Dark Wings
Dark Tidings
A raven arrives to the rookery bearing a message, Maester Lucen sees the raven coming without a problem, do House Naelaron has a simple rookery with few raven's still, it can only be from an ally or the Lord Paramount.
Upon closer inspection it bear a wax seal of House Tully.
Message (Lucen only)
To the noble houses of Westeros: greetings in the name of the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, Gormen Tully. Liege Lord of the Trident has declared a tourney shall be held in honor of the Spring fields and Wedding of his son Ser Bryce Tully on the fields of Riverrun
to begin two weeks hence.
All vassals of the Crown are invited to attend and do honor to their names.
*Seal of House Tully*
Sorry...system was not updating the changes for the last day or so....still here and still interested in playing....just let me catch up on everything...
Matthias is probably spending time sparring and other martial training. Any of those less skilled is stern, but fair.
Maester Lucen is probably in his rooms, or the rookery.
Having received the raven, Maester Lucen transcribes the note and hurries down from the tower to present it to his liege lord.
"A message by raven, my lord", he announces as he arrives in the great hall.
Lord Domeric is in one of his better days,as he raises an eye brow towards Lucen curious of the message for a change, and unavoidable imperious voice for which he is famous for "I hope you bring me something worth while Maester, I'm feeling good today and I might just go horse riding with my family..." cutting himself short thinking of his daughter "Maybe I just take a stroll to not risk getting some health issues and get more wrinkles in my wives face, she is comely enough for me to send her to an early grave too" haslf joking and half serious he continues to blame himself for the death of his wife.
Lord Domeric call Luce forth to give him the message and with proper decorum he does so.
A grin on the lords face "Now it's about time that old cheap bastard makes a tourney worth of the riverlands, he is one cheap f&&@er that Gormen Tully, and I heard he is in financial trouble, well if he wasn't he is now" musing to himself for a few moments from his seat "Gather my household and let the kitchen know we are celebrating tonight"
In the yard, Garran had just returned from a foray into the wood. Hunting looks to be good right now. Perhaps a hunt shall be called. Pausing in his journey across the courtyard, he watched as the kennel master put the new pups through their paces.
Watching over the House troops training and contemplating new plans Marcus is in his own thoughs. Suddenly a page appears nearby "Ser, Lord Domeric requires your presence in the hall. There is a message from Tulley's ser explaining fast and being nervous
"Yes, yes. Understood. Now go and inform others if you havent already. I will be on my way then. Taking a last look at the troops before moving inside the hall and approaching the dining hall where his lord usually spent his time
Darne was out in the stables tending to his horse. He had already taken to his spear practice earlier that morning and next came all the tasks that came with his addition to the stables. Though he could simply order one of the stable hands to handle the chores, he found solace in the simple work and enjoyed the company of the beast. He absent-mindedly went about brushing the horse down and giving it it's oats as he thought about the recent events of the house's political lessons. It seemed like everything was settling into a rather dull but predictable account. The page can running into the stables, looking about for Darne and spotted him came rushing up quietly to deliver the message. It took a couple of pokes to get him to awaken to the arrival of the new addition and he stared at him intently.
The page stuttered out "Ser...S..Ser Darne, th the Lord wishes for the house to meet." he manages to coax out before Darne waved off his hand dismissively and began to storm towards the house. There had been few occasions for the lord to call them in, and he hadn't really seen one that was pleasant. He wondered what could possibly have happened.
Cassondria looks up from her book as the boy enters the room with his message.
Setting the book back upon the shelf, she walks to the hall.
"I am seeing improvement. You must remember to-"
"Excuse me, Ser!" The page interrupts, "Lord Naelareon requires your presence."
Matthias, turns a stern gaze to the page. In a calm voice, "A matter of some importance I see. Your due diligence has been noted."
As the page nods, Matthias turns to the men in the yard, "That is all for today." Matthias leaves the yard. He takes a quick moment to brush the dirt from his boots before heading to his Uncle, hoping that he is in good health and spirits today.
Ser Weyland spends the morning, every morning these days, training his eldest son, Chris Storm, the way of the blade.
His lesson is interrupted by the approach of a page, "Good day my friend. Come to learn simething?" Weyland jests.
"No Ser, his Lordship would see you, now".
Weyland sighs, "Very well escort my son to his mother. I shall attend to his Lordship, well done today my son".
Weyland heads in the direction where he knows the head of the Household is awaiting him and presumably the rest of his family.
Ser Corrad Daerros and Ser Manrel Veleri are already there sitting next to Lady Gwynet and Lord Naelareon taking the places that would have normally belong to his children and family is now occupied by knights of his Household who seem to be bickering about something as you start coming in.
Awareness TN 12 to listen
Ser Corrad Daerros: My lord this is a great opportunity for us to expand and your own House, your sons are still green in the ways of the tourney let us bring honor to House Naelareon.
Ser Manrel Veleri: We are sure your children will do well in any even and acquit themselves well, but we can succeed in the great events of of the Joust and Grand Melee.
Lady Gwyneth: My son is the one deserving of the honors of this House as Domeric's only son, and this would be a great opportunity to find a match for maid Cassondria, she only grows older and probably harder to... marry with a suitable match of a House like our own and that goes for Ser Matthias you best marry him off before he becomes trouble for your true son and heir.
The moment your presence is noted the bickering is changed for welcoming smiles, and both knights and advisers move to their respective chairs closes to the Naelareon family.
Awareness
"Good day Lord Naelareon, Ser Daerros, Ser Veleri, Lady Gwyneth. This a fine day indeed. To what great cause do I attribute this gathering?"
If Ser Wetland overhears he makes no comment but takes his customary seat.
Sheathed are his Bastard Sword on his left hip and Dagger on his right hip. His clothing is casual having just come from lessons with his son.
Cassondria eyes flash at the presumption of the knights, "I apologise if I was summoned mistakenly is this a meet for your knights alone?" she says icily as she waits for one of them to vacate a seat.
Weyland smiles at Cassondria, "My Lady, you look radiant as always", giving her a slight bow.
Lost in his own thoughts, Maester Lucen does not notice the bickering going on. Instead he stands off to one side, wondering what he will need to bring on this trip, or if he is even going!
The lord seems impassive as if made of stone
Awareness TN 16 to notice reaction
He is amused at Cassondria words, but the presence of Ser Weyland displeases him
"No Cassondria, I need you here too this are news that concern us all"
Awareness
=13
Not showing anything but understanding the importance of the upcoming tournament Marcus greets the already gathered people in the hall Greetings my Lord and Lady, Ser Conrad and Ser Manrel
= 10
Lord being impassive as always Marcus assumes his place near Lord Naelareon as he he glances at the others and sighs as he notices Cassandria being again in her icy mood
Matthias walks in and bows slightly, "Good Day My Lord Domeric and Lady Gwyneth.
He then nods to the rest in attendance before taking his customary seat.
Darne walked into the room after stopping along the way at a mirror to make sure he was presentable. He splashed on a bit of scent to mask any odor he might have picked up and then made his way into the room. He looked around, surprised at the attendance. The knights were busy talking to father and it seemed that almost everyone had already made it ahead of him.
He stepped up beside his father and bowed to him "I hope that this meeting is one of a joyous occasion" he said as he looked at his father in what seemed to be good health for him. He stood beside him, waiting for the knights to take their places and vacate the seats for him and his sister. He noted her already soured mood and frowned slight but quickly hid it.
"Cassondria, I see you are doing well today. Did you get those flowers I sent to you?" he asked her in a off handed measure to try and keep the mood light and distract her from what irked her.
The page finds Garran watching the dogs, and, upon delivery of the message, he immediately heads for the grand hall. Seeing he is the last to arrive, he bows and says, "Forgive my tardiness, my lord, I have just returned from the wood. Game seems plentiful this year."
Taking the seat furthest down the table from Lord Domeric, Garran waited to hear what Lord Domeric has summoned them for.
Awareness:
Maester Lucen is startled out of his daydream, but still pays less attention to what is going on than he should. He nods to the others as they arrive in the hall.
Ser Weyland nods to the men as they enter the room, normally he would spend time addressing each one individually but as the numbers in the room swell, it becomes clear that this is no mere lunch gathering but something of greater import will be announced by Lord Naelareon.
Perhaps succession to the throne but wouldn't he play such affiliations closer to his doublet... Weyland thinks to himself as he waits for the Lord to speak.
"Well, I have news of great import, we are to celebrate tonight but we make ready to leave our lands to Riverrun, House Tully is throwing a grand tournament, that cheap bastard finally made something more than a party and he is probably going all out for it, with all this stupid talk about greens and blacks, I wipe my ass with them, their dragons at war nothing so colorful or fancy" looking at everyone and stopping to speak to her children first Sweet daughter, I hope your heart is not made of ice and stop the bickering, if I am to get you wed it will be during this tournament, were everyone from the riverlands and other places will come to partcipate and that goes for you to my boy, best not disappoint me, and that as well goes for all, House Naelareon has a reputation to uphold of doing always well in the tourney and some Joust and Melee winners" looking with eyes like daggers to Fain "If you beat those f&!+ers from Blackwood I'll throw a feast in your name and let you take charge of the next Great Hunt if the bounty is so plentiful, that is if you can beat them and bring honor to your House"
Satisfied with putting the pressure that is needed of his family and his best archer, he seems to remember like something unimportant "Ah yes, Ser Weyland please maintain your breeches closed and on at all times, you are a member of my House, and while both House Estren and Wylde might be present, you are of House Naelareon and what you do reflects upon me and this House, so unless you wish to be eunuch by the end of the tourney do not test me boy"
Ser Weyland blushes at Lord Naelareon's comment, "The only sword I shall unsheathe my Lord is the one which will bring this House Honor and Victory in the Melee Tourney, on my Honor as a Knight of the Realm, to this I do swear".
What was that about? I shall have to speak with his Lordship alone...
Garran nods as Lord Domeric talks of a tourney. Perhaps they shall have a hunt or an archery contest as well. I could bring honor to the House that has given me such great opportunities through victory in the archery contest. I am certainly no competitor in the melee or the joust.
As Lord Domeric chastises Ser Weyland, he thinks to himself, While the warning was certainly necessary, I do not think it needed to be quite so public.
Darne smiled at the news, it was good that they were going to get out of the hall as a family for once. The talk of a tourney was all too pleasing to hear. Sure he likely wasn't going to be able to stand toe to toe with someone like Ser Weyland...but it would do him some good to at least join in and try to earn a bit of honor and renown for himself.
"Father, should I throw my hat in as well to the melee...or would you prefer I stay up in the noble seating working my tongue?" he asked curiously. He did his best to hide his mirth at Ser Weyland getting teased so, he assumed it was mostly in jest. Though he did know that if pressed too hard, father was willing to deal out some rather...unique punishments.
"Yo are a knight of my House not of Westeros, lest you are asking me to release you become an errant knight of the realm or as we really know them Hedge Knight, your father and I made good agreements and I expect you to bring us honor in the Melee at least" waving his hand as if nothing happened.
"Son, you better find something to do in that tourney either the Joust or Melee and acquit yourself well lest your words are now your only grace, I'll send you as Ward were you can be useful to this House and hope your tongue get's you married well, for that is the job of a lord son, my time is not past for me to participate, but that is why I have you and Matthias for, your sister can help were words are needed that is a game for lords and ladies, and other nobles with no skill at arms that all they can do is talk for their lord that is to stupid to have any grace"
"Marcus, see what you can do with Darne, he needs to be above a common man in his skill at arms if he is to carry on as heir of this House, that is IF he deserves it"
The pressure he has laid among all present is heavy and brutal, he now falls silent and begins to eat signaling you all to eat.
Awareness (Empathy) TN 12 to "read him"
Awareness (Notice) TN 16
-> 13
Garran begins partaking of the meal. He takes no notice of anything out of the ordinary, believing all to be well and pleased that Lord Domeric seems to be having a good health day.
Father was certainly putting the pressure on the house and family for this event. It is true that this could very well move them up the standing if they were to earn honor in the events and in the court. This gave him pause to think, he did indeed want to set himself above the others in some manner. A thought occurred to him, with Ser Weyland, Ser Marcus, and Ser Matthias all in the Grand Melee...well there was no place for him to earn any real distinguish in that field. However...if perhaps he could come up with a way to enter the tourney, that would indeed impress father if he could place.
He stepped over to Ser Weyland and spoke to him "Might I be able to borrow your ear for a moment Ser Weyland?" he asked before he stepped away from the group for a spell.
"No I do not seek release my Lord, a poor turn of phrase nothing more. You have treated myself and my Bastards well and I am greatly appreciative of that".
Awareness Empathy
Awareness Notice
18
19
Cassondria nods in acknowledgement of her brother's words but does not grace him with a reply. She finds her father's mood troubling and does not want to provoke him further.
"Excuse me, My Lord, with all due respect, and offense meant to Ser Weyland, but won't his participation cause an unfavorable sensation?"
Matthias states with a matter of fact tone.
Lord Domeric does not finish his meal, but stands and retires to his bed chamber followed by lady Gwyneth leaving you all to finish and think on his heavy handed words.
- 11
Your wish is my command, my Lord as Marcus nods to his lord. Looking for the young Darne, Marcus notices him near Weyland and clicks his tongue in irritation. Lord Naelareon clearly said to have some training on him and here he goes.
Sighing and looking at the youths of the house Marcus contemplates about the future. Their House had a excellent chances to win first place in each of the competitions. Fain in Marksmanship, Weyland in Grand Melee - I do have to admit he is good with that sword but I do hope as well that he keeps his other one in his pants huoh - and lastly me participating in the Joust.
Walking with a posture of a military man towards Darne and interrupting the talk between speakers my lord Darne, Ser Weyland greeting him codly before continuing speaking to Darne your father did express the need to improve your skills in fighting. I do know that you do excell at spears but your sword techniques leave much to desire and I would like to see how far you have advanced lately. Faster it is done and I see the results, we can retire back to our chambers to prepare for tomorrow
As always Marcus was emitting his militar-man characterisic. Most of the soldiers would swear it was like a second skin on him and his loyalty like that of a dog towards his lord
Darne was a bit surprised at how quickly he was interrupted but saw who it was and nodded "Ah Ser Marcus, yes father does wish that I be in...fighting shape but after careful consideration I feel that perhaps the Grand Melee isn't my style. If you would prefer I would love a few lessons in the joust. With my prized stallion and knack with the spear, I feel I could better represent our house in the Joust...would you agree?" he asked before turning back to Ser Weyland "I was actually just about to ask Ser Weyland here if he would mind lending me his armor for the joust as I dare say my leathers leave me little chance and I figure it'd be best not to lean on house finances if I can help it." he said as his plans were laid out in the open.
Lucen, seeing his liege lord leaving the table, gets up to follow him and his lady-wife from the hall. He keeps the required 2 steps behind the couple.
"Will there be anything else M'lord?" the Maester inquires.
The lady nods towards the maester, knowing full well it means bring the medicine for the lord
"I presume you mean because the other Houses are tired of losing Melee tourneys correct Matthias? Certainly you do not mean to leave me here my Lord wishes to win all of the competitions after all".
Weyland nods to Marcus, "I will accompany you and lend my eyes to your evaluation".
Smiling at Darne Weyland clasps him on the back, "I would be delighted to. At least my armor can win a Joust, the Seven know I never will. A skill my brothers excel in".
Darne gave the man a polite bow for his agreement in the idea. The slap on the back gave him a bit of a lurch forwards but he kept his balance. He smiled at least if he can find himself a shield to borrow then at least his father will see how resourceful he can be. Given that Marcus was planning on entering the Joust as well most likely...it left him Matthias. He turned about to speak to him.
"Matthias, I dare say I assume you plan to enter the melee to try and teach Ser Weyland a lesson or two? Perhaps you wouldn't mind lending me your shield for the Joust? I want to see if our house can't take first and second place in it and perhaps teach this old dog here a thing or two for once." he said turning to grin at the Ser Marcus.
"My lord, shall we meet outside then? I will prepare a horse and the wooden target for the training" Looking for a while at Weyland As you wish Ser Weyland. Better to have more opinions on the subject" Marcus agrees a bit unwillingly
Turning and moving outside to reach the stalls and prepare Onyx - Darnes horse -, Marcus scratches his own horse, Belita. Ptruu girl, everything fine with you here? Seems like you have enough food but isn't it messy here... I swear that boy will get an earful when I come back after this. Seething with rage towards this laziness - how many times had he said to keep things in condition in here - before calming down but swearing that someone will be paying for neglecting his job. Patting Belita on the neck a bit more until having to continue with his preparations Marcus departs to find the wooden target
Taking his time to make sure everything is in good-condition and well maintained Marcus finally brings Darnes horse Onyx outside along with the wooden target.
Time passing by as places the target in 100 meter away from the starting point and adjust it to around 9 feet height. should be good now for Darne. Now just that shield on and we are set muttering to himself before moving back to starting location to wait for others
Weyland heads out first to speak with Marcus.
"Before we begin young Darne's training I would have a word with you. I know that we have history together and I feel it is my duty to make amends for the things I may have said in the past".
To Weyland, I simply do not wish your good showing for our house to cause bad blood with House Wylde in attendance.
In response to Darne, Yes, I shall put my name to the lists. As for teaching Ser Weyland a lesson, it may be me that learns it. his voice full of respect for Ser Weyland's skill.
As for my shield, as long as it will help our house to victory, it is yours to use. However, as Ser Marcus has been tasked with preparing you for the Grand Melee, my shield can wait. Best not keep the good Ser waiting, lest you seek his ire.
Lucen nods and heads back to his rooms to gather the poultices and ointments to deal with his lord's ills. He arrives back at the lord and ladies chamber and knocks politely.
"It is I, Maester Lucen. I have brought the required items."
Cassondria follows the menfolk outside for their practice.
"You know I could front half the cost of new armour for you, if you can find a sponsor for the rest."
If only for the secret joy of seeing you unhorsed. Cassondria thinks