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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 9, 2018 6:19:02 GMT 1
Current invited players: Balon Blackbriar Addam Velaryon Daeron Waters Aerion Flowers The princes rode out from a nearby holdfast up the Roseroad, less than an hour of riding from Highgarden. Except for the Northern Houses, of which only the merman of Manderly is recognized by all but the most learned in heraldry, and a rather distinct lack of a Dornish presence, almost every house of note from outside the Reach is represented in the small moving forest of banners. Dragons red and black, Lions red and gold and sleeping, Stag, Eagle, Trout, Bat, Tree, Stallion, Swan and many many others.
Ahead of the column rides Ser Tywin Lannister, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard with the banner of King Daeron the second of his name held high by his squire, then Prince Baelon and Prince Maekar, the other three brothers of the kingsguard keeping just enough distance behind them to have room to maneuver to intercept any danger. The Great Bastards next in line, Ser Daemon Waters, by most styled Ser Daemon Blackfyre chief among them, the sword of King Aegon the Conqueror proudly displayed slung across his back. Then rides lords and great knights in order of precedence. Lords Arryn and Lannister as wardens of the east and west first, Lord Hayford of the king's council and Lord Tully, Lord Paramount of the Trident second. Third in line is the heir to Storm's End. Ser Balon stood with his arms crossed as the procession made it's way towards Lord Leo Tyrell. Among the onlookers were both supporters of King Daeron and Ser Daemon Blackfyre. By Balon's guess there seemed to be more Blackfyre supporters in attendance but most people didn't readily voice their opinion on the matter of allegiance. Most but not Balon. It wasn't predetermined he'd be a Blackfyre supporter but being the page and squire Gormon Peake and Fireball, two of the most prominent Blackfyre supporters, almost guaranteed it. Balon's hatred of the Dornish sealed his loyalty to Ser Daemon as those mongrels had slowly replaced honorable Andal knights in positions of prestige by order of King Daeron II. Looking around Balon was curious if anyone would approach him. His thoughts on the matter of Blood and Fire were well known so that would cause some to stay away. And then there was the rumor he'd started about Ser Walton Wyl. Balon figured he'd made some new friends and burned some bridges with those horrible words he'd spoke. But if someone was offended he'd badmouthed the Dornish then Balon didn't care if he called them friend or not. |
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Jul 11, 2018 2:17:45 GMT 1
After the morning practice, Addam returned to his tent where he washed up and dawned a new set of clothes. Meeting back up Aerion, the two made their way to the procession route. Spying one of the men they had just been with a few hours before, Addam made his way through the crowd towards Balon.
"I wonder Ser Balon," an amusing grin played out across his face,"how you became privy to Ser Walton's carnal desires?" Addam did find the rumors amusing when he first heard them, but after finally meeting the man who started them, he did begin to wonder about what could drive a man to make such outlandish states.
(I'm going to assume that full introductions would have played out on or off screen during Hammered Steel")
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 11, 2018 19:07:22 GMT 1
Aerion accompanies Addam to meet the others,as invited by the man he arrives with.
"Perhaps he has grown tired of the competition? Afterall I have had heard of Ser Balon's prowess with his sword" he says with a laugh, hoping that Balon has a sense of humour.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 12, 2018 7:00:22 GMT 1
Balon greeted Addam and Aerion as they approached. " It's been too long since we've last seen each other." he said sarcastically. Their sparring session had been therapeutic for Balon. His hangover and anger a distant memory. He was ready to face his next challenge and he figured it'd be riding up on him any time now. "I wonder Ser Balon," an amusing grin played out across his face,"how you became privy to Ser Walton's carnal desires?" " People talk, I listen. Young pages and stable boys see things, hear things." Balon had a devilish smile on his face, " During my travels there have been, shall we say, whispers of such depravity. If I'd heard it once I would've have dismissed them. But to hear it in several different places, well." Balon feigned seriousness, " They say once is chance, twice is coincidence, and three times is a pattern." The mischievous smile returned to his face, " If I'm wrong then the Seven will punish me accordingly." If you want to do an Awareness/Empathy you're more than welcome. In the distance the procession was slowly approaching, " Bet you a stag he rides a mare in heat." Balon laughed. "Perhaps he has grown tired of the competition? Afterall I have had heard of Ser Balon's prowess with his sword" he says with a laugh, hoping that Balon has a sense of humour. Balon let out a loud laugh at Aerion's joke. " Knowing how to use your sword and where to sheath it is important in equal measure." He returned Aerion's joke with one of his own, " Speaking of sword sheathing I had the pleasure of meeting your sister Laena yesterday. She saved me from myself and I am indebted to her. All I asked was she introduce me to you but I had to rely and my father to make that happen." There was faux tsk'ing. " And here I thought you two provided a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary Starkwood sky." |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 12, 2018 14:18:09 GMT 1
Ser Daeron gives a stern look that gives away into a wry grin at the mention of Balon's rumormongering. Although he didn't approve of such lowly tactics, and wouldn't publicly endorse them, he did think they were damn hilarious. "Too bad his little prank will result in his head being ripped clear off in the jousts though, I could get to like this scoundrel."
Changing his attention to the newcomer he offers a hand to Aerion.
"Brother, thank you for joining us, it has been far too long since I've seen you last. Lord Leo's nameday celebration a few years ago was it?"
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Jul 15, 2018 4:53:09 GMT 1
OOC: Addam doesn't care enough to figure out if Baelon lying to him or not.
Addam merely scoffed in disappoint at Baelon's tale. "And here I was hoping to here an interesting story. No matter I'm sure we will find out soon enough if your tales are true are not. It would be to great surrpise if Ser Walton did challenge your claim."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 16, 2018 7:09:59 GMT 1
Addam merely scoffed in disappoint at Baelon's tale. "And here I was hoping to here an interesting story. No matter I'm sure we will find out soon enough if your tales are true are not. It would be to great surprise if Ser Walton did challenge your claim." " Interesting or disturbing?" Balon laughed, " If it wasn't for the fact his wife is a Dornish mongrel I'd suggest you pay her a visit. I hear her nickname is the Boneway." " Oh I suspect he'll challenge me," Balon looked away from Ser Addam and into the distance at the oncoming procession, " his honor demands it." Balon looked back to the three knights, " From what I hear he's a master tactician and able warrior. Of course he's getting into his later years and his body may betray his spirit." He added threateningly, " It'd be a shame for the good king to lose his Master-at-Arms." Balon looks to each man to see if his threat offends them, in agreement, or indifferent. |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 17, 2018 0:35:18 GMT 1
Daeron looks at Balon with a bemused grin, he wasn't sure if the young Blackbriar's mouth could match Ser Walton's lance, but he sure hoped so. Although he didn't have nearly the same level of animus towards the Dornish as most of the Reachmen, Daeron did feel that the Dornishmen were getting too uppity and commonplace in the capital and he would love to see one knocked down a few notches.
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Jul 17, 2018 15:18:17 GMT 1
Addam gave a cautious look to those gathered. It was one thing to talk ill of a man, but to imply what Baelon implied is something else entirely. "It would be a great shame." he nodded in cautious agreement. " Accidents do befall riders all the time in the list. All we can do is ride HONORABLY and skillfully and hope that is enough to see us through the day. When accidents do happen, it is almost always the case that one of the riders is lacking in the one of the two."
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 18, 2018 18:02:19 GMT 1
Balon let out a loud laugh at Aerion's joke. " Knowing how to use your sword and where to sheath it is important in equal measure." He returned Aerion's joke with one of his own, " Speaking of sword sheathing I had the pleasure of meeting your sister Laena yesterday. She saved me from myself and I am indebted to her. All I asked was she introduce me to you but I had to rely and my father to make that happen." There was faux tsk'ing. " And here I thought you two provided a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary Starkwood sky." Aerion shakes his head and his face turns serious. Any half-observant person would be able to figure out that such remarks about his sister are a quick path to conflict. "My sister did pass along your request. Though in truth had it not been for her involvement you likely would have had more trouble in the coming days then just you know, and likely will face consequences yet still." Aerion is obviously not very impressed with the man, both for his recent actions, and for his comments regarding Laena. The whispers of his rumour-mongering also do not help. How does someone like Ser Donnel end up with a man like Balon for a son? Still, better to judge the man himself than rely on rumours. " Still, your father's invitation to get some training in was well received." " Interesting or disturbing?" Balon laughed, " If it wasn't for the fact his wife is a Dornish mongrel I'd suggest you pay her a visit. I hear her nickname is the Boneway." " Oh I suspect he'll challenge me," Balon looked away from Ser Addam and into the distance at the oncoming procession, " his honor demands it." Balon looked back to the three knights, " From what I hear he's a master tactician and able warrior. Of course he's getting into his later years and his body may betray his spirit." He added threateningly, " It'd be a shame for the good king to lose his Master-at-Arms." Balon looks to each man to see if his threat offends them, in agreement, or indifferent.Aerion notes the threat of the man and knows he's going to struggle internally about if he should get involved or not. At the very least it would be wise for Ser Donnel to be made aware. Hearing Ser Addam's remarks he agrees with them "A shame indeed, were something to accidentally, or worse, intentionally happen. But at events such as these, invitations are not given to those lacking either the skill or honour who would allow or intend such things." That Balon will not be invited to perform in the parade could indicate that he is one such person, though Aerion is careful not to overtly and directly insult the man with his tone or body language. "I would caution you, as direct as I can, that should anything unjust transpire between you two, I will ensure that justice is done."
"Fight with honour, and the Seven will watch your challenge and judge accordingly." he says, with an air of finality. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 18, 2018 22:17:42 GMT 1
Aerion shakes his head and his face turns serious. Any half-observant person would be able to figure out that such remarks about his sister are a quick path to conflict. Seeing his mouth had once again gotten him into trouble Balon backtracked on his comments, " I owe you and Lady Laena an apology. The ease at which your sister makes one feel comfortable does not give me the right to jest about her." Way to link his sister and fucking, idiot. " Lady Laena and I shared a few bawdy tales last night and the presumption that familiarity carries over to you is my mistake." " Still, your father's invitation to get some training in was well received." " I'm glad that you came. I find sparring with the best improves one's own skill." Of course Balon was referring to himself when saying 'the best'. "I would caution you, as direct as I can, that should anything unjust transpire between you two, I will ensure that justice is done."
"Fight with honour, and the Seven will watch your challenge and judge accordingly." he says, with an air of finality. " I can assure you I will not cheat or resort to underhanded tactics to defeat him." Balon tried to change the subject to something less tense, " So of us four, who will make it the farthest in the tournament?" |
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 19, 2018 21:22:32 GMT 1
Aerion accepts the apology. "I appreciate the apology, and in truth some of the blame is mine to bear. I took part in the banter and you merely continued."
"my sister is dear to me and I am admittedly quick to jump to her defense. So mock me all you like, but I would appreciate refrain from including her."
At the comment about practicing with the best, he smiles. "Why do you think I'm here? I wasn't kidding about hearing of your swordsman ship."
Aerion nods at his assertion to act with honour.
"Well any man worth his spurs should at least make it past the first few rounds. Hopefully the Seven grace each of us with lucky draws, but I hope to test myself against one of the greats. Redtusk, perhaps. Or even the Red lion."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 20, 2018 3:36:29 GMT 1
"I believe that only the truest of knights will make it through the early rounds of the tourney, not men who have abandoned manhood for manuscripts."
Although it is unclear what specific knights that Ser Daeron is referencing, two things are clear: that his comment was clearly political, favoring Fire over Blood, and that he had clearly been waiting a long time to utilize such a zinger.
He continues,
"Ser Aerion, the Knightsbridge Companions often look to tourneys such as these to recruit worthy brothers. I don't know what opportunities House Starkwood has for you, but I would be honored to extend sponsorship to you if you wished to ever join me, as a brother in blood and in arms."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Jul 22, 2018 19:46:23 GMT 1
Aerion accepts the apology. "I appreciate the apology, and in truth some of the blame is mine to bear. I took part in the banter and you merely continued."
"my sister is dear to me and I am admittedly quick to jump to her defense. So mock me all you like, but I would appreciate refrain from including her."" Perhaps the three of us can meet for lunch or dinner this week. I'll jest about my chivalrous defense of your underhanded tactics during our training while she incessantly rolls her eyes at our boasting." Balon laughed, glad to see Aerion accepted his apology. " I'm sure she'll have thoughts on who you should ask to dance at the Green Yard and I'll make a strong case for Lady Graves." Balon felt himself shudder at the thought of that fat and repulsive lady. " I'm going to say Ser Aerion makes it the furthest. How can he not? He squired for the almighty Longthorn!" "I believe that only the truest of knights will make it through the early rounds of the tourney, not men who have abandoned manhood for manuscripts."Although it is unclear what specific knights that Ser Daeron is referencing, two things are clear: that his comment was clearly political, favoring Fire over Blood, and that he had clearly been waiting a long time to utilize such a zinger. " Quite right!" Balon was quick to agree with the comment, " I find books make for a poor defense against a lance and sword." With day three starting we can bro out at a later time and wind this thread down. |
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The princes rode out from a nearby holdfast up the Roseroad, less than an hour of riding from Highgarden. Except for the Northern Houses, of which only the merman of Manderly is recognized by all but the most learned in heraldry, and a rather distinct lack of a Dornish presence, almost every house of note from outside the Reach is represented in the small moving forest of banners. Dragons red and black, Lions red and gold and sleeping, Stag, Eagle, Trout, Bat, Tree, Stallion, Swan and many many others.
