jaime and his company hang back, watching the rear. The men Ethan brought fill in the gaps and protect those present, as well as move supplies. Soon enough, they've come to the shoreline. From there, it's time to load everything onto boats. Horses go to one with supplies, and several men to keep them steady and calm. The rest load onto two more barges, and the journey across the shining waters begins.
Upon arrival, the troops waiting look...well, spread thin. Haggard, nervous, jumpy. The Krieg insignia isn't helping that, even though the company is small, but the Kingsguard flag flown below brings relief.
In theory, this party should be neutral.
Mick stays close to Ethan's side, almost like he tries to make them appear almost equal. The devastation has Mick frowning, the smoke is still thick and he has to cover his mouth to breathe. He hates the stench, not interested in staying longer than they need.
His position is respectful, and even with the weapons and armor there's no plans to attack these people. Not yet, anyway. He eyes the troops, putting in his best and friendliest face, and speaks for them.
"Houses Rawson and Krieg offer their aid. Where is Castellanos?"
"Lord Ethan...Sir...Ser Jaime." The man who greets them all knows them by reputation more than anything else, but Jaime is known by face. As for Mick, he either doesn't know who he is (probable) or just doesn't know what to call him. Maybe, both. "Lord Castellanos is inside. I'll lead you to him, if you three represent your entire party. My men will help yours unload."
With that, the commander and the Captain of the islands join together to lead the three up the hill and the winding, long steps to finally enter the splendid and golden building. Its white stone and brilliant accents are the stuff of legend.
Lord Castellanos is seated and in discussion with what looks to be a priest. He seems uninterested, but he's nodding every now and then. When the door opens, his attention is procured. With a quiet dismissal, the priest leaves and he stands to greet his guests, unsure and concerned as to their presence. Jaime, though, and the two Kingsgaurd with him makes it seem easier.
"And what can I do for you, Lord Krieg?" Sebastian's voice is powerful, as always.
Ug. He doesn't even really have a title. There's not that many cases for male and male nobility ruling together, and mostly everything that would fit Mick's position is feminine. The single "Sir" gets a glower, seems like he's not happy with that. He follows, eyeing the area around him and keeping an eye on the people still struggling to get by.
When they make it to Sebastian, Mick's keeping a close eye on the man, watching him and...staring. It's a bit uncomfortable under that glare, but Mick quickly pulls it back.
"We're here to aid," he speaks up, a bit annoyed he's being ignored and really, he's feeling chatty. "My husband and I wish to offer you any and all assistance you and your people need."
He turns now to Ethan, hoping for confirmation.
"...As Mick said, we're here to offer you condolences and support." Ethan is in court mode now, and he knows what to do. "Your losses have, needless to say, drawn much attention. I want you to know that your neighbors are open to discussing what assistance we can be. Should it be building materials, food, even a watchful eye on the shoreline..."
"You've come like vultures to tell me my time is almost up. I get it, Ethan." Sebastian's voice is the type of thing that cuts through all the shit, and this is a prime example of that. "And my answer will be as firm as it was to Victoriano when he swept in here briefly earlier this morning, alone, in a ship with two men. You bring a military company under the guise of helping with manual labor and you wish to tell me you're not the threat?"
"My Lord, his words are true." Jaime speaks up and gives a respectful bow. "I swear it.
"Ser Lannister wouldn't lie. The Kingsgaurd are here to help. As are our men, both from my home and his," Mick likes this, likes how on guard Sebastian is. That's smart. "We thought a small 'army', as you say, would be enough to help rebuild. You suffered a heavy devastation, Sebastian. Not everyone is here to harm you."
That he knows of.
"We will leave if asked. But your people are hurt, Sebastian. They could use all the help they can get."
"The fires didn't devastate us completely. We've begun to rebuild, and it's coming together well. Your father sent timber." The words are directed to Mick, Sebastian's temper on a thin line now. "But if you want your soldiers to play handyman, they can join my own. And if you're looking for hospitality, you'll find plenty of empty rooms in these halls, now." A House of one. It's quite sad, really. No wonder Sebastian is jumpy and somewhat rude.
"My Lord, what of my company?" Jaime speaks respectfully, regardless. He's not a part of this.
"Many things are whispered in these halls now, and on the streets. Keep your eyes and ears open for threats."
"Yes, my Lord." Jaime nods in understanding, and the three Kingsguard depart to play bodygaurd, as they are accustomed to do.
"Ethan, will you direct our men to where they need to be?" seems like Mick is taking control here. "I'd like to speak to Sebastian alone. About the threat. I'd like to discuss preparations in case Victoriano isn't finished causing chaos."
Seems legitimate enough, he waits, though his eyes don't leave Sebastian. There's something there, something cold, almost like he's not exactly all there. It's an odd look, to say the least.
"Is there a place we may speak privately?"
"You aren't usually one for war. I'm proud of you for suddenly caring so much." Ethan claps Mick on the shoulder and then moves away, leaving him to do that. Now, Mick and Sebastian stand alone, after just a short while.
"Come with me, then." He gestures for Mick to follow, and then heads out of the large room and towards a more private one meant for meetings. He gestures for his aids to stay put, and soon Mick has him alone.
Sebastian is tired. That's clear. He's also in mourning, too, and nervously turning his ring about his finger.
"What do you need?"
"I'm curious," he paces, hands held behind his back as he walks. From here Mick's taking his full height, impressive as it is, and watching Sebastian with that same dull, dead look he gave him earlier. "I'm curious how someone like you, a formidable warrior and someone who's generally feared could let something like this 'appen. That 'as to be some bad leadership on your part."
He's watching for any reaction, Sebastian is volatile as it is. Will he push him easily, or will there be a bit of effort needed to be put from Mick?
"Wos it your borders? Not enough protection? I'm a man born from war, I'd like to think you might have seen this coming."
"Excuse me?" Sebsatian's tone is sharp and short. "The only power you have is what Ethan lets you do. You haven't led armies, and you know our forces are only for defense. We are different than you- we uphold the laws of this land and we've done so for centuries. You dare mock the scales for being a poor sword?" He's pissed now.
"The guards saw nobody enter. Nobody left. Not a single one of my men was dead, and nobody else was drugged. This was purposeful, and you couldn't have stopped it, either. Now, if you want to mock my pain, try it with your fist and see how long you last."
"Are you challenging me to a fight, Sebastian? Or are you threatening me? Choose your words carefully," the threat is low, Mick's goading him. He's kind of hot when he's angry. Shame, really. "I haven't lead them, but I've fought among them. We were locked for years in war with Azarov. I learned from it, but from what I understand, others saw what happened and took more precautions. You as an overseer should have realized what a threat Victoriano was becoming. Or have you all gotten weak in your judgement?"
Mick stops pacing now, eyes locked on Sebastian.
"Perhaps your late wife should have worried more. There's rumors that you are the one to blame for the fire. Word's spread you killed your own wife. I worry for your health, Lord Castellanos. They do say there's sicknesses that mimic the effects of drugs."
What is he getting at?
"Hold your tongue before it's ripped out." That was a threat. "I would never harm my wife, my daughter. That's blasphemous to say. My mind is clearer and sharper than yours is and ever will be, Rawson." Sebastian stalks forward now, a finger pointed and golden eyes blazing with fury.
"I'm the one that got my degree upon graduation. You weren't even accepted to our law school. I fought to get in. Not everyone from my family has been able to. You weren't good enough, and you dare question me? I'm a scholar. You're good with a stick, some metal, and string. You tell me what's more useful."
"I wasn't accepted not because of my intelligence," oh, he's angry as well, but he needs to play this right. He needs to push the right buttons, get him angry. "There were...complications," his mental health. Unstable, frightening, he'd later find out his father petitioned and persuaded to keep him locked in his lands, it was a miracle he was allowed to leave to marry Ethan. Maybe he changed.
"Besides, the next year my father would declare war. Protected his children and their children, his people. Something you clearly failed to do, despite your education and your sharp, clear mind, you failed to protect the two things that should 'ave mattered," his voice is raising with every word, Mick using his own anger to his advantage. "It would have been no different than if you did kill them yourself. What good is being a scholar when, and you said, let a man slip past your guards and let your wife and child burn?"
Sebastian snaps, and his punch is powerful, straight for Mick's jaw. It will connect. He draws back, in a rage, and he snarls his next words.
"GET OUT. GET THE FUCK OUT." Oh. There it is. Mick got exactly what he wanted out of Sebastian, and it wans't hard to do. The man is about to start tearing up, too. He's clawing and grasping at straws, broken and sad.
The connect gets a knock back, but not because he wasn't expecting that. But that's exactly what he wanted.
"I'm sorry Sebastian. I would 'ave never wished this on you," he's quiet, spitting out blood and straightening himself up. His brown eyes look almost sad. And then he slams a fist into Sebastian's face just at the right moment. "But you're part of my plan and fuck all if I 'ave to kill you to get what I want."
Sebastian is hysterical, he's not expecting him to fight back. Another blow comes, the warrior is in place of the noble and he's not letting Sebastian get a word in. He should have tried a poison, waited a few days, but he was wanting this so badly. He'll hit Sebastian until the man is unconscious, using that hidden strength of his. When he deems the job done, he checks his mouth for blood before staggering back. "Jaime? LANNISTER!"
The first punch catches him off-guard. He stumbles back, dazed. Plan? What plan? But then the punches come. He goes down hard, and he fades quickly enough, sprawled on the floor with a split lip and horrible bruising to come. He's still.
Armored footsteps sprint down the hall and a back entrance opens, the knight slipping in instantly, hard on his weapon. When he sees the scene he came in on, his fear turns to horror. His words reveal that plainly enough, although he's trying to stay professional.
"S...Sir, what the...what..."
"Restrain him, please, oh gods. Apparently the rumors were true. He jus'...he lost it and...shit I don't know. Where's Ethan? I need Ethan..." if he didn't have the others around, he'd be smiling. But for now he's faking a panic attack, hyperventilating and cowering away from where Sebastian lay. Mick is making himself look worse than he is, his face is going to bruise, though. "I thought- I just wanted to know what happened and how...'ow I can relay that to my father. We're so tired of war..."
He's...a really good actor. Probably got it from being a pathological liar, he's good at what he does. "Someone get my fucking husband!"
"Sir, please. I'm here. It's okay. Come on. He's not getting up." Jaime reaches out and takes Mick by the left shoulder. "Come on. Follow me." He leads Mick, whether by force or not, away and to the guest room he was having prepared for Ethan and Mick to begin with. "Wait here. I'll take care of Lord Sebastian. Lord Ethan will be contacted. I promise. I'm here to serve you. I'll keep you safe."
He's all business, and sincere about it. His gloved hand falls away and he slips out of the room, closing the door behind him. The bedroom is lush and gorgeous, in the brilliant silvers and reds of House Castellanos. It was untouched by flame, obviously.
Sebastian is tended to by a doctor, but he's watched carefully by one of the other Kingsguard while Jaime slips away. He probably won't wake up for a while, but he won't be able to get to Mick. For now, the Lannister returns to Mick's room and knocks softly on the door.
"Sir?"
"Okay," he seems to be calming down around Jaime, following him down to the room. The guest room is beautiful. He would have loved staying here. "Okay. Tell him I'm alright. I'd keep an extra watch on Sebastian. I'm worried, he's sick, Jay. He'...corrupt. Something needs to be done."
When Jaime leaves, he's assessing his bruise, annoyed he got hit so hard, but it did the trick. For now he's stripping off his robes, only leaving himself half naked to try and relax. He has some time alone, but the knock at the door gets his attention.
"Jaime. Come in. I'm sorry for earlier. Violence still...it still affects me."
Jaime enters when told to, closing the door behind him. He doesn't comment on Mick's state of undress, instead eyeing him to make sure there isn't serious damage he missed.
"Would you like ice, sir? For your face?" He's being formal, still. Until told not to be, he will. It's his job, and he's on duty. He also doesn't know just how hard he's being played. "I promise you, we'll take care of Lord Sebastian. He's lost a lot in the last few days. He likely needs some time to rest. I know the man well- he's trustworthy. I don't know what happened, but we'll take care of it."
Uh, oh. He's doing his job TOO well.
"I don't know if that will be enough, Jay. i think we need to stop him before he hurts anyone else. He's mad, you've heard of those illnesses. It might be best if we take him from here. I'm not saying keep him prisoner but he needs to be furnished for attacking me. An investigation needs to be made. I'm not sure if Victoriano is behind all this."
He sounds...sad. As if he's devastated it's come to this. "What would you do in my place, Jay? No power, just a shadow behind my father and husband. I'm not sure what to do, what's happening anymore."
Oh yes he is. Everything is going as he planned. "Join me. Please. I need the company until Ethan arrives."
"My father has far more power than I do as Lord Commander. I respect his decisions, or at least do unless the life of my brother is in the balance." He's unafraid to speak of and claim Tyrion as kin. He's never been afraid to do so. "I'm a military man, and I accept my place as such."
But then, there it is. The bomb has dropped. What does Mick mean? He assumes the most innocent and goes from there.
"If you'd feel safer in my company, I can stay." He glances towards a chair, planning to go take a seat.
"I meant with me," oh. OH. There's even enough room beside him on the bed. "Unless you 'ave other plans? Ethan knows what happened between us. I think we should discuss it more, since we 'ave the time."
Oh dear. What could come of this?
"I'm not asking for a romance, Jay. Just an arrangement. We could also use you back home. You're a strong leader, good in war...and in other things."
"I'm...on duty." Jaime hesitates, nervously glancing to the door. "I really shouldn't..." Was the first time good? Yes. VERY much so. But at least he was off duty for the evening, right? He'd like to think that made it better, somehow.
"I don't have plans, but...I'm supposed to serve the nobles I'm accompanying." That would be Ethan, Mick, and Sebastian, presently. Could he be persuaded? It sounds like it. Mick won't have to work too hard to get that armor off him, honestly.
"My place is with the Kingsguard, until I'm told to step down."
"Jaime," oh, he's going for the full name. He stands, taking a few steps forward. "I'm not saying now. I'd like company, and I'm a bit burnt out, if that was what you meant. You're on duty? Then come back when you're not. I'm sure Ethan wont mind," every word gets him a step closer, until Mick's nearly inches from Jaime. There's a pause, and Mick takes a bit of initiative, brushing against Jaime's face, not amkign anymore moves. it's more...a hug, though there is the peek of teeth on Jaime's jaw.
"Protect and Serve, right? What exactly are the restrictions to serving?"
"So long as it isn't treason, there isn't a definition beyond that." Jaime doesn't even bother lying to Mick. Is this what he expected? No. Not at all. He's concerned, though, and that goes for two of his charges right now. But Mick's enticing him, and his self control might just fall.
"I can...stay now, if you want." Oh. Oh, there it is. Mick's got him. "Later, if you need me to. Want me to." Shit. He's flustered, and Mick virtually dragging his teeth along Jaime's jaw is not helping matters. "Um."
"If I want? What do you want, Jaime Lannister? I want that power you give me, I want you under me screaming my name. But we can't all get what we want," he pulls off, leaving it at that and fishing his robes from the floor. "Come back tonight. I need to discuss something with you and Ethan. Besides, I want you to make sure Sebastian doesn't go mad again. There's a chance he might be unstable."
Oh. Well, seems like that's that. But he has what he wants from Jaime. He's not playing him completely, he does care for him and have a crush, but he wont act on it just yet.
He needs Castellanos out of the way first.
Oh. Oh MY. Jaime is left shocked by that statement. He glances to Mick incredulously before he just clears his throat and gets the hell out of there the instant he's given the chance to.
He'll be back.
Sebastian comes to, but he's kept somewhat sedated for now. The day passes and Ethan returns not too long after Jaime is gone. He's frazzled and worried, especially to find such a large bruise in Mick's face.
"What happened? Why the hell did he hit you?" He rushes to gently raise a hand to touch at Mick's face, concerned as a mother hen would be.
"Apparently I said the wrong thing. I fought back in self defense. Ow, ow stop touching it," he waves Ethan's hand away, though he's not bothering to stop Ethan's worrying. "Something's wrong with his head, E. I don't know if he snapped or what. But I'm concerned for my safety. And Sebastian's. I think we should find suitable punishment, least we threaten war. He did attack me unprovoked."
He has a point, he even gives Ethan a frightened and concerned face. "Wot's going on outside? I've been here since the attack."
"Sebastian has been through trauma recently, Mick. He's just not thinking straight. He's just, fair, and good. Always has been, and that's precisely why we never got along." Ethan stops trying to help Mick, knowing the other can handle himself just fine. "He just acted brashly, I'm sure. He'll apologize and everything will go back to normal. He's lost everything. Asking to see him alone wasn't smart."
At the question of outside, Ethan lets out a low sigh and settles down in a chair close by.
"We're just rebuilding. The damage isn't too bad. People are in mourning for the Lady and the child."
"Well I'd hope so. What 'appened here was tragic, people must be confused as well. I'd say we take some over in Sebastian's absence, these people need guidance, especially during this time. But I don't 'ave that power. Still, I can't help but wonder what this could do to someone. Tragedy like that. This is a bit much."
He's glad Ethan's there, if he was truly distraught he's glad he would have someone to count on. For now, he sniffs and tenderly touches his face where he was hit. The bruise hurts, but it'll be fine.
"Sorry if this ruined your taste for being here. Never good when the nobility throw punches," he laughs softly, trying to keep from looking too gloomy. "How long should we stay here?"
"I throw so many punches that people are scared of me before they meet me. But it isn't Sebastian's style. That worries me. He's Castellanos, not Krieg. They're supposed to be the level-headed ones." Ethan is worried, and he's obviously already in Mick's clutches. But he's proud and powerful, so he won't bend easily.
"We'll stay four days at the most and get everything sorted back out. While we're here, I'll watch over things. Hopefully he stabilizes. I know there are diseases that can deteriorate the mind, but...Sebastian? He's always been so steadfast."
"I throw so many punches that people are scared of me before they meet me. But it isn't Sebastian's style. That worries me. He's Castellanos, not Krieg. They're supposed to be the level-headed ones." Ethan is worried, and he's obviously already in Mick's clutches. But he's proud and powerful, so he won't bend easily.
"We'll stay four days at the most and get everything sorted back out. While we're here, I'll watch over things. Hopefully he stabilizes. I know there are diseases that can deteriorate the mind, but...Sebastian? He's always been so steadfast."
"Okay. I hope you don't mind that I want you to be around me? I can follow you. I don't want to be alone anymore," he accents that by leaning forward, wanting to be as close as he can. "I've seen what those diseases do. It's sad, seeing someone go through that. They do say he was tortured once, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what it is. What do the doctors call it? Traumatic stress?"
Seems he's not pressing the point of keeping Sebastian locked up. But with Ethan, most should fall easily into submission. He's curious to see how far Ethan's reputation could take them.
"I'm holding you up. But I appreciate your concern. I'll be out soon to help with whatever I can. And then we can find something to do tonight," seems good. "Thank you."
"I'll stay with you, love. The men don't need my help out there. I trust the Captain I brought along to take care of business and come to me as needed. For once, we can just be nobles and let everyone else do the heavy lifting for us." He stands to embrace Mick gently now, giving his support.
"I can stay around. I'm going to go check on Sebastian. I...think you should probably not join me. It might just cause you more stress. Ser Jaime looked flustered when he mentioned you were upset earlier."
Of course he did.
That wasn't the only thing he was flustered about.
Mick accepts Ethan's company, mostly using small talk and keeping his husband close. Seems that calms him more than anything, and he appreciates having someone like him around. He'll have to figure out what to do about Sebastian, he's not in power and can't do what he really wants. The embrace has him sighing and he leans against Ethan, perfectly content there. Despite his motives, he does truly love him.
"Jaime said he would come by earlier. I'm exhausted from all this, but soon he should come. Then we'll have to figure out what to do the rest of our time here"
"We'll figure something out, I'm sure. It won't be hard to-"
Two quick knocks, and there he is.
"May I enter, m'Lord?" Jaime waits, poised at the door, ready to knock again if he needs to.
"Yes, Jaime. Come on in." Ethan parts from Mick's embrace only to be a bit more proper. He doesn't know what's going on in the kitchen, metaphorically speaking.
Ser Lannister enters, giving a bow as he does so once the door closes behind him.
"Lord Ethan. Serrah. What can I do for you this evening?" Jaime straightens and waits, curiously.
"What can't you do?" There's a pleased smirk at the knight's arrival. "Remember when I mentioned we had matters to discuss? I believe it would be a good idea if all of us talked about it together. Decided an arrangement."
The first mention of his title today gets a warmer smile, pleased someone remembers who he is for once. "You're free to say no. But if you say yes, I doubt Ethan would be against it. Would you, love?"
"Oh." Ethan looks to Mick in surprise, wide-eyed. "THAT'S what you wanted? Well, then. I certainly don't mind. What are the terms of this arrangement, then, love?" Ethan's words are more of a purr than anything else as he eyes the knight before him.
"As...the Lord Commander, I cannot stay stationed in one place for very long. My duty is to all of my men as well as the protection of the nobles and the King. Since we presently have no ruling house, my focus is on the nobles. You." Jaime explains his situation with a wave of his left hand. "It would reflect poorly on me if I stayed long."
I wos talking about something else," the note of ruling house gets a bit of interest. Would the situation be different, however? If they ascended and climb the corporate ladder? "I know your duties. But I also know you saw us the other night. Tell me, Jay, do you still think of our night together?"
Mick's changed his mind about tonight. There's a turn to Ethan now, maybe more to try and get Jaime on the same page. The kisses are slow, but Mick keeps his eyes on Jaime the entire time he's trying to stimulate Ethan. There's a pause, he seems ready to speak. "I owe him time. You're free to go. Unless you want to join in? I just wanted to see if you've thought about it."
A hand is extended, but Mick's back to Ethan now, knowing full well Ethan wont want to reject it. Or he hopes, at least.
Ethan knows the reason for this display, but that doesn't change how he receives it. His kisses are warm and full, and his touch is light as he draws to Mick, happy to fall into this. Part of him- a large part- hopes Jaime won't shy away. Is it selfish? Yes, definitely. But, hey...sometimes that's the best type of chance to take.
"I've never...done anything like that." Cersei's introduced him to a lot, but it's always been a personal thing. This is...very different, to say the least. "But..." Oh. Oh, dear. Mick has him. "I'll...uh, be back soon."
That's a yes. He's got to get rid of his armor, and he needs a squire to help with that. He moves for the door, glancing back in amazement not only at himself but the way the tides have turned to begin with. Then, he's gone. For now.
Mick had them both wrapped around his finger, just as planned.
Mick let Ethan do as he pleased so long as Jaime agreed and kept his control, though sometimes he might have faltered with just hot good Jaime and Ethan felt. He's never had a night quite like that, that's for sure. He'll sleep in tomorrow, but for now he's focused on his boys and what he can do with them. Mick knew just how to make it too much for both of them.
Knowing he has Jaime is a boost, and Ethan's pleased with the arrangements they've made. Now all he has to do is cement Sebastian's imprisonment.
The next four days, Mick's about sexed out. But Jaime is still invited to their quarters, and if the knight ever snuck over he was welcome. Hopefully, this will keep him loyal. But it's almost time to go home, and Mick's waiting in his quarters for his husband to return, and word on what would happen with Castellanos. He's been playing scared, keeping to their quarters and only answering to Ethan and Jaime.
Moment of truth.