Maester Lucen was going to have a long day, sending pages to deliver a letter to the tournament master of Ser Marcus no longer participating do to injuries in battle, and trying to make an antidote and tend to the wounded.
The short of it is, we defeated the wretched bastard Darry and his faith militants despite treachery. A few of our number faired worse than others. Lady Ophelia is recovered. Matthias' words were wooden, completely devoid of emotion.
Ser Weyland will send a paige to his father informing him that he is well, just a stomach bug. When I am well I will come to see you Father.
Ser Weyland will send a paige Maid Dainis Charlton apologizing for cutting their time short and hoping that he will see her again quite soon.
Ser Weyland will request a common serf to send a message back to Ser Joseph of House Estern. Your kind words in looking after the health of a House Knight are much obliged. If only he were well enough to respond he would attend to you at your pavilion and share yet another splendid lunch with you. Unfortunately he has been on the privy, something about bad sausage that he found disagreeable. Worry not, you shall be with your loved ones soon enough was his message he asked be conveyed.
Ser Weyland will send a paige to Ser Jon Roxton asking if he would be able to attend a meeting with Ser Weyland for the next day when I am feeling better.
Page returns
Ser Weyland
I regret that you were not able to meet yours.
House Estren seal.
Sighing as his hand grapped the cup of wine and slowly drinking as Marcus answered "As Matthias said, that situation has been averted and won in our favor. What mostly concerns me was the issue here during our absence and how easily they were able to attack people. I will need to look on to that but for now it has to be left for later time. So far we only lost 1 person from our group of seven but 6 of them, letting one leave alive due to not wanting to risk for ambush or possible repercursions from the Faith Militant."
Darne listened carefully to his men's recounting of the situation. He gave a small sigh of relief. "I will say, that at least we have shown that we can protect those we care for to the others. However.....as you may have noticed given Matthias's attitude at present, my father Lord Naelareon has indeed passed. I do say that he perhaps would have preferred this way being taken out in a warrior's death in a manner versus laying in his bed to slowly pass on." he said trying to show some compassion for his father.
He took to offering his cup up in a toast to his father's legacy, before continuing "However, that is not to leave this tent. We are going under the pretense that because of his failing health, he did leave late in the night last night to return home to recover. It is for the better of the House that we do this till the ceremony is over. Matthias, I trust that you can stir some emotion back out of your breast to impress the lady fair that you are longing for yes?"
He turned towards Marcus "You have done an admirable job in your post as Castellian to House Naelareon. I ask that you continue to do so by my side as well and train me up to my father's ability as quickly as possible. We have found that we of course still have enemies in the wind, and with all that has happened so far and what will happen before we leave, I imagine we will have more. I want our soldiers ready for what may come and I want our House's image to remain untarnished." he said before looking at them both.
"You both have done this House proud with your actions over the last week and I hope that I can only continue to show the Naelareon spirit and future bring fortune and respect to our House with your help...Enjoy your afternoon, get cleaned up, get seen to because the day has only begun." he said as he slammed down his cup and stood up and exited the tent.
Pretense?! Incredulity plainly evident in Matthias' voice. Pretense?! His Lord Father assassinated and now we're to lie about it? It is dishonorable. Better the House own what has occurred. Then they see nothing has changed and that House Naelareon's strength is as it was, albeit changed. BAH!! Matthias stands abruptly, knocking over his chair before storming out and heading to his own tent.
Not saying anything but just nodding at Darnes words. Looking at his cup as Darne left and Matthias soon storming out Marcus was pondering the oncoming events "This is... most definetely not the best thing to happen. A difference of ideas inside the House is as bad as the fight between Faith Militant and I am afraid it might still continue for a while" speaking to other members of the Household
"I will have to agree that hiding the death of Lord Naelaeron is best for now considering the situation but it need to be resolved soon" for a brief moment sadness passes on Marcus face before returning back to normal "and we need to strenghten the foundations of our House. Unfortuantely these games of lords are always in the end... just games. I will be joining the other combatants for a while before they will be leaving back to their own Houses or tents." decision made in the end as he stands up "You coming too Weyland or going to stay here for a while?"
Weyland says nothing at the outburst emotions are raw for everyone right now and he understands sudden death quite well changing the trajectory of one's life, "I have sent a missive to Lord Jon Roxton to meet with him tomorrow. I believe I have some rapport with him. I am hoping e can get he and his House closer to us. For now though I must rest, it has been a feat to even stand and wear armor this day".
Matthias storms back to his tent, walking with purpose, his face moving from angry to sorrowful and back as he battles for control of his emotions. Outside his tent, he stands for a moment, eyes closed, Burn you Darne!! Lord Domeric would never have left, no matter his health. This tournament was key to whatever power play he was trying. Yet, you make him look weak! WEAK! I was mistaken supporting you! House Naelareon would be better served with Cassondria as Lady of the House! IF this is the course you choose, one of deception over forthrightness, I cannot serve you.
As Matthias' thoughts gain clarity, his anger disappears. Opening his eyes, Matthias looks upon his tent, before his gaze drops to the ground. Forgetting his squire, Matthias removes his armor and blade, cleans up and tends to his gear, using the simple activity to help find his calm center before going to see Lady Sosan.
Darne sighed a bit as he watched Matthias leave. This was an annoyance for sure. He rubbed his temples and stood up after the others had left and made for Matthias's tent. He walked in without announcing himself.
"Had a moment to clear you head Cousin? I thought long and hard before I came up with this particular lie but if you prefer I would be glad to hear a better. You prefer I tell the truth, that we allowed scum to infiltrate our ranks...strike at our Lord when he was at his weakest, attack Lady Naelareon and one of our biggest allies, manage to get close to the heir and attempt to kill him as well and be able to retreat with their lives? I suppose I could offer that to the public, denounce our name and heritage and show us to be a House that prefers Truth over Glory anyday or as Father would've wanted show that the House is smart enough to know when to retreat and perhaps let them believe that he died fighting off the faith militant on his way home killing the group that came for him before succumbing to his own injuries and the poison coursing through his veins? I would hope that would indeed be the death he would have wanted others to know then the death he received." he said after great length.
Matthias listened carefully to Darne's words, weighing all that he said. Looking at Darne's feet before looking him in the eye, with a voice filled with conviction, When the deception comes to light. You know it will, especially since some of the assassins fot away, what then? Yes, our house got infiltrated. Yes, Lord Domeric while bedridden from poison was stuck by a coward's blade while he was weakest. And rather than provide the truth, we cower with a lie. I cannot be a party to that. It shows more weakness than cunning and strength. If this is you plan to begin your rule, I regret my support for you.
Garran will entertain Lord Ulryden with hunting stories, including the tale of saving his lord's life.
Darne looked at Matthias for a bit and shook his head "How could anyone dispute the lie from the truth. The faith militant has few allies, fewer people still willing to listen to him and believe what they say is true. Without a voice from a reliable source it will look like someone trying to show us as weaker. So long as we show no evidence that what they say is true then they can no more convince someone it happened the way they said then we say it went how we say it did. I understand your convictions to the truth, but how would you prefer Father to be remembered, a man of indomitable strength and will or the man who couldn't fight back when he needed to most." he said losing a bit of patience with Matthias.
Your Lord Father wouldn't have lied. He would have wielded the truth like a weapon. Not cowered from it. I will not hide from the truth, nor should you. Matthias stands to his full height before continuing, Are you the Lord Naelareon? Or will you cower from the truth like boy not yet a man.
Darne looked at Matthias "Do you feel our House is ready for war? I want to know the truth, do you feel we could take on any enemy we have at this present? We would make quite the prize for someone if they were looking for favor with one of the factions. So tell me, could we fight off one, two, maybe even three different Houses one after the other?" he asked curiously.
"You are mightier than I thought Garran, I also heard of your prowess in the hunt" lord Ulryden is truly entertained with hunting and fighting stories "All we got was two boars, I speared one of them myself" with some pride to the fact, lord Ulryden is content with Garran's company as he delights him with some ironborn piracy stories from Essos.
Matthias rubbed his chin, considering Darne's question. House Naelareon is known for its might at arms. Though we would be hard pressed, yes, I do believe House Naelareon could do exactly that.
Matthias drops his hand as he turns his back to Darne. You will not convince me that the course you have chosen is correct. Deception is for those unable to stand on their own two feet. I had thought you possessed of the same fire of your Lord Father. His blood may flow through your veins, but that is where it ends.
Turning back to Darne, Matthias face is grimx You, Lord Darne have commanded me to clean up and make myself seen. I will do exactly that. No more, no less. If the truth is not made known before this tournament is over, my oath as a Knight in service to you as the Lord Naelareon shall be as meaningful as pig shite.
Now, with all due respect Lord Darne, I must needs clean-up and be seen as you have so tasked me. Even though Matthias' voice is respectful, the obviousness of his dismissal could not be missed. He then turns and proceeds to clean-up, paying no more mind to Darne.
Darne sighed a bit and shook his head. "Indeed, I suppose we will see what the answer is come tonight." he said before leaving as quickly as he came in. He walked back to the main tent where the breakfast took place and grabbed a bit of paper and ink real quick, making a quick missive to his sister. He did his best to sign much as his father had in the past.
He wasn't sure whether his sister would come back as quickly if the missive was in his own writing and was being careful for the time being to make sure that if it was intercepted it at least looked like it would be the Lord still sending missives out.
He returned to breakfast and put on his false air of stability and security for the time being. "Forgive me, I hope that you weren't missing me so as I am afraid the briefing went a bit longer then I had hoped for. Apparently there were a few things I have to deal with after a bit of time. But enough about that, I believe it's getting close to breakfast proper yes? was there anything else you desired out of our talks this morning before the others arrive?" he asked with curiosity.
"NOt at all Darne, but I have already eaten enough and we can go over the details at a later date with proper papers in hand, you know how people sometimes don't honor their words, but a paper and witnesses is harder to fake and forget" he nods standing up "Besides I want expecting more company than you so I won't be feeling included"
Darne nods "That is most understandable. Indeed, when pen goes to paper I shall show what my word is worth. If you feel that it would be best to leave, then I won't hold you here any longer. Please, congratulate your man and enjoy the day. We shall all be quite busy I assume for the next few days." he said raising a cup to him.
Shortly after lord Ulryden leaves Ser Jayse Paege approaches you "Darne! Glad you are well, I heard Ser Marcus pulled out do to injuries, so I assume the fight with those bastards went well?"
Darne bowed his head to him and gestured towards the seats. "I am getting better by the day, yes we showed those bastards what for this morning and Ophilia is safely back with us along with the rest of our forces that went. It went quite well, few casualties one our side and almost to a man on theirs." he said before sipping at bit as his drink.
"How fairs the Paege house through this little celebration?" he asked trying to keep the conversation going and polite.
"Well so far, we had no poisoning incidents, just a couple of scratches from some servants that tried to stab me, but nothing serious" he takes a set
Awareness (empathy) TN 9
[b]"So what have you been up to this morning, there was commotion on some pavilions, and wasn't sure if yours was one of them, people are still trying to figure out what's happening, but somehow the tournament is still going on"
Darne waves his hand at the comment. "There was an attempt to upset the camp and kill some members of House Naelareon but we drove them off. Nothing too serious, Maester Lucen even got himself a guest to talk to out of it." he said smiling.
Ser Jayse laughs "Good thing then, lord Naelareon is doing well I presume, he would have loved to bury his axe on some of them, I swear your father may look frail, but when you piss him off, or he smells blood he could wake up from the deepest of slumber like a cyclone of steel tearing men limb by limb as he goes by" he shudders "it is a terrifying sight"
After Matthias cleans up enough to be presentable, he makes his way to the Keath pavilion seeking Lady Sosan. Discovering that she was in attendance at the joust, he heads to the tourney grounds, finding her sitting amongst her sisters and house guards.
Waiting for the interval between one bout and the next, Matthias boldly walks forward, looking at Lady Sosan before turning his eyes to Lord Keath, Lord Keath. I shall be forthright with you and not mince words. Much has come to light at this tournament. I am most fond of Lady Sosan. She is a lady of rare character and bearing, a bright star without peer. IF it would please her and House Keath would have me, I ask your blessing and permission to marry Lady Sosan. Matthias' voice never wavers as he speaks, never taking his eyes from Lord Keath.
Darne nodded his head "I have indeed been given a chance to see such fire in his eyes during this celebration. But unfortunately he was a victim to the poisoning that happened during the whole confusion the other night. Maester Lucen had done all he can for him but with his condition....it has taken quite a toll on him. Unfortunately he is not up to taking visitors." he said, his hand going to rub along the bridge of his nose. The day had barely begun and already he was feeling quite tired.
Lord Keath smiles an uneasy smile "Well Ser Matthias" Sosan is throwing herself to Ser Matthias joyfully "I accept" a heavy sigh from lord Keath "Well, lord Tully must give his blessings also and I have to discuss other matters of wedding planning and such with lord Naelareon, but for now a small toast?"
"Ah... pity, I enjoyed your fathers tales of his war in the Stepstones and against the faith, sooner or later we will be old men telling the stories to our children and our friends children" he smiles ordering some cider and cheese.
Matthias brings an arm around Lady Sosan catching her, before nodding at Lord Keath's response.
"I am grateful for your acceptance. However, I should be more clear. Lady Sosan would not be leaving House Keath. When we wed, should I have proven myself worthy, I would take the Keath name as mine own. I had discussed this very matter with Lord Domeric prior to his being poisoned at the feast. Matthias states matter-of-factly.
This brings death glares by a woman and a concerned look to Matthias "Why change the name Ser Matthias? I have a young son, and you taking my name while it's an honor it brings... complications I was hoping to avoid, since he is the youngest of my family"
Matthias ignores the stare, nodding once in understanding. I've no desire to complicate matters for your son. He is your blood and therefore your heir. I am not at liberty to discuss all of the reasons for seeking to be granted the privilege of taking the Keath name.
Matthias looks to the sky and then to Lady Sosan before continuing, One reason stands above all the rest: I cannot in good conscience serve a Lord who would require one to compromise ones oaths, the bedrock upon which I stand.
If you feel it would complicate matters too much to pursue a name change, then consider it an unwise thought to be discarded as useless refuse. Matthias adds, as he considers the potential strife it would create for House Keath.
"Thank you Ser Matthias, it is a problem as it stands. I love all my children, but my lands and title will go to my only son" nodding understanding to your words "I won't ask what it is asked of you that would go against your principles, but that at least puts me at ease that my daughter is marrying a man with a backbone and moral high ground" he laughs with a happy smile "I'm sure we can arrange all proceedings for after this" he is lost for words for a moment but comes back quickly 'Tournament, after all it's safer that way" making sure to say the last parts in a low tone to avoid being overheard.
Matthias smiles, feeling a small measure of happiness, then bows slightly to Lord Keath.
I look forward to the future Lord Keath. Matthias readily responds, smiling a bit toward the end, bowing slightly. He then looks to the field as the next bout being announced.
I may be given to being bold, however propriety must still be met. May I have the honor of sitting with House Keath this afternoon?
Darne continued to talk with Ser Jayse trying to keep the topic off of family for the time being. He spend the better part of the conversation seeing how the House had fared so far in the pageantry and if they had any particularly interesting prospects that had come out of the events.
Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
Objective: Friendship
Initiative:
Intrigue Defense 9
Composure: 9
Yield: Further talks towards becoming friends.
Persuasion: 5d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 5, 1) + 2 = 20 (19)
Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
Objective: Friendship
1 Reputation
Intrigue Defense 9
Composure: 9
keep 4
4 DoS = 16dmg- 4 = 10 dmg take frustration or accept counter offer.