[Day1] Meeting a dragon[Lady Laena and Ser Donnel]

Laena suffers a momentary disorientation, tunnel vision on her target having resulted in the old knight blind-siding her. While she does not display her consternation outwardly, she takes her time turning herself to look over and up at the knight to give her time to consider her response. And even then, she gives a small, graceful curtsey in return before responding.

Smooth introduction. Probably only interested in if all us Great Ones are as ready to open our legs as open our lips, as rumours constantly claim. Still, best not to be rude. No house markings, so I don't even know who I'd be insulting.

"Ser Knight." Judging from his looks that the man was indeed knighted. "I do indeed know a few stories, though your face tells me you carry the wisdom of far more. But shall we start with the story of two nobles who failed to introduce themselves properly?" Her tone is light and jocular as she shakes her head. "It is a tragic tale of forgotten manners on both party's parts. Let us not emulate them, for, tragic as it is, their tale is also staggeringly dull, and I'd hate to apply that label to either of us.

"So, permit me to end our emulation." She looks straight into his eyes with a small half-smile on her face as she proudly and simply declares "I am Laena Pyre."

As she says that, she's reading his face for a reaction to her name, and any insight into his intentions it may shake loose.
Meeting a Dragon - Awareness (Empathy) - Reaction to name?: 5d6k4 16

Laena's eyebrows raise momentarily when he reveals his name, but she smiles and nods at his question. "I am. Well met, Baeliles azantys."



She nods. "While I had not met him before today, I have heard good things about both him and you. I will not pretend your name came up often, but when it did, my late husband spoke well of you. I don't believe you ever met, but he knew you by reputation, and considered you worthy of respect. And personally, if I manage to raise my son as well as you have reportedly raised yours, I will be well proud.

"I have spent the vast majority of my adult life not far from here, actually, as the wife to one of Lord Tyrell's landed knights. My late husband did well enough at the lists to not cause us significant financial harm, but it was not worth travelling far for it, and I spent much of my time too full with child to travel. Those factors combined likely explain why we have not crossed paths before."

Laena cocks her head back so as to look straight at the older knight, and just as proudly as she announced her own name, she says "My husband was Ser Vernan Pyre."


She snorts, and shakes her head. "My apologies, Ser. It would appear I have mislead you. I, too, have no lands. As I said: my husband was a *landed knight*. My son is only two years old, far too young to take up those burdens. Lord Tyrell was forced to replace us with someone able to discharge the duties inherent in the position. Until I can remarry, I am living with my second cousins. But even aside from them, I have my younger brother, who was knighted by Leo Tyrell himself, so I am not alone nor unprotected. Also, I should also mention I have a daughter as well, a little charmer of four years old," she ghosts a smile, "The Seven truly blessed my marriage."


There's a momentary pause before she answers. "I may have just heard an offer I would be happy to accept, especially if your goodsister and her son are there. While my son is too young for sparring, both he and his sister absolutely adore seeing new places and meeting new people." she takes a breath. "Or it may have just been the wind, and nothing was said. Before I ask you to clarify whether you said anything or not, I feel it is beholden on me to disclose that the second cousins I mentioned before are the Starkwoods. I have no desire to place you in an awkward position within your house."

"No offence taken. Lord Ulbert, I would defend; I consider him to be a man of honour and wisdom, deserving respect. The Late Lord Brandon deserves every bad word said about him, and more. It may not reflect well on me to say it, but for him, I'll say it anyway.

"And with regards to your invitation, I accept, with delight and gratitude." She beams at him. "It would be a pleasure for my children to meet another good role model."

After catching sight of a man from the Blackbrier contingent, although Aerion only somewhat recognized him, lead his sister away and to the corner, Aerion made his way over to them without appearing as if they were his entended target. Knowing the dislike between the neighbours Starkwood and Blackbrier, he couldn't help but think it it could go south (even if they were in the great Hall of the Tyrells).

"Good day, Ser.. Donnel! " he says with a minuscule pause, just barely a hint of uncertainty in the name, almost unnoticeable.

"How fares the father of Ser Blackhorn? No doubt my fair sister is indeed great company, but don't let her ask too high a price for saving your son back there! She delights in playing the hero."

Although he brings up Ser Balon's Blunder, his body language and expression let's on that the words are more small banter than anything to worry about. A decent enough way to break the ice, he supposed.

Another bastard? Father, you test me. Ser Donnel thinks to himself.

However, Ser Donnel does not let his misgivings show, this is after all a knight, and the brother of this lady in front of him.

He stretches out his arm to the newcomer: "You have me at a disadvantage, I am Ser Donnel, but I didn't quite catch your name?" Ser Donnel pointedly looks over at Lady Leana, as her brother falls in the same trap of familiarity as Ser Donnel himself had done.

Trying to dispel any awkwardness Ser Donnel smiles as he shrugs apologetically: "I have seen so many faces in my life, I have started to mix them up. How did you get to hear about this old knight anyway?" Ser Donnel is not quite capable of disguising how pleased he is to be reckognised.

Looking over at Laena he tells the new bastard: "Your sister has proved very modest, she has yet to ask for anything. I certainly hope that will change though, I will be eager to repay the favour."

"You are entered in the lists I assume? Have you earned much success earlier?" He asks the new arrival: "You have the posture of a true rider!" Ser Donnel gives the compliment freely, but it seems genuine.

Aerion shakes his head. "Of course you wouldn't remember me. I was but a boy and just barely a squire at the time I watched you joust; well, I might add. And this face was a lot pudgier in those days." he says , conceding the point to his sister that he still should have introduced himself.

"As my sister says, 'I am Aerion Flowers, of Houses Targaryen and Starkwood, Knight of the Reach, Champion of the Seven, and soon to be winner of these recent events!' " he says with a bow, catching on to his sister's hidden message but trying to break the seriousness.

"And indeed, I will be in the lists. Can't miss an opportunity to earn glory!" he says earnestly. "As for recent success, I've claimed a handful of victories in smaller events, but nothing to boast about in present company. And will you be riding as well, or will we denied the privilege?"