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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 3, 2019 1:37:58 GMT 1
Septon Abelar sits on the bench inside the small sept, washing his hands in a bucket of scrubbing-water. After his tribunal, it paid to make an appearance or two in some of the more humble houses of worship in Oldtown. After all, the septon is a man of the people, having fared poorly in lordly halls thus far. Engrossed with cleaning underneath his fingernails, he almost doesn't notice the dark-haired man with Dornish features slip into the sept, looking around at the murals of the Seven and the pair of empty confessional booths, positioned so that one septon could sit and listen to two sinners at the same time. Bulb-headed torches gutter along two of the walls, casting enough light to see that the two men are alone.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 3, 2019 1:57:22 GMT 1
While the lesser septs often lacked the grandeur of the large, prestigious ones, Trystane actually usually liked the small ones better. They had a charm all of their own, and, in a way, he felt a bit closer to the Gods without all those accoutrements in the way. This one, though modest, had well-kept and beautiful murals, the flicker of the amber lights catching the gilt edging of each painted figure in a holy aura around each one.
The one other person in the sept he can see has the look of a septon, and so he assumes he must be the septon who presides over the flock here. Rather than moving to take a candle to begin his prayers, he first walks over to the septon and clears his throat to alert him to the new presence.
"Greetings, Septon. Pardon me for interrupting, but I just wanted to compliment the condition of your sept. It's lovely. Those murals are truly inspiring, he says softly, not wanting to break the peacefulness of the place.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 3, 2019 2:11:41 GMT 1
The dark-haired septon bows in agreement, revealing a small shaven tonsure on the back of his head. "We are in agreement there, although I too am a visitor in this sept. Indeed, I'm between septs at the moment." But not between flocks. Not as long as I can preach.
Gesturing towards Trystane, the septon continues. "I see you are Dornish. What brings you to Oldtown?"
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 3, 2019 2:46:07 GMT 1
"Ah, my apologies for my assumption."
Trystane lets out a little awkward chuckle at his error, but continues.
"I'm making a new life for myself in the Reach," he begins. "I'm a tourney knight, and the Reach, I'm told, is the very seat of chivalry, so here I am. I am only in Oldtown temporarily though. I reside in Starkwood, as a sworn sword to Lord Ulbert. Where is it you hail from, Septon?"
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 3, 2019 4:40:47 GMT 1
Abelar waves away Trystane's apology, feeling it unnecessary. "I fear, ser, that you will find more shivs than chivalry in the Reach. I just attended a mighty tourney at Highgarden, where the best knights in the Reach tested themselves against one another." He sighs. "It was all spectacle, politics, and violence. I fear for the future of knighthood if this is what it's come to." Abelar shakes his head. "But I can tell that you are cut from a different cloth ser, if you chose to visit a sept even while just passing through. More than a few knights might have chosen to pass the time in a debauched tavern or worse."
"Aye, I know House Starkwood. I conversed with the ladies Ashara and Laena at the aforementioned tourney. A staunch enough house, and one not seized by the same fever of villainy as so many at that tourney . . . and yet ironically, not the most pious house either. Until recently, I served as septon to House Blackbriar, although I have since left service at Gyldenhaal and am now working less formally with Lord Yelshire."
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 3, 2019 12:24:44 GMT 1
In truth, a debauched tavern had been on Trystane's agenda, but he keeps that very much to himself.
"Houses Blackbriar and Yelshire," he says evenly, as though turning the names over in his mind to better commit them to memory. "I'm afraid I know them not, but I expect time and the tourney circuit will remedy that. I have only been across the border a scant two weeks, so I am at quite the disadvantage for knowing who's who."
He gives the septon a slightly apologetic look.
"I'm afraid I have little influence on House Starkwood's piety, save to do my best as one man within it. I am glad to hear that the House has a good reputation though. I can only hope to do my part to uphold it. Is House Yelshire seated near to here? Or are you on your travels as well?"
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 4, 2019 4:46:48 GMT 1
Abelar considers the knight's words. "If I may ser, I must correct myself a bit. While the Starkwoods are high in character, reputation is not a solitary game. There are many who hate the Starkwoods. Those who would undercut them and strike low blows." He waves a hand. "It all has to do with this mislike of the Dornish that seems to have gripped many like a fever. The Starkwoods have married into a Dornish line, so they have been swept up in this wave of stupidity."
"The best thing you can do is to lead by example; conduct yourself to be above reproach, and the slavering dogs in armor either admit error or destroy themselves trying to prove the opposite. Tell me, do you have much skill at arms, Ser . . . "
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 4, 2019 15:56:18 GMT 1
"Ser Trystane Sand," Trystane answers the septon's questioning trail-off. "And I have a decent sword arm, if I dare say so myself, though my battle experience is chiefly from fighting bandits clans in the Boneway. It is my hope that, during my time in the Reach, I might lead by example, as you say, and perhaps show the naysayers that a Dornish knight is no lesser than any other. So, now that you know my name, how should I call you in return, Septon?"
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 5, 2019 2:12:02 GMT 1
"I'm Abelar. Good, good. Swinging a sword well is an important part of winning respect as a knight."
One of the few knights in the Reach who does not know me for my deeds at the Black Tourney yet--I should remember his name.
"Is there anything I can assist you with, ser? Perhaps confession or prayer?"
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 5, 2019 23:40:25 GMT 1
"Well, I had come to pray anyway - for my future with House Starkwood, and for my mother, who I have left behind in Sunspear. If you would be willing, I would greatly value your assistance, Septon Abelar."
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 6, 2019 2:01:43 GMT 1
The septon clasps his hands together before him and stands a bit closer to Ser Trystane. Bowing his head respectfully, he begins to pray in a soothing, deep baritone.
"In the name of the Father, may Ser Trystane find a just lord at House Starkwood."
"In the name of the Warrior, may his arm find strength."
"In the name of the Smith, may he build fortune through service."
"In the name of the Maiden, may he protect all women."
"In the name of the Mother, may his mother be held safe in Sunspear."
"In the name of the Crone, may wisdom guide them both."
"Amen."
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 6, 2019 12:42:16 GMT 1
"Amen," Trystane echoes, his own head bowed and his hands clasped. When he straightens up again, he gives Abelar a grateful smile.
"Thank you. Now, I must be on my way, but if there is ever anything I can do for you, I am at your service."
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 6, 2019 22:44:29 GMT 1
Abelar traces the seven-pointed star on his chest. "I thank you, ser. May the Crone light your path."
[/scene]
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jun 6, 2019 23:27:19 GMT 1
"And yours."
[/scene]
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