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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 15, 2018 13:30:18 GMT 1
Soon after breakfast has concluded, Ser Donnel brings his son with him out to the garden.
"So tell me son, what do you know of the companions?" Ser Donnel asks conversationally.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 15, 2018 22:05:55 GMT 1
Balon walked with his father, curious as to his intentions. The tension between the two had been palpable but nothing had come of it. At least not yet. "So tell me son, what do you know of the Companions?" Ser Donnel asks conversationally. "Well... most of them are knights from Starling lands. Lord Willem tends to recruit locally though there are some exceptions." Ser Addam, Daeron, and Roland came to mind. "They're a formidable force known for discipline and skill." "As to what I think of them? Depends on who. I have spoken with Ser Addam and Ser Daeron. Both seem like good men and knights. Then there is Ser Roland." Balon tried to think on how he should describe the man. "I find him to be a pompous ass who spends the majority of his time looking down his nose at other knights." Balon paused before adding, "So I guess you could say mixed feelings."
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 16, 2018 15:33:25 GMT 1
"A formidable force indeed." Ser Donnel agrees: "Almost as good as us Gyldenhaal knights, eh?"
"It would do us good to know how they drill their troops, wouldnt you say? We might need someone savvy to inspect their methods! We would need the best we got to pick up as much as possible!" Ser Donnel tries to keep the tone light.
"We need someone young as well, sure to adapt easily!"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 17, 2018 7:02:52 GMT 1
Balon wasn't sure where Donnel was going with his questions. His tone was surprisingly cordial and it put Balon on his toes. "Are you asking me if I think we should send a delegation to House Starling to see if it's the men or the methods that make the so formidable?" Confusion was plain on Balon's face. "I think you and Ser Eoric (Applehouse) have done a fine job training the Blackbriar forces. Wouldn't it make sense to send one or both of you if Lord Jon finds his soldiers lacking?"
What in the bloody fuck is going on here?
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 18, 2018 9:43:04 GMT 1
"We will send someone, to see how we ourselves can improve. Me and Eoric needs somebody who will fit in with the young knights, and who might learn from them too... And there is nobody I would think to ask before you."
Ser Donnels face grows passive, struggling to contain a mixture of emotion.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 21, 2018 6:53:04 GMT 1
"You want me to go to Kingsbridge?" Balon didn't know how to feel about the request. On one hand it made sense to go as Balon would eventually take over his father's roll at Gyldenhaal, as ill-defined as it was. On the other hand Balon was here to find a bride, not serve as "just another knight" in the Companions. Balon cleared his throat, "To be honest father I don't know what to say. My goal remains to find a wife during the tournament. Preferably one that is set to inherit." Balon's mind instantly went to Daena Roxton, "I suppose if I fail in that regard I could go but who is to say Lord Starling would want me there?"
Balon' mind began to race, "Who have you talked to about this?"
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 21, 2018 18:23:24 GMT 1
"Nothing is set in stone, I have yet to talk to Lord Starling. But if he wants you, I would like for you to be ready." Ser Donnel shrugs: "If you find a bride landed bride, I will send someone else in your stead, but if you fail to do so, you will need something to keep busy."
Clapping his son on the shoulder he asks: "Are we in agreement?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 22, 2018 19:58:03 GMT 1
Balon remained conflicted on the idea of going, "How long would I be there?" Spending time with Ser Daeron and Ser Addam held promise but Ser Roland was also at Kingsbridge and he was insufferable. He respected Lord Starling but knew little of him.
More importantly Balon was one of Shiera's few allies at Gyldenhaal and leaving would further isolate her. He'd definitely talk to her before making a decision one way or another.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 25, 2018 12:50:57 GMT 1
"Until you have learned enough." Ser Donnel answers. "This will require quite some effort from us both, so you would have to sstay it through. I would say at least a few months." Until my brother can afford to take you back.
"We will need your commitment while at kingsbridge, meanwhile I will get my brother to increase the gold he uses on our forces, in a few years time we will have the finest knights in the reach." And I will leave my family something better than just headaches.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 27, 2018 17:25:47 GMT 1
Balon considered his father's words. A few months wasn't that long but it was technically an open ended assignment, something Balon didn't care for. It seemed odd to him. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering him but Donnel was being uncharacteristically chipper. Maybe it was the rough-housing at breakfast with his brothers that'd made him nostalgic? Balon needed time to think about the offer. Is it an offer or a demand?
"Let me think on it father. The tournament is far from over and who knows what'll happen by week's end." It was the most Balon was going to commit to at the moment.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Aug 28, 2018 2:02:10 GMT 1
"Good." Ser Donnel smiles to his son, as they pass through another garden.
[/Scene?]
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 28, 2018 2:07:35 GMT 1
[/scene]
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