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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 24, 2019 17:43:16 GMT 1
Daeron had no intentions of remaining in Highgarden much longer, his injuries were serious, but not debilitating and he planned on riding back to Kingsbridge as soon as possible. However, there was one man that he needed to see before he left. He didn't know Ser Titus as well as he would've liked, but was impressed with his showing at the tourney and downright awed by his heroic actions at Abelar's Riot. He heard that the younger knight had recovered enough to entertain visitors, and soon enough he had joined the constant stream of friends, family, and well-wishers.
Limping into his room, also covered in bandages, he lightly addressed the Blackbriar knight.
"And I thought my injuries looked bad. At least the smallfolk had the decency to spare your face."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 25, 2019 18:25:55 GMT 1
He finds young Titus sitting by a small writing desk by the window, stooped over scrolls, parchments and ink. By his side, a walking stick. Sign of the miracle that not only had the knight lived, he was on the path of recovery.
Seeing his unexpected visitor he breaks out in a wide smile. "Ser Daeron. Aren't you a sight to behold." Aided by the cane he stands up and approaches the Great Bastard and shakes his hand by the lower arm. "If Blackfyre is the Warrior born again, Ser Manfryd surely is the Stranger. We're both lucky to be standing, I reckon." When he first had heard of the trial between Lady Johanna and Lady Laena and the subsequent Trial by Combat he, like most others he had supported Lady Laena and the threat to her children but after his meeting with her he was of a different mind of the Black Widow. There was more to her than met the idea. Much more. So he would not hold it against Wildfyre for lending his sword against her - perhaps he knew something other's did not.
He motions towards the piles of paper and ink. "I was just finishing some... writing. Please, I'm in dire need to stretch my legs. It still feels like a novelty to use them again. Would you limp with me as we talk?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 26, 2019 4:44:33 GMT 1
“I will limp with you as far as you are able, just don’t ask me to carry you back. I’m not sure that the Stranger’s avatar has permitted me that much strength.”
As they limp around Daeron fills the air with small talk, news, and the most important pieces of gossip. After a rough few days, it probably did the injured knight some good to take in mundane, but normal moments before Wildfyre moved on to more substantive topics.
“So Ser Titus, are you still planning to take up service at Starpike when you are able?”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 26, 2019 7:47:02 GMT 1
”Aye. I’ll be honest with you, Ser. After the Riot and my injuries I was doubtful if Lord Gormon would still have me, if I could still serve a purpose. But he assured me I had a place at his table yet and now...” He gestures towards the two of them, walking, ”... the maester’s say it won’t be long until I’m recovered enough to travel. Yet it’s glasping a sword again that I miss the most. This...” he taps his walking stick, ”...proves a poor substitute.” He was in a cheerful mood as the two limped,like Whights from Tales of The Long Night, down the halls and corridors of Highgarden.
”What of you, Ser? Returning to Kingsbridge and your Lord’s service? I heard he considered throwing a tournament for the hand of his daughter. Brave move in times like this.”
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 26, 2019 14:22:31 GMT 1
He gingerly taps Titus’ head.
“Lord Gormon is a skilled warrior, but nobody serves him in order to be a stronger knight. They serve to become a sharper one.
I’m sorry to say that you might not be overthrowing Redtusk in a tourney, but there are other skills which you might now master. I’ll see if I can’t find some books on historic battles for you from Lady Lysette’s collection.”
At the mention of Kingsbridge his chest swelled with pride.
“Aye, I’ll be returning there soon, possibly to help prepare for a tourney, or maybe a wedding. I don’t know my lord’s exact plans, but I would be surprised if he didn’t try to follow up with his own event, hopefully less scandal ridden than this one.”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 26, 2019 18:58:27 GMT 1
"ThenI hope I'll see you on the other side of the lists soon, Ser." That this was the same man that a mere week ago had lamented over never being able to walk again was hard to believe. Lady Laena had indeed awaken something greater within him (not that Titus would ever make that connection). "I may not overthrow Redtusk - the man beat Ser Daemon, gods damn it - but I'm sure Ser Daemon Wildfyre can meet his match!" He swipes lightly with his cane at the back of Daeron's leg, mimicking the strike of a Braavosi fencer.
It was funny - he reminded Titus much of Balon. Similar - the good and the bad. Similar - but different.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 27, 2019 5:20:00 GMT 1
“There’s only one way to tell, but don’t expect me to hold back just because you were mortally wounded quite recently! I’m quite capable of reshaping the joust to fit my own strengths.”
He responds with a shove, perhaps too competitively, and just barely managed to catch his friend. A moment later and he would’ve just pushed the Hero of the Riot to the stone floor. Wildfyre indeed.
“I do hope to see you there though. I’ve heard rumors that the winner of the tourney might also win Lady Lysette’s hand, and with it leadership of the Companions. Such a prize would draw the best knights from the Reach. The competition will be fierce, but I encourage you to be there. My cousin could do with a few more good men pursuing her.”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Feb 28, 2019 1:26:00 GMT 1
He stumbles when pushed but only chuckles when the knight goes to catch him. ”Soft now, Ser. Remember I am a hero, crippled in the service of the realm!” He says it with a wink. Wildfyre indeed.
”Not only a lovely Andal maid, a lordship and command of some of the finest knights the Reach has to offer. No small prize indeed.” He mulls over it. Mother had enquires to Lord Starling about the prospect of Titus wedding Lady Lysette, he had not seemed opposed to it.
The subject of combat and future tournaments brings forth an idea. He straightens up as much as able and speaks more seriously.
”Ser Daeron. I have a favour to ask you. The maesters would have me “recovering” for a long time more before saying me fit to wield a sword again but I... You know yourself. A knight without purpose is a knight dying. I need to move. Just not haunt these halls like a spectre. I need combat. But... I need a sparring partner.”
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 28, 2019 21:34:16 GMT 1
“True. I’ve done some searching for a proper bride myself recently, with mixed results. Lord Gormon seemed open to the idea of me courting Lady Johanna, but neither of them were as receptive as I would’ve liked. Perhaps in due time they’ll both come around to the idea.”
The idea of someone so wounded picking up a sword to spar was a terrible idea, that promised only more harm. However, Ser Titus was a man grown and it wasn’t Daeron’s place to tell a fellow knight that he couldn’t do something.
“I will not deny a friend a favor that I’m capable of fulfilling, just don’t tell any of your family members who gave you a new bruise if they come asking. Grab your breastplate and a sword, and we’ll see if your hands remember the feel of a blade.”
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Mar 1, 2019 12:53:34 GMT 1
"Many Lords would be open to the prospect of a capable fighter joining their ranks - one of Kingsblood even more so. The Realm seems to follow you and your siblings every step."
A jolt of excitement shoots through him when Wildfyre accepts. This was a terrible idea but Titus would be an invalid no more. Where the body would fail him now, will and dedication would have to bare the burden. "I'm in your debt, Ser. I'll meet you on the training grounds in an hour!" He was at moment only dressed in light fabrics. Clothes fit for the ailing, not the fighting. After parting he hurries back to hi chamber where he again dons the heavier cloth ans leather's of a warrior.
It takes him time though, even such simple task still causes pain. But no matter. The Wars to Come had no need for the ailing and the cripple. Only the strong can protect those in need. Only the strong can protect their family.
I'm ok to call it /scene here and have rest of sparring and chatting off-screen but also happy to carry on if there's more you'd like to broach.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 2, 2019 3:39:46 GMT 1
*I’m happy to call it /scene here too. +1 Disposition from Daeron towards Titus
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