|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 23, 2018 18:42:43 GMT 1
The ceremony had ended and the gathered was exiting the great Sept, leaving only the close family to grieve in peace. Lord Hightower was with the gods now, for better or worse. The rising sun had through the inlaid glass windows painted the hall in an array of muted but beautiful colours and there was, despited the lowered voices, still a silence that hung in the air. It was a sombre morning but there was beauty in this silence. As Titus followed the stream of people leaving the Sept he stepped out in the garden that made the courtyard before the grand, seven-sided building. He was tired and took a couple of deep breaths of the crisp morning air, feeling the sun on his face. The previous day had been hectic but his night in the sept had allowed him to gather his thoughts. Allowed him to think. He sighed heavily and looked around for his family but caught the eye of a knight dressed in a simple grey garb. He recognised him from the vigil, he had stood guard over the lord the same time and duration as Titus and he had spoken very well at the ceremony. The other knight however did not seem as tired as Titus felt. He acknowledged the man with a nod. Knight in question is Roland Cordwayner, but after a few posts the thread can be considered Open
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 23, 2018 20:47:11 GMT 1
"Ser Titus, is it not? Ser Roland Cordwayner, sworn sword to House Starling of Kingsbridge."
"You spoke well, you are your father's son it seems. In Ser Donnel's case it is a blessing where the seed does not fall far from the briar."
[Awareness (Empathy) TN 8: Ser Roland's initial impression of Ser Titus's speech and vigil is positive, in contrast to his feelings towards Ser Balon]
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 23, 2018 21:39:30 GMT 1
After the Vigil - Awareness v TN8: 3d6 13"You've met my father... and my brother, I can tell" Titus said with a friendly, if apologetic smile. "Being my father's son, I can think of no higher praise, Ser. I squired under the man and was likewise knighted by him. As of what was said in there... I wouldn't know about that, but thank you, Ser. You too spoke well." "Sworn Sword of Kingsbridge... are you of the Companions then?"
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 23, 2018 21:58:59 GMT 1
"Indeed, my brothers in arms Ser Daeron Waters and Ser Addam Velaryon are both attending the tournament."
Both men were public supporters of Prince Daemon and Bittersteel. The two were of Velaryon stock, with Daeron nothing less than a legitimised Great Bastard, he was Valyrian on both sides of his family.
"Lord Starling chiefly raises the Companions from his owns lands, making the three of us something of an oddity among their ranks. He looks beyond his lands for men of the right valour and mettle, so we must strive all the harder to repay the trust he has placed in us."
"There is no need to denigrate you own words Ser. Better a few well chosen words, backed by honest vigil to prove your sincerity than a dreary or deceitful speech. Words without action are but wind, after all."
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 23, 2018 22:23:34 GMT 1
"Indeed, my brothers in arms Ser Daeron Waters and Ser Addam Velaryon are both attending the tournament." Both men were public supporters of Prince Daemon and Bittersteel. The two were of Velaryon stock, with Daeron nothing less than a legitimised Great Bastard, he was Valyrian on both sides of his family. "Lord Starling chiefly raises the Companions from his owns lands, making the three of us something of an oddity among their ranks. He looks beyond his lands for men of the right valour and mettle, so we must strive all the harder to repay the trust he has placed in us." He was familiar with the men, and their allegiances. But not one to meddle in politics, especially in these days, Titus avoided the subject but he did wonder if Blackfyre supporters where common amongst the knightly order and where the man he was talking to stood. But he avoided it. "Deeds, not Words, as us Blackbriars like to say." he said with an friendly smile. The man seemed honest, he had seen him holding vigil and had no reason to distrust a knight of his standing. Titus wanted to ask him about what he thought about Lord Hightower's demise, but again, not wanting to steer the conversation into politics spoke about what he knew best. "How do you expect the tilts to go?"
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 24, 2018 7:10:41 GMT 1
"Fiercely competitively. Men that would be likely winners at lesser events such as Ser Quentyn Ball and and Ser Wyl Waynwood make up a good part of the field here. Beyond that, the like of Ser Garth Redwyne of the Kingsguard or Lord Durwell have a string of victories to their name in grand tourneys, or your own father. Were that company not fierce enough, we are graced with Breakspear, Longthorn, Redtusk and the Red Lion of Castamere to name but a few. Knights so valiant as to have earned a name by force of arms. A pity for Lord Hightower not to see such chivalry gathered in one tournament."
Roland paused and sighed.
"I fear the matches may not be simply competitive, but also bloody. Your brother's ill-made challenge with Ser Walton Wyl will be but the most obvious of such frustrations. From Ser Aegor's Rivers tilt with Ser Brynden Rivers to countless lesser matches, men will seek to vent frustrations and score political points at the end of a lance. Seven willing I am over cautious."
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 24, 2018 10:32:42 GMT 1
"Yes, one does feel as if the fate of The Seven Kingdoms lies in the outcome of this tournament". The tone was jokingly but seemed to cover up an underlying concern. He paused for a moment as if to silence that concern from being to apparent and without thinking about it, he briefly looked around as if to see if someone was watching him. No one was.
[Awareness (Empathy) TN 8 - Titus is conflicted between the allegiance of Blood (his Father and Uncle) and Fire (his Mother and Brother). He is leaning towards Blood but the fear of Civil War and where it might take his family makes him not wanting to think about it]
He again smiled and carried on. "To be cautious is to be wise, Uncle Jon always says." Catching himself speaking to familiarly he quickly added "Lord Blackbriar, I mean".
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 24, 2018 19:05:38 GMT 1
Roland tended to take knights in good standing at their word, rather than seeking hidden meaning. However, something in Titus's nervous joke pricked his attention. The man's mind is not made yet, and he knows were at close to the point where his hand will be forced despite talking of his House's split loyalties.After Vigil Awareness (Empathy) Naive: 3d6k2 12"Lord Blackbriar is a godly men, and the King's peace has been a boon to the Realm's septs. It is hard to disagree with such a stance form a Lord's seat, even if caution is not always wise on the battlefield," Roland noted approvingly. He spotted Ser Aladale, who had spoken movingly during the ceremony and made ready to beckon the man over, after awaiting Titus's reply. [OOC: bringing in Ser Aladale for an IC introduction soon, as we've not met and this seems like a natural way for us to meet rather than forcing it]
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 24, 2018 19:33:34 GMT 1
"No, nor in the jousting saddle... my Father has oft reminded me of that. Forgive me, I am as of yet untried in real battle... I received my spurs from the squire's joust." he hesitated, looking slightly ashamed. "I am eager to prove myself worthy of them but Civil War..." He trails of and attempts to change the subject. He was saying to much.
"You served in the Dornish campaign, did you not?"
[OOC: Bring him on!]
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 24, 2018 21:38:17 GMT 1
"Look upon it another way Ser - it must be a fine performance indeed to merit a knighthood without the need for bloodshed. To be knighted by Ser Donnel is a mark of quality too, whether he be your father or not. Indeed, a man of his quality and good character would be as like to go harder on his own flesh and blood."
"Aye, I fought with the Dornish, where I earned my spurs from Ser Roland Redwyne. A knight of honour as well as great skill. I will share the tale with you at the hunt or if we see each other in the hall afterward."
Roland had caught Aladale's eye by then.
"Ser Aladale, you spoke movingly today and gave a fine account of yourself with the lance at the parade. It would seem you have the Seven with you."
Roland was sincere in his praise on both matters, delicately avoiding Aladale marring his performance by almost pitching from the saddle at the very last.
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 24, 2018 21:56:29 GMT 1
"Look upon it another way Ser - it must be a fine performance indeed to merit a knighthood without the need for bloodshed. To be knighted by Ser Donnel is a mark of quality too, whether he be your father or not. Indeed, a man of his quality and good character would be as like to go harder on his own flesh and blood." For a moment, Titus just looked at the man. He didn't know what to say. With a sincere and for some reason, sad look upon him he bowed. "Ser" he was struggling to find the words. "You honour me. I can only pray that the Seven grant me the opportunity to thank you proper. My father is a good man, yes and... a stern teacher. Him knighting me at Horn Hill is one of, if not the proudest moment of my life." He was soft, Mother had told him about this. A good jouster, maybe even and a good knight, but a sentimental one. [Titus' deposition to Ser Roland Cordwayner increase by +1] Redtusk himself! "I'd very much enjoy that, Ser Roland. I have yet to hear who my family intends to hunt with. Have you arranged anything yet?" Titus turned and looked toward the approaching knight. Surely anyone deserving Ser Roland's praise was worthy of getting to know. [OCC: I'll hold of from posting further until Ser Aladale joins] <iframe width="18.539999999999964" height="3.8799999999999955" style="position: absolute; width: 18.539999999999964px; height: 3.8799999999999955px; z-index: -9999; border-style: none;left: 15px; top: -5px;" id="MoatPxIOPT0_33304922" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe width="18.539999999999964" height="3.8799999999999955" style="position: absolute; width: 18.54px; height: 3.88px; z-index: -9999; border-style: none; left: 872px; top: -5px;" id="MoatPxIOPT0_88037146" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe width="18.539999999999964" height="3.8799999999999955" style="position: absolute; width: 18.54px; height: 3.88px; z-index: -9999; border-style: none; left: 15px; top: 135px;" id="MoatPxIOPT0_52690951" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe width="18.539999999999964" height="3.8799999999999955" style="position: absolute; width: 18.54px; height: 3.88px; z-index: -9999; border-style: none; left: 872px; top: 135px;" id="MoatPxIOPT0_54990841" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe width="18.539999999999964" height="3.8799999999999955" style="position: absolute; width: 18.539999999999964px; height: 3.8799999999999955px; z-index: -9999; border-style: none;left: 15px; top: -5px;" id="MoatPxIOP
|
|
|
Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 25, 2018 9:51:33 GMT 1
"Ser Aladale, you spoke movingly today and gave a fine account of yourself with the lance at the parade. It would seem you have the Seven with you." Roland was sincere in his praise on both matters, delicately avoiding Aladale marring his performance by almost pitching from the saddle at the very last. Ser Aladale approached the two knights. Roland he knew by sight, his companion he did not recognize but remembered him being a member of House Blackbriar. "Thank you for your kind words Ser Roland, but I think we both know you rode a lot better at the parade. Not that I would expect anything else from a knight of your pedigree" Aladale was without a doubt the less skilled jouster of the two, but his experience and skill with words allowed him to often ride in more prestigious positions than younger, more skilled participants. At least in the parade before the actual competition. He motioned to the dark rings under the knight's eyes: "You stood vigil through the night, I assume? If the Seven were indeed rewarding a pious life, you must be one of their best examples!", he added with an amusing tone despite the somber situation. Looking over to Titus, he extended his hand for a greeting: "I am Ser Aladale Levalle. And you must be of House Blackbriar? Delighted to meet you, Ser"
|
|
|
Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 25, 2018 15:59:23 GMT 1
“Likewise, Ser. My name is Titus.” He did not remember the man from the previous days parade, but neither did he Ser Roland. He assumed that they had ridden closer to the front as more prestigious knights tend to do. He did however recognise him from the vigil.
The knight had spoken about how Lord Hightower’s death should not be used for as a political platform, something Titus fully agreed with.
He shook the man’s hand.
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 25, 2018 20:06:35 GMT 1
Abelar's words from yesterday were still in Roland's mind, so he decided to match Aladale's with one of his own.
"The rewards for being a pious second son of the Reach appear to be aching limbs and tired eyes, together with an appointment to defend Hightower honour on the morrow. Still, Lord Hightower would have agreed, better a spare in the Reach than an heir in Dorne, no?"
Though with my brother having a son set to marry and Ser Normyn ensconced in Hammerhal, does that make me a spare three times over?
Roland nodded in Titus's direction.
"Knighted by his father Ser Donnel Blackbriar himself. I may be doomed to spending my whole life being knocked off horses by different generations of Blackbriars."
|
|
|
Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 26, 2018 12:24:44 GMT 1
"That depends on personal preferences, I think. I always enjoyed the liberties of being a second son. Another man might envy his older brother's power instead, preferring a Lord's title even if comes with acres of Dornish sand"
"Another Blackbriar with a talented lance arm and a hand for warhorses? There must be something in the water at Gyldenhaal.."
|
|