Sadly Lord Eisel, I am indeed that same scoundrel. I thought I had recognized that magnificent blade. Not all choices we make are the right choices at the right time, by the Grace of the Seven we are both still here.
My Lord, we have ill tidings. It seems that some do not believe the Rebellion to be over. Athera does ndeed epsek the truth, there was an altercation between the Oakhearts and the Peak's. Have you more light to shed on this matter?"
Brydan, relaxed for a short while in the main thoroughfare of the castle but eventually got bored waiting for the maester or his brother to arrive. He got up and made his way to the library hoping to find the maester there so he would not have to do the work himself.
He let out a rather audible sigh though as he began to go through the books looking for the ones that might actually help him come across any clues or hints that may help him other than knowing the man should have a rather nasty scar across his chest. He shuddered to think how he could get a look at that scar without arising suspicion.
As his men arrived, Dennith was approached by a tall blonde man. Eldin inclined his head to Dennith in a familiar manner before sketching Lord Oakheart a slightly more proper bow.
"Lord Blackbury, Lord Oakheart. I received your message just moments ago. What news?"
"Lord Peak has over played his hand Eldin and we are headed to his compound now, to see he answers for his men." The man arched an eyebrow and frowned before nodding.
"I see. Peak was always a little full of himself, from what father used to say!"
At Lord Oakhearts assessment of the situation, Dennith nodded, frowning , "Indeed, it would do no good for the Reach to fight but.. it might come to that!"
As they marched towards the compound, Dennith kept his weapon bearer close, keeping his axe in easy reach, but not in his hands, to appear less threatening.
Thinking for a moment before answering "At this moment we are mostly getting the land back and tilling it, but we are now producing quite good amount of food plus the specialty product is the honey. We do have a lot of bee farms and wax is required for many things." Marcus counts as he thinks about his domain
"Also I am currently training new people, meaning for troops and security in the future and I have plans to further develope towards agriculture at some point. Might see if I am able to get hold of some forest so I can begin with lumber business, which is another big business opportunity, regarding our close position with sea and Dorne"
Two days ago
Ulrych Dayne sat in the library with the two of you. He had been spending a lot of time there recently, despite his reputation as a warrior. As you are all there, your master rushes into the room.
My Lord, Sands, I have urgent news. Athera sent a message by raven saying that she is preparing for a tournament in the Blackbury lands. Your Lord wishes for the three of you to head down and cheer her up.
The Blackbury lands? Ulrych asks. I suppose we should check on her, didn't Lord Blackbury die?
Quite right I am afraid. This Tournament is in honor of his son who should be taking his place.
Israa looked up from her book surprised and looked to her brother Samton,who was more than a little grateful for the master's interruption.
A tournament to honor the new Lord of Blackbury? My,my sounds like fun!How could we possibly turn our little sister down when she asks so nicely.grinned Israa closed her book and looking to Samton.What say you dear?Care to join me?You've said yourself all this sitting around has done you no good.
Samton flashed an excited smile. Well if the Lord permits,I'd love to see our little sister Althea again,see if the reach men have been treating her well and as a bonus sharpen my skills on a few of them while were there. There's no better whetstone than a reach men tournament.
You have had a long journey, being sent by your lord to see your cousin. You are now but a days travel away, and exhausted. Ulrych Dayne has pushed the two of you hard. Now the three of you sit in an Inn named the Rose's Thorn. You see several men in colors of black and orange, though they seem to be talking among themselves.
Ulrych is content to not bug them, though they give you three distasteful glances.
But of course. This alliance of ours can benefit us in the long run. I must ask, if you were forced to choose a side, it would impact the alliance somewhat, so which side would you choose? This is merely an intellectual question, as I wish to know where my allies would swing if push came to shove.
You find a lot of information about the Peakes, mostly trivial stuff, though you do learn that four generations back the Peaks and the Costaynes has a marriage. You also learn that Lord Peake was known for being quite the lucky gambler, and before the Blackfyre Rebellion was said to have never lost a bet.
You make it to Lord Peake's encampment with relative ease, followed close behind by Lord Hightower. A man who you recognize as Lord Peake steps out to greet you, dressed in full battle gear.
What is the meaning of this Blackbury?! he shouts at you in an accusing tone. My men just informed me that they were attacked by Lord Oakhearts own, and that yours attacked them as well. One Lady and one Knight. And now you come marching on my encampment?! Is this a tournament or a trial by combat?!
It is good, I apologize lady Althera. the man says. And boy, what made you think the rebellion would just be over, even one as thick headed as you were can't just think a war would end it. People had their fortunes squandered because of the treaty, all those on the side of the Blackfyres were held responsible for the war, taxed heavily, and treated as second class citizens. If it weren't for my boy here, Oakheart would have died a dozen times on the way over here. Your land may have a bandit problem, but most bandits avoid large caravans of soldiers. These folk were assasins.
That wouldn't be a bad idea... but it seemed like they just jumped at the chance when they passed by? Hmmm... I don't know which would be worse. The fact Lord Peak cannot control his men, or that he planned the attack.
Brydan smiled, it seemed he had found a curious bit of info. He wasn't too much of a gambler but it was at least a possible way of doing things.
He wondered if there might be a way to use the gambling to his advantage, but he was having a hard time thinking of a decent way to goad the man into it at the moment. He shook his head as he looked for any other possible books they may have on the Costayne family.
Wealth, men, and other assets have already been squandered in the first Rebellion. The Targaryen's will now be on the watch for their insolence this time, assuming they were no the first time.
It is simply a fool's errand to continue the fighting now. Thus, it was more my assessment of what the Blackfyres and their allies stood to lose than my own naivety of the interactions of Houses.
Besides, I place my trust in the Seven, not in the hearts of men".
"Uncle dear, I feel as though I should be charging a fee. It's not that I mind letting Sammie make some new friends, I simply feel they should either pay him for his services or commission a portrait it might last them longer." She mused.Samton snorted "As much as I like making friends, I don't know much about their colors...would be nice to know who's banners our new fans fly."
Dennith pulled up short of the man, his eyes becoming cold, then stony, before settling in to somewhere between a glacier and a boulder. He gave the man before him the full weight of his stare, shifting slightly to make sure he remembered exactly who he was dealing with and the damage he could do.
"I will thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head Lord Peake, or are you not a true blooded Lord?" His voice was quiet, commanding. "I have come to asses the situation that you have just described, if from your own point of view, one that paints you as the victim. I have come with Lord Oakheart and his force to put us all on an even footing, as is my right as lord of these lands. I will bring my Knight and the Lady hence and we will get to the bottom of this. But till that time you WILL keep a civil tongue with me Lord Peake or you will pack up your camp and return from whence you came. Do I make myself painfully clear?" All of this was delivered in a calm, cold voice.
He gestured for Eldin to come forward, before glancing at him "Bring me Weyland and my dear sister if you please Lord Bludvine!"
Considering his words Marcus looks at the distance before voicing his opinion "For the sake of peace and keeping realm in contact, I will be supporting Blacks if the push comes to that. They are egoistical, old fashioned and slipping behind times but so far the unity of Realm is important and usurpers are never welcome sight. The fights, both in physical and mental should be honored although we can never tread this line all the time. I will keep bounding higher and higher and not being afraid of dirtying my own hands but for the sake of peace, even momentary as well garnering some favors, Black is the colour for me"
Why yes of course miss. I do think that is quite possible. Though it is more likely that we are dealing with a war of attrition in this case. I doubt the Blackfyre supporters are happy with who won. Instead they seek to weaken us one man at a time. There are certiantly far more of them these days. Especially here in the reach. he says.
Think about it Ser Weyland. How much could the enemy gain if they were in complete control of the Reach. It would take years ofcourse, but they are willing to wait it out while Houses such as your own think the war is over, no offense intended to your lords.
You are a strong willed man, not many would say the Blacks are who they would support. Well, I must be going now to check on my men and get ready for our Kings arrival, but I will send a man to here when I am next available. I may know a few more people you would like to meet. He nods to you and leaves the tent, with a step of urgency. Looking at where he was sitting you see a small white carving of a dragon.[/b]
You hear foot steps run by you and the door shut, but by the time you get your nose out of the books you can't see anything. Glancing at the floor, you notice a Targaryen banner having been cut up and is now laying on the floor. A message in a red liquid spells out death to those who support.
Ulrych looks at the men and scoffs. Those men shouldn't be here. Last I had heard, the Peakes were going to be at the tournament. Get your things children. This is going to be a long nights ride.
Eldin nods, and runs off, calling her name.
Lord Peak looks at you and smiles. Quite clearly my Lord, but you forget where you are. Maybe the time with the Northman has clouded your mind. Send me off and watch as the tournament collapses from the rumors. As for what happened, two of my men just arrived claiming to have been attacked by one Ser Eisel and your two wards--
Thats a LIE! Lord Oakheart yells out. My men would never do that.
Immediately you hear the drawing of blades, and realize that you forgot someone important. Lord Hightower stands between Oakheart and Peake, twin blades drawn and pointed at each ones throat. He smiles, and you can tell that even if he isn't a renown warrior, he holds himself like an expert swordsman.
Now now gentlemen, no need for the loss of blood, just listen to Lord Blackbury here. And I do mean it.
Both Peake and Oakheart become very quiet.
"But with Dorne now among the Seven Kingdoms, things may begin to look up... if people stop being angry at us for keeping our way of life." Athera stated. "After all Dorne did out last every conquest, it wasn't till our King came to Dorne offering marriage that we joined after all."
Athera, let us head back to our Liege Lord and share what it is we have learned. Lord Eisel, I thank you for the insight once we have an answer as to how best to proceed we will let you know after all, this is the land of House Blackbury and no action should be taken with Lord Blackbury's approval".
Looking at the spot where the man had sat upon, Marcus tried to think what it would mean. Standing up as he took his knife and ruined the image before grunting as if contented with his result.
Samton Grumbled"If I'm going to go for a hard Night's ride that doesn't involve a bed and a gorgeous woman, best believe I'll be looking to return the displeasure come the Tournament."Israa chuckled shaking her head patting him on the back sympathetically. "Don't worry dear I'm sure we're going to be making plenty of new friends where we're going.We don't need to start tonight for our uncle's sake.But, I might keep an eye out for their banner just for you." Samton nodded and sighed heavily." Fine. We best get going before I change my mind." Israa turned to Ulrych with a look of curiosity and whispers quietly to her uncle. "What can you tell me about these Peakes? What or who exactly are we dealing with here?"
The old man smiles. As you wish my lords. Thank you for entertaining me and my wild ideas. Lord Oakheart has never been a fan of my own theories, despite them keeping him alive. If you wouldn't mind to take Ser Eisel with you please. His testimony may be needed.
Lord Peake smiled in return. Yes, let us be civil. Afterall this is a grand tournament fit for a king is it not?
There is a moment of tension, as if Lord Peake wishes to attack. For a moment the air grows cold, and a strong breeze flies through the surrounding area. Hightower slides his blades back into hidden sheathes in a movement so fast that it almost seems impossible.
I am glad you have come to your senses, he says with glare to Lord Peake.
You don't know exactly what the white dragon means, at it is neither the Dragon of the Blackfyres or the Targaryens. Yet the item seems important, almost as if it stands against the pair as a balance. The feeling fades after a second and you are forced to wonder why that thought would ever cross your mind
You leave the building, crossing the grounds quickly. As you do you see a man in, if you can believe your own eyes, Blackfyre colors. He turns, and runs, cutting across the area around him with speed and precision. You hear a female voice call out from the opposite direction and can see Val being dragged away by another man, this one in Osgrey colors.
Blackfyre supporters last I heard. But they were a strong force back then. Be very careful. If they are here and not at the tournament something is up.
You see the men looking at you, and one flashes a dark smile. They are definitely strong. There there are too many for even me.
Brydan slows only for a moment as he sees the colors. Who would brazenly wear such colors he started to think before he heard the voice calling out in distress. His eyes turned towards the location and if he could've say one word at this moment, the amount of blushing in a mile radius at the utterance he would yell would be enough to melt the great wall.
He turned and began to sprint now towards Val and her kidnapper.
At least,he thought, I won't have to do any exercising today.
Wondering what came over him but soon shrugging him off, Marcus sips his wine as he muses over the discussion, somewhat succcessful.
Thinking of the other people, who would also like to partake their small circle now in the beginning, Marcus soon shrugs rest of the thoughts off and leaves the tent to find out more possible lords interested for his suggestion
"Aye", Weyland replies but grimaces. He takes his leave with Ser Eisel and Athera though he looks less than pleased about the current situation.
Dennith again nodded his thanks to Lord Hightower, before turning to Lord Peake. "Well my lords, now that we have all settled, I have come to see this put to rights. Air your grievances now and let us be about it. I have sent for two of my retainers who were present when the attack happened and will be waiting for them to make any decision, but we can indeed talk before all of that!"
Samton helped his sister up onto her horse patting her hand. Don't worry sis. I'm sure or gracious host has someone good with their hands, after all, there has to be some redeemable quality for little sis to like them. He mounted his own steed,nodding to his uncle. we better get moving to our destination then.
The day passes. Israa and Sampton arrive in the dead of night along with Ulrych, requesting to stay with their family. The night is quiet though, with a sense of dread coming from them. Athera, Weyland and Ser Eisel meet with Dennith and the other lords, where Lord Peake retreats, getting pulled away by a few soldiers no one recognizes claiming there are men injured from bandits. Marcus finds himself almost a lone as the night passes on, with many people avoiding the large man. Before he goes off to retire a man dressed in white approaches him, his face hidden under a hood. Brydan makes it to the kidnapper, tackling the man. As he does, Lord Tyrell rushes to him, pulling him away from the man, and stabbing him. He takes both Val and Brydon with him to his tent.
The man is almost ghost like, moving through the crowd and people seem to just move out of his way. Mr. Grimwood, the figure says with a voice that is almost like a whisper. Come with me. I have much to speak to you about. You house is in danger.
Lord Tyrell appears to be distraught about killing the kidnapper. He looks you in the eye, revealing sadness. You understand why I did what I did right?
Brydan looked at the man and back at Val for a slow minute. He was clearly not amused by this whole situation. "My hopes is that it was not to circumvent justice and of finding the culprit who hired him." he said calmly.
He looked to Val "Were you hurt? Did the man say anything to you? Do you feel safe or would you request sanctuary till this is sorted out?" he asked in earnest.
While the Lord was an ally and a great man, at the moment be had his irr for the earliest incident.
Athera looked annoyed and upset that Lord Peake retreated once she got there. She turned to Dennith, who knew the look on his foster sister's face as once of great annoyance. "Lord Blackbury, since Lord Peake is not here, nor are any of his men that cause the attack, do you wish to pass judgement upon them now or wait till the Lord returns?" She asked respectfully. "If you wish to wait I humbly ask that Ser Weyland and Ser Eisel escort me back to the main hall so that Weyland and I can finish the list for the tourney."
Dennith smirked slightly before nodding to the woman. "I fear passing judgement without those who would be judged being present is a thing only cowards do so for now, I will withhold. We will all return to the Keep now dear sister, and from there yes, I grant Ser Weyland leave to escort you to the main hall. Ser Eisel I will not speak to, as he is not my man." With that he turns to survey the Knight in question.
"I thank you for escorting my sister to me Ser Eisel. You are a credit to your name, and to your liege!"
Ser Weyland seems anxious, "This has put our plans for the Tourney in quite a precarious position, we shall now need to work through the ight to get the events created and then assigning match ups tomorrow... This will also be tricky as we should avoid putting those against one another who will try and kill each other! Still, with no Tourney idle hands are the work of dark forces so the shows must go on!"
"Ser Eisel Thorne has asked to be my guard for the time of the tourney as a way to repay me for saving his life when I broke up the fight between him and the Peake men. Surely Lord Oakheart would not object to such an arrangement." Athera's eyes shifted as she looked to Lord Oakheart, her eyes daring him to object. "Which would mean he is partly under your command Lord Blackbury. All save any games he takes place in. Those wins or loses will go to his true Lord, Lord Oakheart. But any time he is not partaking in the games he will be guarding me." She clarified with a smile.
"Also when you have a moment my Lord, I would like to speak with you." Athera said to Dennith before she looked to Weyland. "You are correct Weyland, let us not delay then. Our royal family is coming and I'd hate to make them wait too long for the first set of games." She stated, more as a fact them opinion "But we can't keep them away from each other forever, they will end up matched against one another at some point."
Eyeing the man and looking at him curiously as Marcus ponders the situation, registering the movements and how the people... seemed to step out of his way Marcus finally decided and nods slowly
"Lead the way and I will follow." Marcus spokes out slowly as he begins to move towards man
"How should I call you ser? I would like to know... a name of man with your capabilities" Marcus asks with a carefree voice although he is keeping his eyes on him
You are greeted by the face of what can only be the Maester of the House. You are Athera's siblings? She should be back at any point. We have the rooms if you wish to see them, unless you want too go to try and find her.
Ser Eisel gives a bow to Lord Blackbury before turning to Athera. If it pleases m'lady and if I may be so bold Lord Blackbury, this may be a time to gather up those we can trust. Get things settled. There are rumors that there are bandits in the land, and no doubt our enemies would try to use those to make the House and yourself seem weak. If I may go with some of your most trusted we can try to find and remove some bandits before the arrival of our Lords the Targaryens. It may do well to have Lady Athera with me as well. To show a strong union between your House and the Daynes. After all the more allies you appear to have could give pause to our foes. Especially with Dorne so close by.
He then blushes. Apologies if I mispoke my lord.
Lord Tyrell nods. I understand that completely Second Blackbury. However, that man wasn't a kidnapper. No one would be that stupid right before a tournament. I suggest you watch your back. If Hightower were here he would advise me to come up with a story for why I am with you. Any suggestions?
Val looks uncertain. I don't know how I should feel. That man definitely didn't give me any chance to fight back. But rest assured I am more than capable of handing myself.
Lord Tyrell goes silent, looking quite pensive before looking at the two of you. I have got it. But the two of you would need to stay with me until the tournament starts. The both of you are helping me keep the peace.
Val looks at Lord Tyrell in shock. Surely you know about my father...
Is a Blackfyre supporter. That can be overlooked. We need to remain together. My.... friend... gives me reason to believe your father isn't your real father anyway. Besides, why would an osgrey try to kidnap the daughter of Lord Peak. The two families are close, are they not?
Val looks stunned.
Call me Dagon. the man says as he leads you away from the encampment. He stops as the two of you are far away from others. I take it you understand there is hostility between the Blackfyre supporters and the Targaryen supporters? I represent neither, yet both. How much do you know of the three dragons?
His voice doesn't change at all, still almost a whisper, yet it seems to fill the air around you.
"Oh and I do request that Ser Eisel remain with me. As I have said he wishes to repay the life debt but that would be rather difficult the further from me he is no?"
Brydan let Lord Tyrell has his chance to speak, though surprised at Val's manners at interrupting the Lord.
He sighed at the end of the conversation, the reasoning given a very decent request. "It would not be outside the normal to see the main house's second helping patrol. Though if we were to do so, I would of course need to get a few guards just to make it look formal. As for you being with us Val...I believe your father was quite adamant about you meeting me yes? Then, it would not be outside the ordinary for you to dally a bit with me. We could see the entirety of the grounds doing this and your father would be none the wiser. Should I fetch your sister as well for this, I doubt she would be all that upset to join us for a stroll if it meant getting to play with Tempest yes?" he offered as a solution.
Looking at the strange man as Marcus ponders over the words "Speaking about prophecies I assume or maybe referring to current "dragon" lineage or maybe all of them..." Marcus speaks after a while before continueing "I am but a one lord, trying to have a chance to sail in the ocean, to fly among the skies with others. However the struggle between the dragons and Blackfyre supporters sparkling more fire among are making things dire, possible causing an another huge war which I do suspect has a huge chance to happening."
Pausing and looking at him before continueing "Maybe referring to the riders of the dragons, possible destructions but... I am afraid that I might be aiming my sight completely false" as Marcus again pauses and mulls over the few seconds "Perhaps you could enlighten me and share your wisdom as well the true purpose for this meeting"
Val looks worried. I wouldn't trust my sister to remember our last name, much less spend time with anyone for very long.
Lord Tyrell pauses. No denial about your father. I assume you know then?
It was quite obvious to me.
Interesting little spitfire. You planning anything Heir Blackbury? Lord Tyrell said with a chuckle. I hear Lord Peak is throwing a party. What do you think about crashing it in a glorious dance of Brydan? My dance skills are not the best but it would definitely raise some eyebrows.
Val laughs quite loudly.
The stranger seems to regard you curiously. You are scratching the surface. I refer to the three dragons: The Targaryens are the Reds, the Blackfyres are the blacks, and there is a third. The White Dragon. The people of the realm are the white, and they need champions.
He pauses, watching you absorb his information. We would like you to take up the mantle of one of their champions. From you actions in taking up a banner House and trying to keep law and order, you have marked yourself as a man of the people. The people will need champions such as yourself.
It isn't that you would have to fight. Hopefully, we can capture them alive to be tried properly. It is a distraction tactic. Take eyes away from the main goal. Divide and conquer. If Athera and I along with a few good men and bring back some bandits we will be watched more than you. my Lord.
You have been undercover for well over a year. The late Lord Blackbury sent you to Lord Tyrell for a specific mission. You have been investigating the rumors of Blackfyre supporters and sending information to Lord Tyrell himself. As a result, you are in the colors of a Peak officer, keeping yourself wrapped up. Most have taken to call you the Dog, as you have become Lord Peakes most loyal man, or so he thinks. You believe he isn't who he says he is.
Dog! one of his soldiers shouts. Some damn Oakheart bastards went and attacked us. Lord Peake has told us to remain hidden but we want your advice. Do you think we should strike out, or simply find another group of bandits to hire to kill off the damn Lord?
I hear his wife is pregnant, but currently, he has no heir. It could take out a major supporter of those damn Targaryens in the Reach.
You idoits says the third one. We can't be so loud, even with the dog. Who knows if someone else is around?
Yeah right they started it, Jackson thought as he stared at the soldiers, You fools are probably the ones who started it.
Brydan was beginning to get slightly annoyed by the various titles Lord Tyrell kept using. He knew very well that he was not the Lord of his house.
His smile strained a bit "Please, drop the formalities in our present company. I am fine with Brydan if you wish. As for dancing...if you are referring to formal dance, I know my way around the ball room. If you're referring to the blade, well I am on par with my brother but I am certainly not quite as skilled as Ser Weyland. Though I daresay I prefer my work from afar." he said smiling.
He looked at the two of them trying to decide what it was the two of them were trying at this point. Val had earlier mentioned a trap her 'father' had planned for himself so he had no issue with killing the man, though it'd be better to prove him to be false first. And it seemed Lord Tyrell had figured out such a thing as well.
He tapped his chin "The key here might be finding evidence to drop upon the Lord in his very own party to prove him not who he claims to be. Even if the scoundrel would be able to slip away, he'd never be able to show his face this side of the wall." he said matter of factly.
Upon saying his name it suddenly dawns on you as to who this Knight is. The Thorns have been a line of Knights in the reach for about 15 generations. They are only loosely tied to House Oakheart due to a supposed debt that has been lost to time. By all rights, they would be a banner house or even their own minor House with as much power as House Blackbury if they even bothered to set themselves up like that.
According to all legends, they were among the first Knights, known as one of the first families to be blessed by the warrior. Many septons and septa in the reach would simply not inform a Thorn of the consequences of their actions because of how long the line has been Knights. Supposedly for that last seven generations of Knights, each one has personally been anointed by the High Septon, with Eisel being anointed for saving a temple from bandits almost single-handedly. Although according to these same legends Eisel reportedly lacks the heroic blood that made his family legendary fighters.
Lord Tyrell laughed heartily. I shall find a maiden willing to accompany me to the party, perhaps with your help. I have heard some rumors of your ability to talk to women. It shall be a test to see which of us is the better formal dancer. I shall challenge you openly, using my own jealousy of your way with women. I certainly have been hit with a blade way too many times to be considered attractive. I am a horrible liar so we will need the truth.
Val looked stunned at the Tyrells blunt attitude. Not to offend my lord but this would tie up all three of us. Unless you plan on turning it into a major distraction where your men raid his tents I doubt it would work.
Lord Tyrell scowled. First Hightower then you. With your scheming. I intend to dance. If the rumors are true I will loose. That is simply how it shall be. It shall create a spectacle unlike any other at that party. We will figure things out as they go.
The soldiers merely nod, trusting you understand Lord Peakes will better than they do, and leave.
Brydan scratched his chin a bit at what the man proposed. He could possibly get away with bringing the cat to a ball, most nobility found the creature to be quite the charming decoration. Not only that but the two daughters of the Lord were quite enamored with it.
He raised a query "Val, it is known that your father has quite the scar on his chest. It's a shame one of us isn't a terrible dancer. Could take the chance to rip the poor man's tunic from his body to expose him...then again, if you have a way of goading him into a bet of some kind, it could work as well. It was said he was quite the lucky gambler before the war so if you were to say...try to offer up an embarrassing wager that he could relish to win it could be another way to dupe him and embarrass him at the same time." he offered the info he'd managed to scrounge up on the man.
He waved off the bit about being well with the women. "Power, station, way with blade, words...all are weapons that can be useful against the heart. You still have much at your disposal to catch a pretty young lass like this one to your side." he said smiling.
Ser Thorne merely shrugs. I have dealt with a handful but me going out on my own would be a waste of time.It would make it look like I serve you instead of implying an alliance between the Oakhearts, the Blackburys and... which Dornish House are you from Lady Athera?
It seems Ser Eisel doesn't really care about that particular accolade.
Val blushes at the comment. I am not that good at dancing. I only know seven types of dances. I am sure you know far more. I spent a bunch of time not learning the more ladylike things.
Lord Tyrell raised an eyebrow at you. Would you want a woman you bought with your title? he asked.
Ser Eisel nodded. My apologies for not being more polite Lady Dayne. My family is nothing special, merely Knights of the Seven. Yours is an important one.
Brydan paused for a moment. He knew of quite a few arranged marriages that seemed to go well. "Arranged marriages are pretty much just that, most nobility seems to go for those for their first born. While I would prefer to choose myself who I were to wed...I'd prefer it not be simply because I have a pretty face but because of some merit I have earned." he offered back.
As to the many types of dancing, Brydan laughed a small bit "I know a dance or three, do not discount your worth on the dance floor. I assure you, you have me beat." he said smiling.