Seeing that Weyland is the first to arrive and initiating his conversation with Marcus I dont know. It has been a long time but there are still things which are "all is good & well" and then things which are shunned. Also as you see the whole situation here is already not the best one between both heirs, which do sadden me
I have dedicated my live for them and done so for a long time now. Your antics did not interest me or still do not but there a lot of things which cant de forgiven according to others. That is not my thing to say but there is only one thing: that is to not shame this House and as long as I live, I sure as damn try to keep it like that. Marcus speaks with conviction and bitter voice I am trying to educate these young people as best as I can to do good deeds. To teach them just and goodness. I am harsh because there is no one to help you when you find yourself alone. Cruel, that I am and I damn sure make those working know that fact. Only by doing and working your things as told there will no be swearing from people above you. All is good and well until shit hit the roads so to say as he ends his speech with grudging voice
Darne would bow politely to Matthias "I think you might have a point, the only patience I have seen him have is with his enemies to get into an unfavorable position. If you will excuse me, I have a target to kill ." He said before heading out to the field to get ready for the training. It had been a while since he had taken the time to practice jousting.
Finishing his meal, Garran removes himself to his chambers to place his travel gear and boar spear away, then takes his bow and heads to the yard to practice his archery - and be handy should Darne injure himself during practice, as the Maester had gone with Lord Domeric.
"My skills bring nothing but accolades for this House. As to my extracurricular activities, I do not see how who I sleep with when should matter. When I have set woman with child I have made sure to raise those children as my own. My wife died in labor, nothing is more terrible to see than that Marcus nothing. I am not here to talk about my past or your past outside of our interactions with one another. I have avoided you here these many years as I was ashamed of the ill way I treated you in the Stormlands. Having Bastards of my own I see the pain such words may have caused you. And now I see you here and now and recognize the skill with which you are possessed. I would say I would be proud if either of my children grew up with the skill and intelligence and indeed loyalty you carry yourself with. Accept my apology or do not. However, I do not want bad blood between us to effect the well being of this House either".
Going over Weylands words and thinking for a moment before Marcus answers, speaking with each weighing down Never have I let anything enter between me and my loyalty to the House, either work or personal-related. Through this year what kept me up was not only the ideals and hope but also hatred and the rage is apparent in Marcus voice I took it all and never forgot. You ask me now, after all these years. I can appreciate it, I can understand it but forgotten? No. I will not let it stop me for working with you, fighting alongside but some of the things you can not take back just with words.
Marcus calms down a bit and then look at Weyland eyes I see you have understood the position through your own sons. It is not enough as I said but least I can promise to you: no one here will treat your sons the same as I was. Your past does not reflects on your sons and will be treated accordinly. I will strangle the person himself if I have to were that to happen.
Marcus nods at Weyland and watches as Darne approaches them Time will heal some wounds faster, some slower. Some can never be healed. Only time will tell
Young Lord, it is time to put that spear handling in practise and see how you do with this as Marcus takes his position near Onyx to help Darne in the saddle
Cassondria sits in the shade, watching the practice, an adolescent part of her wishes she could take up a sword and hit things to solve problems.
No, she lets out a slow sigh, it rarely achieves anything when the menfolk do it, her tools are paying attention and speaking in the correct ear at the correct time.
Positioning himself before the target, and with an eye towards where Ser Marcus and young Darne were practicing, Garran strung his bow and, with careful aim, placed an arrow in the target. Pleased with its placement, he moved the target back and went to fire another.
As Cassondria sits in the shade Weyland approaches with a smile, "Come to observe or participate my Lady?"
After a few moments, Matthias follows Darne, wondering how he will fare under Marcus' demanding tutelage.
Looking about the yard, taking note of Garran's target practice and Marcus' work with Darne when his eyes settle on Weyland sitting with Cassondria. Approaching Weyland and Cassondria, I beg your pardon, as I do not wish to intrude, Matthias starts, looking at first to Cassondria before settling his gaze upon Weyland, however, Ser Weyland, your skill with the blade is considerable. I was hoping you would spar with me, school me if you will, in preparation for the tourney.
"You would enjoy giving me a sound beating in training? I know my place ser, and my skills are little use on the field of battle."
Darne would offer Onyx a few gentle strokes along the muzzle and then neck before grabbing the saddlehorn and hoisting himself up. Given the lack of armor this night it was easy enough, though he may find it a bit harder the next day. He nods to Marcus and offers his hand for a lance and shield.
Once those are given to him he would start in on the charges, the tip aiming for a little left or right of center of the target. It would be a harder shot but would give better chance of removing an opponent from their saddle.
As Marcus watches Darne practising and hitting with his spear against the target he is keeping a stern watch at the posture and handling of the spear My lord, the spear tip a bit higher. You wont knock anyone down like that. Also lean a bit more forward. You need to hit with all your weight and speed. Otherwise it will be you who drops even if you manage to score due to feedback from the hit. Marcus points out as he corrects him in the small mistakes
Marcus taking his task seriously doesnt allow for a rest as he keeps searching for mistakes and polishing Darne until his riding seems perfect You cant afford mistakes since your life is at stake. Also my honor will be questioned if I damn well let some hedge-knight square you out in a first round. I will be laughted out by everyone from the bad teachings Marcus sternly bellows at Darne to bring his best out
Seeing at him preferring to target a bit left or right of center of shield led Marcus to sight Young lord, you need to hit excatly at the center. It is dangerous like that. If you do it to the right side, the knight can simply tilt his shield a bit to divert your lance. Always either exactly middle of the shield or left side but never too far
Darne takes all the wisdom to heart, adjusting himself after each charge to better respond to the orders given. It's a bit different then the normal style of spear handling he is used to but after a few dozen strikes, he is at least confident enough that he will be able to represent the family with some amount of dignity and honor. Seeing the foam of sweat starting to swell around the saddle and his own arm starting to tire, he asks for a break if not a rest for the night as both his horse and his arm must be ready for the morrow.
Looking at the last results Marcus slowly nods "That is enough, my lord. You are right. It is better to have some rest for now and keep you and Onyx in a good condition for tomorrow. The last 3 attempts were splendid."
Coming close and taking the leash as Marcus helps Darne down. "My lord, you might ask for Maester Lucian to provide ailment or some drink to help against soreness of muscles. You will feel much better tomorrow morning. I will take care of Onyx and make sure he is treated well"
Walking Onyx towards the stables Marcus watches Garren practising his marksmanship Mr. Fain, I suppose you will also be taking part on tomorrows Tournament? I assume in Marksmanship because of the practise. I did hear that there is also plenty of prey to be hunted in the woods lately? speaking politely towards Garren. Marcus knew that he was loyal to the House Naelareon and had served already for a long time. This was a big bonus in the eyes of Marcus and he appreciated it. Also he was not like most of those folks being lazy but actually doing his job
Weyland grins at Cassondria, "Of course not my Lady, still it would not hurt if you learned how to swing a rapier. As the Starks always say, 'Winter is Coming'. My real purpose for my visit is to get your opinion on something my father recently relayed to me. Perhaps later after I have sparred with Matthias".
He turns to Matthias, "Certainly my friend. Let us head to the grounds and we can see what needs fine tuning. I have seen you training, you are quite good, good enough to win with some pointers I believe".
As they walk away towards the field Weyland turns to Matthias, "Are my activities so well known that they are the talk of this entire keep?"
Darne dismounted and let Marcus take his steed back to the pen. He began to walk over to where his sister sat, working the soreness out of his arm a bit. "I shall see what the Maseter has before bed." he said before meeting up with his sister.
"Dear sister, I did not expect you to be watching. If I had known, I would've asked you if you fancied an attempt yourself. I pray Onyx would've been able to bear with one more charge, it can be quite exhilarating." he said before with pretty much a complete lack of manners and decorum plopped himself down on his back on the grass near her.
"There really is nothing like having all that muscle and power in complete control beneath you." he added propping his head up a bit with his hands enjoying the night sky and air.
Having dealt with his lord, Maester Lucen heads down into the courtyard to watch the training. He feels his own muscles tense and loosen to the rhythms of the water dance. While no one is watching, he slowly goes through one of the exercises taught to him by Porthos all those years ago.
"The tournament in two weeks' time, you mean? Yes, I do intend to enter into the archery contest. Perhaps I shall do House Naelareon proud - it is the least of the contests, but the one I am best suited to. I am not a warrior, and have no proclivity for the joust."
Pausing to unstring his bow as the light faded, Garran said, "I spent the past few days in the wood, seeing what there is. It would appear there is a great bounty there, but we shall see no hunt called until after this tourney, as is likely. I am certain Lord Domeric wishes to leave on the morrow. I saw you putting the young lordling through his paces. Will he truly do his family proud in the lists?"
Lady Cassondria Matthias acknowledges his cousin before walking off with Weyland.
An interesting question. You have considerable skill at arms, which is known by many. However, you do have a bit of reputation for your appetites with the fairer sex,"gesturing to Cassondria.The real question shouldn't be what is known about your exploits. It should be whether or not you become something more, as it should be for all of us."
Drawing forth a practice blade and taking position across from him, "Shall we begin Ser Weyland?"
Thinking for a while as Marcus gazes at the target full of arrows from Garran shooting "He is rough around edges and not the most experienced with spear handling. He is making it there but I suppose at best young lord will manage it till round 3"
Marcus lets silence fall for a moment "but Round 3 for heir is absolutely good when you consider how many knights will be taking part in this tournament. I dare say that even I will be having hard time. But as you said, Hunt will be in order when we come back as there will certainly be a good reason to hunt, were we to succeed with excellent scores"
Looking at Onyx and petting him as Marcus though about incoming tournament "well, I better get Onyx back to his stall and make sure he is being taken care of. That damn new stallboy havent done his work properly lately and there are feces in the horsestalls as well being dirty" remembering the dirtiness from earlier and deciding to reprimend the boy when seeing him Marcus takes slowly off "I wish a nice evening to you Mr. Fain" were Marcus parting words as he takes off to the stalls
Weyland unsheathes his blade and places it on the ground along with his dagger, "Yes but I have never approached your cousin or another Lady in such a manner. My wife yes but the Mother shelter her she is gone now, beyond my help or the Maester's help at the time. I am not the only high born to have had a Bastard or several for that matter".
He heads towards the practice blades and finding one that he prefers.
Once he is ready, Weyland feints towards Matthias seeing if he picks up on the move.
"I practised the bow as girl, though I doubt I could hit a target any more... perhaps I will take it up again - though the night draws close today."
Cassondria departs as the menfolk begin to pack up.
Ophelia has sat quietly in the rear, far away from the presence of her lord, still more than slightly concerned about her complete lack of status. I am not sure if I should leave. Surely I cannot participate in any way. I doubt a girl training with the menfolk for a Tourney will bring anything but more bad luck. Best to just sit quietly.
When she hears Cassondria, Ophelia perks up, "Pardon ma'am, but I would be happy to train with you."
Quietly to Ophelia "Maybe I'll take you up on that, but privately - under fewer gazes."
Nodding to Ser Marcus as he leads the horse away, Garran gathers his shot arrows from the target. Seeing Ophelia briefly speak to Lady Cassondria, he thinks, The girl is most odd. An odd person for Lady Cassondria to just speak with. She is most unusual. Garran returned to his bow to his room, then went in search of an evening meal.
Before he leaves, Lucen stops the Hunt Master.
Garran! I was wondering if you were free this evening. I have a fine bottle of Arbor Gold and would like to chat, if you have the time."
Ophelia nods at Cassondria, "Whenever you are ready, m'lady." she whispers. Taking a cue from Garran, heads off to search for an evening meal in the kitchens. Too much happening today. Probably best if I take my meal in the kitchens before I head off to bed. I wonder if there are any lemon cakes tonight.
Darne sighed a bit as his sister all but ignored him and headed off. He saw Ophelia stop and have a brief chat with his sister, he thought little of it as they were both women and women often gathered chatted with each other in passing.
He shook his head, impure thoughts be damned and he stood up going to Maester Lucen "Ah, good evening Maester. I was wondering if you might have a salve or tonic I could take to ensure my arm gets it's rest for the evening? I want to be in good and proper shape so that mayhaps I could surprise father and score a win for once." he said with an air of a relaxed demeanor.
He knew his status but he tried to be approachable and likable by those of his house. He felt that if they could possibly someday be counted amongst his lists of friends they would have even more reason to keep the house in good standing.
When or if Maester offered up something he requested he would retrieve the medicine from him after he went to the kitchen to grab a late night snack. There was nothing like a bit of practice to start up one's stomach.
Lucen nods and smiles as he reaches into his bad and removed a bottle.
"Take a warm, damp cloth and add the contents of this bottle to it, then rub on your tired muscles. Let it sit for a few moments before you clean it off with another warm cloth. It should keep your muscles warm and loose, my lord."
Returning shortly aftewards from Stalls and cursing for the lack of stallboy Where goddamn has that boy disappeared. I swear that heads will be rolling for this visibly angry Marcus is not in the best mood.
After cleaning himself the stalls to make sure everything was fine with horses and proper care taken, it was mostly assured that someone would get hurt. Heading off to his own chamber and deciding to have a good chat with the steward and person responsible for horse stalls, Marcus opened one of his old and rare treasures: an old bottle of liquor.
Sitting on his chair and looking at the books laying on top of the desk, discussing the topics of Warfare and different tactics, Marcus was slowly calming down. Gulping the last drops down he soon began to undress, wearing his nightgown before taking off to bed and falling asleep
"Of course. Let me grab some food from the kitchens and I shall meet you soon."
Chats with the Maester always grew interesting as the wine began flowing. Hopefully this time they would drink somewhat less than the last.
As Matthias fails to take the bait, Weyland brings a real strike in at him.
Fighting 19
No lemon cakes. I miss lemons.
When Garran enters, Ophelia smiles and nods, "There are no lemon cakes, but the venison is amazing. We should hunt again, soon. My spear arm weakens daily. Perhaps I should offer myself as a sparring partner to ready for the Tourney."
After waiting a reasonable time for response from Garran, Ophelia makes her way to the practice field. Locating a training spear, she waits quietly.
Darne yawned as he made his way through the household and sneaked his way into the kitchen. It wasn't good form for a young lord to be in the kitchen as there was always someone about who could do the job for him but then he wouldn't get the late night snack he wanted. He watched for a moment seeing Ophelia and Garran having shown up to nab a bit of food it seemed.
He thought it'd be poor form to spy on his own house so he just kept himself hidden till they left and slipped in grabbing a few honey cakes and a big hunk of venison. With a plate, he slipped a couple of towels under his arm and dipped away for the evening to work on his arm and fill his belly for a good nights rest.
"I never meant to insuate that you had," Inreply as a dismiss the feint, "just pointing out what is known,"snapping a hard diagnol downward slash as the sparring begins.
Lemon cakes? What on earth are those?
Smiling as Ophelia addressed him, he said, "Perhaps after the tourney. Lord Domeric will have us leaving for Riverrun on the morrow, and will likely brook no delay. If you wish to offer to spar with the knights, you are welcome to it. Myself, I will take the evening to rest."
Bidding her a good evening, he makes his way to Maester Lucen's study, knocking upon the door before entering.
"Well played Matthias!"
Ser Weyland circles for a few moments.
"Does a child not need their Mother? How could I drive either woman away, would that not be a disservice to my sons as well as to the Mother's which bore them? I view it as callous, perhaps I am just naive".
Weyland moves in again.
Fighting 17
[ooc]Those rolls are high enough to hit in this game actually hahaha, unless you are jousting and in the last 16 then that 17 would be nothing
Average Combat Defense is 10 or 11 so really is not hard to hit someone, it's doing damage where it becomes complicated.[ooc]
"You as well" Matthias replies as they trade blows.
Matching Weyland step for step, circling in the opposite direction
"You own what you've sown. Not many do the same. It is to your credit in that regard."
I return his strike in kind
"However, while you own what you've sown, you have still have created challenges in status and reputation that must be overcome, for you, your children, and the House Naelareon."
21
Matthias strikes true stinging Weyland he grins "You are ready I would say!"
Weyland sighs, "While you make excellent points Matthias I cannot abandon my children, I did not do it for my own House and I will not do it for this House. If a Hedge Knight I must be that is for Lord Naelaron to decide".
Weyland packs it in as the hour is late.
Ophelia takes careful note of the interplay between the two training knights. Seeing that they are intent to rest before the tournament, she takes a couple dozen practice swings and jabs at the pel, returns the practice spear to the weapon rack, and heads to bed.
Weyland