|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Sept 27, 2019 15:55:18 GMT 1
Robyn probably shouldn't have pushed his horse as fast as he did. The ride from Bitterbridge was not one that Robyn was looking to sightsee, nor did he care much for the flora and fauna that littered the beautiful landscapes that he past through. He was heading home. Though certainly a lot sooner than anyone had expected, Robyn was no longer the squire he was when he left. The tragic attack on the Blackbar travelling party still a fresh wound on his mind, and a large weight on his shoulders, but if it weren't for his actions in the affair, he wouldn't be the knight he is. Ser Robyn Starkwood. He laughs slightly to himself, attempting to rationalize any of the emotions he was feeling, and cover up those that deemed too heavy for his conscience. 'There are eyes on you now. Better give them something to stare at, huh?' he thought to himself as his spurs pressed into the horse again, pushing the mount to a faster speed as he approached the home he had missed for years.
The only problem that he foresaw is that... others will more than likely know of his renown, but he is not likely to know of theirs. The only real folly of Robyn's lessons were that he never quite listened to them, or took any of them to heart. He didn't want to be a scholar, he wanted to be a knight, and in his spryly youth he thought that he would have had more time to focus on names and histories later on in his squiring responsibilities. But as fate would have it, that time was non existant, and instead, he would have to pick things up on the fly, and learn things as they were told to him. Adapt and overcome, keep pushing yourself, and always be respectful.
As his horse pulls into the Starkwood estate, he rushes past the guards with a grin, tugging the horse's reins to cause the beast to stop in its tracks. Home. He stared up at the sky and let out a long, joy filled whoop and trill, hoping off his horse and looking around the courtyard he found himself in.
I was thinking this would be like a little chance for people to actually meet Robyn, especially if they don't assume that they have before. He has been squiring for Lord Blackbar for the last four years, and while he was at Ser Symon's wedding, of course, not too many people probably noticed him, as he was mostly doing his duties. But that doesn't mean he wasn't watching yall, but dependent on character, he might not actually know who you are? Up to you to decide
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Sept 28, 2019 7:46:10 GMT 1
Mikel had been near enough the courtyard to hear the whoop and decided to see if anything worth seeing was happening.
Entering the courtyard he saw a young man on horseback, noted the approximate age, color of his skin, and spurs marking him as a Knight. By now all of Starkwood knew what had happened to Lord Ulberts youngest son and to expect him.
"Ser Robyn." He greeted with a respectful bow. "I am Ser Mikel of Harroway and came to serve your father over a year ago. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with." Mikel lowered his voice so only Robyn could hear him. "I had been older then you when Knighted but under similar circumstances. The clan of the Burned men in the Vale fell upon us, and it was terrible. If your willing, perhaps we can share experiences sometime."
Mikel still remembered the fight, some of it at least. Terrifying and terrible, but exhilerating and validating. He knew he had been right to choose life by the sword, but he hadnt known that until he had some time to let things soak in afterwards.
|
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Sept 28, 2019 21:20:34 GMT 1
Robyn smiles at the first mention of his name, surprised pleasantly at the figure before him. He didn't recognize him, not particularly. There are so many faces to have to remember, so many figures that blend together in armor. But, as soon as he says his name, Robyn does his best to hide his slight twinge of jealously. The only reason he recognized the name was because Ser Mikel was the knight that called on Lady Falyse during his brother's wedding, and Robyn did his best to learn the name of anyone who might be pursuing a courtship with her. But he does a good job in hiding it, responding to the first statement with an extended hand, "Ser Mikel, it is a pleasure to meet you. Im not sure if I will need much help, the keep does appear to be as I left it. Well, certainly more active," He beams, looking up to the sky, letting out a deep sigh.
At his second statement, Robyn's head snaps back to look at Mikel, his face dropping from the gallant and joyous expression to an intense stare, "Y...yes, of course, maybe after I get a little bit more settled in, im not sure that... Well, later," he lets out a soft laugh, his lips curling into a smile before slinking back down. "I am sure that some celebration wine would be better shared thank drank alone, hm?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Sept 28, 2019 22:53:58 GMT 1
Mikel saw Robyns reaction and reassured him, "I did not mean to spoil your arrival, but only to make the offer before others came to greet you. If and when you want, there is no obligation." Then he briskly changed the subject.
"Now as to your homecoming, I heard it was four years since you left? Truly that is a long time to be away. I will have my squire see to your horse, so you can focus on your reunion."
|
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Sept 29, 2019 1:23:01 GMT 1
Robyn merely nods in understanding. He wouldn't talk of the attack just yet, and the thought of having to share his experiences right away did seem a little... forward. But he didn't think that Mikel had meant any harm, and was probably just looking out for him. Though, a proper drink was something he was hoping to have when he arrived back, and that certainly seemed like a good option.
At the mention of someone else taking care of his horse, Robyn let out a newfound laugh, shaking his head slightly, "You know, someone else taking care of my horse is going to have to be something I get used to. Watching and taking care of the equestrian livestock was my responsibility for the last four years, I do suppose a slight break is in order. Thank you I appreciate it," He began walking around the yard, slow enough that Mikel could follow, but Robyn was exploring everything with his eyes. Studying the faces that litter the area, the stones that grew cracks, the moss that creeped up the lower walls, everything. "Yes, four years. I wasn't expecting to be home before I had at least reached 16, where maybe my age wouldn't be a defining factor anymore," He stops and looks to the sky, staring at a cloud that carelessly floats along the edge of the horizon, before closing his eyes. "It still feels like home. Things have certainly changed around here, and The Seven knows so have I. But this is my home, and always will be."
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 4, 2019 6:04:36 GMT 1
Harold had been watching from a distance and when Mikel gestured he ran over, greeted Robyn formally, and took the horse. Mikel followed Robyn as he enjoyed the familiar sights of home and sorted the new from the old. "Always something special about home, no matter how much we or they or the world changes." His visit home before the Whitewalls tournament reminded him of that. It had been a warm feeling and stood as a fond memory. He knew Robyn's homecoming would be similar but it couldn't be the same. Not with what he just endured and with the recent murder of Ashara. He wondered how much the coming war played on the young man, a boy really, and hoped that he'd at least not be running off to the Feud in the Riverlands that Mikel and Harold were preparing for. "Lord and Lady Starkwood are home, as is your brother. Your cousins, Ser Aerion and Ser Trystane are also here somewhere. A good day to return, Ser."
|
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 4, 2019 14:42:47 GMT 1
At the mention of others, Robyn's attention was peeked for a moment, "My cousins are here?" he let out a joyful laugh, as if recalling a memory that was lost for awhile, "I should like to meet the both of them formally, don't think Ive been acquainted to either," he looks around for a moment, scanning the crowd in search of something. If he was going to be able to find Aerion out of a crowd, he would look for the one notable trait all the Targaryen's had; That striking white hair. But, in not finding it, he turns to Mikel, his playful smile an indicator that he was attempting to lighten the mood of his return, and also possibly charm Mikel from respected peer to a better friend, "Would you mind helping me find them?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 7, 2019 7:33:11 GMT 1
"Of course, Ser. I know of a few places to look which may hold promise." Perhaps he would get lucky and they would be where he thought they would be. He gave a quick look over of Robyn, noting what he wore and how he was armed. Realizing that more conversation might be expected or appreciated Mikel asked, "Youll be needing a squire, and I wonder if you shall be altering your selection of arms and armor?" Mikel had no idea of Robyns armor, or what to talk about so he stuck to what he knew best.
|
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 11, 2019 17:34:18 GMT 1
Robyn looked down at his armor, and with a coy smile, asked, "You think this armor isn't suited for me?" He brushed it slightly, some dirt falling off its deep forest green leather, bits still clinging to the metal studs that litter its surface, "I had it made a year or so ago, when I hit my growth spurt. Surprisingly, armor doesn't grow alongside you as you age," He chuckles, "Or when you get fat," He sighs, stopping to stare at the knight before him. Lady Laena said to look for him, as well as her brother, and that is what he was excited to do. Mikel was a knight, but in a matter of days, Ser Robyn's reputation might be more prominent than that of his. Robyn couldn't quite understand why notable victories supersede that of continued work, but then again, if people were talking about Robyn, well, he couldn't argue with them.
Despite that, he had respect for the swordsman. He served his family while he was away, and has done a fine job of doing so. Robyn looked around them, getting a proper lay of the land before taking a few paces away from Mikel, turning quickly before staring him in the face. His previous joyful expression was hardened, and from this distance, Robyn's height becomes more visible, giving him a looming presence, certainly more intimidating than before. His eyes narrow at Mikel, voice articulate, but only his mouth moves, and barely at that, "Ser Mikel of Harroway, do you want to prove your steel against mine, since you think it need altering?" His voice is flat, and from the looks of it, it is hard to tell if Robyn is joking or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 11, 2019 19:12:15 GMT 1
He wasn't sure what to make of Robyn's sudden change, but he knew plenty of men who were prone to bristling. In a breath Mikel had run back through their conversation, he knew that his offer of talking about Robyn's episode was forward but wanted Robyn to know there was somebody here he could speak to who had been there, and for him to know it before everybody flooded him with questions, concerns, and what they would have done in his place which was sure to come. He saw it as an element of his service. His small talk was never very good, but polite custom dictated he made polite conversation with Robyn as he walked him inside. He had not given any insults, and so would not be offering any apologies.
"I have known many who upon being Knighted wish to somehow distinguish themselves in this new chapter of their life. New arms or armor, putting a coat of arms on a fresh surcoat or having it etched into their armor. Perhaps even something so simple as feathers in their helmet or new buckles for their belt. As to a test of arms, Ser, I am honored by your offer and am at your service for a session in the yard when you have the time." Mikel bowed slightly, performing the due diligence of a serving man. |
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 11, 2019 20:04:43 GMT 1
Robyn smiled, his expression changing again to one of welcome, and full of life, "Sorry," he let loose a laugh, "The last interaction I had involved someone who would do that. Switch from pleasantries to intense glares." he flexed his shoulders, shuddering slightly, "It has a unique effect on situations, and can make statements seem more grave than they actually are. Did it work?" He laughed again, placing his hand on his sword's hilt, resting it calmly as he looks over Mikel again.
"Though, sparing does sound like fun. As long as we both understand it is nothing more than a bit of good sport. Im sure you've been eager to swing a weapon; don't want to get rusty in our current state of peace, hm?"
Robyn is looking for a friendly match, are there certain rules that are utilized for just a spar? To test each others' skill?
|
|
|
|
Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 11, 2019 21:13:08 GMT 1
Mikel smiles, "It had me reviewing our conversation to ensure I had not given any insult. A useful technique in some circumstances I think, and I am happy to see that the change was only brief and in jest." Mikel was of average height with and seemed to have a lean build. He had dark brown eyes and matching short hair with a few grey's having made it through. He was wearing a plain wool over linens, a grey shirt and black pants. A nice pair of boots, gloves tucked into his belt, and the belt itself were all in black. Hanging from the belt on opposite hips was a bastard sword and stiletto on opposite hips, each with a handles colored in a merging of blue, grey, and black and a symbol etched into the pommel. A knife, shorter then the stiletto and plainer then either also hung from his belt.
"A friendly bout sounds perfect, and much appreciated. Perhaps tomorrow morning, afoot? Would I be wrong in assuming you might prefer sword and shield?" |
|
|
|
Post by Robyn Redwolf on Oct 12, 2019 16:47:24 GMT 1
"Tomorrow will do wonders. I look forward to it," Robyn smiled, and extended his hand towards Mikel. If given, he would give a firm handshake, one to seal the deal as well as give them a connection. Robyn was trying to charm Mikel, in a way, and most like the respect to come with a challenge. And Robyn wanted him to know that he respected him.
"Now, where are my cousins?" He laughed, "I think we were trying to find them, correct?"
|
|
