|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Sept 30, 2018 3:04:56 GMT 1
"Ser Roland."
Ashara curtsies gracefully. She had been meaning to speak to the Starling knight most of the day - ever since the outcome of his challenge against Fireball.
"Congratulations on earning a captaincy in the melee."
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 1, 2018 21:27:08 GMT 1
Roland bowed deeply, acknowledging Ashara's greater rank. He had only attended so he could share a drink with Ser Mikel later, but perhaps Ashara had uncovered more of the plotting against Lady Alicent Yronwood or House Cordwayner itself.
"Thank you my lady. I have had the Warrior's blessing against Ser Quentyn twice now. I hope you have enjoyed the play?"
The political undercurrent of the drama was lost on Roland so far. Such was true of both the events on stage and matters at Highgarden...
Roland did his best to keep his eyes on the Dornish woman's face rather than allowing them to wander like some depraved peasant.
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 2, 2018 5:15:21 GMT 1
"It has been.. interesting. Amusingly open to interpretation, it seems, despite the intent of the planners."
She glances over at Lady Maegelle and Ser Norman. Her face gets a conflicted expression briefly, before her attention shifts back to Ser Roland.
"I came to speak with you about another matter, of more personal concern."
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 2, 2018 11:55:14 GMT 1
Roland shrugged and opened the palm of his left hand, retaining control of his goblet in his other hand.
"Plans within plans and feints within feints. I fear there are strokes offered here that I would be alert to in a duel but elude me at court. My lady may have to educate me after I have done my best to dispel your personal concerns."
He follows Ashara's gaze, by now perhaps sharing some of her concerns given recent rumours and Septon Abelar's words in the bathhouse some days past. Vicious words were in the camp, saying House Cordwayner should not mix its blodo with Dorne by marriage, or even that they should join their cause to Ser Daemon Blackfyre's and risk open rebellion.
"You were right when we met earlier in the tournament: there is ill work at play that seeks to sully your name and that of my family."
Once more the word "Cordwayner" did not seem to come easily to Roland.
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 2, 2018 17:07:42 GMT 1
Ashara nods.
"Aye, though my present fears are more physical in nature, but for my blood, not my body."
Her voice drops in tone and in volume - the former no doubt a reflection of her unease, the later most likely a desire to prevent eavesdropping.
"You may have heard of my..." She searches for the right word. "...encounter... with Balon Blackbriar. During that encounter, he threatened to do to my brother Symon what he had done to Ser Walton. He will have an opportunity do so in the melee, and I fear that he will take that opportunity."
She sighs.
"It is not just my brother at stake, either. Our houses are neighbors, and due to historic conflicts and misunderstandings, there has been tension between our houses, though thankfully little outright conflict. My Lord Father desires peace between our houses, and it seems that most of House Blackbriar does as well. However, it is clear that Balon does not. Such an assault - even if Symon were to survive - could derail the tentative peace before it even begins."
She puts her hand on Ser Roland's forearm, pleadingly.
"Ser Donnel has sworn to keep his son and my brother separate in the melee, but can really only do so if they are on the same team. My brother is a strong knight, but our Rhoynish skin draws few friends and much disdain - there are few I can think of that would welcome him on their team, and for me to plead for not one by two parts of seven is difficult. However, you well know the strength of Ser Donnel, and if you are willing other doughty knights who would protect my brother from ill intent and egregious wounding hidden in the guise of chivalrous sport. Ser Titus, Ser Mikel, Ser Cleyton, and my cousin Ser Aerion - all would I am sure be protective of Symon and I would hope strong allies in the melee. Some may seek positions on other teams, and I certainly would not ask that you take them all, unless you feel it would be an effective team."
She withdraws her hand and smiles.
"I do not wish to unduly weaken your chances at victory, and indeed would be more than pleased to see friendly knights and family win. However, I would rather my brother live and lose than be slaughtered to the vices of personal grudge, Dornish hatred, and ambitions of power."
Happy to take this to intrigue if you feel it is necessary, but also happy to let it play out in a purely narrative form if you desire. To be clear her primary goal is for you to select Ser Symon and Ser Donnel for your melee team when the time comes, secondarily to at least consider other friendly knights as well. She also has a back-up request if even the primary goal is a bridge too far.
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 4, 2018 13:32:02 GMT 1
Roland listened attentively, his heart skipping slightly as Ashara first offered and then withdrew a hand. Nephew's betrothed or not, she was a beauty...
"I suspect your fears are well founded. I have seen Ser Balon with sword in hand, and he is as skillful as he is dishonourable. He would indeed have the skill to enforce dark designs in the melee."
A chance to play the gallant for a beautiful maiden in circumstances where a woman could not tread! Such was the stuff knighthood was meant to be about.
It barely occurred to Roland to counsel that Ser Symon not fight in the melee. To the best of his knowledge the man was no great knight and certainly not Ser Balon's match. However, a man's willingness to seek knighthood and bravely pursue its tenants was the key issue rather than his prowess. Not all men could be as skilled as Ser Daemon or Redtusk, but Seven damn nobles too meek to even win their spurs.
"It is a fine thing that your brother is bold enough to fight in the melee. I would not have my nephew's betrothed wear mourning garb to her wedding. Victory in a training exercise is a small thing to win if a price is paid in tears and blood."
[OOC: Awareness TN (8) - Roland's concern is more for Ashara than for House Cordwayner. 2 DoS - he barely dwells on his family and his tone is tinged with frustration.]
"Ser Donnel is a good man and true. I would sooner take both men to fight by my side than risk some braggart furthering some ambitious scheme. If Ser Mikel's wounds allow it, I would have sought him out anyway - it would be dishonest to regard that part of your request as a favour granted. Many of the other knights you speak of are fine men too: I shall speak with my Lord and fellow companions as to my team's composition."
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 4, 2018 18:26:32 GMT 1
Well, that was easier than I thought... I had not anticipated him becoming attracted to me. The family divide has deepened as well. I shall have to think on how best to use these opportunities."My brother may not be as fine a fighter as some, but he is strong and well trained - though still inexperienced and perhaps over-eager for recognition. I truly hope he will be an asset to your team, not a detriment. Indeed, it is my hope that fighting alongside yourself and Ser Donnel may help ensure that he looks to the right sort of knight to model himself on. Others may have more acclaim, but I think not even Blackfyre himself is as true a knight as you." Your biggest problem - other than your total lack of guile and awareness - is your lack of ambition. Let's see how far that goes."Have you ever given thought to your own marriage? A knight of your caliber, second trueborn son of a Lord, and well respected by your peers - why, I imagine you could go far. I met Lady Daena Roxton at the royal hunt, I might be able to introduce the two of you." IitI Awareness(empathy): 6d6k4+3 21 She sees everything.
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 4, 2018 23:05:38 GMT 1
Roland signaled his approval at Ashara's appraisal of her brother's prowess, and dipped his head in acknowledgement on the favourable comparison to Blackfyre, pleased at the use of Blackfyre rather than the bastard Waters.
"Ser Daemon Blackfyre set an example for all of us in defeating Ser Otho Bracken, even if Lord Levalle is little worthy of such a puissant defence."
He stroked his stubble at her question on his marriage prospects.
"My family had their heir and a spare, but my Lord brother has your betrothed and my bastard brother to act in his stead. There is no place for me at Hammerhal - I am a spare twice displaced. I bring no hosts with me, no keep or fortune. I have sought to make my body strong and my reputation valiant, so these are all that I have."
"I know not Daena Roxton except to look at, and fear for the painter who has to do her justice. I would be honoured if you thought us a good match and endeavour not to shame you if you made introductions."
"Daena and I are linked in a manner already - my namesake, Ser Roland Redwyne knighted me and carries her favour deep in to the tourney. For my own part, I carry Janna Hightower's colours. It was my honour to defend her family from Ser Quentyn's slanderous speech early in the tourney. She is both striking and bright, albeit we have almost a decade in age between us. Both women are of higher station, but a knight should quest to prove myself worthy of first their attention and secondly their hearts."
It was said with a smile and a tinge of self awareness, but mirth is oft used to disguise truth. It was such in the songs, so why not in life?
A romantic, or perhaps some hint of ambition in pursuing sought after women of higher social status? Or perhaps a way to delay marriage via public and noble failure?
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 5, 2018 14:09:26 GMT 1
Both ladies would also be well served by a husband that was strong of arm and skill but also able to be guided appropriately, as a knight is well served by a strong and swift steed, but only if that steed can be controlled.
"'Spares' as you have termed them are needed in our society. Who but 'spares' can wed ladies regnant as your own Lady Lysette will be?"
She smiles.
"It is my opinion that you have already proven yourself well beyond the circumstances of your birth, which are not inconsiderable to begin with. However, should you decide that ladies of such elevated station to be beyond you, there are plenty of other worthy options."
Let's see how far this goes.
"House Footly, for instance - Lady Wenda is a noted beauty."
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 5, 2018 14:54:05 GMT 1
"Well said, a silver lining and freedom. I should not gripe when others are worse off. Lady Lysette is a true rose - were I not in service to Lord Starling I would court her myself, but it seems an underhand thing to take service without declaring such an intention. That said I fear I would never see her if we wed: I would have to travel to every tourney from Starfall to Lannisport and King's Landing to keep her in books and scribes."
He paused at the mention of pursuing a marriage in House Footly, taking a sip of wine. Perhaps to hide a nervous swallow or to buy time?
"You speak truly of Lady Wenda. I suspect politics drove the choice of many knights at the parade. To see no knight offer his services to Alysanne Bridges , Falyse Blackbar and Wenda Footly should shame the Reach."
For someone seemingly unschooled in politics, Roland had unusually clear memories of several Dornish blooded women being spurned at the parade.
"But Tumbleton's sorrowful history means it is not the Hightower."
Roland gestured in the air, as if to banish such thoughts with an action.
"It speaks ill of a man to always set his sights on a target he believes more comfortably within his limits, no? And Lady Janna is known as a young woman of both character and beauty. I have taken many a tumble from my horse at tourneys, but these have not rendered me foolish and shallow yet," said he who was notably foolish. "It is not that any speak ill of Lady Wenda, but that all speak well of Lady Janna, and my conversations with the latter vouches for popular opinion."
Remember to ask something about the young woman you are speaking to. His old Septa's words came flashing back, but Ashara was skillfully leading the conversation and there was little he could do but try to keep up.
"Do you know Lady Daena Roxton well? My comrade in arms Ser Daeron has spoken approvingly of her striking dark hair and bearing."
Roland's eyes notably wandered to Ashara's own hair, and he unthinkingly touched his own dark hair, so different from his golden haired niece and nephew.
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 5, 2018 16:52:48 GMT 1
Interesting pause.
"If not for your nephew, I suspect I would have been in the same situation. Had I realized what was happening, I would have requested of those riding in my honor that they offer their favor - if possible- to one of the others."
It was a complete lie, of course, but it sounded good.
"I do not know Lady Daena well - indeed, we only met briefly during the hunt, and shared a good laugh over my ineptitude with a bow. I confess I am not skilled with anything remotely martial, not even the few endeavors suitable for women - riding, archery, and so forth."
She shakes her head.
"I would not pretend to say I had any sway over her decision making, or even any knowledge of her thoughts. However, as you have said it is up to the knight to impress and win a lady's heart - and it is much easier to do so if the lady has a reason to pick you out of a crowd of much more ambitious men."
Redtusk might be more prestigious, but I have no doubt that this Roland would let Lady Daena retain more control over the house - if that is what she desires. Goodness knows she couldn't muck it up any worse than all these 'worthy lords'.
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 5, 2018 17:29:05 GMT 1
The lie sailed effortlessly past Roland's smiling approval - it was the sort of thing a noble lady should say, and therefore required little close examination. He nodded at Ashara's remarks on traditional gender roles - the Seven gave a clear exemplar of appropriate household roles: three male faces, three female faces and the Stranger.
"Quite so - I would not impose more than a passing recommendation of Ser Daeron on you, and would call such a kindness if it reached Lady Daena's ears."
"Seven spare the Realm from ambitious men, judging by the last week at Highgarden! As I said earlier, I shall join Ser Donnel in putting my body in the way of any man that would satisfy his ambitions at your brother's cost."
A curious condemnation of ambition from a man who had risked his place in the tournament on a second joust against Fireball. Many others had been placed to make a challenge but passed the opportunity up, choosing certainty over ambition and risk.
Another sip of wine - the Tyell's had provided better vintages than he was used to.
"You suggested the play was 'open to interpretation', but I will admit that while I am not unlettered my reading has mostly been scripture and history texts. The subtleties of the play eluded me - I had enough trouble keeping up with the rhythm of the dialogue."
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 5, 2018 21:32:05 GMT 1
Ser Daeron... that's the great bastard in the companions. The one that can't keep his seat in the joust. One of Bittersteel's boys, I think. That's the wrong sort of brainlessness I want to see get a lordship of a significant house. If I make no more mention of it I doubt the subject will ever come up again - and if it does, I can always claim to have forgotten, or to be uncomfortable recommending someone I don't know."The way I understood it, the play was supposed to mirror our current political situation - and suggest that King Daeron is a false dragon, and that Ser Daemon is a true dragon and thus should rule. However, only the play's 'true dragon' and his supporters claim that the other dragon was false - as you said, 'Seven spare the Realm from ambitious men'. They mirrored the current situation a bit too closely." She laughs somewhat bitterly, and in her exuberance her voice elevates in volume, no longer the calm, quiet tones she had been using to avoid being overheard. or maybe she wants to be overheard? "Bittersteel even got more support for his melee captaincy than Ser Daemon did - he claims to be gathering support for Blackfyre, but it's clear where his followers loyalty really lies." She sighs. "The whole thing is preposterous - as Ser Daemon was legitimized he is certainly a true dragon, but so is King Daeron; and as we all know Andal custom puts the right of inheritance in the hands of the eldest son. To think otherwise is to abandon our Andal heritage - the very thing that the ambitious claim King Daeron is doing."
I took some liberties with describing the plot here, but any inconsistencies could just be Ashara's own bias coloring her interpretation. Also, I was going to do this in a separate thread when I figured out a good way to do it, but it fits here organically, so: D7 Blood Rumor & influence Blackfyre Deceptive incite, Persuasion(act) w/ Status and Courteous: 6d6k4+4+2 24Rumor: 24 vs TN 9, 4 DoS x2 (Day 5+), 8 DoS earned. Incite Blackfyre against Bittersteel: 24 vs TN ??, Success I presume.
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 7, 2018 19:21:51 GMT 1
"Ah, my thanks."
"I suspect many of these men are motivated by recent hatreds or ambition - as you say, the contradiction in their reasoning is plan for all to see. Subjugating the Dornish by steel would win much gold and glory, and free positions of influence that many Reachmen previously held."
Roland remembered his conversation with Laena, but did not volunteer her name, merely her view.
"Ser Daemon ill-deserves to have his good name used to fulfill the schemes of lesser men. To my shame, gossip-mongers even attempted to attach my name to such plotting some days past. I can but hope my second bout with Fireball has put an end to such nonsense."
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 9, 2018 21:32:28 GMT 1
"The only thing that comes from invading Dorne is suffering and death. No good has ever come from it - no glory, no real victory - certainly nothing worth the lives our leaders squandered in the reckless pursuit of 'gold and glory'."
She shakes her head.
"I fear many will see your second bout against Fireball being either a continuation of your first joust on behalf of the Hightowers - perhaps as prelude to wooing Lady Janna - and a desire to face a foe you knew you could defeat in order to ensure yourself a captaincy. Those who know you may know you to be a true knight, unparalleled in honor and chivalry, but those that do not know you very likely assume you are motivated by the same sorts of desires for fame and glory that so many other men are."
She ponders.
"Is there anyone in particular you would wish to face, specifically?"
|
|