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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jun 23, 2018 16:05:45 GMT 1
The sun has not yet reached its peak when Highgarden finally comes into view on the horizon. The delegation coming from the Tear consists of several wagons, horses as well as men and women on foot. Leading the procession is a single rider dressed in a well-tailored dark brown leather waistcoat sitting on a black warhorse. On his chest above his heart, a black bird is embroidered. He bears a knight's sword on his waist and a slight smile on his lips.
As the seat of House Tyrell appears in front of them, Ser Aladale pulls the reins of his horse and silently admires the impressive castle. Lost in thought, he scratches his chin as the rest of the delegation catches up to him.
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jun 24, 2018 17:37:39 GMT 1
Master Olyvar riding his palfrey at a slow walking speed closed the distance with Sir Aladale. He was wearing a simple but good quality brown traveller's robe. Next to him was riding Ralf, his bodyguard, on a rounsey. He wears a simple plate and an open helmet. He has a shield on his back and a ball and chain is hanging from his belt. He has an imposing figure and the comparison with the small framed Olyvar makes him look even bigger.
Olyvar looked for a moment at Highgargen indifferently and then turned to Sir Aladale.
"Sir Aladale, I hope you don't plan to participate to the tourney yourself, do you?"
Without waiting for an answer he added
"You are too valuable to your house for this..."
Ralf laughed and interrupted him
"I am sure an anointed knight understands the dangers of tourneys far better than a merchant".
Olyvar looked at him annoyed
"Yes, you are right Ralf, knights do understand the dangers of tourneys far better than me."
He paused for a moment.
"Actually all knights understand the dangers better than me, even those who died in tourneys."
He turned back to Sir Aladale and said
"You have to remember Sir, pride is a poison than has killed many more than the strangler."
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jun 24, 2018 18:56:40 GMT 1
As Olyvar addresses him, Aladale turns his gaze to the merchant and away from the castle, raising an eyebrow. "Well, that is exactly the reason why I am travelling to Highgarden, as this is where I am most valuable for my family. You hear of a Tourney and think about knights with lances; I hear of a Tourney and think about all the Lords and Ladies being present, the negotiations taking place while sitting in the stands or deals discussed during a feast. A Tourney is an opportunity Olyvar, as you probably know better than me, and this is the largest in a long time."
His slight smile turns into a smirk. "As for your actual question, what do you think? A knight attending a tourney, but not participating? What rumors would that cause?"
He looks over to Ralf: "What about you Ralf? Hoping for an uneventful trip, cheap ale and a comely wench eh? Or did you bring any ambitions with regard to the martial events?"
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Post by Ser Imry Levalle on Jun 25, 2018 0:10:19 GMT 1
Imry rides up front catching his uncle and House Levalle's favourite(?) merchant in conversation. He wore a suit of full plate armour, looking every inch the gallant handsome knight. He had kept himself busy the entire journey, always finding someway not to be with the main Levalle party, but leading patrols.
"Uncle," he nodded to Aladale, as he caught up "how goes it? As expected, no sign of trouble."
He notices Olyvar and nods a greeting to him as well.
"We should be there soon and then you can enjoy the pleasures of this tourney."
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jun 25, 2018 0:40:58 GMT 1
As Olyvar consideres his reply, Ralf says with a smile
"Sir Aladale, don't get me wrong, there is nothing I would enjoy more than bashing some lordling to the ground. But a lowborn brute like myself winning over some distinguished members of our noble society is something that will probably displease the wrong people."
He turns to Olyvar and says sarcastically
"I will be content, if I manage to keep myself and my favourite merchant here alive and well."
Olyvar ignores the sarcasm, he turns to Sir Aladale
"Yes, what you said is true Sir Aladale. If you don't compete, rumors will be spread like wildfire. We cannot afford this. Yet, it is true what I said about pride. Please try to be safe. After all you said it yourself, this is a great opportunity, an opportunity to make good friends and even better deals."
When Sir Imry approaches, Olyvar nods back politely and lets the two knights talk without interruptions.
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jun 25, 2018 7:29:04 GMT 1
"Indeed, a realistic view that is, let us hope you suceed with that", he replied to the bodyguard before turning his attention back to the merchabt: "I appreciate your concerns about my well being and keep your words in mind."
"Ah nephew, back from outriding? The lands are safe? All bandits killed or fleeing?", Ser Imry being familiar with his uncle could hear the mocking color in Aladale's voice, who does not understand the young man's motives to avoid the main delegation; bandits certainly were not the cause this close to Highgarden. "Will you stay with us for the arrival at the field of Roses?"
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Post by Alliser on Jul 18, 2018 2:59:16 GMT 1
A small well built carriage pulls up next to the four talking men. Expensive Myrish glass is swung open, reveling the opulent dark gloves of Lord Levalle. As the sunbeams stream inside of the cushioned carriage the deep green velvety woolen is highlighted by the daggers of light though the darkened green curtains, "Brother, I see we have stopped." Careening his head out towards the direction they were traveling and sees the spires rising, denoting their approach towards Highgarden. "Ah very good. I needed to stretch my legs anyways." Alliser opens the door, showing the Lady of the house dressed in sensible breezy traveling clothes. Alliser steps out of the carriage and onto the ground and, ensuring that the horses and carriage provide enough cover to prevent any unnecessary exposure to his men, Alliser stretches fully and gives a yawn, his arms reaching undignified into the sky.
Alliser gives a slight smile to Olyvar, "Master Merchant, I must once again thank you for joining us in this journey. I know it can be difficult to pull yourself away from your duties back home, but I hope your journey brings you profit."
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 18, 2018 22:50:59 GMT 1
"We have, brother. You can see Highgarden at the horizon, now that you finally came out of that thing", he gestured to the carriage. "How are you Alliser? Once we reach our destination, we should go about finding some friends or at least allies. It has been too long, that the name of our House is seen with distrust, don't you think?"
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Post by Alliser on Jul 20, 2018 6:56:50 GMT 1
Lord Alliser nods, "Indeed brother. I am glad that you were able to join us. We may not be well liked, but you do not have the same stain upon your name that I do." Lord Alliser strokes his goatee, "Perhaps that is something we can remedy here as well."
Lord Alliser gestures towards Highgarden with his gloved hand, "Touraments are a great way to gather information about how the Lords of the realm are feeling. I know we have both discussed at length the merits of Blackfyre. However, our Lords have not committed to the cause, and I fear that if we commit to soon we may very well upset their plans. But I do not doubt that war is coming. All we can do is try to prevent it from harming our lands too unduly. In order to do that we need friends and allies, preferably on both sides." Lord Alliser sighs, "If the gods are good we could find a way to resolve this peacefully. However there is deep distrust of the Dornishmen here in the Reach, I have heard some dissatisfaction with the kings edicts in bringing Dorne into the seven kingdoms. It is lucky that the Reach has not acted independently already. But the king has many allies, and should the reach rise I can not imagine that the Dornishmen are not just as eager to come spill Reachmen blood."
Lord Alliser sighs, "and with us being on the Mander we are in high risk of having our lands attacked by an invading force of Dornishmen. And Lord knows every time banners are called we have Ironborn crawling upon our shores within weeks. Our village does not even have a wall around it to protect it from land based raids." Lord Alliser looks to those surrounding him. "Goodmen, we have our work cut out for us."
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