|
Post by Trystane Sand on May 28, 2019 0:12:51 GMT 1
Occurs after this joust - greatbastards.boards.net/thread/1138/phase-2-battle-open-reactions
Trystane takes his time before approaching Lynesse. He knew it would be a delicate balancing act, and he had to keep his emotions in check. He wanted to know the reasoning behind her behaviour, and to do that, he had to go gently, even if his proverbial feathers were ruffled by her casual insults of his family members. Besides, he did owe her something of an apology himself, albeit for something he was not actually terribly sorry for. Making a detour via the gardens for an apology gift, he goes looking for her, making tentative enquiries near the Blackbriar camp.
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 29, 2019 0:53:15 GMT 1
The Blackbriar camp was watched by a handful of vigilant knights and men-at-arms, grown more cautious as news of bloody duels and rumours of dishonourable conduct in the main tournament began to spread. These men eyed Trystane with suspicion as a servant retreated to one of the main pavilions to inquire after Lady Lynesse.
A few tense moments passed before the servant returned with news that Lynesse would see him.
The pavilion itself was not particularly ostentatious. Two Blackbriar men at arms, the more severe and martial sort now in mild disfavour within the house, guarded its entrance and permitted Trystane entry with a scowl.
The mood inside was far warmer. A servant laid out a small platter of sweetmeats and poured a goblet of fine golden wine, before retreating to a polite periphery. Lynesse herself stood in deference to acknowledge Trystane's arrival, leaving a tome embossed with the Targaryen Crest discarded on a small table to her left with a pale kerchief inserted to mark the page. Though polite and hospitable, her welcome was a trifle stiff, and perhaps a little forced. She is certainly less at ease than when Trystane first approached her to dance.
"I am sorry we have nothing in the way of Dornish Red, if that is your preference, Ser Trystane. I have always found Arbor Gold better suited to my temperament. Please, take a seat and enjoy House Blackbriar's hospitality."
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on May 29, 2019 1:08:24 GMT 1
She is still a lovely sight for Trystane to behold, ruffled feathers aside, and he can't help but notice the sigil on her book with interest. He greets her with a deep bow and a reserved smile as he accepts the goblet of Arbor Gold.
"I've been surrounded by Dornish delicacies all my life. I actually savour the opportunity to try new things."
It is too late for him to keep his mind from going to innuendo, but mercifully he keeps it to himself.
"I hope all this effort was not just for my presence, my lady."
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 29, 2019 4:47:52 GMT 1
Trystane has a charming easy-going manner widely lacking in most involved in courtly affairs. It naturally encouraged an easy-going, even permissive response that had allowed Lynesse to share so much of her family baggage on their first meeting. Here it encouraged a swift rapproachment, despite Trystane's errant comments on their previous meeting.
Still, his first words carried that second entendre of which she disapproved and enjoyed in equal measure. She would ignore it, she decided, as the man was surely here to discuss more important matters.
"Though I am but a ward of House Blackbriar, I am still your host on their behalf Ser Trystane, and I would never have it said that their hospitality was lacking, not when it has been offered so generously to me."
She was not entirely sure of his purpose in seeking an audience, and it would not do to wrongly anticipate a prince of the blood, bastard or not. She was not pleased with his past behaviour, but also mostly unsurprised by it. "I trust you have enjoyed the tourney, rich in drama as it has already proved to be?"
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on May 29, 2019 9:06:16 GMT 1
“It is treating me well, so far. I can only hope that my success in the lists continues. The drama I could stand less of, all told. Tensions grow high, as I am sure you know too well, and the necessary vigilance is something of a dampener on the pageantry. But, before we get into such matters, I have brought you something.”
He extends his free hand, which he has until now kept tucked formally behind his back, holding out to her a single iris flower with delicate white and purple petals. The symbolism of both the bloom and its colour was such that he had selected deliberately for it. Eloquence, valour, hope. Suggesting a certain intention without romantic connotations. A rose, though traditional, could send the wrong signal and alarm her further. But the iris, though definitely sensual, carried a connotation of innocence.
“Consider it a peace offering. Please, my lady, forgive my former over-familiarity. I should not have been so presumptuous.”
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 30, 2019 8:31:05 GMT 1
It was a beautiful flower, and rendered all the more charming by the boyish innocence of the gesture.
A spiteful voice whispered in Lynesse's ear that she should make Trystane prove himself by some higher deed or more expensive sacrifice, but this was a voice best left ignored. It was cold and hollow beast, best left unfed.
She accepted the flower carefully and pinned it to her dress before responding, "Thank you Ser Trystane, it is lovely. I fear I may have dealt with you too harshly, all things considered. Please, consider the matter forgotten," she smiled magnanimously. In truth, her response had been driven as much by public attention as by personal inclination, but she would not admit this to him.
He had implied there was more he wished to discuss, and so she left the initiative with him, taking a slow sip of the wine to pass the momentum of the conversation back to him.
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on May 31, 2019 0:57:14 GMT 1
"My lady is as gracious as she is graceful," Trystane replies with a little head cant, playing on words slightly and referring to her dancing ability. He had almost said "beautiful", but decided that might just open up the over-familiarity problem again. Better to praise skill than appearance. It was still truthful anyway.
"However, this was not my sole purpose in coming to see you, and I'm afraid the other purpose is less pleasant to carry out. The incident between my brother, Lord Merryweather, and to a lesser extent Ser Rennifer, has left me with a few questions, some concerning you directly."
He chooses his next words carefully, making a concerted effort not to use any language or tone that could be interpreted as accusatory or even heated.
"I had the impression from Ser Daeron that you and he were on good terms. To hear you speak out against him surprised us both. I also recall from our first meeting that you seemed quite reluctant to comply with your uncle's courtship of Eldon's favour. Your call to disqualify my brother seems counter to that impression, so I am curious about what has sparked that sudden change of heart."
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on May 31, 2019 7:54:51 GMT 1
You are too kind Ser Trystane. Ser Daeron is your brother and so I believe I understand the origin of your inquiry. In truth I do not know Ser Daeron well, though I have admired his reputation and bravery, in the lists and his candour at court. I do not dislike the man, nor do I wish him any harm, but his actions, perhaps unknowingly put me at risk I needed to take pains to alleviate.
"As you know, my situation with my uncle is complex. He is the regent for my house, and yet willingly puts its members in danger for his own short term benefit. "
"He speaks to Lord Eldon of marriage, knowing that should I offend Lord Eldon, any wrath I might suffer would be to his own benefit, and eventual succession to the Lordship of House Daverhyl. In truth, this may even be his ultimate goal, that I am undone by a courtship with Lord Eldon, rather than surviving to endure such a marriage. "
"And so I cannot simply do as Delia Blackbriar did and damn such notion of a betrothal by giving intentional offence. Instead of slicing through this knot with a sword, I must pick at the edges of tattered yarn, seeking a loose thread to pull: to see my Uncle unseated from his regency, or Lord Eldon distracted from vengeance for a perceived slight on my part. "
So when I speak to Ser Daeron in private, on matters mostly unrelated, and the very next day he embarks upon a very obvious and very public plot to murder Lord Eldon, I am in something of a bind. I have a need to distance myself from this plot, and to publically affirm that I had no part. In this case I did so by denouncing the act for what it was.
She pauses here, and looks Ser Trystane dead in the eye, unflinching, “It is not in my nature to apologise for the statement of simple truths, nor further a falsehood to protect a man’s honour. What Ser Daeron did was for himself, and I owe him no debt of gratitude.”
She lowered her eyes, tracing the edges of her goblet with the tip of her finger. "Ser Daeron will survive the affair unscathed. Like his namesake he will corrode everything around him, be it timber, stone or flesh; but Wildfyre does not burn itself, and therefore does not fear the damage it might wreak. This, I think, is my lesson from this torrid affair. I do not fault him for his nature, but neither do I relish the carelessness with which he treated our acquaintance."
Her mood lightens considerably, feeling some catharsis at explaining her actions, which had weighed on her conscience than she was more likely to admit.
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on May 31, 2019 22:36:44 GMT 1
"I see. I had suspected that fear of reprisals had perhaps played a part, and that seems at least partly the case. I suppose I cannot blame you for that."
He takes a sip of the wine, though his thoughts keep him from properly appreciating the taste. There is something to all this that feels to him like an opportunity. Feeling out exactly what that was though...
"But I am curious as to how you reason that Ser Daeron wishes to murder Eldon. He merely seeks justice, as several of us have done since Summerhall, some even longer. Justice doesn't necessarily require death. Ser Daeron sought justice for the attempt on his own life, without Rennifer cheating yet again, something the man seems incapable of refraining from. Nobody has publicly called for Eldon's death, convenient to many as it may be, including yourself."
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Jun 1, 2019 7:40:28 GMT 1
"None have called for it, but many whisper of it, and Ser Daeron loudest of all. I do not fault him for that. Lord Eldon has done grievous injury to House Starling and its retainers and I applaud the impulse to set wrong to right, if not the the execution of it."But come, it is plain to see that Ser Daeron and Lord Eldon did not draw each other by lot. It was a planned affair to give Wildfyre a rare chance to strike at the man himself, rather than Ser Rennifer. Such a thing would not be arranged simply to have Daeron tilt and unhorse Lord Eldon. Not when there is such a feud between Merryweather and Starling.
Lynesse’s statement was matter of fact, rather than accusatory. While Ser Daeron prided himself on the trappings of knighthood and nobility, he had ridden to this tourney with fire in his veins and death in his heart, and that was clear enough for all to see. Again, Ser Trystane turned the conversation toward what Lynesse might gain from Eldon’s defeat, which was true, if not the whole truth. L ord Eldon’s demise would free me from my Uncle’s current plot, but to pursue it would also be treating a symptom rather than a disease. Even the Reach, with a reputation for chivalry, has a bevy of knights and lords who are like to treat their wives with brutality,” her thoughts turned to Ser Symon Tarly, “Or whose marriage bed would be tainted by unnatural desire, adultery, even incest”, which was one possibility, if the rumour around Ser Normyn Flowers proved true. Eldon’s demise would see him replaced with such a suitor, such is my Uncle Eustace’s disposition toward his responsibility to find me a match.
Initiating an Intrigue.
5Irises - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 22
5Irises - Free Action - Awareness: 6d6k4+1 14 [against your passive deception]
Composure: 12/12
Intrigue Defence: 12
DR: 4 [Attractive/Prejudice cancel each other out]
Goal – Friendship
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 1, 2019 19:53:05 GMT 1
"Oh, do not misunderstand me, my lady. I have no doubt that the match was orchestrated. I just don't believe it was Eldon's death Daeron specifically sought. His humiliation, definitely. He wanted to see Eldon disgrace himself with a forfeit. He misjudged Eldon's deviousness, certainly, but if he truly had intended to kill Eldon, he would not have declared it to everyone prior to the attempt. He may have a temper but he isn't stupid. He is, and has been, trying to answer Eldon's insults honourably. In my opinion, that is not serving him well, as his opponent cares not for honour, and so is not bound by it." He meets her eyes more intently as she speaks of her uncle, studying her closely. Was she actually asking for what he thought she might be asking, or was it a reflection of his own impulsive desire to rescue her? " Of course a lack of Eldon would just make room for someone potentially just as bad. As you say, he is a symptom of your situation, not the cause. Your uncle is the true rot that infects your life. So what are you doing to treat the cause? Are you just hoping that Redtusk or someone else will swoop in and sort it out for you?" Beneath the surface of his casual question is a more serious one about what she truly wants. She almost feels like there is a specific answer he wants, or something he is trying to say without being outright.
ID: 12 Composure: 14 Frustration: 0 DR 4 Objective: Friendship 5Irises - Initiative - Status (Reputation): 6d6k4 15(Forgot my +2 from Anointed = 17, not that it really matters) 5irises - Free Action - Awareness (Empathy): 5d6k3 18(it's actually 12 because I forgot to drop my 1D for Naive) Have tried to reflect the 1DoS on the Empathy roll in the rp.
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Jun 3, 2019 9:27:02 GMT 1
Lynesse's eyebrows rise noticeably as Trystane outlines his understanding of Daeron's goals 'I may certainly misjudged Ser Daeron. I admit, I did not seriously entertain the notion that he would publicise his intentions to slay Lord Eldon, while nursing in truth a humbler ambition of embarrassing him.She mulled this idea over, wondering if she had misjudged Wildfyre so badly. "Regardless, his public intentions forced me to distance myself from his actions, so I do not think I could have done differently, even if I had judged the situation in the way you suggest. Perhaps I should seek to mend fences with the man at some future time, though I find it a daunting prospect."" In better times I would look to my House's liege, House Hightower, to intervene to resolve the matter, not least because my father was half a Hightower himself. But alas Hightower stands divided and irresolute in the grips of an unassigned regency. My best course of action seems to be to gather support for a regent who might intervene on behalf of my brother and appoint a regent, or even investigate the matter of my parents' death more diligently. Of course I would expect my Uncle to oppose this, and as a regent himself will carry some influence in House Hightowers' deliberations, making this an uncertain course."Other than this there is little I can do, other than take my petition to the gods who, for all their wisdom, have seen fit to withhold judgement on the matter thus far. Neither Ser Roland nor any other knight has seen fit to test the matter in a public trial of honour, and I am hesitant to urge it, lest my Uncle Sandor emerge victorious through some manner of ill-fortune or trickery. If a knight took personal umbrage with Ser Eustace's behaviour and took matters into their own hands I would owe them a great debt, but such seems no more likely than my uncle dying of a summer chill.Lynesse's manner is open and forthright, encouraging honesty and engagement in return. While subtext can certainly be read into what she has said, her manner is that of one explaining her situation, rather than suggesting a specific course of action.
[Failure on your Free Empathy Check] 5Irises - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 22 5Irises - Free Action - Awareness: 6d6k4+1 14 [1 Free Bonus Die in Pool] Composure: 12/12 Intrigue Defence: 12 DR: 4 [Attractive/Prejudice cancel each other out] Goal – Friendship R1 Action - Charm 5Irises - R1 Charm: 6d6r1k4+3 20 for 2*4-4= 4 Composure damage. [I'll leave it up to you if decadent should be triggered on the basis of House Blackbriar's hospitality here. It's generous, perhaps lavish, but not particularly exotic in the Reach]
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 3, 2019 13:13:45 GMT 1
"My lady is in a difficult position indeed. I understand now why you acted as you did. I had been confused by it before, I dare say a little indignant." He looks at her apologetically with that confession. It is slightly exaggerated contrition on his part, but there is genuine sympathy behind it. "But now that I see how precarious things truly are for you, I cannot blame you for how you responded. It only saddens me deeply that you live in such fear and uncertainty." Trystane tries to drain the last of his cup, but realises he has already done so. That went down more easily than expected.Well, it is very good.He replenishes the drink, and takes nibbles of the food as he continues. "I have heard a bit about the struggles within House Hightower from my sister. I can see how their predicament exacerbates yours. The right regent in charge there could potentially curb your uncle's worst intentions. Though even if House Hightower was ruled by the Father himself, you are still technically the property of the head of House Daverhyl. And if Eustace were not regent, it seems you cannot trust Sandor to be any better. Am I right in perceiving that they have a rivalry between them? Does Sandor look to Eustace's seat with avarice?"
For the fun of it: 5Irises - Decadent Resist - TN15: 4d6k4 14(It's actually TN13 and I got the formula wrong, but that makes it just squeak by as a pass) ID: 12 Composure: 10/14 Frustration: 0 DR 4 Objective: Friendship 5Irises - Initiative Rd2 - Status (Reputation) +Anointed: 6d6k4+2 22 (not sure what breaks ties) 5irises - Free Action Rd2 - Awareness (Empathy) -Naive: 4d6k3 8 (possible crit fail, not sure what happens if it is) 5Irises - Rd2 - Persuasion (Charm) +Charismatic: 6d6k4+2 233*3-4 = 2 Composure damage
|
|
|
Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Jun 5, 2019 11:24:08 GMT 1
“It is admirable for you to take your brother’s part in this Trystane, Ser Daeron is lucky to have you as his kin. Still, I hope for your sake that you do not always put yourself at risk for your family. There are ever so many of them, and they do not appear to all be on the best of terms with one another,” she remarked, more in jest than as a serious suggestion, remembering Bloodraven and Bittersteel's tournament bout the day before. Lynesse shook her head sadly, “ As for my own kin, their foibles complement one another, frustratingly well. Ser Sandor is driven by passion rather than calculation, and savours underhanded victories on the tourney field to rank and title, in my estimation. He will find kindred spirits at Longtable if he continues down the path Ser Eustace has staked out for him.”She did not like his talk of her being property, but that seemed to be the crux of the issue. “But Sandor has no reputation as a steward, and was absent from Mustard Hall for long years: his credentials as a regent are weak, and he could be easily displaced from contention if Ser Eustace vacated his office. The threat he poses lies in his respectable prowess as a fighter, as he is likely to take Eustace’s part in a trial of honour, just as he is likely to take Eldon’s for the sake of Eustace’s plans, and in opposition to Ser Daeron and his allies."
Double check your modifiers for charismatic – it’s +1 to all intrigue rolls, not +2 to influence rolls [which makes it much more powerful] I’ve posted my intrigue and free action rolls to remind me, but we don’t roll those each round, just at the start of the intrigue. Your rolls in the previous post are your R1 rolls, so your next ones should be R2. 5Irises - Initiative: 22 [1 Free Bonus Die in Free Action Pool] Composure: 10/12 Intrigue Defence: 12 DR: 4 [Attractive/Prejudice cancel each other out] Goal – Friendship R2 – Charm [The action isn’t listed in the roll, but it’s the only roll that allows those modifiers] 5Irises r2: 6d6r1k4+3 25For 3 D0S = 3*4-4=8 Composure Damage Offer Compromise: Lynesse ‘wins’ by increasing Trystane’s disposition and gaining the mechanical bonus of having won with this technique and goal [+1d6 to influence in their next intrigue]. However Lynesse’s own disposition will also increase toward Trystane by the same amount he would gain by winning.
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 6, 2019 0:37:55 GMT 1
Drat. I apologise for my errors. Compromise conditions accepted. How much of an increase are we talking? Is it +1, +2, or a full rank?
"My lady is kind to think of my well-being. You need not be overly concerned though. I may try to see the best in most people unless given cause to think otherwise, but I am quite aware that the Targaryen family tree is more of a thorny wreath, so I am doing my utmost to navigate it with care. I do not think you are necessarily wrong about Daeron's tendencies and his recklessness. I just know from the time we have spent together it that is not all there is to him. Just as I am not just a Dornish upstart, and you are not just a pretty face."
He could not have resisted the urge to flirt even if he had tried, though he did not push his luck any further.
"Might I ask who would be head of your House if your uncles were to relinquish their places in the line? I assume your brother is not yet of age, otherwise he would already have inherited."
|
|