As the White Stag falls down with a thump Marcus is finally showing one those rare smiles of his as this would surely bring much needed honor to their House as well shame their competitors.
"Good job Garren. Lord Nealareon will be most pleased with you and your skills" as he pats him on the shoulder
My Lord, I learned much by the ceremony of your gift to Queen Alicent while donning the color favored by the Princess. Matthias begins in ernest.
It was such that it silenced a couple of poppinjays who spoke less than favorably until the moment the gift and it's significant was revealed. I would ask for the opporrunity to silence those who would speak so of me. Allow me be to House Champion for the pageant. Matthias waits a moment to gather himself, as he difficultly maintains his composure, looking directly at his Uncle.
Matthias
"I will have Maester Lucen improve your education further" first correcting him before even answering anything else "You are better jouster than Darne, and the only reason I cannot make Marcus champion is because he does not bear my name, so you are lucky because it is not your skill that got you the position as champion, but only the fact that you bear my name, but do not disappoint me"
Darne approached his sister carefully outside of the hearing of the others. "Dear sister, I imagine you will be our lovely Herald for this pageantry. Now is a great time for you to show whether or not you support me as I support you, after all we are united against a common foe yes?" he said smiling and giving her a gentle brotherly clap on the shoulder and kiss on the cheek. He was hoping that from the vantage point of any outsider that he would be seen as wishing his sister good luck in the event to come and that they were getting along.
Warlord
Matthias casts his eyes down to the floor, Ever have I tried to live up to the Naelareon name, his voice touched with hurt, to you for taking me in as boy after the loss of my parents. The hurt evident in his voice turning to gratitude.
But by the Seven, Matthias begins, his words heated, as he looks up to his Uncle's steely-eyed gaze, I shall prove to you that I am deserving of being Champion as much for skill as for bearing your name. Matthias bows deeply, waiting for his Uncle's response or dismissal.
Matthias
Darne, I just spoke to father, and while I want to support this House, he has chosen Matthias as the champion for House Naelareon not you, so I cannot do anything for you but hope you perform well" pity in her eyes and a little bit of frustration in her tone as she finds herself speaking in behalf of one of her competitors, but there wasn't much else for her to do.
Cassondria walked out onto the field to play herald for Matthias, already thanking each of the Seven in turn that she hadn't had to go out riding. Flying the colors of Naelareon and Targaryen family, she was dressed in white with a wreath of flowers tangled in her long platinum blond hair that flowed behind her as she went. She looked every inch like a princess in an old tale of heroic deeds and grand battles...the kind of tale that people tell themselves are for children, but that they all wish were true all the same.
Even in dim light, her smile seemed to brighten the field. It lit up her whole face. Just seeing it made someone feel warm and welcome. The murmuring among the smallfollk had not escaped her. They needed a new hero, she thought...and why not oblige them?
"Lords and ladies, men and women," she said. Her voice was clear...loud enough to be heard, but not strident or ringing up close. She'd worked very hard on perfecting that pitch and volume and timbre. "The greatest of heroes are known not by title, but by deed. The knight I present to you is not a king, nor a lord, but by his sword have many been kept safe, including myself. By his courage charges were met and stopped in their tracks, and armored knights sent crashing to the ground. From Naelareon stock, he has brought himself honor on the battlefield, respect in his dealings, and glory in his victories."
She clasped her hands together and held them out. "Please join me in welcoming the champion of House Naelareon, Matthias Naelareon!
15 - 2 DoS
Spent DP to keep 1 dice.
14 - 2DoS
Bonus +2 to all rolls for Matthias.
Ser Michal Banefort was one of the first to enter the field, looking resplendent upon his black destrier draped in Banefort colors. His armor polished for hours by his squire to the point where it could serve as a mirror. He shakes his head when his squire offers the greathelm fashioned by the master smith to give the impression of the hooded man of House Banefort juts out from his head. He shows remarkable control of his horse as he spurs it to considerable speed, expertly collecting all of the rings before riding to the end of field to hang from his saddle to pick a lone flower miraculously having survived the preparations of the grounds, then he hands it to the prettiest young lady he spots, makes his own introduction, replying with a "Cassondria? You have a most delightful name, my lady, as is your beauty", his eyes offering the maid a moment where it seems that all the world is about her. Finally, Michal makes the round, and accepts the helmet, as he has no interest in splinters hitting his face. He spurs the mount to movement once more, striking the target with the shatter of his lance and the impact leaves the target dummy leaning towards the ground.
Pageantry was mostly about showmanship.
15 - 2 DoS
13 - 1 DoS
17 - 2 DoS
- 1 DoS
16 - 1 DoS
18 - 2 DoS
Marcus has spent all his life from child till now observing and upholding the honor and loyalty in all manners he could possible do. As a House Naelareon Castellan he was to set example to troops and show what his House was capable off. He was no knight and he did not pray for the Seven but he was on his own a capable and mighty warrior as well leader.
Last night and before morning Marcus himself takes care of his own equipments, polishing and inspecting for each small detail before there was nothing to be ashamed off. Donning his armor, reflecting the sun shine from it as he trotted slowly forward with his own horse, Belita.
Greeting Cassondria by raising his spear and bowing toward her, Marcus soon straightened his back and took off with each step from Belita getting faster and faster until reaching full speed and with expert like movements collects each ring. Slowly trotting back to other end of the field before turning again and spurring Belita again for fast movement, his spear hitting squarely on the chest, shattering his lance and as a result the dummy almost falling over.
Darne had spent a great deal of time with his horse but had not spent as much time with him in front of an audience. It seemed that this was something he should've practiced with more often.
Darne remembers his place and greets his sister with his spear and a polite bow.
However, Onyx was spooked and took his commands poorly, trying to unseat him and even acting up but surprisingly all the same Darne manages with his spear to collect the rings through a bit of luck and shear determination before striking the lance in the dummy properly.
He trotted his steed off of the pageantry fields quickly, a bit annoyed by his own performance.
Immediately upon being dismissed from his Uncle, Matthias went to his tent and began preparing for the pageant - armor cleaned and polished, family livery cleaned and in fine condition. He then spent the time to pick one of the palfrey's, having one of the house servants groom the horse for the pageant. Recalling that Darne had said Lady Sosan Keath had expressed an interest, he sought out Maester Lucen to learn their livery and a description of Lady Sosan.
14, 1 DoS
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21, 3 DoS
As Cassondria finishes her introduction, Matthias, adorned with the livery of House Naelareon, rides onto the field. An imposing figure in his armor, he appears ready for battle. Guiding his mount around the field, picking up speed as he moves to make his pass at the rings. His mount responding to his demands, as though bread for just this purpose.
Leveling his lance, he launches himself at the rings, easily collecting each ring before reaching the end of the field. Wheeling his mount, he guides it to make ready for his pass at the dummy. Spurring the horse, he launches it into a gallop, the thud of its hooves heard throughout the field. Lowering his lance, steady as though the horse was trotting and not barreling down the field. The shattering of the lance as it impacts with dummy loud enough that it is the only sound heard on the field. The target dummy laying on the ground. Discarding his broken lance as he brings the horse to a halt. Removing his helm, he turns and guides his mount to the where House Keath is sitting. I have never seen a star shine so bright as now. His eyes passing over each of the daughters, before settling on Lady Sosan. After a moment, he rides off the field.
Standing amongst the smallfolk, Garran watched as Cassondria announced Matthias and he rode out onto the field, impressed by his ability. Darne and Marcus's entrances were also good, although Darne stemmed to have trouble controlling his destrier. All in all, Garran felt quite good about the family's chances in the tourney.
The famous rider Ser Derrock Swann is for the first time a presiding judge do to his great skill, and chances of no one ever defeating him in the Joust, he will instead fight the champion of the tourney and be judge of the jousting events, with lord Gormen Tully.
Matthias Naelareon is the pageantry champion and receives an Ironwood Shield (Ironwood counts as Superior quality) painted in House Naelareon colors and device (unless Matthias wants to have his own version like different colors it's very valid and not unheard of) the shield will be given on the same dinner with Garran so you will be sharing the royal table.
Glory Pageantry:
Mathias naelareon +2 (Champion)
Marcus Stormborn +1
Michal Banefort +1
Niall Haigh +1
Edan Lychester +1
Glory heralds:
Thalina Biggleston +1
Cassondria Naelareon +1
Elize Cox +1
Brenn Goodbrook +1
Rawson Piper +2 (Best Herald)
"Messanger for lord Matthias Naelareon, from House Keath"
"Messenger for lady Cassondria, from House Banefort"
Lord Domeric steps out of his tent "So it begins" a smile crosses his face, but it does not seem a joyful smile, more like the smile of a mad man anticipating the carnage of the battlefield and looking forward to it.
Cassondria gracefully accepts the message, and goes back into the tent.
Lord Domeric "Dress well for dinner tonight at the Banefort pavilion, and have fun Cassondria, Ser Michal is a good man" she nods with caution, since she hasn't even seen the message yet, but somehow he already knew
He wouldn't make a bad lord then" she answers as enters the tent, which makes lord Domeric squint his eyes for a moment, knowing what she had implied.
Thank you. Matthias responds, accepting the messenge. Before following Lord Domeric into the tent.
It would seem we both made an impression. Matthias says almost absently to Cassondria and Lord Domeric.
My Lord, the honor of that victory belongs to you. My thanks for recognizing my worth to your name. His words spoken solemnly to Lord Domeric.
He then reads the messenge.
Matthias
Invitation to speak with lady Sosan and Ranel Keath at House Keith pavilion for dinner (Late Evening slot)
Louder and crowded, Lord Dunstan Tullison and some of his men are drinking, at a table with Job "Bold" Roxton.
Ser Benjen Frey and Ser Niall Haigh are drinking in another table very much into their cups by now eyeballing one of the serving girls.
Ser Tygor and Ser Willem Lugus are having some blood sausages with wine for dinner drinking from afar with Dunstan exchanging jokes and smalltalk here and there.
Sitting and eating by themselves:
Ser Elras Chambers
Ser Lymond Lychester
Ser Kyle Crakehall
Darne had come into the Tavern to drink away his woes but he had noticed one of the family members that his Maester had spoken about a bit on the sloshed side. This could be a rather great opportunity to gain some insight into the house.
He watched for a moment the men before noticing their eyes on a serving girl in particular.
He made his way over to their table careful to get the woman's attention along the way.
"Tis a fine night for drinking and women ain't it men?" he said mustering up his charm and bravado in hopes to not be pushed away. He showed with his fingers that he wanted three cups for the table.
"Mind if I buy you lot a round, hell I may even put in a good word with the ladies if you like" he said grinning and showing his earnest in his smile.
The serving girl called Brenna, the one Ser Benjen keeps an eye on is also tending your table with a faked smile and a bit nervous, as he gives her predatory eyes.
"You are most welcome Darne, and thank you for the drinks" say Ser Niall
"If you can do better with women than a horse, then it should be fine" he laughs and Ser Niall does not fail to accompany him in his laughter taping you in your shoulder "You did well, even with a temperamental horse, but I'm am the Ferocious Frey I would have had that horse under my control" he nods in a matter of fact way.
Don't worry Darne, between Frey's and Naelareon we will show the strength and worth of the riverlanders"
This earns a raucous cheer from his men, Benjen thumping one of them on the shoulder playfully to punctuate his point.
"Now, we drink to celebrate and put the past behind" raising his tankard Ser Niall can only but follow with a smile and agree.
Darne took the jab at him all in good fun. "Aye, it wouldn't have been good if I had shown up my own house's champion. I would have tried harder but my place is not on a horse with a lance. Tell me good men, how have your house's faired these past years, it's been far too long since I've had a chance to chat with men of your stature, how fairs your families? My sister has certainly come up to be a right pretty woman and looking for a proper suitor." he said trying to steer the topic a bit.
He tried to catch the attention of the poor serving girl to come and give him an ear if he could.
"Sweetheart, forgive the poor man and his gazes. He is not one of words but he is a kind and honorable man and sees that you are quite the lovely lady. He is of a well and sought after house, he could be quite the man to have at your ear if even for a night."
"Our Houses are intertwined, House Haigh is sworn to Frey and we do well, except for those damned bandits of the Durain's Forest that are getting braver and interrupt trade within the riverlands"
Aye, lord Tullison there was furious when he lost a cargo of iron, we have lost a wheat cargo and some cattle, and you will hear similar stories from any House in the riverlands"
"Well I saw Ser Michael the "White Hooded" charm her with a flower, so don't offer what you don't have Darne, besides I'm to marry lady Sofia Blackwood" some resentment in his voice.
Lord Tullison, Ser Elras Chambers, Ser Lymond Lychester, and Jon Roxton leave the Drunken Huntsman with the Tullison and Roxton men-at-arms in tail.
The maid does come to the table she remain closer to you than Ser Benjen, obviously his reputation of Furious Frey is well earned and dark rumors surrounding it.
"I give an ear to all customer m'lord" with a sheepish smile as you sound and look more handsome than Ser Benjen Frey, and he is well into his cups, as she refills his tankard and leaves for a moment through the back door towards the barn.
"Excuse me ser Ser Benjen Frey, I need to take a pisser be right back" he stands and goes through the same back door the servant girl just left.
Ser Niall I leave him in your company Darne, see that he get's in one piece to his pavilion"
Darne laughed a bit and watched curiously as he made the same way as the serving girl. He would make sure to check in on her after a time. He looked upon Ser Niall and smiled.
"So tell me Ser Niall, does Ser Frey have any lovely sisters?" he asked sliding him his cup of ale.
"Floreta and Jarlyn. Now I must take my leave is a big day tomorrow and have a place to be later tonight." Ser Niall waves you good bye.
Darne waves him off and finds himself a bit better for the information. If he could secure someone of House Frey's stature as his date for the ball then at least it would look good for the house. He picked up his cup and leaned back in his chair to enjoy it rather then drown himself in a sour mood now.
Moments pass and before you reach the door as quietly and discretely as possible [ooc]and failing]/ooc] Ser Kyle Crakehall can only look at you and then back to his finished food, dropin a silver stag maybe two or was it a penny? doesn't matter the scream that came afterwords was horrifying, which made Ser Kyle go out through the front in a hurry pulling his sword out as he moved.
Darne follows along, unsure if he could honestly help in this situation but he is terrified that the scream may have come from something he might have been involved with.
He runs after Ser Crakehall picking up a broom along the way to break and turn into a spear if he must.
The front reveals nothing but later on a woman from the barn behind the Huntsman in tattered clothes running screaming and crying... the serving girl as the owner and another woman come out and bring her inside.
Darne will ask if and when he sees the owner if he could tell him what happened.
It seems I have been invited to dine with Lady Sosan and Renal Keath. Any advice?
Ser Weyland watches the Tattered Pageantry event brooding over the events from earlier in the day. He cheers for all of the competitors of his House though his enthusiasm is subdued by the pain of the arrow wounds received earlier in the day.
In the evening, he stays within the House Naelaron pavilion resting from the strain of the day hoping his wounds recover more quickly with a salve he obtained from Maester Lucen.
He seeks out Lord Naelaron before the evening wears on too late.
Be very careful, they are going to see what you are made of or pick at you until they find something or are satisfied you can be a suitor, so enjoy it the best you can
Darn
It is rather obvious once you go back in, Ser Benjen has forced himself on to the poor serving girl. Ser Kyle Crakehall just leaves
Weyland
Time is something I have right now Ser Weyland, is it about the arrow? he inquires as it is by now known to him, since Maester Lucen would have told him
Day 2 | Late Evening
Marcus doing his routine check on guards and condition of the equipments as he ensures that everything is good and well even far away from their own lands.
Finishing up with the work, he will soon move near his tent to practise his swordmanship, going through each movement with a slow motion and spend his evening between resting and practising
Day 2 | Late Evening
Garran will seek his blankets early, to rest after the hunt of earlier.
Weyland
"In there eyes, what you did to them is insulting in many ways, not to mention it's mixed by the loss of life. I do not blame you for seeking comfort in a woman's embrace, but your action was rash and soon, which gives them cause to incite even more, then you sire another, which furthers their claims of your behavior, the only reason you are relatively safe and leaving a decent life is thanks to your fathers position in the small council, and probable the sizable amount it has cost the Wylde to keep the Estren mouth shut" he shrugs "At least that is what I would have done, use the law and some resources of my House to keep your honor somewhat intact, but no one can deny the existence of your children so rumors cannot be silenced and the doubt will linger on your name for all to see, which makes hard to defend you against the Estren case." walking and inspecting some crates with food and supplies "For the arrow, it could have been them yes, or maybe not, but can you blame them if it was? They know your skill at arms, so they won't risk trial by combat" he smiles to Weyland "Thgere is more than one way to kill a knight, and a sword or a bow is not needed"
Day 2 | Late Evening
Darne chooses to play it safe and leave as well. He is not even a knight himself and certainly not lord or even lordling of this area so it is best left to those of such caliber to dole out justice for the poor girl.
He heads instead to his own Maester's pavilion. He is in need of some council after this evening's informative moments and he wishes to find out if House Frey follows along their knight's behavior.
"Maester Lucen, are you there?" he asks when he arrives.
Maester Lucen comes from out back cleaning his hands "lord Darne, how can I be of service?"
Darne smiles and finds himself a seat where he can have the maester seat opposite of him. He gestures the man to do so if he prefers.
"You had mentioned to me before of House Frey, I had the...pleasure of running into one of their members this eve. A Ser Benjen Frey it was, now I have seen first hand what brings about this man's nicknames but I wonder, how is the rest of the house. Where do they stand, would a marriage to one of them be worth our or even my interest, and what do you know of Floreta and Jarlyn Frey?" he asked in rapid succession.
He looked about to see if there was a squire, a servant, or even a flagon of ale or wine about. He had not drank while he was there as the company was far to interesting to dull his senses.
Maester Lucen comes near you and raises a finger as he goes inside the tent and brings out some beacon and water. One you mention Ser Benjen Frey he look very worried.
"Well Ser Benjen, or Furious Frey is just a bad apple. Lord Forrester Frey was at one point the suitor of princess Rhaenyra, but ended up marrying Sabitha Vypern, lady Sabitha Frey now. Since as you have now seen the Targeryens intermarried again."
Thinking for a moment while he eats a slice of thick bacon and with a grease finger "Floreta Frey is the eldest of the Frey's and sister to Ser Benjen Frey, she gets him out of trouble or so they say, and she is a consummate lady and a decent match, if you were Matthias" he nods "Jorlyn Frey, is a rare thing, like that rose that bloom in a snowstorm a top a mountain, she is pretty, young, and will have a line of suitors longer than Cassondria if it was not for Ser Benjen Frey that scares them off or lord Forrester that deals with the leftover suitors. That is not to say some influential or powerful are not allowed to be her suitors, but trust me Darne, that woman comes with a high cost and the Frey are looking to come out of it on top, unless you can bargain with them in equal grounds, which regrettably for now we really can't do it, their influence and power is about as big as the lord Paramount"
Thank you. May the Seven grant I act not the fool. I will speak with Maester Lucem before I join the Keaths. Good Evening.
Matthias bows to his Uncle and Cassondria before he heads to his own tent to clean himself up, bowl of water and a cloth essentially. Dresses in best, before finding Maester Lucen in his pavilion.
Maester, before I leave for my dinner with the Keaths, I would ask what is known about their family?