Not wanting to show his ignorance, Bryn leaves out what he doesn't know, only mentioning what he's sure of.
"Grell is known for their great library, errant knights, and are well educated, even in terms of other noble houses. Perhaps a bit of information or lore they are unaware of would do the trick? Or a particularly rare or valuable book?"
"Well, you are correct with that plus we must not forget that they do have happen to have Ser Elmo in their ranks. Quite famous even receiving invitation to the Kingsguard but refusing it" Marcus nods to Brynjolvar to acknowledge his thinking
"We do also happen to have library here, where I have been collecting some occasional books regarding Theory of War and Warfare but it does have some copies of other books due to occassional buying of Lord Domeric and gifts from other lords" Marcus adds as he try to think about the contents of small library
"You can refuse the Kingsguard? I though if you where named to it you had to do it..." Wynnter said, mostly to herself as she leaned on the table. "Interesting..."
"Let us say we settle upon giving them a rare book. How are we going to be sure they don't already have the book?" Wynnter asked as she rested her elbow on the table and rested her cheek upon her hand. "If knowledge is what they prize most then they would seek out those rare books. I mean it is the best idea so far, but it is a question that can't help but come to my mind." She commented.
Maester interjects "The Kingsguard is a great honor given to any knight of great prowess, but Ser Elmo is a rare if not unique exception as he is the only one to decline it" walking around to no particular place merely in thought "They value not only knowledge Wynnter, but skill and honor, they represent the martlet very well"
Maester rolls GM only
"Also it is to mention that a cousin of their family is the current master at arms of House Tully, and they do have an available daughter of age to marry, with bountiful suitors, but even for a noble House of their status they don't just take anyone into their House."
"So basically they have impossible standards for suitors" Ser Corrad laughs and almost sounds like a dogs barking as he begins to coff from laughing so hard.
Ser Manrel points a finger at Ser Corrad "I've heard the martlets are some of the most beautiful women in the Riverlands, dark raven hair and steel grey eyes, with fine features, not that you would know of beauty if it hit you in the face" Manrel smirks "He likes them fat!"
To this Ser Corrad takes offense and stands "I do not like them fat! You fat f~$#, mind your place and who you talk to in that way"
"Why do you always get so angry? They are fat, nothing wrong with ityou just like them a bit more round" Ser Manrel doesn't seem to be teasing Ser Corrad but completely honest as if he would be stating facts.
"Enough Ser Ereth interjects, the point is they will more than likely try to find a suitor amongst us and the only unmarried ones and not formally engaged, is lord Naelareon, Ser Corrad, Ser Manrel, and if they insist it might even have to be me"
As the Knights discuss marriage Ser Weyland speaks, "Perhaps Lord Naelaron before we begin you should seek to formalize your own marriage plans so that you are removed from the possible suitors if the Grell's do seek to move in that direction".
"Have you even courted lady Blackwood long enough for her father to even approve?" Lucen asks "I know both your interests are known to most people, but let us resolve this manner, as I doubt the Grells will pick lord Naelareon knowing he is courting her, after all they will honor such thing and probably be a last resort for them"
"Do we know what he turned it down?" Wynnter asked.
Wynnter laughed to herself as Mantel and Corrad went at it once again."Ser Mantel, the type of women Ser Corrad prefers to bend over matter not right now." Wynnter said as she stifled her laughter. "If you want to talk that, can it wait till after we've dealt with the task at hand?"
Her attention returned to the Maester. "If they have such high standards, maybe it is because they already have their eyes on a match. If they wanted Lord Naelareon for their daughter would they not have already made a move for it?" She asked as she shifted in her seat, so that she faced Lucan. "Honestly I'd think if any of you have to worry about a marriage it would be Ser Ereth." She pointed to Ereth as she spoke. "It will be his land, and should House Grell wish to keep the peace while giving Ereth the land, they may ask for a marriage to settle it. I doubt it, if they are so picky about who their daughter marries, but that is a truth." She stated.
Then she turned and looked at Ereth after she spoke. "If they do ask for it, I will inform them you are already promised to marry another. If they respect the fact the our Lord is only courting a woman, an engagement that is already arranged should carry even more weight... I'd hope." She said respectfully, giving him a nod.
"Though I do have another question about this. I doubt you are going to send me to House Grell alone. Am I aloud to pick those who accompany me? If so, I'd prefer if Ser Mantel and Ser Corrad are my escorts." She said smiling to Darne.
"For a smart woman, you can't even get a name right. It's Manrel, and you would do to learn it well" no threat, just caution advised in case you are trying to insult him.
Ser Ereth has no answer and tries to remain unreadable in his expression, which makes Ser Corrad and Ser Tobin curious, but they respect his silence.
"Impossible" Maester Lucen replies as a fact set in stone "You cannot take two members of this council, one will suffice."
"I don't mind going" Ser Manrel volunteers himself "I will also take Ser Justan and Ser Javor"
"Lord Naelareon we did added a new knight to our household, he is Ser Rupert Blackwood a distant cousin of the main Blackwoods" as if recalling it just now.
"Interesting..." Wynnter said as she grinned at Manrel. "You acknowledge the fact I am intelligent. You might not be all bad after all."
"Oh how sad, their conversations where entertaining. I don't get to laugh often." Wynnter said as she offered her typical smirk. Though all that left her face, including what color she had in her face, when Manrel spoke the name Javor. "Javor... A-Ashwood?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow.
Darne watched the others at this point, he wasn't too knowledgeable about the individual knights at this time and so he couldn't who best to send and who not. Ser Manrel was easy to rise to anger but boiling blood can help keep others on their guard and cowed at times too.
He looked at Ser Corrad who had already offered his men to guard their Lord during this travel so he didn't want to suddenly shift him off on another. It would do little good and only make for a great target if he were to send Ser Erath off with her...so obviously not a choice. Not only that but he should be the one to delve into the depths of his holding, not the rest of the council.
He combed his hair back with his hands a bit before looking at Ser Manrel and Wynnter "You offer your services for her as well as two others? I see no reason not to let you go with her then. I imagine the four of you would get along famously, talking of what you prefer and how." he said in jest "That is of course, so long as you lot don't come back carrying along a new bastard." he said half joking, half serious.
He looked to the others. "Ser Corrad, I leave the guard for our party up to you and Ser Marcus to build. I don't think it wise to travel with a full army to take care of this problem so do try to be reasonable. We'll bring a few horse of fair feet in case we need to send off and prepare for war...though they'd be wise to not bring it to such as I will make sure to make them regret it and be sure to refill our losses from their own men." he said in almost a threatening tone.
He looked at Lucen and nodded after the seriousness "I dare say it is much to early for us to be trying for formal engagement. Though perhaps a missive for her to come visit the lands once this is cleared up and before we begin our venture against the Faith?" he offered.
He stopped and actually stared for a moment at the table in almost seemingly lost thought before finally speaking up "Does anyone know the axe well enough? I feel wrong that one of the last arguments I had with my father was that of my own preferred style of fighting...it'd do me good to be flexible and would make my soul feel a bit at least to learn his." he said curious to see who would speak up.
"That would be Ser Manrel, lord Naelareon. He is ruthless and efficient and all that is left from his work is chopped pieces of man like a butcher would."
Ser Manrel smile widens it is almost scary as he looks at Wynnter "Yes Ser Javor Ashwood, I'm sure he will be delighted to see you and have you for company for about a month or so of travel plus the stay in House Grell in addition of course the time traveling back! What could go wrong?" for all his crudeness Ser Manrel had good instincts and once the sent of fear or doubt was caught he would give it chase.
Maester stops Manrel "Come now Ser Manrel, let us send Ser Tylar instead he likes the long rides and traveling more than most knights should"
Ser Manrel feigns ignorance or perhaps he is in the matter "Well, I'll leave it to Wynnter, of course I hope Ser Javor takes no offense should she choose another" putting Wynnter in the spot again
Ser Weyland briefly considers putting himself up for the trip to the Grell's but with the assassins and fanatics so thick about the Tournament he would prefer to stay behind and near Darne for the time being.
He therefore keeps his mouth shut, often saying nothing is preferable to saying something stupid. One of Weyland's lessons from the Tourney...
Wynnter
A page walks up to Maester Lucen with a little paper in his hand, probably wouldn't be here unless it was something interesting.
Awareness TN 9
IF succeed the Awareness roll you may try
Knowledge (Heraldry)
Looking at the page and then Maester Lucen but keeping his mouth shut as to not distract the on going talk
Darne gave Lucen a bit of a puzzled look, asking what was going on without saying a word.
Awareness
Knowledge
Maester Lucen eyes widen for a second while reading the letter "It seems the Coldbrooks have formally requested our assistance for the griffon hunt and to discuss further trade and military agreements." looking at lord Naelareon "It seems House Coldbrook has a need to engage in some military action, no doubt the Faith, as they are like the Blackwoods of northern decent and keep weirdwoods, not to mention they are among the most hated foes of the Faith just like our House"
Manrel's smile sent a shiver up Wynnter's spine, but she did her best to hide it as she leaned in, glaring at him. "Are you even aware of why I don't want Javor along?" She asked him as her left hand moved down to her left hip and brought out a flask. "Because if so, then you really are horrible." She said.
She then looked to her Lord a spoke, a hint of anger in her voice. "If he comes back with a bastard, that will not be my problem. Because I can promise you that it will not be from me." She stated before she leaned back sinking into her chair as she opened the flask. She took a quick drink before putting it away. "Just... nevermind... pick whoever you believe will help... I will, adjust and deal with it." She sighed as she sat foreword again. "It is what I've always done."
When the letter came in, Wynnter raised an eyebrow slight. She didn't know the mark but the fact it was brought in while they where speaking meant it had to be important. She listened to what Maester Lucen said but kept quiet for once. She had already given them information upon what she could do when it came to the griffon.
Darne looked at Lucen with curiosity. "They formally request....us to deal with their issues." he looked to the rest before looking to Lucen once again. "I made mention of this before but I don't see how we can truly help with this one other then sending out Garren with a few rangers...Bring me our Huntmaster and our Master of the Hounds after this and we'll discuss it with them personally. I don't see us going after it at this moment...but if they feel secure enough with possibly a retinue of archers...then I will permit it." he said before looking back to the group.
"As we were saying... Ser Manrel, consider this a challenge for my faith in you. So long as the reports come back clean from this outing from our Diplomat and you keep the peace, then I may have a position for you when we return to train me personally...would you find that appealing?" he asked in curiosity, offering a carrot to the man to make sure he keeps the funny business to an absolute minimum.
He looked to the others "What are we looking at bringing, sworn swords, members from our breathern, or are we looking to even included our trained garrison and Calvary?" he asked the group. He was fairly sure they could do without the entirety of their army.
House Coldbrook. Interesting. They also have enemies among the Faith.
"M'Lord," Bryn states, looking to Darne, "Where would you like me to go? Are we still to root out the Faith Militant here in our lands, or should I accompany yourself, Wynnter, or the Master of Hounds?"
Marcus thought over the words before deciding to answer to one the last question "I do not have expertise over the hunting or know really the requirements regarding safety and hunt for Griffon, so Garren is the better option to anwer to that question."
Pausing and mulling over his next words before continueing "As for the troops, I would suggest to leave our trained garrison and cavalry here in order to keep some troops in moment notice ready and serve under Ser Corrad for the meantime as we are away. Sworn swords would be better option for now".
Ser Manrel has no answer to Wynnter, only a smile that could mean anything at this point, but apparently he will do as the Maester asks and leave Ser Javor in favor for the other knight.
"I believe the hunt is something they don't literally expect lord Naelareon to attend, but it's a means to another end. Like talking about trade and other things"
This man shouldn't be able to get under my skin... If this keeps up the next few months are going to be hell...
Wynnter's eyes stayed trained on Manrel as she tried to read the knight. She knew if she couldn't figure him out before they left he'd be more of a liability then an asset.
"Are you going to answer your lord?" Wynnter asked him, still staring him down. "I believe he asked you a question Manrel." She told him.
Wyntter
"You will hear no complains from me my lord, I normally leave the talking to more silver tongued people, unless it's my axe talking for me" Manrel kneels "I would be honored to teach lord Naelaeon, I was your father sparring partner and learned much from him, that I can teach you"
Darne tapped his fingers on the table for a while as the other fussed and talked things through. He bit his lip before sitting forwards and coming to a conclusion. "I feel that we have Ser Ereth's campaign fully flushed out. Now then, this new bit of news with them formally requesting House Naelareon to join the hunt for House Coldwell." he said before taking pause.
He looked at Ser Ereth and felt a bit ashamed to even ask but he did all the same "I wish to go, I really do to see the moment your honor is reclaimed...however, I am unsure how the Coldwell's would respond to me sending Maester Lucen and my Mother along with our own famed Master of the Hunt and our Master of the Hounds. Lucen, you thoughts on this?" he asked.
"Coldbrook my lord" says Lucen "We must go back to heraldry studies to avoid such blunder in public"
Most of those present are obviously trying not to snort and laugh keeping their stone faces as best they can at the Maester comment.
"They will receive your mother, and won't think less of it, the question is after the last time we were all together, it might become troublesome. If your mother is to be wed and the Coldbrooks make a suitable offer you could loose the lordship, and everyone is aware. including House Deddings and Paege"
Wynnter just grinned as those around her tried to keep from laughing. "Ah... this is interesting..." She muttered herself as she settled into her chair.
"Correct me if I am wrong but, isn't your mother in or past her thirtieth name day? Why worry about marrying her off then? She's more likely to come into her change within the next five years, maybe ten if she's lucky." Wynnter pointed out. "And if her remarrying could loose our Lord his lordship, then she shouldn't get remarried." Wynnter said with a shrug.
"Well she can find a match, you just haven't met her, but she is very beautiful and more than a knight or a lord brother will court her, that is if we can find her instead someone else, like a lord that has lost his wife and needs a replacement" Maester Lucen grins "Much work to be done, so little time"
"Mmm, I love how you refer to her as a "replacement" Maester." Wynnter said with a smirk as she shook her head. "And I never said she isn't beautiful, because of the fact I've never met her. My statements come from the fact you said it may loose our Lord his lordship." She shrugged as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Isn't that always how is works Maester? So much work to be done but only so much day light to do it in. Speaking of things that need to be done, does anyone have a tailor they recommend? I need to get a dress in House Naelareon's colors... my dress is far from those colors." She asked as she leaned back onto the table.
Ser Weyland shakes his head at the further complication and frowns at those who would chuckle at Lord Naelareon.
"I fail to see the humor in a mere slip of the tongue my Lords and Ladies", Weyland states as he shifts his longsword from one waist to the other.
"The very thing I think we should avoid, splitting up seems inevitable if we are not to offend the Coldbrooks. Still I believe that wherever you choose to go my Lord either myself or Ser Marcus should be beside you".
Darne frowned a bit and put a hand over his eyes a bit embarrassed at the slip up.
He quickly changed his frown to a smile and waved his hand at Ser Weyland and began to laugh himself. "Now now, everyone at this table has taken a poke at one another, I have joined in as well. No reason to get upset over me getting my own." he said trying to act like he was not upset by this slip up.
He turned the conversation quickly "I doubt I would see my mother marry another and give up the family's power to anyone outside our line. After all, it's not like she poisoned anyone to attempt to get the seat of power for herself." he said, while feeling that the line was a bit off color to mention but felt it was needed to be said.
"I am sure we can find you a tailor after this my dear" Maester Lucen nods.
I agree you must keep the company of them both, so you have a champion on both horse and foot if the need comes, or if trouble should rise" Ser Corrad agrees with Ser Weyland
"I'll keep Wynnter safe my lord, on my honor and that of my House" pledged Ser Manrel winking at Wynnter in reassurance.
Regarding the mother possibility of poison, maester Lucen wants to speak but says nothing as well as Ser Ereth, the only two that would seems to say something decide not to do so, as it would be more complicated than what they are now.
"It is settle then, let us all ready for traveling and confirm who is to stay here and who is leaving were to get the men ready" says Ser Tobin that couldn't quite follow through it all, but decides to ask for clarification as to serve his lord better.
Dear gods what I have gotten myself into...
Wynnter just shook her head slightly when Manrel winked at her. Though her attention quickly turned to Lucen and Ereth. She gave them each a inquisitive look as a slight smirk tugged at her lips before Tobin's words made her turn to him. "I believe Ser Manrel and I are going to House Grell, hopefully to ensure this doesn't come to war. Out side of that, it seems most of it is up in the air." She told him.
"...Hmm.." Wynnter turned and looked back to Darne. "My Lord, I believe you should go to the Coldbrook's griffon hunt. Taking either Ser Marcus or Ser Weyland with you. Along with the Master of the Hunt. Then send the other and Ser Tobin here, with Ser Ereth to take care of his lands. Leaving Ser Corrad here to gather troops should I fail, or to deal with the Faith upon your return." She explained softly. "I would suggest taking Ser Weyland over Ser Marcus with you, only for the soul reason that Ser Marcus himself stated he had no idea how to deal with a griffon." Wynnter said simply. "If you are worried that Ser Ereth may need a member of you House to give the final word, send a writ saying that are acting with your approval. If you trust them that is." She smirked as the last sentence left her lips.
Darne listened to what Wynnter had said and shook his head. He knew he couldn't send his mother, if he did then who would be left to oversee the day to day of the House. No, there were going to be too many of his advisers out and he needed her expertise at home.
He sighed "No, we can't send off Lady Naelareon for this. With me away on either mission, we still need a member of the family here to handle the day to day decisions. She has the most experience with it so she is best suited to stay behind. Ser Marcus, you will go with Ser Ereth and the other sworn swords to restore Ser Ereth's name. Wynnter, you will take with you Ser Manrel and one other with you to keep you safe to negotiate with House Grell. You'll ride Onyx, he's a fine steed and a good bargaining chip. I will take Maester Lucen, Garren, our Master of the Hounds, Ser Weyland, and Ser Rupert Blackwood along with me to go to the Coldbrooks and deal with this...Griffin and other needs. It'll help to have someone familiar with the weirdwoods...Ser Corrad, I leave troops to you." he said as he scratched out his orders on a piece of paper.
He looked up when he was done "Is everyone in agreeance with the assignments? I didn't want to stretch us as thin as this our first mission out but I believe in the capabilities of my family and our friends and allies. I expect to see you all and with good news upon our completion. I shall ride to join you if the hunt takes less time then expected." he said smiling to everyone.
He waited to see if there were any more corrections or questions before saying one last thing to wrap things up "I will be relaxing in my room and packing a few things. I'd like to speak to a few of you one on one. Wynnter, Ser Ereth, Maester...when you get the time please stop by, I wouldn't say no to bringing a drink or having one brought up with you. Anyone else that needs me, I extend the same invitation." he said as he stood up and exited the room.
Ser Weyland stops Maester Lucen as Darne exits, "Maester, tell me, have you ascertained what poison was used on myself and my Lord while at the Tourney?"
Maester Lucen coffs for a moment to get attention "I believe my services can be best here my lord, to help lady Gwyneth with the House decision as an advisor"
Darne nodded "Forgive me, you are correct. I probably gave mother a little too much credit and you not enough" he said realizing his mistake.
"I am honored you'd allow me to ride your personal steed." Wynnter said, giving a respectable nod.
When Darne asked to speak with her, among other, in private her stomach dropped. Joy... She just gave a simple nod to him before she looked to Ser Manrel. "After I speak with our Lord I would like to speak with you about which knight you pick and our plans for travel." She told him. "Where am I most likely to find you?" She asked.
"Depends at what time you look for me" with a serious tone "Today we train the men with Ser Tobin until the afternoon, then I practice my self before bathing, and then I might be out for some drinks or early bed depending on my mood" Manrel and Ser Tobin get ready to walk out with their orders given.
Ser Corrad and Chris speak with Lucen to request support from the bannermen and House Deddings and Paege. A page was sent for Ser Rupert for lord Naelareon to report as soon as possible and ready for traveling.
"Then I will try to find you just after noon. I do apologize that I'll be robbing you of your practice time, but I am sure your skills will be unhindered." She said, her tone became more of a joking one when she spoke of his skills.
She stood from her chair and looked to Darne. "I shall come to speak with you once I have taken the rest of my things to my room and change out of these clothes, since they displease you so." Wynnter said respectfully.
With that she returned her cloak its proper place, before pulling the hood up over her head. She turned and left the room, once again falling into man's way of walking then a woman's. She needed those who saw her dressed like this to believe she was a man, else her disguise would never work. However when she did make it to her new room the disguise fell away, the cloak and men's clothing where toss onto the bed, followed by her breast bandages. She dug out her only dress from her bags, a long sleeved lavender colored dress that hung just low enough in the front to draw the eye. After sliding it on Wynnter retrieved leather belt from the same bag and wrapped it around her waist. Once she was done dressing, Wynnter turned her attention to her hair. She combed it over and let it fall over her shoulders. She didn't see the point of putting it up.
Final done changing, Wynnter left her room and headed for Darne's room. Though her face didn't show it, her mind was a mixture of worry and curiosity.
It feels like I'm back in Wolf's Den... Might as well be.
When she reached his door she politely knocked before calling out. "My Lord, It's Wynnter. You wanted to speak with me?"
Darne left the table feeling exhausted. As soon as he was out of sight the practiced face fell away and he felt like he aged a few years right off the bat. He made his way to his room and began to get comfortable, dressing down as much as was going to be proper given his station. He pull his hair free from the tying and shook it a bit to get it to relax.
He sat down in his chair, one that was noticably more comfortable then the ones in the war room and he simply let his head hang back on the chair and stared at the ceiling for as long as this silence lasted.
When Wynnter arrived and knocked on his door, he sat up and straightened himself up a bit before offering to let her in. Another seat sat close to the fireplace though no fire was lit and he motioned for her to sit down. "I wanted to talk with you, I may have been a bit aggressive in our introduction. While I know your profession comes with a desire to stay hidden, I hope that at least around the Hall you at least can be at ease and be yourself. That said...." he said as he drawled off.
He looked around a bit before pulling up documents and such he had been reading over last few days. "I believe that while you may want to pose as a man along the trip, that you should be yourself when you go to do negotiations. Brigands are none to soft on women but at least as a man you insure a quick death, however at court you are more likely to be given more consideration and less apt to be held hostage or at least that's what I've come to believe with all the documents I could find on such events." he said as he looked a few bits of parchment and the like. He looked over the top of them at her at this point.
"You do at least know how to stay in a saddle or should I be sending a carriage along as well?" he asked somewhat teasing.
Wynnter entered the room and took the seat offered to her. She crossed her legs and leaned back in the chair as Darne began to speak. Though she had expected to be yelled at for her disguise, she couldn't help but laugh when Darne spoke of his aggressive introductions. "Well I'd say that is was more then a bit aggressive my Lord. After all you did threaten to have me killed right there." She pointed out with a slight smile. "Honestly your reaction was just what I expected from you. It is something I've grown accustom to. Though most don't see through my disguise, there are... other facts about me that unsettle nobility such as yourself." She shrugged.
"Oh? I am allowed to wear my disguise while upon to road?" Wynnter asked, a slight look of shock on her face. "I hadn't given it much thought honestly... With Ser Manrel and another knight to protect me I figured you'd want me traveling as a woman. But traveling as a man would be safer for me. However I did plan to appear before House Grell as a woman, after all the Maester even made a point about saying how easier it would be for a woman to get in and out safely. Wouldn't want to go mucking that up by appear as a man now would I?" She said giving a slight shrug.
When he brings up staying in the saddled she gives a smirk while offering a nod. "I can ride, yes. However sending a carriage would give me a place to change from my disguise into my gown without leaving me... exposed while doing so." She said with a simple nod. "However it may break the disguise I would be wearing. As my disguise is more of a wondering man then a diplomat." She explained.
Darne sat up and pulled his hair back a bit out of his eyes as he thought and then shrugged. "If you wish for a carriage, it can be provided. I'll leave that to your discretion. I have no qualms with you being in disguise, just qualms about you doing so in my House, in our House that is if you wish to be recognized as a part of this House. But if you wish to bring a carriage to keep your honor in tact with Knights like Ser Manrel close by then I understand." he said off-handedly. He knew that women, even smallfolk seemed to balk at the idea of anyone seeing them bare assed but their lovers, well at least those that weren't being paid to be so.
He looked at her quizzically as he recalled what she said earlier "What facts are they, are you worried by what you worship? I know that the House is mostly filled with Worshippers of the Seven but I hold no animosity to those who worship the old gods. Or perhaps you're worried about a scandal from earlier in life? I assure you, if you look towards Ophilia and Ser Weyland you will see that House Naelareon is fairly accepting...that is so long as you are useful and repentant." he said trying to be somewhat compassionate in nature.
He shook his head "So long as it's not some crazed thing like having an incestuous relation with your brother and raising damned children under our nose I think what your past has to offer will be of little concern." he said trying to make a joke of it.
Disposition: Dislike (DR 5)
Objective: Information (What are these Secrets of yours)
Intrigue Defense: 10
Composure: 9
Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
Objective: Explain
Intrigue Defense: 10
Composure: 9
Wynnter grew silent when her Lord questioned her. How could she explain? She never had to before. Everyone she'd met before just... knew. She took a deep breath before she leaned foreword in her chair, resting her arms on her knees. It would come out sooner or later what she was, and here she had a chance to sway and explain. "We where never properly introduced where we my Lord?" She asked, rhetorical of course, as she offered a sad smile. She knew everything would change when she answered his questions, it always did. "I am Wynnter Snow. The shame of House Ashwood. Bastard daughter of Lord Ashwood." She told him softly. "That is why I didn't want to ask Javor to protect me.... how do you ask a knight to protect the shame of his house? I simply don't find that just, thus will not ask it of him." She explained. "I am also very gifted with a bow... which is not something often seen as a good thing for a woman. I also use daggers when I get cornered in doing my work. Though that rarely happens."
Her hand grasps each other as she let out a low sigh. Her eyes had moved from Darne's to the floor before her. "My mother was a whore, so till I was ten I was raised in a brothel... Late in my tenth year I flowered and my mother saw it as a chance to make my father suffer." She said. "She intended to sell my honor and turn me into a whore. But she didn't go about it quietly, my father heard about it rather quickly and came to retrieve me from the brothel. So I was taken from there to Wolf's Den and..." She had began to tell her story, then shook her head as she leaned back in her chair. "Look at me... spilling my story, my past from there will not effect you my Lord. Only the fact I am a bastard, nothing more. I can promise you my honor is intact, after all it seemed to be the only reason my father even owned up to fact I am of his blood so I figured it would a good thing to hold onto." She smirked as she said the last part trying to lighten the mood.
Darne listened with interest, he honestly was a bit shocked that she spoke so freely and openly about it to him which made him assume she wasn't ashamed of it or that she simply trying to prove her loyalty. As she continued he assumed the later.
He picked up a cup and took a sip as she finished her story and he couldn't help but look a little shocked. He raised a brow at the poor taste in joke and sat his cup down. "Well, your...heritage is certainly questionable but as I said, House Naelareon accepts you. Just make sure that you show you are more than what you birth station says." he said perhaps a bit too sternly.
He stared at her for a bit in silence before lifting his drink "To your health...come back alive with your honor intact" he said before drinking to the toast and seemingly waiting for her exit.
Her lips slowly turning into a smile as she gave him a nod. "You are far kinder then others in this world." She said before the long silence fell.
When he raised the drink to her she just respectfully nodded to him. "Thank you my Lord, I plan to." She told him before she stood from the chair and made her way to the door. Though half way there she stopped and turned the top half of her body so that she could look back at Darne. "I also wasn't lying before, my Lord. If Manrel comes back with a bastard it will not be from me. I have lived the life of a bastard my Lord... I would never subject any child from my womb to that curse. The cruel fate of paying the price for something you have no control over, well this world is cruel enough. I don't need to add to it for them." With that she opened the door, moving through it and closing it behind her.
She took a long slow breath before she turned and headed off to seek Manrel.
Don't make a comment about the dress... Please don't...