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Darne remains silent, left to ponder the words the sept had to offer him. The ride back to the hall was a quiet one, almost overbearingly so. He knew in the coming years that his mettle would be tested, both his steel and his mind. He hoped for all their sakes that mind, steel, and tongue were as sharp as Valerian sword.
Darne looked over the serene location. He'd have not picked it himself but as he looked out at the river, he knew that this would have been what his father had wanted for his burial site. It was calm, it was quiet, and it had a good view of the river. He shook his head and looked to the Septum. "This will be fine, I shouldn't have been so quick to try and 'fix' this." he said simply. He stared out at the river and just watched it for a time, not saying a word for perhaps too long.
Darne scratched his chin a bit. "I had only heard that my father had set up for this but had never ventured to see what he had chosen. Personally, I would like to choose somewhere perhaps deeper in the forest, a small grove of sorts to build the family resting place..." he said tiredly, he was certainly not prepared for this day despite his mothers failing health. He bade the man to come with him to look over the spot his father had set aside and see if it did justice to what Darne had in mind.
Darne would have begun work with the Septum. His father, while he had gained in status over the years, was a simple man a heart and had loved the life of a Merchant. So, Darne started to go over things with the man about how best to tend to the funeral. He wished to find perhaps a quiet stretch of woods to clear and create a private graveyard where the family could visit and the two could be laid to rest peacefully.
Darne snapped back to the world of the living with Aaralyn's insistence. He looked at her, his eyes filled slightly with surprise before her words touch him. He smiles softly "Thank you, but my duty to my family and as Lord takes precedence...But I promise, I will find the time to mourn them properly once they have been given the rest they deserve. I need to get the Sept here and get things in motion for our people to join us in paying their respects to the man and his wife, for he has touched and enriched many lives with his life's work." he said softly. A hand gently touches her face as he finishes speaking, a gesture to show his thanks and to show that he would be alright for a little longer. He started back towards the stables once more, he wouldn't let anyone else hold the responsibility of summoning the priest for this occasion. It would be a disservice to the two for someone other than family to bear such news.
Darne stands there for some time then as the Maester breaks the silence he shakes his head. "This disease had been plaguing them for some time...unless you are a miracle worker, it was their time." He pauses for some time "I don't imagine to know your job as a healer maester...but they deserve their rest." he says numbly and somberly. He rests a hand on the man's shoulder for a moment and then leaves the room almost stumbling in his current mental state. Should anyone be watching him...he seems to be making towards where the horses are.
At first it looked like Tele's words had fallen on deaf ears. Darne sat frozen in place for a few seconds, the words racing through his mind as his body tried to catch up with the meaning of them. Suddenly he was moving, running past his brother, knowing the face he saw had only confirmed what the woman had said. Still, he wouldn't let himself believe it till he made it to their doorway. It took several long moments, what seemed like days before finally his hand touched the door and pushed it open. He stood there in the doorway staring at the scene, waiting to see if a breath would draw. There he waited for minutes, unflinching, barely breathing himself. Finally, he managed to croak out a few words "Get...the Maester here as soon as he is able." he said simply.
Darne had been lost in his own mind as worries were relieved and new ones had so quickly taken their place that he'd forgotten himself and his where he was. When Aaralyn had touched his face, it snapped him back to the present for the moment. "I'm alright, just perhaps a little too relieved and worried at the same time." he said looking up at her. "You might be right, perhaps a bit of bread and water is in order for everyone till things settle down and we can all sit down for breakfast." he said as he stood himself back up. He took Aaralyn's hand and helped her up after him before kissing her on the cheek for worrying so much about him. "I'll have a page send for it all, we should at least get two hands standing by at the Maester's call to fetch whatever he might need." he said trying to get back to the business at hand.
Darne was grateful that Aaralyn did a good job of catch the names and things that fell through the cracks in his brain. He would have mentioned him had the days of so long not held their toll on his sleep. Last night had been the one good sleep he'd gotten in at least a month after the festivities and activities leading into the night. He watched as his brother rushed away, holding his breath a bit. Should he follow? Did duty to his Kingdom come before duty to his House and duty to his parents? He stood there holding his breath almost a minute, not realizing it before he finally let it go and took another. What has already been done, is done. It'd do no good in his own mind and eyes to rush to their bedside now. He'd hoped for the best but feared the worst as his mother had been unable to attend the wedding and his father had gotten so ill so quickly now that the facade had dropped. No, this was better this way. The House and himself would be seen at being dutiful and loyal to their Prince while his brother had the freedom to show the emotion of the House. Still, dreading the news, he waited by the door worrying that even though the Prince had awakened that both Lady Stark and the Prince weren't safe yet. It could take weeks before they would be deemed off death's door. He sighed, slumping to sit upon the floor with his back against the cold stone wall. Surely gossip would spring up about him looking so tired the day after the wedding and all sorts of rumors were bound to come along. He had started the day so full of energy for the first time in a while, only to have it drained in a matter of minutes. He slammed his fist against the wall for feeling weak.
Darne turns his attention to the Maester "I may be Lord of this hall but these two are under your care. Send away whomever you need to save Ser Selmy and Lady Naelareon." he said addressing Maester Anders. He turned his attention at this point to the Prince. "You had us all quite worried my Prince. You indeed took quite the long nap, though not nearly as long as you may feel it was. Ser Selmy and Lady Stark Mary left your side. I will save the stories for later, once you are cleared by the Maester." he said trying his best to keep his manners and taking the situation in line. He bowed his head slightly to the man and took to stepping outside with his brother for a moment. "How fares our parents? The entire house has been shouting about the Prince and them." he stated in case he hadn't heard all the news.
Darne looks around bewildered "What in the seven gods is going on in here!" he said looking around trying to figure out the situation.
Looking at how to spend Glory, refer to discord for discussion. Trying to understand our situation with House fortune rolls and such.
Darne bolts up at all the noise and is quickly shoving himself into pants. He looks over at Aaralyn to make sure she is well. This was not the lazy morning after he had hoped for. "Rush to your friend's side. I'll be there shortly." he said as he made himself the barest of decent. He grabbed a shirt and threw open the door. He grabbed the nearest person "Find my brother and send for him to our parents side. Send for the Maester to rush to the Prince." he said practically sweating from the rush of adrenaline and mild fear of what could happen this day. It hurt him to not rush to his parents side, but he had been groomed for this day to take care of his House, his family. And that meant everyone, not just his parents. He rushed down the hall, dressing himself as best he could while he went. He'd be little more than a witness he'd imagine at either bedside...but it was an important duty all the same.
Darne was appreciative of all the work that everyone was putting in. He was a bit disappointed at the turn out, but this wasn't about the guests. He nodded politely and smiled at the newest Lady Naelareon as she made sure that both her new family and old were taken care of. He made sure that some was set aside for the Prince, his men, and Lyanna. He smiled and even invited Nan up to the table to sit with the Naelareon family. She may not be blood, but it was plenty evident that she was family to his bride. First Night: He was honestly glad that the days celebrations were over, though he had to admit that they offered a cathartic release for all those involved. These past few months had been a swirl of activity and worry and at least for one day he would make sure to put it aside. When he was pushed up into his room after his bride, he laughed a bit and closed the door behind him. He was thankful no one was outside shouting suggestions or attempting to barge in drunkenly. He saw Aaralyn looking nervous now that they were alone and he could only manage to barely contain a small chuckle at the sight. "A grand affair would have been much more exhausting. I think with everything that has happened it was perfect to offer everyone a chance to breathe and live a little." he said smiling. He looked at her as she rubbed her arm and seemed to have trouble finding her words. "Surely you haven't lost your fire now that you've been hidden away with me? Do I need to stoke that fire back out of you?" he said teasing her a bit. "I enjoyed myself, yes. But this day was yours as well. I'd be remiss to ask if it wasn't what you'd hoped for." he said smiling. He stepped inwards to her and wrapped her in a gentle embrace for the moment, hoping to quell her nerves about the night.
Darne finally found it was time to slow down and stop finding things to keep him busy. It wasn't as crazy a flurry of work to prepare the Lord for his wedding as perhaps the Lady but Darne did look his best for the occasion. Darne wasn't as tall as his brother or as built. But he did look rather swarthy against the pale white of the snow. His skin starting to pale with less sun and work in the fields and rivers to be done. His long black hair was carefully combed and neatly cut to give it a wavy appearance that made it's way slightly past his shoulders. His beard had been cut close to his face and carefully trimmed to give his jaw a stronger appearance. His clothes were amongst some of the finest that could be found in the area. His tunic and breeches were of high quality material of dyed dark red of wool, layered with silk to help keep out the cold. Embroidered carefully on the clothing was waves crashing made of emerald thread. The buttons made of polished silver. The collar around his neck matched the embroidery causing his greenish hazel eyes to shine. He waited up at the Sept for his soon to be bride to come, smiling brightly despite the heaviness of the last few weeks. He watched eagerly as the soon to be Lady Naelareon made her way down the aisle and held his breath as he saw her in her finery. His eyes shown even brighter once she came closer to reveal the smile was not an act. When her maidencloak was removed, he carefully undid the silver broach the held his own on. Pulling the middle prong of a small trident free from the hilt. The cloak was lined with heavy rich fur, bearing outwardly the dark red and green colors of his House and emblazoned with silver thread a trident on the back. He bowed his head as he placed it upon his bride and gave a small wink to her to hopefully offer her some reassurance and comfort. When the Septon began, he stared only at her. When asked for their hands to be join, he reached out and warmly took her hand into his own larger hand. He looked into her eyes and smiled sincerely as he waited for the Septon to do his thing.
Darne pauses as his Maester comes out the door. He hadn't expected to see him, since so much of his time was likely held up with the Prince's condition and his warning made him give pause and grow some concern. He had only came to see if there was anything that might help make their day easier. His thoughts roamed as it seemed the Maester would leave before he stopped and continued to speak. Darne turned and gave the Maester his full attention. "From this day on, our house will forever walk the blade of a sword. We will certainly have to be careful. Thank you for reminding of that, please if I ever lose such a mindset, remind me." He paused and stared at the ceiling for a moment before speaking again. "I'll speak to our Captain of the Guard. Make sure that the men don't imbibe too much today and keep their swords at hand." he said softly. "There is too much unknown to feel comfortable...Speaking of, is there anything I might be able to help with to keep my parents comfortable today?" he asked staring back at the door.
Darne made his way across the hall to check in on his mother and father to see that they are as comfortable and well as they can be for such a stressful day. He stopped outside of the door and gathered his composure before he announced himself and made his way in.
Darne tries to keep his nerves under control as both his wedding is upon them and the fact that the Prince has not awoken yet. Still, there have been no marches upon the House by the King and his army or anything really at all of the fact. Still, he awakens the day and goes about his normal rituals that have come to pass the past month. He makes himself presentable and then makes his way to the Prince's chambers to check on his state before going forwards with the needs of his hall. The day was busy with dealing with details of the lands on top of all the extra issues relating to the wedding. The extra stress had begun to show slightly upon the young Lord's face but beyond that, he managed to keep the facade of nothing was wrong.
Darne nodded politely to both men as they asked for their leave. He paused as he had much to consider. Once he was alone he raised a brow. Lothar's bride to be was beginning to prove to be quite a curious woman. Her ability to be unseen was beyond what he'd expect out of a handmaiden. And then there was what he believed to be respect coming from Ser Semly. Was that perhaps simply due to what he had done in the field, was it because of the Prince himself, or perhaps it was because of what his father had done in the past. He sighed, he'd not find such answers tonight. The Maester hadn't come to give him any good news today so he assumed the Prince was as good as he was the last time he saw him. He rubbed his temples, this was becoming quite the difficult ascension to Lordhood. He silently prayed that things would be quiet for a while and that the Prince would recover well enough and fast enough. He thought to himself after the prayer, Hmm, perhaps this is a sign I should be a more pious man. Though, I suspect my soon to be wife would be at odds with me if I favored the Seven over the Old Gods.". He made his way towards his bed, hoping for good news to awaken to.
The menfolk: Darne nods to his brother. "Aye, that's what will happen. Our House will do it's best to care for the Prince in the meantime and hopefully, we will be able to send a raven letting the King know that his son is alive and well before too much anger can brew." he said simply. He looked at Selmy "Do you and your fellow kingsguard require anything? I will do my best to accommodate you two so that you can watch over his room as long as you wish. I can also offer men to guard him should you two need a break." he offered.
The pow wow: Darne looks over the letter and nods his head. This looked like it would adequate. He sighed, hopefully this would be taken well. "You have a way with words Lady Karstark. Please, take the letter to the Maester and get his opinion so he will be in the loop. He'll know who or how to send the message." he offered, praising her. He slumped and looked at Sir Selmy. "I appreciate your honesty. This has been a very stressful time and we are all worried for the Prince, even still...I may have said things in the heat of the moment that I did not intend. And for that I apologize if I have say or done anything to offend you." he said solemnly. He swore that his father had retired when he did on purpose to cause him to grow gray hairs early in life.
Darne and Aaralyn: Darne tried to think about this carefully, it was true that lives could very well be in the balance for the information sent. However, he did worry for the lives of his own House more than the lives of the Prince's guard. He sighed "I worry, if we were not to offer some explanation of fault as to why the Prince was injured that he would simply blame us as his mind wanders for an explanation. There is fault in the Prince's men's inaction...to allow a beast to best them in action to protect and serve their only charge." he said beginning to scratch his scalp a bit in aggravation at the conundrum. "Perhaps we'd best see our Maester as well for advice on this? He might provide some insight we hadn't considered. Just as you were versed and taught differently than myself, he too was learned in a different manner." he said trying to make sure they found a solid answer.
Darne and Aaralynn: Darne paused, partially out of hope he could ask his father for further advice but quickly it became more so out of concern for his father. He bowed his head when the coughing finally quieted down. It was hard to believe he never saw the signs of his father being sick if he was this bad. He looked at Aaralynn and nodded before looking at his parents "I have to admit, I don't have the eloquence to put into words what I need to say to the King. It's easy enough not to admit fault in the situation but to write it out so...in noble terms, my learning simply hasn't gotten there yet." he said admitting his faults. He proceeded to squeeze Aaralynn's hand at this point "However, I have a lovely wife to be with just such a background. Can I trust you to provide the words I need? I'll write it, lest the king or some Maester figure out that it wasn't mine...But, the truth of the matter is, the Prince's men failed him. Having guards fail to come to their charge's aid? My brother and the Maester performed admirably, Lothar leaping to his Grace's side and slaying the beast while the Maester quickly performed the healing arms. Then, going by himself on horse to fetch a carriage to bring the Prince back safely to the Hall where we can better care for the Prince." he said recalling what all he knew. "Don't play up my role in this, I did little but fell one of the beasts first and then issue orders. But at least our House shouldn't be held responsible for this. I just wish the Prince hadn't taken my thoughts on armor so lightly." he said sighing and realizing that irony of the day's beginning.
Aaralyn and GM: Darne nodded feeling reassured and placed a hand upon her own on in a comforting manner. "Thank you, I think sometimes I worry to much of showing my father there is nothing to worry about and that I'll be every bit and more the man he wished me to grow up to be. I'll have plenty of time to carve out my own legacy without my parents sound wisdom and prove to myself that I lived up to their expectations and my own....but I'd be a fool if I didn't seek their console while I can." he said at length. This time it was he who took her by the arm and directed the twosome along. Along the way, he grabbed a servant and asked that they bring refreshments and food along to his parent's room for four. This discussion could take time and he'd honestly never thought well on an empty stomach. Once they had made it to the threshold of his parents door, he politely announced himself and Aaralyn before stepping in once they'd received an answer. "I've no doubt you've heard the news of our latest trouble...The Prince is injured and in not the greatest shape. Our Maester and the young Lady Stark are tending to him and they say he'll live but for now he sleeps. I've taken Lady Aaralyn's advice to heart and am hoping to prepare a missive to send to the King by horse. This should give us time for the Prince to wake himself up and to have better news to send by raven, but with the King's...nature, I thought it best to speak to you about how I might temper the anger that will likely swell at learning of his son's condition." he said a bit begrudgingly.
Darne started to speak up, wanting to suggest that Lothar might seek the Prince's Guard's permission before stepping on their toes but Aaralyn was quick to speak compared to him. Aaralyn and GM: Not only did she manage to keep his mouth shut, she maneuvered him away before he could protest and soon had control of the conversation. He had to admit she had a point and he himself had been thinking that a messenger was indeed better than a raven. He smiled and bowed his head to her "You have some Wisdom in your thoughts. It would also give the Prince some time to recover and stir, allowing us to send a raven to update and offer better news to ease the first bit of bad news before the King has the chance for his anger to swell to large." he said in response. He scratched his chin as he thought about the words needed but even he wasn't too sure how he could possibly word this message to soften the blow. The Maseter might be able to word this best...but he'd dare not interrupt his work in such an important time. "I know that my father might think it best for me to handle this alone or even with your aid. He knows the King best and might have some pointers in how to temper the dragon's flame." he said after some thought. "Your thoughts?" he asked.
Darne paused, he hadn't expected quite all of the people who had come along for the ride to save the prince. He looked at Lothar. "Carefully. I'll help lift him as well." he offered. He looked around "Maester, Lyanna. Go with the Prince once he's safely in the carriage. Take all of the Prince's men with you when you head towards the castel to guard you well." he said looking around at who that would leave. He didn't like the idea much of leaving wife to be to trod along with him and his brother so exposed after such a harrowing day. Still, unless she was to ride up on the driver's seat, then there would be no room for her. "Lady Karstark, might you be able to handle the Prince's steed?" he asked not completely sure of her riding skills.
Darne looked down at the prince with a somber look. He nodded to the Maester "Unfortunately the arts of healing have always been beyond me. We can only do as best we can. Moving him without some way to keep him from being jostled would be far too dangerous, even I can see that...so we must rely on my Brother to make it to the castle and grab a carriage." he said dejectedly. He sighed, how was he right about it being dangerous to be out. Just what was with the creatures lately. Surely it wasn't normal for a Stag to charge a group of people like that. And with the bear earlier...this was getting worrisome. He needed to have these things looked into.
Darne looked at the Maester and then at his brother. It would be a long walk to try and keep the Prince stable enough for the Maester to save him in this situation. He held up a hand to his brother as he moved to try and pick up the Prince. "It would be too slow and arduous a journey to protect the Prince in his current state. Brother, grab your horse and drive it to an inch of it's life as fast as you can to Hall. Get the carriage together post haste and return on the same path. Don't spare the horses, we have some here to replace them with. Time is of the essence." he urged. He looked at the Maester and then at the Prince's guards "One of you, help me carry him as carefully as we can. It might not save us much time but every bit helps. The rest of you, round the horses and protect the Prince." he said issuing orders to everyone.
Darne pulls his spear free as his brother shoved the creature off his own. Not wasting a second, Darne gives another stab at the creature before looking over his shoulder "How is his Maester!?!?"
Darne attempts to get his horse under control and turns it towards the Stag. He looks to the Maester and the guards "Protect the Prince! Brother, let's take this beast down!"
Darne smiled a she watched the deer slump, it seemed he would not make a fool of himself today. He turned to watch the Prince, His brother, and to see how the Maester fair. "Thank you, Your Grace. But, dont let me have all the fun."
Darne nodded at the Prince, if that was his Grace's request then he would oblige. It'd have to be luck for Darne to hit the Buck, he'd have to admit to himself. He'd never spent much time practicing archery and with their lives revolving mostly around the river, spears would have been better. He took a deep breathe and aimed. He hoped he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
Darne nodded at the Prince's words "It's as you say Your Grace. Things change between day to day. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, I don't know enough in the world of politics yet but I am learning and sometimes even the outside perspective can make all the difference in winning a battle." he said as he looked over at the deer. He wondered if they were within the Prince's desires. He pointed over to them "A small selection to be sure but it's young in the day, any to your liking?" he asked.
Darne paused, the Maester's words had merit and perhaps the Prince had not thought of these things yet. "My Maester's words are true, this will not be an easy task. There will be those who take these events as well as they would take poison. But, his council is in fact something for you to consider." he said calmly. He thought about it all for a moment, what would the Naelareon's be able to provide. He combed back his hair a bit in thought "One of our biggest strengths is our Mercantile history I would think. With access to the river and markets...we could be a good source to provide resources to a growing army. We ourselves are not ready to wage war, our House is still growing in strength and only our coffers have really prospered. Were we to openly show any strength, I'm afraid only enemies would greet us to strike us down at the moment." he said considering. "But, these alliances will take time to forge. It will give us time to grow ourselves and with each ally you find yourselves, is another source of strength for us to help grow and help ourselves grow in the process. War isn't cheap, so a good source of iron and timber will be needed and our ties to the North will prove valuable indeed." he said smiling a bit as he mused and tried to work through all the possibilities.
@Maester Anders, if you put no XP into a skill at character creation and took no flaws towards it, you should have a rank 2 in every skill treated that way. So you would be able to provide a +2 to the skill check. If I grasped the siding rules correctly.
Darne tries to smile off the joke made a but at his expense. It wasn't his intention to make such a joke about the situation but it was clear that his inexperience in hunting and his attempt to warn the Prince of current odd animal activity were not good partners.
He coughed and sent a page to get him a horse and bow and when the subject of where to hunt came up, he scratched his head.
He tried his best to suggest reasonable locations where he had spoken to hunters before about their trade and was thankful when his horse and bow arrived feeling a bit embarrassed.
Darne manages to sleep through the night. It is filled with some minor stressful dreams but otherwise is restful. He awakens the next morning and prepares for the hunt. He slips on his traveling clothes and then slips his ring mail over it. After running into a bear suddenly in the lands the last time, he felt it best to be prepared for something stupid than to left laying on the ground with his entrails strung out. He grabbed up his Trident and looked over the weapon, giving it a few swings in the confines of his room and privacy. He was pleased enough with the feel of it and it's condition. He stepped out and waited for the others to gather before finally moving along with them. He smiled at his brother and chuckled a bit at the Maester. He imagined this was going to be an interesting outing for them all. He bowed his head to the Prince "Your Grace, was there any particular game you are wishing to hunt? I will admit I don't go hunting very often. I was surprised the last time we went out to find that even the bears have been out and closer than normal. But perhaps that was just in Lord Roote's domain." he said, to make sure that the Prince and his retinue were informed of the recent odd behavior of some of the beasts.
Darne stood when Rhaegar asked him to walk with him. He looked at Lady Aaralyn with a gentle smile and nod before he followed his Prince. Darne: Darne stopped once the Prince seemed to have found a good place and listened. There was a slight cringe at how this conversation seems to have started. But as the conversation continued and a conspiracy grew, Darne tried to hide any signs of alarm on his face. He had heard the stories of the Mad King but he hadn't known their truth, much of the world of intrigue is based off manipulating information but for the King's own son to speak out and proclaim it worse than he had even heard... Darne paused "I will speak with Aaralyn. This prophesy cannot have it's words leave her lips again if what you say is true. I appreciate the kindness you have shown us and the support you are willing to proclaim in our favor. Our House, it is young, my Father...I did not get a lot of time to speak with him of his vision of the future but I doubt he would have shared any. I think he knew that his time was coming not long after being risen...so he only set things up so that Myself and the next generation could shape our future. I am an ambitious young Lord...I don't wish to hand my House over to my children as some minor House, so I plan to become great, and I can see no better way than to aid my Prince in this endeavor. I had heard the rumors about your father...but I always held my tongue for I had never witnessed any such wickedness or craze with my own eyes and ears. But for you to speak to me of it, it shows you trust me with your life, and I cannot simply ignore that. I pledge that so long as I am able to lead my House...I will support you and your claim to the throne." he offered, dropping to one knee.
Darne finally managed to start breathing again after the Prince had demanded Aaralyn tell him what she had dreamed. He hadn't realized he had been holding his breath at the time but it was evident when he finally began breathing again. He listened carefully, trying to consider it all. He'd not heard visions, prophecies, dreams of future in this manner. Most of what he'd heard as a child was things of old women speaking of the monsters of the sea or proclaiming the sinking of a ship after bad weather. He drank from his cup while he listened to her recounting of her vision, it certainly was vivid to say the least. He tried to recall a dream he could remember so clearly or with such great detail. But, he could not recall any such thing. When she was done, the Maester spoke up rather quickly, but it was at the last line that caused Darne to hold up his hand. "Do not get ahead of our present. The Karstarks are not fools, they have a hard winter ahead of them, and if what my betrothed has stated is the come...then they will likely need our House more than ever for their people to survive. They are not as fortunate as the Starks, whom can call upon pretty much anyone of the North and demand aid. Nor for that matter do they have the status to be able to negotiate easily and in their favor with those with rich, fertile lands such as ours...The Starks may show a flash of anger, but it will be quenched shortly enough as there is too much of a history and too many family relations for the Starks to condemn the Karstarks." he said. However, he left one thing unsaid...if there was to be a union between Lyanna and the Prince, the Starks could not help but be pleased by it. He could think of no Noble House that wouldn't at least behind closed doors be pleased by it.
Darne's face said it all. He was surprised and alarmed at the news, the clattering of his cup dropping from his hand and falling to the floor was only a further admission to how bad this situation might be. He looked between Aaralyn, Lothar, and Maester Anders wildly to make sure everyone was on damage control and the same page for the moment. He cleared his throat "It seems emotions have overflowed much like the wine I have offered. Let us call it a night, I am sure many of us have something we wish to speak of privately with our friends." he said trying to smile despite the sudden explosion of issues that came forth only moments before.
Darne looked around and held back his smile for the moment. He leaned close to the Prince "I see things are troubling you, if you ever need to speak to me in confidence, then come see me in my room. I'll make sure the guards guard the door for your privacy." he offered. He leaned back and began offering small talk on varying topics to those that engage him.
Darne stood till the ladies were escorted to their seats and he smiled and bowed his head slightly to thank Aaralyn for the introduction of the Lady Stark. He picked up a glass and smiled at Lyanna "Lady Stark, I see the journey has done nothing to temper your beauty. I hope that means that everything fared well? Please join us for salt and bread." he said politely. Once everyone was seated, he laughed a small bit "I must say my first day as Lord of my House has been eventful. Not only has Your Grace graced my halls but now a Stark has come to join as well." he looked around and chuckled "I fear based on how my first day goes, I may soon be know as the man who can't serve Salt and Bread appropriately." he said grinning. "All joking aside, I couldn't ask for better company this night. I wish to make a toast to everyone's health. May you all find prosperity, happiness, and health!" he said raising his glass.
Darne tried to hide the fact that the Prince fell upon the very subject that he had been trying to stall against. He smiled and took a drink from his cup before speaking "I am afraid I have probably taught her a bad habit of mine. I tend to spend my free time amongst the small folk, learning from them and of what they need. It tends to make one difficult to find and sometimes difficult to remove yourself from your people. I am sure she is likely cleaning up and making herself ready for dinner." he said trying to take the topic elsewhere to stall a little longer.
Darne pauses at the deflection but nods to the Prince "As you wish Your Grace. Would you allow my brother, the Maester, and our other guest to join us for this hunt? The Maester is a wise man but he lacks the sun needed for a healthy body so a good venture like this is a fine way to keep his health. My brother is a strong man and would be a fantastic addition to any hunt. As for our guest, he's a friend of the family, one our connections to Myr and my brother vouches for his capability with his fists and a weapon. We'd make for a fine hunting party with their attendance." he said deferring to his judgement on the subject. "I can understand as well, if you wish it only to be myself. Either way, I'd be honored to join you in the morning." he added afterwards.
Darne smiled offering his brother a nod at him continuing to entertain one of their guests. He was surprised at how quiet his Maester has been since the Prince has entered the picture given his eagerness to offer advice and conversation at any other point. Still, he did his best to continue pleasantries and small talk till his betrothed could join them. However, there was the small matter of there was only so much one could speak on the weather or state of the lands before you might bore a guest. He decided to take a small gambit "Your Grace, I had mentioned before that I wanted to make sure you knew of our capability and our loyalty. Your father saw in my own something worthwhile and believed in his capabilities. And while it is your right to roam the lands as you see fit, I would ask for any help you might be able to offer in helping my House prove ourselves. I can of course guarantee comfort easily enough without much direction from yourself, but I would find myself remiss if I couldn't offer as much help with your goals in your time with us as possible. However, to do that, I would need to know more of what your plans are while you stay here. Would you trust me enough to divulge any of your plans so early in our relationship so that I may help you succeed as best I can?" he said trying to both delay the Prince's boredom and suss out a bit more information for the Household to work with.
Darne paused and nodded "We should speak to father first to confirm their history before we invite him to a feast with the prince if you wouldn't mind waiting. I wouldn't mind speaking to him myself after we talk to father, I'm curious to see what a merchant from Myr is doing up at the Hall sparring with people and not haggling." he said chuckling a bit at the end.
Darne smiled "You have been with me the entire time this Hall has been mine." he said jokingly. He gave a small laugh before waiting till everyone was by their seats before sitting. He looked at the prince "It worries me that you find yourself in need of such people. You are our Prince after all. But, I can assure you, a Naelareon's word is his law. There is no bigger mistake or disgrace than for a merchant to reneg on their word and that has been beaten into our blood by my father." he said with deadly seriousness. His tone then changed "If you find us of pleasant company and capability, my Prince, then I would be honored to earn that title of trusted companion as would my brother and I am sure my soon to be wife."
Darne nodded and looked back towards his brother. He had noted that Lady Karstark had taken a backseat in this jaunt but he hadn't expected her to leave given the circumstances and their plans. When one of the servants moved to go past him, he quickly grabbed their arm to get their attention. He whispered quietly to them "Please find two of the pages, send one through the hall to find Lady Karstark, send the other back to where we had the House announcement and around the area to any place she might have gone. Her attendance at the Hall tables is requested...by the Prince" he said quickly before letting go and turning his attention back to the Prince. He smiled and beckoned the Prince into the dining room, hoping the Maester had managed to get everything in order in time.
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