Wyland
Weyland pauses, "I am sorry to speak of these things when you need your rest my Lord but perhaps you can guide me s to how I can mend these fences I have broken? I will do what I can for you, ask me and I shall accomplish it".
Weyland
"That was just a dying man scolding all his children and giving them some drive, and I yet to make my daughter marry someone worth it, but she is colder than snow to her suitors and they leave. This tournament means more to this House that you can think" a heavy sigh "You will understand when your time comes and your children are grown Weyland, prove to me worthy in the event's to come and if I live long enough you might find your banner been raised under my House. Now leave me, this conversation has made me tired and I must rest more every day it seems" as lord Domeric is beginning to yawn and waves you off "Go rest we have long day tomorrow and we need to prepare for a week's worth travel to Riverrun"
Weyland though tired has more to do this night.
First Visit.
Second Visit.
Third Visit.
Lucen gets up from the table he is sharing with Garran and speaks to the knight.
"What kind of potion did you have in mind, Ser?" he asks.
As Maester Lucen rises from the table, Garran finishes his glass of wine and says, "The hour is late, Maester, and we shall be quite busy on the morrow. I think, perhaps, I shall go off to bed. Good night, Maester. Ser Weyland, I hope the good Maester is able to tend to your potion needs. Have a pleasant evening."
Garran exits the room and heads for his chambers, giving the two some privacy should Ser Weyland prefer it.
"[b]I am afraid I know as much about children as you do lemons. Regardless, I will do as you command. Your child will be safe.
Lucen smiles and turns to the Hunt Master.
"A good night to you to my friend. Tomorrow will indeed be a busy day!"
He turns back to Ser Wylde and ushers him into his chamber.
"So you are looking for a potion to curb your carnal desires, is that it? One would suggest that self discipline should be enough for a knight, but neither you nor I would believe such, eh!?" he laughs as he seats the knight and begins to rummage through the numerous bottles and containers on his worktable.
Weyland turns to Maester Lucen and laughs at his joke, "It is much easier to resist cold steel than a warm bed Maester! I appreciate your assistance with this small matter. Tell me Maester, do your teachings prevent you from wedding and bedding?"
"I'll talk," she smiles in amusement "but if you're after a tumble, you'll have to look to the maids." her tone makes it obvious she's just teasing, Weyland has never tried to push anything with her.
The Maester chuckles.
"In my youth I did tumble a lass or two, but once I had forged my first link, then my only love became learning. All Maesters are celibate once they take the chain, but it does not mean we cannot appreciate beauty when we see it!"
Darne sat on his bed finishing up the food. He took a bit to wash up to remove the smell of sweat and horse from his body. He took a bit to wipe on the oil that the Maester had provided him and followed the instructions well. He sat down on his bed for a moment and thought for a bit. It bothered him of course that Cassondria avoided him but that was something that would take time to get over, he had never had a really hard time getting along with anyone else in the house though. He shook his head and slipped back on his pants and a shirt. He slipped a little of the scented oil on his neck to mask any unwanted smell before he stepped out carefully into the hall.
He didn't want to be seen as the rumors that might abound might get him in trouble or for that matter the one he was off to visit. He didn't bring a candle and watched for any un-natural light coming up. He stepped his way across the hall carefully till he found Ophelia's room. He rapped gently on her door to see if she was still awake.
Wary of further unwanted reputation, Ophelia either sleeps or pretends to sleep, through late knight raps upon her door.
Darne would of course give up if there was no answer within the first little while and sneak his way back to his room. He scratched his head a bit, it was probably his fault for trying to figure out the situation another time.
After his sparring session with Weyland, Matthias retires to his quarters. He takes the time to care for his armor and weapons before bathing and other pwrsonal hygiene. As he does everynight, he says a silent prayer to the old Gods while looking out the window at the nightsky. As he prays his thoughts turn to his long dead parents,
Father, I am worried for Uncle's health. I am ill suited to be his heir. Cassondria would be sound, but as woman she cannot inherit. I could see Darne as the Lord of the House, but he needs to figure out how to get the people to respect him, not his irreverance. I prey I make the proud in the upcoming tournament.
Mother, I have not taken a wife yet. I am not worthy of the sort of lady that would bring honor to the Naelareon name. It may be better if I cast my lot in at the Wall and join the Night's Watch.
Good night Father. Good night Mother.
I turn in for the night.
"My Lady. Your father discusses Black and Greens as if there were nothing more than words to it. While my Lord Father and I have serious disagreements, he still attempts to win me back with missives. His most recent missive has confirmed that indeed there will be a succession war though he of course is neutral on who he will support, assuming that as a member of the small council he is not simply assassinated before he is able to choose. This war could tear old alliances and old traditions asunder. Both you and I are in positions to benefit from supporting the non-traditionalist factions should such a war arise. However, your brother is a good young man, not a haughty mean-hearted Noble but a good man, I would ask that regardless of your political maneuverings, what you ultimately decide to do spares him an ignominious fate. There are too few good Nobles in the Realm already".
Cassondria lets out a long sigh "I know my duty, and personal feelings aside I stand by my house, and my Father's choices. Do not fear that I will be the weak link here, Ser Weyland." Cassondria's voice is resigned.
"Goodnight ser."
After an awkward evening, House Naelareon begins their preparations for their journey to Riverrun.
Lord Domeric is practically unseen having his meals delivered to him in his room as he works tireless in what needs to be brought, who is coming and who is not coming, logistics of it all with Maester Lucen, while the rest of the Household oversee the men and smallfolk. All in all House Naelareon was bringing 20 soldiers 10 cavalry and their respective Houehold knight, leaving behind Ser Tobin Woodgard to guard House Naelareon.
The banners of House Daerros and Veleris join the caravan and travel with their liege lord, creating quite the procession, to many men to be a temptation for brigands and the journey is rather pleasant.
Once in the outskirts of riverrun Ser Leoric Tully is welcoming the many Houses and to take a place among the other ones in the open area in the outskirts of Riverrun, welcoming music and some men-at-arms guide House Naelareon and their banner houses to set up in a spot.
Takes two days to finish setting up enough of the camp for everyone to be properly settled, with the may tent that of Naelareon and next to it is that of their knightly lords Daerros and Veleris.
The camp has a small stable, small training yard made up by House Naelareon and some smaller tents for the men making a circle leaving onle one entrance and stakes that surround their pavilion.
Ser Weyland was informed by his Lord that House Wylde and House Estren would be in attendance. Wwith a day to kill he would seek out whomever was in attendance from each House (Wylde first) and give his regards to them.
"Ser Corrad, I am sure you will excel in the Joust I hope that my son handles his duties properly or he will have to answer to me after he answers to you". Weyland clasps Corrad's hand in a friendly gesture and with a nod to Chris he seeks out Ophelia Kritus in tow.
"Ophelia, I have a few obligations I need to meet alone, Kritus here has been dying to spend time with you since I told him you would be watching events with him and explaining what is going on".
"Ser Weyland your son is natural horseman, he has a deep bond with Raeron, and he has some skill, but he won't be you or me anytime soon, this is his first tourney after all" smiling rather proud of his job
Darne will of course put on his best clothes and set out to greet the lords and ladys that are present from the banner houses as well as the first sons and the daughters of the various nobles of the area. He will be on his best and charming behavior as he goes about doing his damnedest to insure that he gives each person the proper respect they deserve and bidding the various Knights and lordlings good luck in their events. He will be making particular note of any of the single daughters of the houses.
Most of you exchange pleasantries as the smallfolk and other men from the Houses of the riverlands continue to finish setting up their pavilions, most of them are curious to see the viper in the Naelareon camp but say nothing of it.
While Houses from outside the Riverlands won't be making an shortly they will be busy setting up their pavilions to take on any visitors, other than entertaining important lords and allies.
Lord Domeric is seated outside his tent like a lord in his own castle waving people away with a smile standing and greeting people making small conversations while lady Gwyneth does the same beside her husband, it is all just a way to put a face, social politics part of the charade and the dangerous dance of politics in the game of thrones.
Ophelia will not allow Weyland's children to get more than ten feet from her. As she chases them through the camps, she keeps an eye open for any opportunity to train with Cassandra on the bow. Likewise she keeps her ears open for any news of value to the House. Hopefully a woman chasing children won't cause any issues, albeit a woman with a five foot spear . . .
Garran will have a walk about, familiarizing himself with the lay of the land and the placement of each house. He will stop and chat with other retainers as he goes, showing proper respect to Knights and nobility as he goes
[ooc]It will, but the fact you are a viper is by itself already to make people talk lol. You don't need to walk with a spear, unless going to certain areas or event's, like the Hunt or the pavilion early or late afternoon/night
Ophelia slips on her quilted doublet before strapping on her sword belt. She takes some time to oil her saber, making sure it slides quickly and freely from the scabbard and that its tip is appropriately sharp. Once she is secure in the knowledge she has at least one reasonably concealable weapon in place, she dons her common garb, wraps a heavy traveller's cloak over the entire ensemble, and ventures out to tour the grounds with Weyland's youngest child in tow.
Weyland puts in the word with the retainers of both Houses that he is in attendance and does not press the issue further.
He instead returns to the Naelareon camp and seeks out Darne.
"If you have the time, we should check the straps of my breastplate for the correct fitting upon you. I would even run this by Marcus, the last thing we want is the straps ill fitting, even Tourney jousting can be dangerous".
Darne would return after exchanging pleasantries with the others of the area. He would be there practicing his spear work a bit trying to keep loose for the events to come. He was a bit impatient for things to come to a head. When Weyland arrived and suggested that they double check the fitting of Weyland's breastplate to fit himself. "Yes, we should make sure on that, while I would love to win. I doubt that I will manage to make it to the final day. That should give us plenty of time to refit it for yourself. If by some miracle I manage to make it to the finals...I may just have to bow out to give you enough time to be properly prepared for the Grand Melee. I would hate to cause you to place any lower on my account even if it means that I don't get as high a placement as I might deserve." he said as they walked to find Ser Marcus.
Maester will keep his eye on this liege-lord, making sure he does not over do it. He will also make the rounds of any other Maester's who have arrived with their houses.
Upon their arrival Marcus is busy with ordering the soldiers and cavalry to assume their positions and starting to check command watches and attendances.
Going over the format and list of people who have come along to the tourney, Marcus considers possible outcomes but soon just focuses to have a proper defense parameteres and guards.
Approaching his lord Marcus assumes his rigid stance and bows "My Lord, everything has been set and prepared for our staying here. I do however would like to ask if there is anything we should be prepared particularly for?"
"Is there also anything I should be aware of that precautions should be taken? One thing does bother me and that is the rumour viper I have heard from my men. It does concern me since my lords reputation is at stake. Should I do something regarding it?"
At some point either during the set-up of our camp or once everything is as settled as it's going to be, Matthias will approach Lord Domeric. Ideally, when not too many of the others are around.
"My Lord, if you have a moment or two to spare, I would speak with you." I wait a few moments for Lord Domeric to respond.
I know this tournament is of particular import to House Naelareon, that we afford ourselves with the highest degree of excellence in all arenas. As I have much to learn, particularly in regards to politics, I would seek your guidance. Aside from mingling with the other houses and participating in the Grand Melee, what is it you would wish of me?"
"Marcus the only preparations needed for now is what is getting done, hope you participate in some events, and he rest well, I can't ask you to tear some peoples hearts and eyes out, so I have to smile at them and kill them in my mind" lord Domeric smiles at Marcus at the prospect of seeing a couple of the annoying visitors, that are there just to lick his ass.
[b]"Yes Marcus, we are under siege, and not by enemy soldiers, but we are still under siege, every pavilion is a castle with an army of pretty faces with swords of honey words and the armor of House Tully grans us all, so be careful who you speak and what you say. Don't be surprise this is were Houses socially and politically day, while their men live"
"Don't go chasing big game..." is all lord Domeric tells Matthias for quite a few moments as he mulls over his thoughts "Learn the game then, this is why you are here, but remember you are dealing with something far more dangerous than soldiers and battle. Say the wrong word at the wrong person and it can kill you or cost greatly to House Naelareon or say the right words and you can gain glory and renown and through you House Naelareon would rise eve higher."
Letting a breath go out and a heavy sight "DO not go after the bigger Houses in the riverlands the will use you like a chamber pot, seek the smaller Houses, and learn there, were the dangers are not so great, as they seek to increase their place through us and not the other way around, let the old man deal with the bigger boys, you are just but a little babe"
Matthias has an intent, thoughtful look as he absorbs his uncle's words. Then, looking his uncle in the eye, his voice confident, I understand, at least I believe I do. I shall look and learn as you've advised, though it pains to hear, truth often is. Thank you for that. However, boldness tempered with wisdom, no matter the field of battle always leads to greater things. I do not wish to tax you further, but before I take my leave, know I will always seek greatness for House Naelareon.
Matthias bows deeply, before leaving his Uncle.
Of course, this now begs the question, which lesser houses are in attendance, as well as their assets which may benefit our house.
Matthias will seek out Cassondria.
Lady Cassondria. If you have a some time, I would ask for your assistance.
"As you say, My Lord" Marcus bows and retreats. Moving to his tent to collect some of the equipments in order to prepare all the necessarities for his short trip to the Isle of Gods.
Time is short and Marcus wishes to pay his respect on this famous site before the tournament starts. Coming out of his tent as he notices Ser Weyland and young lord Darne looking for him "My lord, Ser Weyland. I hope you are doing well. Do you need my assistance with something?"
Weyland nods, "Yes we do. As the Young Lord wishes to borrow my armor for the Joust, I want to make sure the straps are set properly for his maximum protection. A project I would like to make sure you have a hand in".
Looking between both of them Marcus finally nods "I understand. I was on my way to Isle of Gods but you had luck to find me before I was on my way. We can use my tent for the fitting." Marcus says as he leads them to his tent
Weyland shrugs, "If you wish we can do this after your trip. Do you visit the Godswood there? I did not realize you venerated the Old Gods of the North Marcus".
A moment of silence passes before Marcus decides to answer "Ever since I left Stormlands I was looking for a place to stay. My mother was from North. It made sense to me to travel North. Along the way I met merchant who was returning and happened one night explain about Old Gods. Naturally I got interested and well, after that I was more and more interested and that was it. We made after couple of days a stop in the House Naelareon and I found here work. Somehow I just stayed there and got along. I had problems at first and it was hard but I was able to climb this high because of my own power and thoughtfulness."
Looking in the distance "In many ways I do own it to the Old Gods what I have earned and achieved. Also the kidness and trust from Lord Naelareon. He has earned my loyalty a long time ago and will have it till I die" Marcus finishes as he begin to measure Darne My trip can wait. Young Lord is more important than my trip. I can always pray to my Gods when there is need
Finishing his walk around the various campgrounds, Garran returns to the House Naelareon camp. He makes an inspection if the horses, and the n approaches Lord Domeric. "My lord, will you be riding with the Great Hunt two days hence?"
"I will Garran, if the 7 bless me with enough strength why might get a damned boar or a stag" lord Domeric showing his good nature side to Garran, a thing most his other household would appreciate a bit more, but denies them that pleasure more often than not.
Once the armor straps are set properly for Darne, Weyland will take his leave and seek out Maester Lucen.
"Greetings Maester, I trust the trip was pleasant for you? Tell me, were you by any chance able to produce a brew which met my needs?"