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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 21, 2019 16:05:08 GMT 1
Marq suspects Laena has more important things to do than trouble herself over some Lannister girl that might turn out to be of the spoiled variety on his account. A pleased smile crosses Laena's face, more implied than seen, likely too quick for most men to pick up, but Lord Marq is more astute than most men. "That is true. Having recently had my suspicions confirmed that Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn were behind my cousin's assassination, I really should focus on having Ser Roland take her place, before they decide I'm irritating enough to get rid of the same way. "However, as I understand it, your man Ser Orton Ambrose is in possession of information that could significantly help in that matter. I'm sure convincing him to come forward with it is well within your capabilities. And that would definitely free up a lot of my time, that I could make a serious effort in my investigations. Yes, Lady Myrielle *may* be as spoiled as last year's fruit, or she may be the perfect match that you would let slip through your fingers. "Ladies are often quicker to show their true face to other ladies than they are unwed lords, so I am in a strong position to help you. You are in a strong position to help Ser Orton with whatever he may want. And Ser Orton is in a strong position to help me." She smiles. "What are friends for, if not helping each other?" Simon interprets her no as a no that will turn to yes if he only asks enough times, though he does not seem to intend to force her to do anything. Instead, he mistakenly responds to her rejection as if she is flirting with him and wants to be told that she is a princess and that the old king took the head of one who treated his daughter otherwise, although Laena does not recognize that story, she thinks she knows which story he refers to, something about killing the lover in a duel to teach her a lesson or thereabouts, he seems to have lost the point he was trying to make with the historical detail halfway through his recollection of it. It would take some time and careful maneuvering to extricate herself from the conversation without making a scene, he obviously has heard one too many rumors of her activities with one too many truths in it, or lies just as bad for people to believe in as it would be for them to know the truth of it. Of course, should Laena find a coldness in her heart to wish the attentions of Ser Simon upon another, such desires might very well be within her grasp. Or she could just slap him in the face and do a little "how dare you!"-routine to humiliate him in front of everyone. Had this happened before Lady Lysette's apology, Laena would likely have happily sent the sot her way. But she had, and it was a good apology. It was probably within her power to carefully extract herself from the situation, but she found she didn't want to. She took a moment to deduce why: he'd taken her as a given. No gift. No flattery, save after he'd mistook her words. In short, no indication that she had any value, just a freely-available hole for the asking. He didn't fear her. A part of her was well aware that antagonizing the scion of a major house was not a politically savvy move, but that part was, sadly for it, and quite probably the rest of her, not in control of her arm. That was firmly in the control of the part that wanted him to suffer for his presumption, and it gave him a stinging, humiliating full-armed slap to the cheek. "You are a *disgrace*, Ser." She hisses, the title loaded with withering scorn. "You are part of a noble family, and shame it daily by acting like a common sot. You carry the title 'ser', and use it to beat down those who look to you for protection. "You claim to be a man, yet it is clear your manhood is too small to prove it. "And you act like you *deserve* me? You deserve nothing, save the scorn and ridicule given you any time your name is mentioned." Small Talk - Taunt Simon: 4d6 13
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Post by Father on Dec 22, 2019 21:30:10 GMT 1
Robyn
Ser Guyard does not doubt Robyn's talents, but a single act of heroism and one tourney upset does not make a knight experienced. Consider Ser Aubrey Ambrose, an unyielding shield warding off the very same Ironhand that later sent Redtusk to his knees, and still outclassing Ser Balon Blackbriar despite the injuries taken. There are always someone better and sometimes someone with major amounts of luck and just enough skill to be carried to victory by it like Ser Loren Lannister. Men like Redtusk has earned their reputation through performing well so much more often than they do not that luck can be ruled out. Besides, Falyse seeks a man with proven ability in the field were armor is made of silks and velvets and words are the weapons. As Guyard understands, Robyn was knighted before his education in such things was completed, and education is no more than one needs to start learning from true experience. And surely, Falyse cannot expect to wait years before marriage, hmm?
Laena
Marq usually just puts a lady to the test, how does she react to adversity? Not getting what she wants or have a rival reach to snatch it from her fingers? Who will grow and shine if presented with a challenge? Who will resist temptation? Who will cower in fear? Truth be told, he has indeed had the help of friendly ladies in many such endeavors before.
Simon goes purple with rage, for a moment, Laena might have worried that she would be about to loose a few teeth, but that does not happen. Instead she must endure insults unfit to be repeated in remotely polite company, most of it concerning how he will not accept such words from one moving from castle to castle to be entertained by the residing lord before entertaining them in their own beds, he seems to have mixed up wild speculations with things much closer to the truth, suggesting that Laena has not been as discreet in the past year as she might have liked. Then turning his back on her with a sneer in search of another bottle.
For Laena, 1 DoS Taunt gives: -Simon Tarly now at -5 disposition towards her. -House Peake: -1 disposition towards her (and -2 towards Simon). -Insult in need of answering, or -1 virtue, can go for a PC to stand for her. Various NPC's volunteers (Redtusk would be the most capable, Daemon's efforts to smooth over the issues still doesn't change the fact that Simon is an asshole that needs a good trashing, most knights of political inclinations prefers not to upset the Tarly's). -Anyone standing as her champion: +1 Chivalry, -2 Disposition with Simon Tarly. If winning: +1 Glory, an additional -3 Disposition with Simon Tarly, +1 Disposition with Redtusk. -Anyone feeling like spinning out a rumor about Simon being an asshole gets +1D on the test.
Simon overreacting? Maybe.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 22, 2019 22:19:07 GMT 1
RobynSer Guyard does not doubt Robyn's talents, but a single act of heroism and one tourney upset does not make a knight experienced. Consider Ser Aubrey Ambrose, an unyielding shield warding off the very same Ironhand that later sent Redtusk to his knees, and still outclassing Ser Balon Blackbriar despite the injuries taken. There are always someone better and sometimes someone with major amounts of luck and just enough skill to be carried to victory by it like Ser Loren Lannister. Men like Redtusk has earned their reputation through performing well so much more often than they do not that luck can be ruled out. Besides, Falyse seeks a man with proven ability in the field were armor is made of silks and velvets and words are the weapons. As Guyard understands, Robyn was knighted before his education in such things was completed, and education is no more than one needs to start learning from true experience. And surely, Falyse cannot expect to wait years before marriage, hmm? Robyn opened his mouth to say something, his hands tightening their grip on his arm before he managed to stop himself, letting out a quick scoff. His tongue pressed behind his teeth, tsking, closing his eyes as he spoke, "Lord Vardis gave me a proper education, and was always hard on me to focus more in on wordplay rather than swordplay," His eyes opened to a suspicious narrow gap, looking at Guyard with a controlled anger. He wasn't angry at Guyard, more at himself for being exploitable, especially when it came to something he should have more experience in. "I admit, intrigue is not my strongest point, and I have a lot to overcome where conversion is concerned, but years? I doubt it will take me anything more than a few additional conversations with you to make me an expert," He smiled, "But I imagine that you have a proposition for me? My education has taught me that most people don't indulge others in conversations unless they seek something that only the other party can provide. "Which is why I don't have as much experience, as you can understand. It wasn't until very recently that I could provide anything except a hand in saddling your horse,"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Dec 23, 2019 15:05:48 GMT 1
For Laena, 1 DoS Taunt gives: -Simon Tarly now at -5 disposition towards her. -House Peake: -1 disposition towards her (and -2 towards Simon). -Insult in need of answering, or -1 virtue, can go for a PC to stand for her. Various NPC's volunteers (Redtusk would be the most capable, Daemon's efforts to smooth over the issues still doesn't change the fact that Simon is an asshole that needs a good trashing, most knights of political inclinations prefers not to upset the Tarly's). -Anyone standing as her champion: +1 Chivalry, -2 Disposition with Simon Tarly. If winning: +1 Glory, an additional -3 Disposition with Simon Tarly, +1 Disposition with Redtusk. -Anyone feeling like spinning out a rumor about Simon being an asshole gets +1D on the test. Simon overreacting? Maybe. A murmur rose up through the crowd as Ser Daeron stepped forward and threw down a gauntlet in Lady Laena’s stead. Already clad in striking red and black some observers noted that this was a Targaryen matter now, not a Starling or Starkwood one, while the more cynical ones were less impressed with a known glory hound getting into another fight with his blood already hot after brutally beating Ser Walgrave Waters. “Ser, when you insult my sister you shame yourself, your noble family, and your knightly oaths. I have already defended the honor of one woman today, I might as well make it two.” It was a shame really. Daeron had spent much of the Hunt bonding with Ser Simon and their drinking and camaraderie was part of the reason the sot had arrived at his drunken state in the first place.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 23, 2019 21:51:58 GMT 1
Laena is immediately reminded of when she denied Ser Daeron fighting on her behalf, and he immediately offered to fight against her instead. That time, she refused as victory was essential. This time, she merely wishes for a man who will give his full effort, which Ser Daeron certainly will. The common perception of choosing him works for her as well. It is a good opportunity to soothe the man's ruffled ego.
So, she smiles widely at him. "Brother. I would be honoured to have you defend my honour. Please, teach him some manners."
[Don't have much time at the moment, will continue the Marq conversation probably tomorrow, but wanted to get this combat started ASAP.]
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Dec 24, 2019 10:35:38 GMT 1
MikelYsilla doesn't need someone to train her, silly, she needs someone to take her along posing as their squire. She knows enough of war that being with the knights is where it's safe, not hiding among the rabble that nobody important cares all that much about in the end. She'll cut her hair short and bind up her breasts and wear bulky leather and none will be the wiser. Mikel gives the appearance of giving the matter serious thought, and while he was still open to it in the future when she said didn't need the training her plea lost some of his favor. Mikel was an accomplished swordsmen and he wanted all the training he could get! He wondered, given what she had said so far in their conversation, how much time she had spent learning to kill a man covered in armor, or wrestle with him until she was in a position where she could control him as she wedged her dagger into his visor? "Thats well thought out. How long have you been waiting to ask me this, because it sounds like you have had time to put serious thought into it?" He doesn't say no, but if pressed he continues, politely as he can, to deny her this small war and defer her to the larger one.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Dec 27, 2019 12:26:25 GMT 1
RolandLord Rowan does not let an opportunity to make the acquaintance with a famous tourney knight pass him by, although he is open enough that he does hope that Roland's commitment to the loyalist cause is more than just rumors, although he expertly turn to the subject of those who seek to overthrow King Daeron in the name of the supposedly more gallant and chivalrous Ser Daemon betray their claims to having the righteous cause by massing behind the claim Ser Roland's nephew, although to call him a nephew might be wrong all things considered. Sadly, those seeking power has a way of stepping upon whatever truths stands in their way. While Lord Rowan finds it difficult to support Roland directly, noting that Lord Leo is to a large extent unable to act when so many of his principal bannermen would be angered. The Peake's of course, but also Old Oak. Merryweather hates everything assosciated with Kingsbridge, Lord Leo cares not for what that one has to say, but Lord Eldon has his proxies, Lord Crane has spoken up for enough causes that Longtable would find favorable to give rise to suspicions, and if Red Lake can be bought by Longtable, there are surely a great number of lesser lords that are pliable to such pressures. Above all, Lord Eldon is a petty pathetic creature, he does not ask of some lord to anger half the realm by joining one faction or the other, but to oppose the claim of a knight of Kingsbridge who also happens to be betrothed to the woman who scorned and insulted him? That is a much easier ask to such men whose honor already is of a mercenary bent. There might be a way though, Ser Daemon himself. A great number of men admires him, including Lord Tyrell. And while King Daeron cannot instruct Lord Tyrell in what to do in this matter, or at least he should not involve himself so deeply directly in the affairs of his bannerman, much as it might favor him. Ser Daemon does not push a claim to the throne and may speak in the capacity of a knight, if one that is considered much more than that by most. And not all his friends and counsel are men like Lord Peake and Bittersteel, Redtusk and Ser Aubrey Ambrose are among them as well, and those two are much like Ser Daemon, Ser Aubrey in particular will always chose the righteous path, even if it would cost his political cause. It will not be easy, however, nothing worth doing is ever easy, if it was, someone would have done it already. Roland knows Ser Jasper Flowers as a reasonably gallant knight, but with a temper that sometimes gets the better of him, detested by Lord Walgrave, but his Rhoynar blood has made few lords even interested in his services, and he believes that his half brother is pressuring them not to offer him a place at their table. He is hearing rumors though, that Ser Roland might soon become Lord Roland and might not be inclined to bow to such implied threats. Wise words indeed, though such should be expected from Lord Rowan. He reassured Thaddeus of his loyalty to the King - he had sworn oaths and took them seriously, no matter how many of his friends may choose personal loyalty to Blackfyre over the words they spoke. Indeed, as much as Roland esteemed Blackfyre from the meeting Daeron had brokered and the man's championing of Starling causes, the very act of claiming the throne would tarnish the very qualities he esteemed in the Great Bastard. Roland and Redtusk were firm friends, and it may be that the same could be said of Aubrey Ambrose in time. The men were alike in temperament and honour after all and he felt he had made a good impression at Lord Meadows' recent wedding. He sought out the prickly Ser Jasper Flowers too, keen to take the measure of one with a reputation for gallantry despite his bastard blood. It did not hurt that the man's very presence irked Lord Oakheart. Mayhap the young knight would find a place campaigning in the Riverlands alongside Roland, or he could find a suitable squire for Jasper. How a man trained a lad would be a good way to truly judge his temperament.
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Post by Father on Dec 28, 2019 3:09:36 GMT 1
RobynGuyard doubts himself such a capable teacher, he has not even tried giving him a lesson yet. The first lesson to learn is to distinguish between wants and needs. All people have those, but very often they are not the same. You might think that this one needs such and so, and would be overjoyed if you gift it to them, but then it turns out, what they want is something else entirely and they will politely thank you and store it in a cellar along with other things they see little value in. But give people what they want and they will love you for it, but if it is not what they need, the giving is not an act of love, but rather self serving, would Robyn not agree? What Falyse wants is a man like Redtusk or Ser Aubrey Ambrose that she believes can carry her and her burdens around on their broad shoulders, what she needs is someone to help share them. LaenaWith Simon leaving in a black mood to sober up and face Daeron in the fields, Redtusk is not slow to join her, noting that he had been wanting to do that for a long time, although he would think it more proper to have him bent over the knee and his breeches pulled down so the slapping could be performed where his father obviously had failed to do so enough. Surely, it ought to be possible to arrange a meeting just the three of them to make up for the shortcomings of his upbringing? Redtusk does not seem to be truly serious, but Laena senses that the man would find it impossible to back down should she surprise him and go along with the idea. MikelThinking things through is for boring people, except Marq and Laena, they are fun even if they do make convoluted plans. But Ser Orton is boring, brother Bloodraven is boring, Lord Rowan is boring, Lord Mullendore..actually, he's fun...whenever he doesn't scheme which isn't very often these days. Ysilla never makes any plans requiring more time to come up with than it takes to eat a slice of lemon cake, which is quick unless it's at a boring feast where she's supposed to have manners. Although it takes a while longer if she eats it while doing a handstand. She mostly relied on Lord Bryce to tell her why she shouldn't do something, now it's Lord Marq, but none of his knights are going to The Trident to kick Otho the cruel in his daddy bags, so she couldn't ask him to go along. He'd probably talk her out of it though, and she'd make sad puppy eyes at him and melt him with pleas for lemoncake. RolandAs it happens, Ser Jasper has a mind to join the Blackwoods to prove his valor, it was after all a Bracken Raid upon Riverthorn that triggered this whole affair, unmarked sellswords aye, but a roaming band of outlaws taking the holdfast of a knight? Not even in places where every able-bodied man trains with the militia every week does that sound plausible. Lord Walgrave claims it's Bloodraven's doing to frame the Brackens as monsters, but Jasper has yet to see any proof of any of the treachery or witchcraft Ser Brynden has been accused of. But any man present at the Black Tourney who would dispute that the Brackens have monsters among them must have very different memories of those twelve days.
Daeron: +1 Chivalry, +1 Glory. Dispositions from goad and duel updated. Also +1 Disposition from Redtusk towards Laena.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 28, 2019 10:05:28 GMT 1
RobynGuyard doubts himself such a capable teacher, he has not even tried giving him a lesson yet. The first lesson to learn is to distinguish between wants and needs. All people have those, but very often they are not the same. You might think that this one needs such and so, and would be overjoyed if you gift it to them, but then it turns out, what they want is something else entirely and they will politely thank you and store it in a cellar along with other things they see little value in. But give people what they want and they will love you for it, but if it is not what they need, the giving is not an act of love, but rather self serving, would Robyn not agree? What Falyse wants is a man like Redtusk or Ser Aubrey Ambrose that she believes can carry her and her burdens around on their broad shoulders, what she needs is someone to help share them. Wants? Needs? First he talks as if giving someone what they need is something to be thrown away, unappreciated by the recipient, then he stresses the importance of being what Lady Falyse needs, and not what she wants? Why would he present himself as something she needs if she wouldn't see value in him? And then he calls giving people what they want self serving? But isn't giving the most selfless thing a person can do? This is why he sticks to swordplay, because there is nothing to misinterpret about a sword coming at your head. Robyn did note, though, that he completely avoided his question, and decided to press further on that front, because trying to justify his own wants in relation to Lady Falyse's wants sounded like a effort in futility. Or was it her needs he was striving for? Fuck it, he was confusing himself again. Robyn nodded, his eyes still narrowed, "That is a valuable lesson, my lord. I will be sure to... keep it in mind. But, Ill ask again, what is it that you are seeking from me? Because you have these lessons to give me, and seem to be offering things a lot more than you are requesting, and am starting to grow impatient with this dance you seem to be doing around your own aspirations."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Dec 28, 2019 12:58:55 GMT 1
RolandAs it happens, Ser Jasper has a mind to join the Blackwoods to prove his valor, it was after all a Bracken Raid upon Riverthorn that triggered this whole affair, unmarked sellswords aye, but a roaming band of outlaws taking the holdfast of a knight? Not even in places where every able-bodied man trains with the militia every week does that sound plausible. Lord Walgrave claims it's Bloodraven's doing to frame the Brackens as monsters, but Jasper has yet to see any proof of any of the treachery or witchcraft Ser Brynden has been accused of. But any man present at the Black Tourney who would dispute that the Brackens have monsters among them must have very different memories of those twelve days. Roland was glad to have Ser Jasper among the Blackwood ranks for the campaign, both for his sword-arm but also to see if he lived up to his gallant reputation. He endeavoured to find a Blackwood or relative to squire for the young knight, both as a gesture of aid and to better judge the knight's character.
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Post by Father on Dec 29, 2019 14:46:02 GMT 1
Robyn
Ser Guyard would like Robyn's help ensuring that House Blackbar does not fall into the tragedy that so often ensues when a boy is named lord of a house. The Vultures are already circling, literally even in the form of Ser Eustace Daverhyl, but he is but one of many to be wary of. Ser Guyard fears for the future if Lady Falyse is to steer the ship alone as she intends, there are far too many men who simply cannot accept the thought of a woman, let alone a young one, being given the responsibilities of regent. And far too many again cannot accept the presence of those with Rhoynar blood, as if it is cursing all with but a single drop with an incurable taint condemning all touched by an olive skinned finger to damnation. Fools, Ser Guyard is quick to note, but a great many fools can form a very dangerous mob. Sometimes, to protect the one's you love is to let go, and if perhaps Lady Falyse does not see that is what she must do, then perhaps her true friends must act to make her do as she needs rather than what she wants.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 29, 2019 18:25:27 GMT 1
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Post by Father on Dec 29, 2019 20:53:07 GMT 1
As far as Robyn can tell, Guyard is forthright and honest, but it's not hard to see why the only one who liked him was his mother as Lady Falyse once quipped to be rewarded with a severe scolding from her own mother. The man is about as warm and charming as the dead sea creatures resembling slimy glass that sometimes wash up on the shores near Blackbar.
This being phase 2, old sheet would still be active, meaning naive rears it's ugly head one last time.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Dec 29, 2019 21:20:26 GMT 1
RobynSer Guyard would like Robyn's help ensuring that House Blackbar does not fall into the tragedy that so often ensues when a boy is named lord of a house. The Vultures are already circling, literally even in the form of Ser Eustace Daverhyl, but he is but one of many to be wary of. Ser Guyard fears for the future if Lady Falyse is to steer the ship alone as she intends, there are far too many men who simply cannot accept the thought of a woman, let alone a young one, being given the responsibilities of regent. And far too many again cannot accept the presence of those with Rhoynar blood, as if it is cursing all with but a single drop with an incurable taint condemning all touched by an olive skinned finger to damnation. Fools, Ser Guyard is quick to note, but a great many fools can form a very dangerous mob. Sometimes, to protect the one's you love is to let go, and if perhaps Lady Falyse does not see that is what she must do, then perhaps her true friends must act to make her do as she needs rather than what she wants. Robyn didn't like it, but the words that Ser Guyard spoke did ring true: the enemies were all around, and most of them didn't respect any of the ideals Lady Falyse represented, despite Robyn viewing everything about her with upright zeal. He wanted her safe, and back to who she was, and if the only way to get her there was to alleviate some of the responsibility she had taken for herself, than he knew it was what she needed, not necessarily what he wanted. And isn't it selfish to go for what you want, and not what someone else needs? Maybe that was what Ser Guyard meant... surely it was. But, Robyn was also aware that he was being used in this circumstance. And if he was going to be used, then by the Seven he better get something out of it too. "I imagine, then, you are suggesting yourself as regent?" he didn't even let Guyard respond before speaking again, "Since you are, and are asking me for support, I would like to know what you are providing in return. Though, I hope you keep in mind my wants and needs, just as you are Lady Falyse's." His face showed no emotion, but deep in the pit of his gut, he felt as if he was making an irreprovable mistake. Don't fuck this up Robyn, or Lady Blackbar will haunt you forever
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 30, 2019 0:11:39 GMT 1
Marq usually just puts a lady to the test, how does she react to adversity? Not getting what she wants or have a rival reach to snatch it from her fingers? Who will grow and shine if presented with a challenge? Who will resist temptation? Who will cower in fear? Truth be told, he has indeed had the help of friendly ladies in many such endeavors before. A small smile. "And, of course, what you said to me about limited time goes manyfold over for you. You are a man with many .. interests. And only one body and mind to pursue them with. So, we are agreed to help each other out, as best we can?" With Simon leaving in a black mood to sober up and face Daeron in the fields, Redtusk is not slow to join her, noting that he had been wanting to do that for a long time, although he would think it more proper to have him bent over the knee and his breeches pulled down so the slapping could be performed where his father obviously had failed to do so enough. Surely, it ought to be possible to arrange a meeting just the three of them to make up for the shortcomings of his upbringing? Redtusk does not seem to be truly serious, but Laena senses that the man would find it impossible to back down should she surprise him and go along with the idea. Laena is tempted, to be fair. But were she to humiliate him further, she'd have to kill him, to spare her a relentless foe. And one can only murder so many Tarlys before someone notices. "'Tis a shame, indeed, that his father failed in his upbringing so, but at this point, however entertaining the image you present is, the only way to end his poor behaviour is to make him a head shorter. And that would be a *little* extreme for what he did to me. And wrong, of course." Like his suggestion, hers is clearly not serious. "Now, let us wipe him from our minds as we would his worth from our shoes. I've enjoyed the company of your younger brother, Ser Parmen, before. A man I hold in high regard. As he does you - along with, I suspect, a little frustration over how high you've set the bar." She chuckles amiably. "Though as I think I told him before, he has his wife and his lands to see to. While you ... you are the man who can match Ser Daemon blow-for-blow in a fair fight. An accomplishment requiring both incredible natural talent, and dedication. My question, if you don't mind, is this: 'Why?'. What drives you to such heights? Your younger brother managed to win lands for himself, and a wife besides, so you clearly could as well, if you wished. But you haven't. Does it really matter whether you or Ser Daemon is the superior swordsman, given that your friendship assures you will never cross blades in anger?" Her tone is one of curiosity. Careful not to stray into outright flirtation, nor implying that his reasoning is flawed in any way. Simply a lady trying to understand the mind of a knight's knight.
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