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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 24, 2019 23:32:08 GMT 1
The mood at Kingsbridge is solemn as the remains of Ser Roland passed through on their way from Oldtown to Hammerhal. He was a brother of the Kingsbridge Companions and well-respected by knights and commoners alike at Kingsbridge and the presence at his vigil reflected that, the modest sept that served Starling lands was filled to the brim with visitors who had come to pay their respects. Even men who found themselves at odds with his philosophies, political leanings, or self-righteous personality still respected him for being a principled and courageous knight who rose well above the expectations set for him by his middling birth.
Following a ceremonial raising of his shield to join the others in the Great Hall at Kingsbridge, the crowd moved over to the sept for a vigil where those who wished could say a few words in his memory.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 3, 2019 9:03:08 GMT 1
He had been stunned when he heard of Roland's death. The circumstances of it seemed fitting, but not this ending. Roland was a true Knight, and while Mikel was not as devout as him, he came to see Roland as a kindred spirit and a friend. Friendship was not something Mikel granted easily, but in the brief course of the Black Tourney he had found Roland deserving. Arriving at Kingsbridge for the vigil his arms and armor were spotless, beautiful, and deadly. When he saw Roland's body the shock came back, and the sorrow. Speaking quietly he shared the few memories he had of Roland, spoke of his respect for Roland's discipline, and of how their friendship was born in the wrestling match at the Small Folks tournament. He told his friend that the life he led enabled him to die better then most men could hope to, and his life had been better lived and more honorable then most too. After a few minutes Mikel took up a position to stand vigil, one which gave him some space from the others. Through the night he picked apart his memories for what he remembered of Roland, then he thought about his death. Then he wondered if he knew the full extent of the circumstances involved.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 4, 2019 1:57:51 GMT 1
Ser Trystane arrived with Ser Mikel, his squire, Quentyn, in tow. It had been at Mikel's suggestion that he attended, and though he had not known Ser Roland, he did believe it was appropriate to pay respects to a man who had died honourably, from all he had been told.
Trystane and Quentyn quietly took up positions for the vigil, and settled into respectful silence. The yellow candlelight and the shuffling of mourners brought about a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere for Trystane, and he found himself smiling a little as he listened to others speak on their memories of this fallen knight. He wondered how many vigils the sept had seen before this one, and how many more it might yet see. He did not like that thought much, and tried to push it from his mind.
He glanced over at Mikel, hoping to give him a reassuring look.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 5, 2019 2:35:51 GMT 1
This wasn't the first time that Daeron had seen a shield hung up in the hall at Kingsbridge, only weeks earlier Ser Marlon's had also joined the shields on the wall, but he had hardly known the young knight. This time the vigil was for a man that he knew far more intimately and that much harder for him. He even permitted himself some moistness around the eyes, but no tears. Tears were for women, not knights.
When he finally took his turn to speak, he used few words, but he spoke them well.
"Ser Roland Cordwayner was a true knight, a man who lived and died by his moral code and knightly standards. A man who never once flinched in fulfilling his vows or duty. A man whose integrity could never be questioned.
It was an honor to serve alongside him as Companion and as a brother. The Smith broke the mold when he formed that one, but let us not allow our friend's death be in vain. Ser Roland will continue to live on in our actions as long as we continue to uphold our knightly vows."
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Post by Father on Apr 9, 2019 21:52:47 GMT 1
A number of notabilities had come to pay their respects, Lord Tyrell accompanying Lady Alicent, the twice betrothed woman keeping her composure well. Ser Abelar and Ser Dennis Hightower provided escort from Oldtown, with Ser Aubrey Ambrose having decided to join, and Ser Aemon Flowers and Ser Roland Redwyne meeting them along the way. As far as Lord Willem's speeches goes, this one is very well delivered. Perhaps because it is not entirely his own composition, but rather one that has been handed down through the generations, another ritual of the companions. Lady Lysette provides a more moving eulogy, with a much better summary of Ser Roland's character than the somewhat stiff version of her father. Noticeably absent is Lord Cordwayner, who had announced his arrival, but of him there has been no sign. |
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 10, 2019 1:21:58 GMT 1
Ser Trystane had noted a few of the attendees as they were pointed out to him by Mikel following the vigil - other children of Aegon IV, and he made a point of introducing himself. They were technically family, after all, so it was only polite. He hardly knew anyone at all here, and there was only one way to change that.
He first found Ser Daeron Wildfyre, and drew attention with a polite bow.
"Ser Daeron, please accept my condolences on the loss of Ser Roland."
A bit more formal an approach than he would have liked, but the occasion called for it.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 10, 2019 3:31:16 GMT 1
Daeron returns his half-brother's manners. "I appreciate your condolences. Kingsbridge won't be the same without him, or Ser Marlon. The Companions have lost too many good men of late.
I must have missed your introduction and I don't believe that I saw you at the Black Tourney. Forgive my manners, you are who exactly?"
To be continued.. here |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 11, 2019 21:07:04 GMT 1
Balon came to Kingsbridge to pay his respects to the gallant Ser Roland. The Reach was lessened by his passing and it was a travesty he died so young at the hands of such a brute. At least that's what he said publicly. In reality Balon didn't care for Roland. He was arrogant, self-righteous, harbored a secret lust for Dornish women (that's what Balon told himself), was hopelessly naive, supported King Daeron, and worst of all he was a better knight than Balon. With suspicion cast over the legitimacy of Lord Cordwayner's children Balon was in fact happy Roland had died. Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn supported the true King and the last thing Balon wanted to see was Roland named heir and the strength of Hammerhal given over to King Daeron. When Balon learned of Roland's death he couldn't pass up an opportunity to use it to his own advantage.
During the shield raising ceremony Balon scanned the crowd looking for the right knights, lords, and ladies to talk to. Ones that would be susceptible to Balon's poisonous words. With the ceremony complete those assembled made their way to the sept. En route Balon spoke about Ser Roland being the epitome of chivalry only to be brought low by a Dornishman. Worse yet, a Dornishman loyal to King Daeron. "This is what happens when the Dornish rot spreads through the Reach. Men like Roland die while the Dornish Daverhyls prosper. Where is the justice in that?" First Symon Starkwood rapes Lady Alicent Florent, then one is named Lord of Laughing Stream, now one murders Ser Roland in a duel that he had no personal investment in. Lords like Walgrave were right to despise the peace with Dorne. He knew this would happen and if something wasn't done it'd become more common.
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Apr 12, 2019 4:56:40 GMT 1
Roland fought valiantly, Roland fought nobly, Roland fought honorably. And Roland died. That was all Addam could think about as he stood vigil throughout the night with his brothers. Some prayed for his soul, others told tales of his valor, but all he could do was stare at the box that held the man's bones with disdain. Roland had it all, the respect of his peers, the glory from his victories, the prestige of marrying Alicent Yronwood, a chance at lordship, yet he threw it all. Threw it all away for that "septon". Beating Sandor would of proven Abelar as worthy of penance as much as Balon proved Walton Wyl a horse fucker. Yet, he fought to end for what he believed. The rumors were all wrong. It wasn't the Dornish or the belief that he was the heir or even his pride that got him killed. No, it was his belief that the gods cared. That they would see that he won the day. "As if that gods would care," he mumbled to himself as Lysette finished her eulogy and the crowd begun to leave the sept.
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