Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 23, 2018 7:21:11 GMT 1
They had been playing 'Heros and Villains' for almost half an hour in one of the castle's many gardens. The children's mirth echoed throughout the halls as they attempted to defeat the 'evil villain' Malyk with their toy swords. It was not so easy a task. The Senechal was quick and agile. His 'evil' taunts spurred them on. 'You think the likes of you can defeat me!' In the end it took all of them together to bring the man down in a pile of entwined arms and legs; everyone roaring with laughter. Adults may find Malyk strange, but children loved him and he loved children right back. He often said that children had the purist 'music'. Once all had managed to untangle themselves, they sat upon the grass and the children were rewarded for their victory with a story.
"A long time ago. Long before any of you were born, there were two great Knights; brothers and identical twins. One was Ser Arryk Cargyll and one was Ser Erryk Cargyll. So great were these two brothers in arms that both became members of the Kingsguard. It was said that the only man alive that could defeat one was the other, although it was never very clear which would be the victor in such a contest. Time passed and their renown grew across the land. Arryk had become the sworn shield of Prince Aegon II; Erryk the sworn shield of Princess Rhaenyra. Both performed their duties with honor, protecting their charges from all harm. All was well, until King Viscerys passed on to the Seven Heavens. It was then that the Kingdoms split. Some wanted Rhaenyra to be Queen, as that had been her Father's wish. Some wanted Aegon to be King, as he was the oldest male Heir." "The Dance of the Dragons!" piped up one little boy. "Exactly right." Malyk smiled. "Now, this not only split the Kingdoms, but it split the brothers. Each stood by the one who they had been sworn to protect. As the war raged on, the split between the brothers became a gulf. Love turned to hate and each brother called the other traitor. Late in the war, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, ordered Ser Arryk to infiltrate Dragonstone in the guise of his brother, although the reason why is not known for certain. He did this, and the fates of both brothers were finally sealed. They met in battle and both were mortally wounded within moments. Each cursed the other as they died. It turned out that it was true that only the one would defeat the other." "The songs say they fought for an hour and died in each other's arms professing their love." said an older boy. Malyk nodded. "That would be very nice if it were true, wouldn't it?" "I don't understand." said a little girl. "Which one was the hero and which one was the villain?" "I don't know." He replied. "Either, neither, both. Unlike Mummer stories, in real life it is sometimes hard to tell." "I think it was Ser Criston Cole." said one young boy with the conviction of youth. Malyk laughed. "You may very well be right."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 23, 2018 21:11:49 GMT 1
These summer days, with magical stories and wooden swords had made Roland the man he was now, for good or ill. He was pleased to see the villain only overcome when the children cooperated. "See children, even a giant threat can be overcome if you work together!" Ser Roland attempted to recall some of the more obscure tales of the Dance, less heralded deeds and battles that the children may not have heard. However, he began to tie himself up between the two battles of Tumbleton, and instead chose spoke of the battle above the God's Eye, where Prince Daemon sacrificed his own life to slay Prince Aemond. Perhaps not the most political savvy choice, given the Rogue Prince of the tale had been attainted as a traitor by his own wife, and share a name with a man many accused of such thoughts. Still, while not a wise choice, it at least continued Malyk's ambiguous theme. Prince Daemon had been a man capable of both great wickedness and great heroics after all, whether you carried a green banner or the black. A familiar tale, but told well enough to be entertaining. D3 Heroes & Villains - Knowledge: 3d6 7D3 Heroes & Villains - Persuasion (Charm): 4d6k3 10Roland set his squire, Hugh, to expanding the armoury of wooden swords and introduced himself to the strange man, trying not to stare at his strange eyes. "Ser Roland Cordwayner, in service to Lord Starling of Kingsbridge. Given the man's reputation, he was fairly confident he knew who he was speaking to, but decided it was polite to allow the man to introduce himself. |
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 23, 2018 22:08:56 GMT 1
Malyk listened to the tale with rapt attention, then smiled broadly and clapped when it was finished. He had the genuine enthusiasm of a man who had never grown up, but if the stories were true, it was far more complicated than that.
He placed a hand across his chest and gave the Knight a respectful bow. "Malyk, retainer to House Lavelle of the Tear." He replied. His title as Senechal was notably absent. "It is a great pleasure to meet you. Tales of your honor and chivalry are well known. Perhaps you would regale us with tales of your own exploits? Dusty tales from the past are all well and good, but nothing is better than hearing of great deeds from the lips those who have performed them."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 23, 2018 22:46:26 GMT 1
Perhaps one is not a seneschal if one is far from one's keep? Although the Knight of the Bloody Gate remains such not matter how far he is from the Vale...
Roland focused on his story, trying to keep his eyes from being drawn to Malyk's right hand, lighter eye. It was most distracting.
"Master Malyk is too kind."
"I suspect I have time for one more tale before Hugh and I brave the forest on the royal hunt."
He pondered a moment, then decided the children would have their fill of mystery knights in the days to come, so recounting how he came to join House Starling's companions would have to wait for another time.
"I shall stick with our theme, and tell you of a deed that some recount as my finest hour, for it is how I won my spurs against the Dornish. For others it is my weakest moment, granting mercy where justice should hold dominion, granting clemency where Fire and Blood should reign."
Roland then tells a tale of how he came across a wagon, guarded by a pair of Dornish knights while he himself was but a squire. Throwing caution to the wind, he charged the Dornishmen, who gave battle for once rather than resorting to hit and run tactics.
He cast one man down and subdued the other, throwing open the wagon to discover the treasure inside: a beautiful noblewoman of Dorne, newly widowed by his own hand.
He escorted her back to the Dornish lines, then received his spurs for overcoming two knights while but a squire and taking one as captive. None other than Redtusk himself charged Roland with his vows, and spoke up for him where others damned him for giving succor to the enemy. A knight must remember his oaths, and a squire doubly so if he wishes to prove worth of knighthood, intones Redtusk nobly in the story, although the real debate had been more coarse and heated leaving the new Ser Roland unwelcome at House Oakheart and a foe of Ser Symon Tarly. Lord Oakheart's hatred for the Dornish was well known, but such was not a subject for tales to entertain children.
At the mention of Redtusk, Roland gestures expansively to communicate the man's prowess, sticking to his namesake's nickname to avoid confusing his young audience.
"A heroic feat of valour in war, but mercy can be villainy to others who burn for righteous vengeance against an enemy. By the same token, was it heroic to spare a noble lady captivity, or villainous to strike down her husband right before her very eyes?"
At this point Roland ceases, aware he is past the exciting martial exploits in his retelling and in danger of losing his audience. You are half speaking to yourself fool.
It may have been simplified for drama, but the core was true.
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 23, 2018 23:28:30 GMT 1
"Wonderful, just wonderful!" Malyk clapped enthusiastically, and his enthusiasm was infectious. "Can you imagine! Two against one. A young squire facing a greater enemy and defeating the enemy against the odds. A dornish Lady swooning in his arms and then carried to safety. It has everything. The honor of engaging a foe. The valor of defeating an enemy. The chivalry of protecting a damsel." That was Malyk's true talent. The reason he was so valuable to House Lavelle. He could take anything and make it better. The children looked upon Ser Roland with great respect and admiration. Of course, some of the older more astute children looked more thoughtful. Was it heroic to spare a noble lady captivity, or villainous to strike down her husband right before her very eyes?"Now, that is enough stories for one day." He clapped his hands and rose. "We all have duties we must attend to. Ser Roland must prepare for the hunt and so must I. Now, you must all be on your best behavior today. People are very upset over Lord Hightower and none of you should upset them more or get under foot." "Why are they still having the hunt today?" asked one boy, perhaps ten. "Because people are sad and when people are sad they do things to make themselves happy. For some, nothing makes them happier than killing things." The cheeriness of the tone belied the bluntness of the words. With a wave of his hand, the children scattered, the smallfolk children to perform their tasks, the noble children to pursue their studies. "Thank you, Ser Roland." Malyk smiled broadly. "It's very kind of you and your squire to spare the time. I expect you will make a wonderful Father some day."
[Edit: Malyk +1 Disposition to Ser Roland]
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 24, 2018 9:51:36 GMT 1
Roland smiled in relief as Malyk brought his tale to a more rousing conclusion than he himself had managed, spinning a better whole out of the tales threads.
He paused for a second, more used to hearing "Well struck Ser Roland", "Valiantly fought Ser Roland" and "Honourably said Ser Roland" than such compliments. Truth be told, the latter was as oft a veiled criticism or mockery as it was sincere, not that he always picked up on such.
"I can but hope so Master Malyk, Seven willing," his speech more slightly faltering than it had been in his tales. "Trueborn sons and daughters both."
I must not dishonour myself or some lady by fathering bastards. One Ser Normyn Flowers is enough for House Cordwayner.
Hugh dispensed the whittled sticks to the children, then he and Roland made ready to follow Malyk's advice and make ready to depart.
[OOC: Roland disposition's towards Malyk improves by one step, helping confirm the positive default impression from "Attractive".]
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 24, 2018 10:43:24 GMT 1
Malyk gazed steadily at the Knight for a long moment, then smiled softly. "I believe there were some bastards among the children here today, but I cannot tell you which." He gave Ser Roland another respectful bow. "May your skill serve you well in the contests this week. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we meet again. I think your song will be an interesting one."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 24, 2018 11:28:38 GMT 1
The children with their Valyrian stick-swords and astride their make-belief destriers reminded him his childhood in Gyldenhaal and Starpike. Him and Balon raising seven hells, vanquishing Ironborn invaders in the kitchen and Wildling Raids in the courtyards. The two of them where inseparable then. Then Balon went to squire for Ser Quentyn and Titus served under his father. They had grown up, still brothers but he sure missed missed those childhood battles. Seeking out the sound of the raging battle, he saw a familiar face from this morning. "Ser Roland!" he called out. Their discussion outside the Sept earlier still fresh in his mind. The knight was talking to a young man Titus did not know. "Adressing the troops are we -" he stopped abruptly, seeing the other man closer up. The mans peculiar appearance and different coloured eyes had thrown him off. Not meaning to offend he tried to recover and introduced himself. "Sorry" - Don't apologise you idiot, thats just making it worse.
"Titus Blackbriar" - Ser Titus. You're a knight, stupid.
"Ser Titus Blackbriar." He smiled and nodded. [ Heroes and Villains - Cover up. - Deception: 2d6 9 - trying not to offend the odd looking man, nor appear rude infront of Ser Roland] |
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 24, 2018 11:51:50 GMT 1
The young man gazed at Ser Titus for a moment, smiled and gave a respectful bow. "Ser Titus. Another Knight known for honor and chivalry. Two such Knights in the span on an hour. This is truly my lucky day." From others this might be considered sarcasm, but from his tone and bearing, it was obvious Malyk was absolutely sincere.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 24, 2018 12:11:51 GMT 1
He's heard of me? Probably through the deeds of Father or Balon. Atleast it seems like I didn't offend him... The odd man's reply put him at ease, although Titus' attention was divided. One portion was assessing if Ser Roland had thought his interruption and lack of manners rude, one portion wanted to find out more about the peculiar stranger and one portion was trying to orientate to the man's appearance and manners without it being to obvious.
"I'm honoured to have a rumour that seems to have preceded me... Ser?" He hesitated on how to address the man and tried to conceal the question mark at the end, but failed. "But I am, forgive me, at a disadvantage. I know Ser Roland but do not have your name." Don't stare at the eye. Don't stare at the eye. Dont. Stare. At. The. Eye.
"I overheard your stories, riveting! I used to play Sers Erryk and Arryk with my brother. Although we could never agree on who was who. Nor remember, once we've agreed."
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 24, 2018 12:27:03 GMT 1
"I think even Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk did not remember who they truly were at the end." He smiled. "My name is Malyk. I am a retainer in the service of Lord Alliser Levalle of the Tear. I believe my title is Senechal, although I have never had much need or occasion to use it. The people that need to know it already do, and the people that don't need to know it shouldn't really care."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jul 24, 2018 22:12:52 GMT 1
Roland waved away Titus's embarrassment at his fumbling interruption turned introduction.
The Song of Roland. It had a good ring to it, he daydreamed as Hugh led his faithful rounsey Verity towards him.
Roland remained at the edge of the conversation as he adjusted his saddle and pack for the hunt, ready to say his farewells.
They cannot be Erryk and Arryk, for both were noble by character as well as birth, or so the singers say. These two brothers may be more Ser Aemon the Dragonknight and King Aegon the unworthy, if the former is truly his father come again and had the latter been a dangerous swordsman.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 27, 2018 1:54:28 GMT 1
Seneschal of House Lavelle. It took him a moment, then he remembered the stories. A wine merchant had recently come up from the the mouth of the Mander and had talked about "The Mad Master of the Manor". An intense, if not queer young man who ran the Lavelle household as if through magic. The merchant had said that the Mad Master had blood of the Children in him and now talking to him Titus could see where he was coming from. The strange, small man with his inquisitive, yet polite behaviour had something mythical about him.
"A pleasure to meet you, Senechal" he says with a bow. The rumours where that the Seneschal had played a vital part in the previous evenings ball. "I understand you assisted Lord Peake at the the ball yesterday. You where there when Lord Hightower..." not wanting to seem inquisitorial he stopped himself and trailed of. He had heard of how delicately Master Malyk had handled the old Lord's death.
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Malyk
House Levalle
Posts: 648
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Post by Malyk on Jul 27, 2018 2:05:16 GMT 1
"Lord Hightower." The young man looked suddenly... sad was not the word... regretful? "I heard the music in the room change, but did not realize the cause. I feel quite bad about that. Perhaps if I had realized I could have done something to save him." He sighed. "Perhaps not. When the Stranger finally comes to greet you, there is probably very little anyone can do about it."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Jul 27, 2018 15:07:33 GMT 1
The music changing? He didn’t recall the minstrels playing anything different at the time of Lord Hightower’s death, But I never did have an ear for music. The allusion was lost on the young knight.
“ If the gods granted second chances, we would all be heroes, I think.” he offered with a smile. A ball full of the greatest knights and heroes of the realm and this Senechal seems to take personal responsibility of not being able to save the old Lord. Admirable. But quaint.
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