Darne turns about and heads to a flagon of water and brings it into the tent. "What is it father, should I join you?" he asked as he was surprised by the sudden aggressive showing of orders and the like.
Lord Domeric is acting with a vigor you haven't seen in years, a sinister smile in his face "Fetch my bannermen, Matthias, Marcus and Ser Weyland"
Garran walked into the camp with Matthias, having successfully acquired appropriate clothes for the evening. Looking around at the sudden activity within the camp, Garran said, "It seems something of great import has happened while we were out." Depositing his belongings in his tent, Garran walked towards Lord Domeric's pavilion. Seeing Darne outside the tent, he asked, "My Lord Darne, what has happened?"[/b]
Darne shook his head "I'm not sure, one of our own ran in out of breath next thing I know Father is all vigor and steam demanding his bannermen and armor. I'm off to find the rest of our lot and grab my own armor. Garran, find Ser Marcus and drag him back here. I'm off to find Ser Weyland. " he said as he waved Matthias in. He headed off to find Ser Weyland, hoping he'd meet him on the way back from his meeting.
Noting the activity as well, Matthias grabs a page, in a commanding voice, Take this to my tent. Bring my sword and shield to Lord Domeric's pavilion.
He then pivots and hurries to his uncle. Seeing the Domeric of his youth, in an eager voice, Lord Naelareon, what is your command?
"Ophelia is missing, I'm about to go speak to lord Darry, I have sent word to lord Tully, and let us see what else we can do"
Spurred on by Darne's insistence, Garran went to the guard's tent and asked , "Has anyone seen where Ser Marcus went? Lord Domeric is asking for him."
"I think the answer is that it depends on the situation. In the midst of a war, the Lord with the better mettle in battle will be more successful. But if that same man is not wise enough or cunning enough to hold his House then he fought for noting as he will not hold it long. In your scenario, your own skills surpass those of a mere Knight and you would win in the long run, assuming of course you were not forced into combat which did not favor you. I think you are an exception my Lord, after all, the small council is small for a reason, there are few better than you at what you do. As a first born son you were bred for this, as is the case with Darne.
Still, I shall weigh what you have said and keep a closer eye on Matthias. Perhaps your eye has caught something I have missed. Tell me, is there anything else you wish to discuss my Lord?"
Before he can answer Ser Joseph comes in "My lord" he vows My lord I have a message for Ser Weyland" looking at you "You are requested immediately in the Naelareon pavilion, lord Domeric himself sent a courtier to fetch you and to also deliver this message to you my lord" giving the letter with the Naelareon seal on it to him "Go serve your lord Ser Weyland, it is important if he went this far" showing you the envelope "Perhaps later on we might see each other again"
Weyland bows to his Lord Father, "My Lord, I certainly hope so. It has been a pleasure to be with you again".
Once the page leaves, "I do sincerely apologize for my sins of the past Father, I hope that I can from this day forth be a better man".
With that Ser Weyland bows to his Lord Father and opens the sealed missive heading back to the Naelareon pavilion with a watchful eye.
Marcus arrives a bit later sweating and angry expression on his face as he approaches Lord Naelareon "My Lord, I am afraid and shamed that I have failed you. I do not know what might have happened to Lady Ophelia but I fear the worst. That big of a man Lionel Darry has openly shamed and mocked our House and even declared a war against us" Marcus speaks as he breathes a bit to restore his stamina
"They have openly expressed their hate and poison by mocking Ser Weyland and his sons, telling to erase them and you Lord Naelareon for protecting them and taking under your care. Also they swore to make an example of Ophelia by killing him! These a&&%~!~s are ignoring and throwing away all the customs, even he holy promise of protection of not drawing swords. They have broken the code my lord by harming individuel under Tully's care"
Marcus, where exactly did this occur? Within Riverton? The tournament grounds? Matthias asks, voice heated with barely suppressed anger.
"They were never guests of lord Tully, and they are zealots Ser Marcus. Ophelia will be alive, she is the lure to their trap." finishing getting his armor on with a page as aid " I want everyone to continue the tourney as nothing has happened, just everyone gets 2 men to escort them until they are safe in their destinations. I will go speak to lord Darry and see what is going on, but this has the mark of zealots of the faith, just never thought their remnants would be so bold" standing you did what you could "Ser Marcus and we would have never known what happened if both of you have died. Now steel yourself and take some coin from the chest to gather some mercenaries and take Rodner he is my best courtier and can drive a decent bargain for you"
"I understand my Lord. I will at once start to search for able-bodied men" Marcus comments and takes a stance to salute. Moving to find Rodner and collect coins for the hiring, Marcus will soon set off with Rodner to find mercenaries
"Ser Knight, I would like to hire your skills and weapon for the service of my House. We are soon taking action to settle wrong doings of our enemies and we hire only the best. Your actions will be rewarded well and you might even brighten your future with actions." Marcus coaxes and speaks to some of the Hedge Knights and small knights to collect small taskforce
"Ah mercenaries, interested to earn some coins? There might be later even more work were you to accept this offer and prove yourself worthy... and you would earn a friend in high position. No questions, some blood must be spilled but be assured, everything will be worth of your time. I seek only those, who are worth of my time" enticing the Mercenaries with the hope of steel, work and a better position for next time
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Would it break protocol for me to attend the feast in my armor? Or would that insult Lord Tully? Matthias asks a bit more calmly.
Maester Lucen answers immediately "It would be hmm... insulting, Ser Matthias, lord Tully knows or is about to know the situation so his security will increase before this reaches royalty, which he would appreciate not to say a word during the feast unless you want to make him look bad before the queen giving something to the Princess to draw blood as she will surely make a big deal out of it to hurt the Tully and Queen." whispering to Matthias "Choose green or black if you are going to say something or say nothing of it"
Matthias nods, speakly softly so that only Maester Lucen hears it, You are correct. I am just getting frustrated with this whole heir business, being sold short by Cassondria and Darne, Lord Domeric's ire at my conduct, now this. I am ready to draw blood and beginning to not care about the repercussions. I won't, but it is getting damned difficult to maintain composure.
"Such are the dangers of playing the game of thrones for someone that doesn't know how to play Ser Matthias. You win or you die, but there are many fates in between, thread carefully."
Darne met Ser Weyland along the way to House Wylde and returns with him telling him what little he knew as it seemed that House Naelareon was going to war almost in the middle of the event. He told him though not to do anything sudden unless the lord commands it.
He does on the way back mention about the talk he had earlier with his father and about possibly being a champion for him and his cause, but saying that that was something for later if they can work it in.
To be true, I am only putting myself forth to push Darne to prove his worth, prove he is capable of sitting at the Head of House Naelareon. I consider this his first test. It does not mean thay I am selected I will surrender it to Darne, but he will earn it and prove to me he deserves my support.
"No one would hold it against you if that is your reason for it, Ser Matthias" Lucen smiles "Cassondria will be his most relentless foe"
Weyland nods to Darne, "If it is war then so be it. Who would you champion me against and for what cause?" asks Weyland as he heads to the Naelaron pavilion.
Darne scratched his head a bit "There is this knight, Ser Benjen Frey, who has raped and accosted one woman and even struck beat his betrothed little before their wedding. I wish to have House Naelareon champion the poor woman he accosted to give Lady Blackwood a face saving reason to dissolve the marriage. But Ser Benjen is beyond my skills to handle, would you do me the honor of being my champion?" he asked Ser Weyland.
"I have heard of this Knight though only in passing. I should discuss what else is known about him with the Maester. If what you say is true Darne I would gladly slay him champion or no, a Knight who conducts himself in such a manner is no Knight at all".
Taking a deep breadth, letting go of the frustration and anger seeking release, Would you have a recommendation for a suitable squire? I have never seen the need for one. I think with war on the horizon, it is time I changed that.
Returning back to the camp after succesfully recruiting some decent group of mercenaries and at least few skilled knight and hedge knight, this situation looked good.
It was time to start prepare their forces and see that the troops were in condition to fight. Walking towards the tent of troops of Naelareon "Now you lazy asses, time to get some sweat up and see how you still swing those swords. Everyone get up and begin to maintain your equipment"
Before Maester Lucen is able to respond to all the questions.
"Lord Domeric Naelareon has returned"
He walks like there is nothing wrong calling the rest inside the main tent.
Once inside he has a page help him take his armor off "Sit, there is much to discuss, before the feast you will all attend"
Matthias turns from Maester Lucen at his the announcement of Lord Domeric's return, an inquisitive look on his face. Take a seat? Matthias muses to himself, Discuss? I wonder what he has discovered? Is Lady Ophelia well? As the page begins assisting Lord Domeric remove his armor, Matthias takes a seat, sitting stiffly.
Garran takes up a position at the entrance if the pavilion, keeping one eye on the surrounding encampment.
Moving inside the main tent and taking spot to sit in one of the chairs, wearing his impassive face to hear the recent news
Ser Weyland takes a seat still unclear as to what has taken place. He remains silent awaiting the word from his Lord.
Darne takes a place close to his father, his elbows resting on the take and his head pointed towards his father father with a look of intense concentration on his face. He still was mostly in the dark on what had transpired extactly.
Once all seated and he is finally out of his armor "Bring me some of my wine" waiting for the glass, but strangely only one glass and for no one else "I have spoken to lord Devron Darry, and Lionel Darry died defending castle Greenward against the Coldbrooks and Blackwoods during the war against the faith militant. They are a dishonored branch of the Darry's from castle Greenward, but Ser Edmund Darry was not defeated, he fled after cutting his way through, which makes him quite a capable swordsman, they say no worshiper of the old gods can hurt him" looking at Marcus "You will prepare the sell swords you just got, there is no need for you or I to be present at the feast" pouring himself some wine and drinking it slowly until it's gone "Now, the rest of you need to be seen in the great feast, since two of you are honored guests at the royal table, and the others representing this House." a long sigh "Rumors will abundant in this issue and they will wonder why, so if someone asks you, just say it's for a military campaign against brigands"
"I have arranged Ophelia to marry Ser Varlo Darry, he is not of the main Darry family, but it's another knight I will have in my service, as long as Matthias take" a long silence "Of course I had to agree to two things, Ser Marcus are you willing to marry a Darry, since my offer for Ser Weyland was severely denied to put it nicely, and Matthias will have Gileon Darry for a squire. In addition, they will sends us some men to fight led by Ser Varlo, since he needs to recover his future wife"
Darne raised a brow, sure it would sully the name a bit if their ward were to be stolen and they not do anything about it...but it was over a dornish woman whose family had tried to trick them as their last play to save a dying house. He kept quiet for the moment as he did not want to show any discourse amongst the House gathering.
He was trying to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. They would marry off one of their own and a ward to gain a house of equal standing as an ally. At the same time also take on another ward to learn from the house. This seemed a rather heavy price to pay for their honor, but perhaps there was more to this.
His fingers interlaced as he rested his chin on them to think about what all had transpired. Still, leaving this situation to the hands of his father, Ser Marcus, and the sellswords as well as a few of the Darry men seemed best though he was surprised that father felt his absence would not be missed. Perhaps this was another play to show the family's faith in the next generation.
He looked around the room at the men gathered here and felt that this was handled well before looking back to his father. "I think, that this a solid plan. You will be showing faith in the House's future by leaving the social situation to the next generation while taking a small force from House Nalareon to help secure against any brigands in the area. It will show our willingness to support the House governing the lands and gain us another ally for the future." he said as he tried to imagine this situation as a civasse table in play.
"This...gathering has begun to bear fruit even if it's a little chaotic. If all is well, by the end of this gathering we may very well have gained quite a few allies for the years to come. If everything continues as it is, I would say that we have struck a major victory for our House" Darne says with a look that doesn't seem like he's completely their, his mind on another plane playing at the game at hand.
"My Lord, are you saying that Ophelia was kidnapped by this black Knight? I should like to be part of the effort to recover her for the House".
Nodding at the speech as Lord Naelareon went with the situation and described what each of them would do as Marcus would with Lord Naelareon take the sellswords and move to rescue Ophelia but the next part suprised him completely.
Not letting any emotion show from his face but the emotions in his voice as he spoke were clearly shown, a bit surprised and hesitant "My Lord, this is offer is... quite sudden and benevolent. I do not know what to say. I have never thought about this since there really, um, was no time in my live to search for possible lady to stand by my side." speaking slowly as if to absorb the idea and think about it
"What would happen to my Duty as your Castellan, if I were to marry with Darry? What about the current situation with the troops and training?" sweating a bit here as Marcus had spent most of his life training himself and troops, subjugating bandits and bringing law as well giving judgement in the behalf of his Lord
"If this is important, I shall do it my Lord. I would like to know, to whom I would be married and possibly to come know her more personally"
Matthias raises his eyebrow at the news. Respectfully, Lord Naelareon, Gileon Darry's character is unknown to me. I had hoped to at least take my measure of a potential squire before selecting one. May I ask why we are allying with the Darry's?
Lord raises his hand showing his palm to quite the voices House Darry was before the faith militant as strong or stronger than House Frey and Mallister, now they are as powerful as House Deddings" pouring himself some more wine "Marriage of Ser Marcus will have him remain in my House, that was not in question, but the only way to seal an alliance thruogh marriage is the best way, and I had to choose Marcus, since Ser Weyland's was out of the question. You will remain my Castellan Ser Marcus and you may choose to take the Darry name or Naelareon name and name your children so, but you will never inherit." nodding to Ser Marcus.
I am yet to speak to the Coldbrooks and the Blackwoods, they will be eager to lend some help in taking down Edmund Darry." looking at Darne.
"If you are going to attempt to suit Sofia Blackwood, this would be the time, and I hope you have told Ser Weyland by now, and as such you must remain here in Riverrun. Matthias you continue to court the Keath as I have been told, but you are my champion in the joust acquit yourself well, you three must remain and take the rains of this House in my absence, Maester Lucen will be here as well as Cassondria."
Sipping his wine a little "Now about your squire, he is to be a Ward of our House, and I cannot take squires, nor Ser Weyland since he is not of my name, so it had to be you. He is the second son of lord Darry, so treat our new guest well, he will be here in the morrow, and will participate in the squire events, he is 11"
"I will honor your request Ser Marcus, I will drill the men so you can join the feast, I will have a courtier deliver the message so that Tylea Darry will sit with you, she is 17 years old, while I send messengers to the Coldbrooks and Blackwoods" looking at Darne again "You wish for me to approach the subject we discussed with lord Blackwood Darne?"
Darne nodded his approval of everything he heard, he looked up at his father with curiosity "Would it be better for you to broach the topic then I? If so, I would think it would be best. I should go see that the maiden has not been silenced before we proceed. I had a good rapport with her and the owner of the tavern and I doubt she will not listen when we offer to champion her cause." he said as he stood up and looked at his father and then Ser Weyland.
"Yes, get that serving girl, and bring her here if you have to, but it will have to wait until the feast is over"
Darne nodded "I will see to it myself that it is done before the night is over. I think I would rest easier if the poor girl was under our guard then being left alone in case somehow someone else gets wind of this and tries anything. Ser Weyland, would you mind heading to the tavern with me after the feast?" he said as he talked to his father before turning to Ser Weyland at the end.
Weyland nods to Darne, "I would not mind at all. There is great irony that a man who beats women is looked upon more favorably than one who beds them, I would be happy to place him under the ground where he belongs so that the Seven may judge his soul".
Thinking about this relevation for a moment and fighting with his innerself to decide what would be the best option Marcus sighs as he finally says "My Lord, I thank you for this opportunity and chance. I would rather to come with you and see that you shall not be alone from House Naelareon. My honor also as a Castellan prevent me from doing this, leaving my Lord when I am having fun." Marcus breathes in and out, slowly.
"I have plenty of opportunities to meet with Lady Tylea later or I will make time to meet her. About the name, I have never consider about that and I am not sure how I should feel. I shall think about that my Lord"
I understand. Young Gileon shall be treated fairly. Matthias relaxes a bit in his seat. He listens to the maneuvering that Darne seemed to have discussed with Lord Domeric already. Just what has he been up to, Matthias muses until he hears it layed out. His jaw tightens in anger at hearing what happened, then further when he hears that Lord Domeric will be absent this evening, letting out a relieved sigh with Marcus' words.
The tournament has become quite interesting . An alliance, a hunt for fanatics, and maneuvering to disgrace a sorry excuse for a Knight. And that is just the tip of the spear I'm sure. Are there any other commands Lord?
Garran listened as Lord Domeric explained what had happened, Garran felt conflicted emotions. He was pleased to hear that Ophelia was well and there would be several marriages ahead, but the danger presented by these fanatics was truly a concern. He wishes to accompany Lord Domeric, but knew his duty lay in attending the feast and accepting the homes he had earned to sit at the Royal Table. Still, it sounded as though all was in hand. He would have to be careful at the feast, and keep and eye on Darne, Cassondria, and Matthias.
"I am not leaving any time soon Ser Marcus, were am I to march against them? Do you know their location? Do we know how many they are? " waves his hand.
"While I want to recover Ophelia as quickly as possible, she is safe as long as she is useful to them, so there is nothing we can do but to drill the sell swords and contact the Blackwoods and Coldbrooks for their assistance in this matter that concern them as much as it does to us" looking at Maester Lucen.
"The Coldbrooks took Castle Greenward from the Darry's so if they are allowed to have a large military force they will be siege by an enemy that knows the castle as good or better than they do. The Lord Byan Blacwood lost his brother to Ser Edmund."
"Not to mention" looking at Lucen with a deadly gaze "Tylea Darry is from Lionel's Darry family side, it a ploy for the Darry's to have us help them claim Greenward peacefully, thing I will never do, but they do not know and I want it to remain so for now"
"I understand my Lord- I shall attend to the feast. Um, if I dare to ask since I have no idea, how would lady Tylea look like since I have no idea..." Marcus slowly speaks out as he thinks out what he should wear tonight. It was starting to get a bit late for everything and he had nothing prepared. Panic rearing its ugly head as he thought what he should even wear. Black and green were out and he was mostly in his white, black mixed clothing with a bit blue mixed in.
"My Lord, should I presume that I should be wearing House Naelareons colors for this event since I am not so familiar with this stuff" Marcus asked trying to stay calm and in a-matter-of-fact tone