"Understandable position lord Darne, I regret your sister wasn't available for you to talk, but be glad to fill in the time as we get to know each other, since our Houses will be united by marriage unless of course your lord father opposes such union."
Darne smiled and bowed his head to the lord "I doubt he would have any complaint. So long as my sister is happy in this marriage then as am I. I'm sure the future will be bright for both our families. This joining could only help to further our families.
"Yes indeed it shall, we can got through the wedding negotiations and such after this tournament" and before he can finish talking a guard announces your sister and her soon to be husband have returned "By the seven, as if we summoned them" he stands to great his son with open arms and soon to be daughter "Hope you had a good day so far
"All is well father, Cassondria and eye were merely passing time and keeping her safe from all the thing happening around here" displeasure evident and more so after looking at lord Darne. You can almost see that he blames you for failing to defend your own, even tho you have done more than he ever has defending his own House.
"To be sure these cowardly attacks have been an affront to the Gods as well as our gracious hosts", remarks Ser Weyland.
"I hope the rest of the Tournament passes by without further unpleasantries".
"Seven be good Ser Weyland, let it be so" answers lord Morgan as a few of his hooded men follow him to greet his son.
Darne's eye twitched slightly but he head his tongue. He looked at his sister and smiled slightly "I am glad to see that someone has managed to keep my sister out of trouble. I am told that in the past it has been quite the full-time job. But enough of a brother's teasing. Might I have a few words with my sister in private?" he said as he made his approach to greet the two.
Weyland approaches as well but a few steps behind Darne.
He does not react to the bait of Cassondria's husband to be having long been used to such verbal lashes from, well from nearly everyone he is related to it seems.
Lady Cassondria smalls and nods to her future husband and beckons you into the tent "Banefort hooded men part to let you enter and close behind you to make your conversation as private as one can get in a pavilion.
[b]"I can see some of lord Domeric rubbed off on lord Darne" the lord of Banefort jests with Ser Weyland.
"Ser Weyland is a bit ill father, he was one of the few poison victims to survive the "Bloody Dance" of Riverrun" the knight speaks as if Ser Weyland was not present.
Ser Weyland smiles back at Lord Banefort, "Indeed my lord, if one is to take the reigns of leadership one must follow in the footsteps of a leader they respect and admire. Certainly Lord Naelareon is such a man".
Weyland listens as the younger Banefort speaks, "'The Bloody Dance of Riverrun' is that the name given to that despicable event? I suppose it is as good a name as any considering what took place. Have your men heard any rumors as to who may have been behind it Lord Morgan?"
Once Darne had gotten his sister into the tent with a bit of privacy he took a seat and gestured towards her to take one as well. He took a few deep breathes before beginning. "I'm sorry to drag you away from what looks like a rather happy affair but we have a bit of family...business. The poisoning was the last of our issues, father did survive it but barely. However with the turmoil of the poisoning and on top of that with the battle of the seven taking place we were beset upon by assassins. We do have one in custody but it seemed they at least managed to find one of their targets....Father. I am sad to say, that in his poisoned state, Lord Naelareon was struck down by one of the assassins." he said trying to hold back his emotions.
He let the news sink in for a bit before he started again. "I wish to have a family meeting to discuss how we proceed with this. Our cousin...Matthias has shown with quite adamance that he feels we should be open about what has happened. Personally, I feel that it will show our house to be weak and disgrace his name and legacy if we were to reveal that he has passed in such a way...I would like you to attend the meeting or at least give me your opinion." he said stoicly before looking her in the eyes.
Your sister maitain her composure, barely, but she stands strong with the only sign of tears creeping in is the red of her eyes as she holds them at bay.
Like all things sadness, breeds hate "What were you doing, how did they even made it inside the pavilion?" more accusations than questions, followed by the obvious implication "Did you let him kill him? That how much you wanted his seat?"
Of course you want it hidden, you poisonous toad, you had him assassinated and now you want it held in secret!" her voice gaining strength and a notch or two louder "You have my opinion, I won't tell anyone in public, but every time you turn and see the whispers it will know it was of you!"
She storms fuming, the new to much to bear. Then again she had truth to her words, some will see it as she did, other will see it like Darne has, question is were does House Naelareon stands, and where can their allies hold fast as they did before or hold a distance?
Darne sat looking taken aback but the accusations. He let his sister get out her frustration and anger, someone at least needed to get it out in this family. He sat back with a hand covering his eyes and part of his face.
He felt like the last twenty-four hours had been twenty four years. If he didn't gain a grey hair or three out of this then he'd be lucky. He stayed in the pavilion for a few minutes before slowly getting to his feet, taking a few breathes to steady himself and then stepping back out and looking to Ser Weyland. "I've delivered the news I had to..." he said before turning to Lord Banefort and smiling as if nothing had happened.
"I apologize for any turmoil my sister may cause today, I fear I have unfortunately upset her with what we had to speak of. Please understand and forgive her fiery temper at least for today. If you'll forgive me for being such a bad guest, I unfortunately have business I have to attend to in my father's stead. I am hoping that I'll be seeing more of you in the future and under better circumstances." he said before giving a polite bow.
"Ah, we all sometimes give bad news, by the seven I know I had my share as a father of such things" looking at his son for a moment "I was glad to meet you as we will all be family soon enough, go with my blessings lord Darne, you have broke no etiquette under my roof."
For being one of the scariest lord he was quite amenable and a great host.
Ser Weyland gives Lord Banefort and his son a respectful bow as they begin to walk away as much as Weyland wants to know how things went he keeps tight lipped until they return to the Naelaron pavilion.
Darne remained silent as they walked. The way his sister took the news was a bigger blow to him then he let on. He had never showed that much ambition had he, to think his own kin would believe him capable of such a thing made him slightly ill to his stomach. Still, he knew that there would be others who would claim such things, he just hoped his allies weren't the ones to think so.
When they arrived, he reached out for a page and gave him orders to find everyone that was still at the camp who was apart of the inner circle of the family.
He felt it was high time to clear the air and announce what had happened at least to the household and to at the very least their allies.
In the early afternoon the guests of House Naelareon arrive, House Paege, Deddings, Banefort, and the other members of House Naelareon and bannermen are present, as lord Darne summons them for an important meeting.
Ser Weyland will opt out of wearing fine clothes and will instead war armor and his sword at his side. He will tie it in a peace bond without locking it into the sheathe. He is not willing take any chances here, too much has been lost already.
He will then approach Ser Marcus, "I will be bowing out of the sword competition for today. Instead I will be here to watch over and ensure no further ills strike the House this day. Hopefully the Maester can unlock the secret of what was used to lay our Lord low and nearly slay me.
Tell me, was it a good fight I missed against these religious fanatics? I am sorry I could not be there to help".
Darne made sure to send out for breakfast befitting the gathering of his family's allies, including to make sure there was enough ale to get the whole tent under if need be. He shook his head at the thought that such things could bring about such need. He moved on to meet with the Maester, asking him to make sure that his father was prepared for visitation and confirmation of his condition and how he died as well as their prisoner too.
He moved on to how the room would be placed making sure that the pages knew where to guide each of the guests. He set up the tent to have three tables. The center one for the heads of the houses and honored bannermen. From there, any of the guards and the men that their allies brought could easily be seated and join in.
Once he felt that everything was placed and his mother was seated in her chair at the head of the center table by his own chair, he stood by the opening of the pavilion with the Maester on the other side and greeted everyone as they came in. Once everyone was seated and the bread and ale had begun to be broke he moved from his spot, having the pavilion closed by the Maester and made his way slowly up front to the head of the table. He motioned for Ser Weyland to take his place standing beside his mother and motioned for Ser Marcus to make his way to his sit before he squared up in front of the company.
He took a few deep breathes before he began "You've all been gathered here today for a an announcement and for a talk. I did not wish to make this known yet as it would be unkind to his memory but I felt that the respect I should give you all as our allies outweighs my personal wish for my father's memory. Lord Domeric Naelareon has passed. He was weakened by the poisoning that occurred the other night and he looked as if he was gonna make it till the cowardly bastards took advantage of our meting out Justice to those scoundrels who stole a member of our house. They came and attempted to kill myself, my mother, and her own father that morning but were pushed back and we even captured one of their own but not before they managed to strike down my father on his sick bed....This was a grave injustice to his name and his legacy and we plan to do everything in our power to see that all those who even thought of conspiring to make this happen are ended and their faces put on display outside his tomb." he said as he finally came to a close of the speech that he had prepared.
He looked around the table hoping that there wasn't anything to worry about or too many questions or outrages like his sister had meted out to him. His face was as close to stone as he could keep it as he tried not to look as his mother.
Dressed on his more formal attire and not carrying his sword, Marcus stand in attendance as he watches over the guests and Lord Darne.
Upon arriving of Ser Weyland and speaking him about the event, Marcus slints his eyes a bit and giving a though about his words before answering "It was... hectic but good fight. Either the people were exaggerated Ser Lionel swordmanship or I am better then I thought" snorting a bit at his own comment at this point "but still, like a rapid dogs they were killed. No more is one scourge like him walking on these lands among us. Otherwise as you see, I did suffer a bit and it will take a bit time to do anything with this arm of mine. Others were doing splendidly, although I must admit that I did not expect for us to emerge from this fight without casualties outside the knight trying to gain honor with our House" Marcus calmly explained as he kept his eyes on the guests.
"And it was inevitable but blessing for you to say here to protect Lord Darne. Who knows, what might have happened. We might as well be now ruined House with no leader or worse, all of us being dead." consoling Ser Weyland with his words and giving approving nod.
As everyone had arrived and the meeting was about to beging, Ser Marcus approached to take his spot near Lord Darne as he motioned them to take their positions
The audience has mixed feelings of outrage and dismay. Lord Domeric was a tough bastard, but he wasn't hated, but loved. The Deddings outrage at the assassination attempt more on their daughter is obvious. The Paege's show disbelief in how such great man could fall and swear with the Deddings aid to the Naleareon cause shall they require arms to bring justice. The Banefort remain silent as the new comers to the family allies, but sharing their sentiment and support for Darne.
Cassondria seats with the Baneforts with her to be husband next to her, apart from their lord. While the Deddings are the biggest family present they seems a mixed bag of feelings. While the Paege are unified in their sentiments.
Looking around and watching carefully for the expressions of the participants, Marcus is keeping his own thoughs hidden but his lips purse together tighter as he recalls the events but otherwise stay motionless
er Weyland stands closer to the entrance but still keeps an eye on the attendees to ensure that if any give themselves away as disingenuous in their responses he will know.
Awareness = 13
Weylnd
The Paege seem on board with Darne's vengeance, but the Deddings feel off somehow, like they do resent the loss of lord Domeric, but they are more behind lady Gwyneth than Darne
Weyland stays silent. While born Noble here he is a sellsword, a well known sellsword but a sellsword nontheless and he certainly knows when to speak and when not to speak.
Lady Gwyneth decides to break the silence "My son is correct, and as lady Gwyneth Naelareon is my place to see that our House stays strong in this time of hardship" the Deddings smile and agree, the Paeges do not, but applaud her words nonetheless. The Banefort's scowl at the obvious power take by lady Gwyneth, while Cassondria is radiant and happy. The Keath's are neutral as their bond with House Naelareon benefits them no matter who leads.
Cassondria rises quickly to seize the moment and give it more strength "Mother has always been strong, taking care of things while father" a moment of sadness creeps in her expression but she holds true and continues "While father fought in every battlefield for our House, so now falls to our mother to continue with the help of family and our allies"
A bit shocked about the transition of things, Marcus is no sure what to do or say as he has always been loyal to the House Naelareon.
But now, the events are starting to take turn, which he did not really expect and is unsure how to react. As the Lady Gwyneth Naelareon has the right to take control of House and being also his Lady for a long time, Marcus would not see a problem but the it is his job to guide and give support to Darne in his time of need, especially in a situation like this.
Seeing him to raise in position of his father and trying to take care of it as well sail on the sea of treachery and diplomatics is much needed practise as well necessity.
Deciding to keep his mouth shut and observe this critical situation, how would Darne react would determine Marcus own position in this whole ordeal. Darne need to keep his own ground in this moment and claim the head of House Naelareon here. Too much is being risked here... and Marcus isnt anyway in any good relations with Cassandra
Darne pauses for a moment, surprised by the situation. He had not expected his mother to offer up such a solution but he could not lose face in front of the house's allies. He cleared his throat "Indeed it is a fine idea, I have been being groomed to eventually take over so I would be foolish not to allow her council for the time being. I will still be in charge as is our customs but I will rely upon my mother's wise council till my own wisdom catches up to the task." he said trying to show that he was capable but still wise.
House Peage supports lord Darne with some good comments, while the Deddings only smile and the lord of the Banefort stands "A strong man he already is, he will grow into the lordship well" the daggers in the eyes of Cassondria are not hidden nor those of his son "My lord Naelareon" a slight bow, and with that the strongest House present has made the bid to support lord Darne in the open, or at least as long as the man lives.
House Keath remains as cheerful, they are underdogs seeking to improve their lot and it does not matter who rules House Naelareon, they have now ties to it by blood.
Lady Gwyneth embraces lord Darne with a smile only a mother can give and congratulations are in order by most of those present, as they begin telling stories of lord Domeric.
Ser Weyland scrutinizes the room.
Awareness Empathy = 18 - Fail
Awareness Fail
Awareness Success
Keeping his face solemn and looking around Marcus keeps his place and watches around.
Congratulating silently in his mind about success of Darne, Marcus wonders what is to become now of House Naelareon but only Gods know that. Sighing silently as the things were surely to change and there was a lot of things in the horizon, something was bound to happen.
"Lord Naelareon, as things are now in the air and clear of doubts, I think it will be now time to talk about some of the issues regarding House Naelareon, as well upcoming events in the future." adapting now to new way of addressing Darne as a rightful ruler of House.
"Also I do have a question regarding my own current situation, about the marriage with Lady from House Darry, as well me either choosing the surname of Darry or Naelareon"
Ser Weyland only
When lady Gwyneth embraced Darne you notice her eyes are not those of a loving mother, but those of a harpy, no love for her son or perhaps... there was something more behind the murder of lord Domeric?
Vance Dedding is also displaced with the current turns and while he tries to hide it the sneer in his nose and eyes is more than , yet he is able to smile giving him a strange look all together if only for moments.
Darne embraces his mother and begins the motions and talks to thank everyone in attendance. Upon Ser Marcus reaching his ear he smiles and turns towards him. "A Naelareon knows how to reward those who those that serve them loyally and you served my father for many years. I would be remiss to see you carry another House's name. If you choose it, I would be more then honored to call you one of our own." he said offering his hand to Ser Marcus.
Ser Weyland smiles and nods to Darne and Marcus at the announcement. Again he keeps his mouth shut until the time is right to discuss anything he has observed.
Inclining his head down and giving a small bow towards his new Lord "I thank you for the honor and would like to assure you, that Naelareon and Naelareons will always stay close to my heart, as well to joy and pride to carry the name" as he resumes his posture again and graps the hand of Darne
The Riverrun Ghost
Strange noises and howling winds disturb your sleep. All are troubled by ill dreams this night, with each guest clinging to his or her most firmly held beliefs as they battle their inner demons.
Images of fire and blood, of toppling stone towers, of war and ruin and despair disturb all of you, driving Lord Tully's guests from their beds as rain beats down on Riverrun, swelling the rivers that run alongside the stout fortress.
Tempers are on edge, as guests emerge from their rooms, seeking comfort in company and warm fires. Throught it all, a strange dark shape runs through the castle, always at the edge of your vision...
Participants: Create your own "nightmare", other PC can of course add to another, help them create their nightmares, or even combine their nightmares.
Challenge:
- Awareness (Notice) 12 - Those with a bit better senses can tell it's just wind or a shadow, others... perhaps not so much.
- Knowledge/Cunning(any Specialty) 12 - Some will use your brain to figure it's just tricks of the mind, others will call on their faith for comfort.
- Will (Courage) 12 - +1 to this roll for each degree of success in the previous two rolls.
Consequences: - Highest two results (across all three rolls)= 1B in Will (Courage.
- Everyone passed their test House Naelareon gains +1 glory.
- Failure on the Will (Courage) roll - one level of fatigue.
"Riverrun Ghost"
The shape of old previous Castellan of House Naelareon, always appearing on his vision from time to time, moving just in the edge of his vision, reminding him of something and chasing.
The fire raging around him and the blood seeping on the floor, Marcus moves forward while yelling out for troops and other defenders of the castle, only for the dark shape always to keep reminding him of something, hissing on his ears but unable to hear it or understand.
Frustrated and getting angry of the whole situation, seeing allt he destruction and war around him gnashes at his mind to remind the bloody side of slaughterfields known as war.
Weyland wakes in a cold sweat, at the entrance to his tent he sees her, it has been so, so long since he has seen her. So long he has forgotten how beautiful she truly was.
In the distance he hears Ser Marcus call out to the men of House Naelareon but he ignores that call. Instead he stands and approaches her - Ilya. Though the wind holws around him and the rains lash the tents he ignores it all.
She falls into his arms weeping her belly huge and swollen from pregnancy she looks up at him, her eyes suddenly gone cold. He whispers to her,It's all right, its all right my love.
How could you do this to me to us? How could you! Her screech is like that of a Banshee, Weyland falls to his knees weeping, I am sorry my love I could not, could not help myself... But the excuse rings hollow even in his own ears.
Awareness
Cunning
Will
Weyland is assaulted by the ghost of his past, he looks down and sees the sign of the seven hanging from his neck, he grasps it for strength.
He pulls himself up and confronts the shadow of Ilya but it is gone, if it was ever there. It is enough, I have made peace with what I have done, I may not have done right by you but as long as I draw breath I can and will make amends, away foul specter!
That said Weyland dresses and steps into the night to see if Ser Marcus really called for him or if this is all just some sort of terrible dream...
The Riverrun Ghost
Darne awoke from a light slumber, stationed at his desk. The map before him scrawled with smears of ink and toppled figures. His mind races as he looked about finding the markers for fellow Houses and allied Houses alike.
His mind whirled as he tried to make sense of the map and how this came to be but he just couldn't comprehend. His family that he felt had been safe amongst other stronger Houses were wiped out or considered missing. Lists of the dead were scattered about in parchment.
He slammed his fists and looked down at them. They were alien to him, aged beyond his years. He rushed to a mirror and saw himself in it. He was aged not but maybe ten years. He looked back at the table and saw what had become from his stent as head of House Naelareon and...
He sat up bolt straight in his bedding and reached around grasping at his clothes trying to find some sign that that nightmare was nothing but. He stumbled out of the room looking pale and disheveled.
Ser Weyland sits astride his horse Kritus and Chris alongside him, "Quite an eventful first tourney boys, change is on the way. Beware my sons, that which has begun here will be completed on the battlegrounds we must be strong and vigilant".
In the distance he sees the House Blackwood riding out contingent and Lady Sofia unattended.
"Boys, ride with the rest of the House soldiers, I'll be back in a moment".
Weyland rides to her and reaches into his sleeve pulling a favor, a small cloth with House Naelareon stitched upon it, "My Lady, something to remember me by, I hope we shall see each other again".
That said he charges off, if she replies he does not catch it, lost in his own thoughts. Did Darne catch all of the nuances of that meeting he called, if he did not do I tell him? Can he replace his father? If he cannot who can and should? Loyalty or self-interest which should I pursue, or do both become one somehow... I shall have to pray to the Seven to guide my thoughts in these matters.
He rides back to the House Naelareon faction knowing that the business started here has only begun, much is unsettled.
Return Home
The Naelareon lands are peaceful and as welcoming to their lord and retinue as ever, as if time had never changed and you had just left yesterday. Fat Tom still works the men on the fields were some barley and other crops seem to be now blooming as spring has arrived, only certain areas can you still see the signs of the winter that once was, but so can you see the work of Lord Domeric in every step of the way.
The Hall of House Naelareon awaits for it's lord the banners of house Naelareon hanging outside over the high stonewalls to the side of the entrance as the portcullis is raised and the trumpets are sound welcoming their masters home. Well decorated with wool tapestries depicting all the triumphs of House Naelareon. While there is no chapel inside there is a small seven pointed star of magnificent architecture with inlaid gold, with the story of how it came to be there long forgotten or more likely dead, as it was lord Domeric that had brought it with him.
Now the lord must take it's place in the great chamber, were he sits to eat and speak privately with family and those of his trusted advisors.
Standing nearby his lord Marcus eyes rest of the retinue before turning his gaze back towards the doors leading to the hall. Thinking of the recent events and coming months, there was a lot of work to do as well weddings to be participated. Sigh escaped his lips and frowning a bit as Marcus thought about all the costs accompanying coming events.
It was though a small price to pay but recent events with Faith Militant somehow made him consider to get new armors and weapons for troops, as well defenses should be shored up.
Giving a brief glance at his lord and soon forgetting everything as these were not his worries. It is time for Darne to step up to be Lord of House Naelareon and its my duty to fill these holes. Might as well try to see what I can do about the situation... and not forgetting my own marriage hmm
Ser Tobin speaks first "I regret not being there Ser Marcus and my lord, House Naelareon has been kept safe, and no new smallfolk families have moved in to be suspicious of. ALso I wish to congratulate you Ser Marcus and Ser Ereth in your new found fortunes of having a wife"
"Or the horrors" Ser Manrel interjects making everyone chuckle.
"Chris, fetch us more wine" Ser Corrad commands his squire and waits until he is out of the room "He is a natural rider Ser Weyland, I doubt he will have your sword skill, but he will be a fine knight with lance and sword regardless"
"Yet you must allow me to teach him Ser Corrad, he must also learn to read, write, proper manners" Ser Corrad and Maester Lucen enter into arguments of the squire and how should his education should go."[/b]
Ereth only smiles and drinks of his cup, as they all await lord Darne's arrival as well as the new retainers that lady Gwyneth has recommended.
"Ah, indeed. Thank you for kind words Ser Tobin. Never thought that I, of all men here, would be finding a wife at this point. She was quite the beauty though I admit" smirking at others "and regarding the events... it was indeed horrible but we all had our duties and yours also were important, no matter circumstances." assuring Ser Tobin as Marcus relaxed his arms and shoulders, as his face had for a moment a small grief over the mention of Lord Domeric
"And indeed. Young Chris does show promise with riding, but I unfortunately do not have time to teach him because of all the work to be done here. Maybe Ser Corrad could help with the that. I do not wish to step on the toes but my guts are telling that we would be needing some... fighting prowess in the coming years. Having some skilled fighters is not so bad although" a small smile appears on Marcus face "we could definetely all improve our knowledge. Even I should start to pay some attention to books although my duties prevent it"
"And true, Ser Ereth is also soon to be wedded although his wife is more of the... fiery ones. Sharp tongue but who knows, maybe Ser Ereth has the skills to douse those flames" commenting on the another possible wedding with a rare laugh accompanying it