Seeing that everything is done and well Marcus bows to Darne and excuses himself as he once again grap his sword and moves toward horses. Remembering something he turns fast around and once again approaches his lord My Lord, I will be taking my leave for a couple of hours as I do wish to visit the Isle of Gods. Do I have your permission to take my leave or is there still something to be done? Marcus asks with a humble and matter-of-fact tone, waiting for his orders
Cassondria will help watch the children while the menfolk prepare for events, and make some casual conversation with Ophelia.
"Does it eat at you that you can't participate in melee, or other events?"
Ophelia smiles a little as she answers.
Lucen walks over to the leather and wood case he usually keeps with him when away from his workroom.
"He you go...just mix it with a bit of wine and it will not taste so bitter. Guaranteed to keep your 'needs' under control. But use it sparingly, as too much could make you loose all interest permanently!"
Darne kept quiet as the older men spoke their peace, he knew the two weren't on the friendliest of terms but this particular conversation seems to be going well so he kept quiet. He spoke up and gave a polite bow at the end of the fitting to the two of them. "Thank you for assuring that I won't have an armor malfunction during the joust. Ser Weyland, I shall be sure to get it back to you in one piece and early enough we can get you refitted for it. If by some miracle of the gods that I make it to the final round, I may bow out and give the other nobles something to talk about to ensure you have enough time to get everything ready for your matches in the Melee. I would hate to be a detriment to your performance when you were kind enough to lend me your gear."
After taking off the armor and setting it back on the armor rack, Darne will then take off to go see his father. "Ah, father, would you like me to join you in the hunt this time? I haven't been going too often of late and given you good health I thought it would be a good chance to spend some time together outside of the audience chambers." he said smiling and waving to the other noblemen as they walked by.
"Do you have any advice for me this gathering? Any particular events you wish to see me join in on? I have a few of course I'm interested in and there is also the grand ball I must find a lady to accompany me to as well so I plan to show up to most of the social gatherings...is there anyone you wish for me to avoid?" he asked out of curiosity, he had really only studied most of the local minor houses but this event brought quite a few houses in that he hadn't had the chance to do a detailed analysis with Maester Lucen about.
Matthias finds Cassondria in Ophelia's company, watching bemusedly as they care for the children hefore intruding upon them.
I may have some small chance at victory in the Grand Melee or Joust. If not, I would still seek to bring some other gain beyond the senselessness of mock battle. I believe that, as Lord Naelareon advised, we could perhaps leave the tournament with a house or two for the betterment of our House. Where and how I would best direct those efforts is the assistance that I seek.
Garran bows as Lord Domeric says he hopes to join the hunt, and smiles at his good cheer. He says, "I will ensure all is in readiness for you then. How large a retinue would you care to take?"
"Perhaps we have more in common than I would have thought." Cassondria smiles warmly at Ophelia as she shuffles her evaluation of the woman.
To Matthias "Perhaps the Lady Ophelia would be better placed to evaluate your skills as a warrior. I know little of such things.
Though I've watched you fight, and you seem more than comfortable in the saddle, if you trust those creatures well enough to not let you down in a fight, perhaps the Joust would be fitting for you.
Though since the Melee occurs last, can you not partake in the Jousts and the melee both, if you are still in a state to do so?"
I do appreciate your observations in regards to the martial contests, I would need a mount to participate in the joust. However, the joust and melee I am not overly concerened with. I would seek your aid in matters of house politics - which minor house you would think be most advantageous to gain allegiance from for the betterment of our house.
"I do acknowledge that I am a capable combatant, some times. I would point out that I am somewhat lacking in the realm of social graces, however. Perhaps Cassondria might be the more capable teacher in that regard. If you can stomach a woman instructor with regard to spear, I would be more than happy to instruct. I would caution that from what I know of Westerosi custom and tradition, you would likely find yourself a laughing stock as if your enemies were to find I were helping you."
Ophelia ponders the concept of the ball. "I do believe tradition affords you one paramour and one betrothed. If Cassondria is amiable to play one part, I could certainly play the other. It will interfere with my duty to guard the children though. I will consult Weyland. Keep in mind, I do have a horse more than capable of bearing you, though you may need to spend some time with him before you take him into the joust."
Lord Domeric smiles at his Castellan "You may take your leave Marcus, enjoy your time while it's yours to have"
Looking at Garran "You are the Master of the Hunt impress me, but know that both children of House Naelareon must be there and hunt nothing less than a deer..."
"I understand. I shall speak with both Lady Cassondria and the young Lord Darne, and prepare them for the hunt."
Bowing, Garran turns to Darne and says, "If it will please you, my lord, I will instruct you on some of the basics of the hunt. It is most important to your father that you bring home a deer, and I must ensure both you and your sister have some preparation." Garran waits for Darne to agree so they can go and find Lady Cassondria.
Darne turned about when Garret spoke to him "Ah, yes...I will do father proud as I am hoping for no less then a boar. I figure perhaps with my skill with a spear and perhaps my sister backing me with a bow we might be able to make our father proud with a suitable kill. Give me a moment to speak with my father, the Lord and I shall join you in finding dear sister to prepare ourselves." he said before he spoke to his father.
"Thank you my Lord. I shall return before Dead of the Night" once more bowing and turning to head towards makeshift stalls to pick up his horse.
Bringing Belite with him outside of their camp before gracefully jumping on her and slowly trotting out from mids of the camps toward general direction of Isle of Faces before picking up a path/road to there.
Arriving a while later Jor let Belite wander for free in a nearby grass area as he himself walks toward the Isle of Faces. Entering nera teh weirdwood with white trees and faces almost like carved to their bark Marcus feel strange calmness.
Slowly moving towards one of the trees, which seems to be oldest - Marcus was not sure but just assumed due to its size - and sat in front of it. Marcus enjoyed the silence and the feeling of being there. Meditating and not speaking much, letting his thoughs and emotions shift from one to another in order to come one with himself.
The Old Gods are watching. The Old Ways are strong in me. I do not know fear. I have my loyalty to my House and utmost respect and desire to serve them. You shall be my judges. You shall be my watchers as similar thoughts run through Marcus and time passed without him noticing.
The Maester will talk to others throughout the grounds and try to pick up on any gossip or rumors. (not sure what I would need to roll for that)
My eyes widen a bit at Ophelia's suggestions, before continuing, obviously a bit flummoxed, "Lady Ophelia, er, your suggestion, for, um, having my cousin, Lady Cassondria and yourself play the parts of paramour and betrothed is brazen." My composure returns as I speak, "I am not sure what sort of stir it would cause. Nor would I wish to interfere with your duties to the protection and well-being of Ser Weyland's whelps." My words taking on a reserved, yet respectful tone.
"It is a shame that we here in Westeros do not observe the Dorne's customs in regards to heirs." I say as I look to Cassondria.
I ruefully shake my head, rubbing my hand over my face. "Perhaps I shall focus my efforts on the contests ahead and observe the arenas where I lack finesse. Lady Ophelia, I gladly accept the use of your mount for the Joust. I shall begin familiarizing myself with him when you have a free moment to introduce me."
"I thank you both for your time and words."
Ser Weyland walks the grounds talking to other Knights and Soldiers of the Household. As the afternoon grows short he seeks out Ophelia.
"My Lady. I thank you for your assistance this day. I shall take over my parental duty and see that my son is fed and beds down. I do not wish this trip to be all work and no play for you. I trust Kritus behaved himself today".
If Cassondria is with her,
Ophelia is likewise listening for rumors and tid-bits as she follows Weyland's youngest through the various stalls at the Tournament, eager to find lemon cakes. Equally eager to learn more about the Hunt, and women's roles in the hunt.
I do hope I am able to assist Cassondria in spearing a boar. How delicious would it be to have the two womenfolk return with a giant beast. . .
Lord Domeric looks at Darne like a warrior would measure his opponent "You will participate in the joust, melee and hunt. You will find a lady for the ball and bride" looking at some papers a scribe brings "I also need you to avoid the Bracken and Blackwoods, they are in the brink of their third war and we have stayed out of it for the last two, let's keep us out of the third one too. Also avoid the Marsten and Tullison they are here to seek men to fight their wars, because they are weak, and can barely defend their lands from clansmen threat." rubbing tired eyes and sore neck waving Darne to follow into the tent "This is the perfect place for you to find a bride hopefully someone our equal or in better standing, take that lady to the ball, seduce her, let's hope you can get marriage deal or at least courtship" sitting down more tired than he should be, now you know the angry side of him will speak as he always does when in pain and tired "Listen Darne you are my son, but if you show me unworthy I will have no problems adopting Ser Corrad or Ser Manrel, they will gladly take the Naelareon name over theirs and they are of the same decent as we are. Your sister will pick one and wed him, that is all, so thread carefully, your mistakes will cost you your future, same goes for Matthias and your sister" with a smile in his face as if he hadn't been harsh "Anything else Darne?"
Darne listened carefully and attentively to his father as he spoke. It seemed that he would have a hard fought and busy weekend. "Yes father, I will make sure to enter those events though I will be a bit low on armor for the melee. I thought only to secure a more proper set of armor for the joust but I think the lighter armor will give me an edge with my fighting style. That being said, I shall indeed watch out for the those houses you mention. I have no interest in their wars as our house is currently not involved in them and I dare say I prefer to stay in peace when we can. Though if and when it is appropriate I am ready to go to the lines if needed for our house. As for marriage, I shall do my best to find a suitable lady to take along to the ball and begin to court her." he said as he followed his father and put a hand gently on his shoulder as he took a seat in private. "I shall be wary to keep myself from faltering during this event and in the future, I am not keen on besmirching the family name or even my own. As for the hunt, I thought it might be a good time for myself and my sister to attempt to get along with each other and maybe find ourselves a large boar to slay together. Help show the rest of the houses that we aren't a bunch of squabbling children." he offered.
"Ser Weyland, I was simply passing time while waiting for events to start - your children reflect well upon you." nodding to them both, "I should see my father and see if he has any plans for me at this tourney, I expect he'll be looking for me soon."
Cassondria departs to find her father.
Darne would step out of Lord Naelareon's tent and spy his sister. He quickly walked up to her. "I see you are seeking father's council too today. Careful he is in a bit of pain at this point and you know how his temper gets. When you are done speaking with father, I believe Huntmaster Garrin wishes us to join him for a bit in regards to the upcoming hunt. I hope to speak with you a bit before that though." he said as he turned about and walked with his sister up to the tent door and opened it for her.
Darne
Awareness TN 9
When you say my fighting style, Domeric's eyes grow bigger and with hatred
"You trying to kill your sister?" slapping the hand of his shoulder "Your sister has nothing to do in the Hunt, she has other things to do and if she goes, she will be escorted by guards, Ophelia may be of more use to you for that. I know it displeases you that she is a warrior woman, but that is the customs of Dorne." waving you away as the conversation takes a toll on him.
"Forgive me father for pulling your ire, I only meant for Ophelia to back me with her bow. But as you say, if you wish I shall speak to Ophelia instead about working alongside me in the hunt." he said bowing to his father. He forgot that his father wasn't terribly keen on his picking up the fighting style of another house while he was being raised. He thought abit about speaking to Maester Lucen perhaps later and trying to find a proper teacher for learning his father's ways. He exited the tent quickly after speaking to his father on the subject unless there was something else his father would say to him.
Weyland collects Kritus and shoos Chris back to Ser Corrad scolding him to make sure he is properly handling his Squire duties.
Weyland will sit down to dinner and add small bit of the potion that Lucen made to his soup, a very small amount. He will then retire for the night.
Given that his sister would indisposed for a bit and that Garrin had wanted to see the two of them together, Darne decided it best that he go speak with Ophelia.
It took him a bit to find her as she had been a busy woman with her charge of handling Ser Weyland's youngest for the day but he waited till she was done speaking with him before stepping up and speaking to her.
"[b]It also has come to my attention that father will be using this gathering of houses as a means to test who would be worthy of being Heir, I am curious...Who would you see as heir if you had your choice?" he asked politely.
Cassondria gives a polite nod to Darne as she enters her father's tent.
"It seems you've spent some time speaking with my brother, is there any council you wish me to observe on our stay here?" Cassondria's voice is soothing and calm, as she tries to ease his mood.
Returning slowly from his trip against the setting Sun, Marcus reaches the perimeters of his House. Walking Belita back to stalls and moving towards his tent to prepare for coming activities on tomorrow.
It would be nice to avoid all this hassle and talking with other people but cant really keep my distance. Huoh, why does this has to be so damn hard and annoying. thinking to himself of the pain and effort he would have to exert in the upcoming days.
Reaching his tent Marcus quickly places his equipment visible and checks his sword condition before deeming it good.
Moving back to the "yard" Marcus checks the surroundings once more and inspects guards and other soldierse well-being. Looking around Marcus can finally relieve his worries for one evening and night before retiring back to safety of his own tent
Ophelia's face brightens at the mention of a hunt, "I would be more than happy to assist in the hunt, m'lord, I am better with a spear for purposes of large game. Water Dancing requires a better partner than a boar."
When the conversation turns to politics, the Dorne's joy quickly evaporates. Sucking some air between her teeth, she quickly asks, "May I speak frankly, m'lord?"
"I believe that decision is best left to your father. It would be unseemly and useless for me to offer an opinion, unless you are seeking someone to sooth an perceived injury to your dignity. I am not well enough versed in your House to understand which you seek. I cannot believe you would be seeking political advice from me, however; perhaps you meant to inquire of Cassandra?"
He said a little heavy in the speech. "That said, the weight of everyone's opinion in our house has merit and I am sure that your voice as well will weight in on the outcome, that is why I ask."
He smiled at her "Did you know that I also favor the spear? I would love to have a fellow spear user to dance with, I feel it could only lead to both of us furthering our craft."
Darne smiled "I bear her no ill will and I do feel that she would make more of a proper heir than perhaps Matthias or the other Knights in our family. Make no mistake, I do not place value on our simple birth right as being the reason one of us should be the heir. While Matthias may have me beat in a sword, he does not have the ability to dance in a social situation and that is where a Lord or Lady for that matter should focus their attention. You can train others for the field of battle but the court is where a Lord is supposed to be present and myself and my dear sister are the ones who have the best training in these manners...I think." he offered.
"It would be interesting to see Cassondria take the position but I fear that she won't be allotted the ability to rule, she will have to marry and no house would allow her to keep the power as they would prefer to see their own son or cousin taking over. I wish it wasn't so in Westeros that if she became heir she couldn't be overthrown by a simple marriage." he said showing remorse at that thought.
"Lady Cassondria, will you be joining the hunt in 2 days' time? If you wish, I will give some instruction on the hunt come morning - with a proper escort, of course."
Garran bows as he asks the question, awaiting her response.
Matthias leaves Ophelia and Cassondria, deep in thought, pondering what they had to say in regards to his idea to try and make some headway off the battlefield.
It is no surprise that Uncle advised me to direct any efforts amongst the houses toward those of lesser status. However, it does seem telling that Lady Ophelia and Cassondria advised me to direct my efforts towards the field. I cannot accept that. Father always said that greatness awaits no man. Too many opportunities for glory and folly.
Eventually, Matthias finds himself in the "yard". At first he was going to find a stableman to show him Ophelia's horse when he spots Marcus just outside his tent. Waving to Marcus, Matthias approaches him just outside his tent.
Good evening, Marcus. You have the look of a man satisfied that things are as they should be, or close enough as to not draw your ire. If you have a moment, I would speak with you privately.
"Good evening Ser Matthias. Actually, I am free so go ahead so go ahead and ask me. I am not sure how may I help you?" Marcus greets back as Matthias approaches him
"Ah, like always with these kind of trips. A lot of time will be taken and everything has to be organised but in the end it is just a small things when you are used to it"
Cassondria would be a fitting heir, having learned well the interplay between houses from Lord Domeric. However, as things stand, being married off looks to be her fate.
Darne seems to have the potential, but is rough and unpolished. With time, he could be a Lord worth serving. However time does seem to be a commodity in ample supply when considering Lord Domeric's troubling health.
It is quite possible that either Ser Daerros or Ser Veleris could distinguish themselves here at the tournament, so much so, that one of them could be selected as heir.
And then of course, there is myself as a consideration as heir. I pause a moment before continuing.
You have always been forthright. As Castellan, you serve House Naelereon in a critical capacity, seeking to protect and maintain its strength. With whom do you see that strength growing.
Eyeing Matthias for a moment in silence before answering what he held to be truth "As much as I do enjoy Cassandria and I do agree she would make a great heir for the House... I do support young lord Darne. He has all the rights to be a lord and he does have the right qualities to make a great one, although I would wish him to get a proper grip on his life."
Thinking of how to continue before Marcus continues "He do have to prove himself here in the Tournament. Not just in front of the Lord but also in front of everyone else in the House including me. It does not matter if he is a still wet-and-inexperienced but at some point he have to grow up and take what is his. It is also true that no one will have what it takes at the beginning. I believe that in case of Darne he will grow in the position, not into position. For that he will need all the help people can offer."
Now measuring Matthias and looking at him in the eyes I do know that Lord has accepted you into family and you do not have ill will. There is a chance for all three of you to compete for the "heir". Still, my interests lies for the House and doing my best for it"
I am initiating an Intrigue to try and convince Marcus that I would be the best choice for heir.
Thinking the reasoning behind the words of Matthias Marcus is sighing "I do understand what you mean but there are still a bit time before anything will be decided. Darne would need all the help he can and we are there for him, even when he is inexperienced and need help. Everyone does not have what it takes at the beginning."
Will try to convince Matthias to support Darne, instead of trying to get the position of heir
Think on this. While Darne is young and has the potential to grow in the position, he is nowhere near as seasoned as you or I. Also, while we both agree that Cassondria would be a sound choice, the laws are quite clear about the rules of inheritance. My heritage is well known, yet I have risen above that. Proving myself the measure of the Naelereon name...and if I may be bold, just as you have proven yourself worthy of more than being Stormborn.
-1D = 8
"Well, I do not know what to say to that. So far I do have to see all these things through but the future of House Naelareon is dependant on the unity of its people"
I agree with you, House unity will be paramount.
"Not only unite but in order to bring everything out of Darne we need more of a Lord, who can excel among other Lords. I do not know much about politics and such, but I do know that we are more alike in that sense: We do not share the cunning and ability to bluff which is highle needed for leader of House" Marcus tries to speak more in a direct way to emphasis Matthias skills
Matthias considers Marcus' words, a thoughtful look comes across his face.
"Well, I do hope that Darne will show us some good qualities now during Joust and Hunt. That could prove his skills at rising to be a true Lord but I do trust in him
Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
Objective: [Service] Convince Opheila that Darne would make a better lord.
Keep 3
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9
Keep 4
"Ophelia, my dear, you are a smart and strong woman but you know what I am saying is true. To be honest, it would be better if Cassondria were to not take the title of heir. For her sake if she weren't chosen as heir we could prolong her courtship and find her a proper husband perhaps even one she may actually like not just one that helps the house gain prestige." he offered trying to win her over with a bit of charm.
Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
Objective: Service (promote Darne's cause)
Initiative:
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9
Clearing his throat as Marcus began to use his more tactical side "Anyway, we might consider that since Darne is first born of Lord Naelareon and being raised to handle these situations in the court and with other lords, would it be not a better choice to support him? Surely you can achieve high position or even have your own House"
"Ser, I am still quite sure you should be speaking to someone of more bearing and breeding than I. Let me locate Marcus for you." If Ophelia can break out of her cornered position, she immediately sets forth to locate another knight for Darne to speak with.