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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 26, 2018 8:20:23 GMT 1
Mikel had left the Great Hall before it got too late so he could begin focusing on the following day. From the Great Hall he took his time and allowed himself to be diverted more then once before finally making it to the Bath house. He found a pool at a corner in the back and sat facing in to see if anybody else would enter. He removed his sword belt and set them down so the hilts would be nearby should some unforeseen need arise then undressed and entered the water.
He was happy when he discovered how hot the pools were kept and relaxed for some time before seeing to his cleanliness. Once he felt well scrubbed he let his head rest against the lip as he began thinking of the following day. He went through a mental list of how his morning would go, from getting dressed and eating to any exercises and drills he would perform before caring for his horse. His thoughts eventually took him to the Joust where he saw himself in his minds eye sitting tall on his horse. Armor clean and properly secured, lance pointed up at the sky as he waited on his horse, both mount and rider giving the distinct impression of being calm and relaxed, well suited for whatever may come. He saw himself sitting just the same when it was all over.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 26, 2018 13:33:49 GMT 1
Ser Donnel left the merriment in the castle as his limbs started aching from the excercise of the day. He left for the bathing house, where he sees Mikel.
Pointing to his collarbone, where his bruising had just started to recede. "Still have a memory of you from yesterday!" He tells as he smiles to the young knight. How had your day been?
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 27, 2018 4:06:16 GMT 1
"Ser Donnel, good to see you! Please, join me. The water is perfect."
As Ser Donnel pointed to his collar bone Mikel grinned and shook his head. "I was lucky to endure your initial assault! I noticed a blur coming at me and then felt its sword, well placed and hard struck. And managing to get in another as you got up.. " Mikel nodded in appreciation. "your reputation is well earned Ser. I had no choice but to try and disrupt your actions and given your charge I thought it best not to push back against you nor to fall back and allow you to keep putting your momentum to use. Given your skill I did not think moving around you would buy me any advantage, so committed on something I hoped you did not expect in that moment."
"In your experience Ser Donnel, when contending in a melee such as the one we will see at this tournament - seven teams of seven - do you feel it mostly goes the way our small melee went? A man fighting another until one wins then going to help his team mates, or have you seen men truly fighting as one with some chosen tactic to use against the other teams? I know that question may still not be as clear as I wished to make it. If I need to better explain it please say so."
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 27, 2018 10:44:21 GMT 1
Ser Donnel considers his words carefully: "I would think a man who is not born to court life would struggle to understand the melee."
"If we talk about a battle, I would say that those two are not mutually exclusive. A combination of fighting for the preservation of what one holds holy, and fighting with tactics will always win a battle. In battle one has to rely on both individual skill and tactics to prove victorious, but a melee is no battle."
Ser Donnel shrugs: "In fact, the melee has little to do with winning. Given the odd number of teams, one can easily win by simply standing back and letting the others exhaust themselves on each other, before swooping in to defeat those left standing. But in doing so, one would only face outrage from the smallfolk, and contempt from the hosts. A melee is about showing individual skill, dedication, self sacrifice and discipline. A team should work together, not to win, but to show their qualities."
"Beating me to the ground won you our duel. You could have my head if you so wished. But the melee is not about being in an advantage, it is about prospering through disadvantage. Nobody tells stories of how Jon Starkwood expertly defeated a single man at the tournament in the Vale a few years back." Ser Donnel refers to the master at arms at starkwood, who though a doughty knight is no household name. "However, who does not remember when Aubrey Ambrose slayed three dozen Dornishmen? Although they were neither organized nor properly armed, people love underdogs, even if they loose, far more than they love an expert winning expectantly."
"The melee is a way to show teamwork and skill, but do not forget that first and foremost, it is a play for the gallery." Ser Donnel advices.
Ser Donnel, seemingly aware how his monologue on the proper ways of the melee had drawn out gives the other knight room for more questions before turning the question: "What have you been up to the last days? I have heard a few rumours regarding you and Otho Bracken?" Then defensively adding: "Although I am no gossipmonger, I cannot help what I hear!"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 27, 2018 20:51:56 GMT 1
Mikel considers what Ser Donnel had to say about the melee before responding. "I confess I am still quite naïve in the ways of court life. If I understand what your saying - that it is all for show - then the true winner is the one who conducts himself in the most spectacular and capable fashion?" Mikel's thoughts were easy to read on his face. He had always enjoyed the melee but now wondered if he had ever really understood the purpose behind one. In his mind it transformed something which was very worth doing into something else, turning it sour. He wondered if court life had that effect on everything. "Well I appreciate your willingness to share your wisdom, Ser. So my question would have been more appropriate if I had not asked how best to work together to win but how best to work together and be.." He paused to find the right phrase and to keep as much of the disgust from his voice as he could. "the most awe inspiring thing the crowd has ever seen?"
When Ser Donnel asks about the rumors concerning Otho Bracken he smiles. "I would never mistake you for the gossiping sort, Ser." Mikel laughs and adds, "And appreciate your company even more for that very reason. It seems when Otho and those who support him arrived they brought their version of events with them. I have trouble believing Otho would have been able to put an intelligent rumor into circulation and so speculate that those who support him spun the tale, as much to save his reputation as to save their own for their support of him. Instead of asking you to believe one tale over the other I would simply ask you to consider what you have seen of both of us and what you will see from us over the coming days. I imagine that even if you are unfamiliar with the man personally, you can learn much from his conduct and that alone will help you to determine what tale is most likely to have happened."
Mikel seemed to have finished his thoughts before adding one more. "I have been told that the war of words is a very serious one. I know that it can shape things, but at least in this case I believe that my conduct, and those who had been there and telling their side of things, will be more then enough to keep this from becoming a worrisome matter. Excluding that he may try to kill me at some point regardless of what is said or who believes what, is this belief me being naïve again?"
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 28, 2018 0:51:40 GMT 1
"In the melee an heroic defeat is superior to a cowardly victory, but for some the worldly rewards of a cowards victory compels them." Ser Donnel senses an unease, although he cannot pinpoint it. "But be at ease! As long as do not back out of a duel, and do not strike anybody with their backs turned, you will only bring honor to you and yours."
"I am all too familiar with Ser Otho, and my mind is set. You can expect from me all the aid a knight like you can reasonably depend upon." Ser Donnel tells him seriously."
"Deeds not words." Ser Donnel chuckles: "Simple, yet telling housewords. A knight like you and me have few words that will be heeded by those of high station, unless in their interest, our deeds, however, cannot go unnoticed. The Beast of Bracken expects you to cower before him, and cowering is what he needs, if somebody stands tall, he will have to step in before it spreads. But he will underestimate you, as he has little experience with upright opponents, so I would tell you to surprise him. Have you any idea how, as of yet?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 29, 2018 8:52:05 GMT 1
"Entertain them and remember my honor and the melee shall prove fruitful?" He had quickly accepted what Ser Donnel had revealed to him and could now set aside the distaste he felt and begin to think on the melee in a new way. He let a small smile play at the corner of his lips as he had made a feint connection from Knights to gladiators with his reply.
"Having your support does me great honor, Ser Donnel. We have not known each other long, and cannot say we know each other well, but I feel safe in saying that you are an example of what a Knight should strive to become. Also, I believe that in our talks so far we appear to be of similar mind in many regards, and that helps me to feel as if I am on the right track." Smiling as he said he it he took a moment to run a hand through his hair before turning to the subject of his thoughts on the matter with Otho.
"Firstly, I will believe that there will be an encounter and that he will be intent upon my life. Be it in the jousts or on the streets one night before the tournament ends. I choose to think this way because if I were to tell myself it might not be true, or may not come to that, I fear that would take off an edge that I would need should it happen. When that moment does come to pass my first instinct is that I should play to his natural disposition and enflame the aggression and anger he allows to define him. Should that prove effective I will seize the opportunities his recklessness creates." Mikel said the latter as if reading some fact from a book though once he finishes saying it he sits quietly to listen to Ser Donnel's reply.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 29, 2018 12:06:36 GMT 1
"Well, I do my best to do right." Ser Donnel looks down, clearly not good at handling compliments. "We are all just here to serve the seven in our own way. I thank you for your kind words, but I was merely born to chivalry, it takes greater strength for someone without those advantages to forge their own way." Ser Donnel is careful to avoid terms like baseborn, as he expects the other knight had heard remarks like that too often before.
"So you will make him challenge you to a duel?" Ser Donnel asks. "I mean no offence, but he is well known for his strength and brutality, perhaps the gods will provide you the neccesary strength to win, but is it not more... prudent to deal with him another way?" Prudent? You start to sound like your brother! "The gods tend to provide for those who provide for themselves, would not a proactive approach be better? Where you can face him on your own terms?"
"I must admit to being without experience in situations like this, but would it not be better to confront him when you yourself is ready for it? Instead of always fearing daggers in the dark?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 29, 2018 20:12:21 GMT 1
"I would like most to give this all the attention it deserves - none. Personally I see putting any attention towards this as doing what he wants me to do, but I know that if I were to do nothing that would only be helpful to him and this cause he has taken against me. So I must act, but how? Running to him could show that I want to silence him because his words are true, but waiting too long could somehow convey the same. Considering what I said about his natural disposition I think that provoking him into action against me will make him less careful when it comes to that and show others the truth which his reputation is built off of. When I think about how we might meet I imagine that if in joust he is a superior rider, but if afoot we are more closely matched. He will be aggressive and if I can enflame his anger or insult his pride, reckless. I could be wrong but I think a man like him would find it more infuriating to be overlooked or thought of as an after thought than to endure a typical battle of banter or witty insults."
Mikel had sat slightly forward as he spoke and once finishing he relaxed. "Forgive me for prattling on, Ser, I am speaking as I think. As you know I am not so well versed in these matters and especially not when my actions might represent the House in which I serve. I also have no intention of altering the principles which have guided my life to better fit into the courtly styles. Although what you said about picking the time and place to encounter him is something I should put more thought into. Especially if he does not take the bait of incitement I'll put before him."
To conclude his thoughts Mikel says, "I imagine I have put as much time into training without arms as I have with. That might be our greatest difference when it comes to skill at arms."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 30, 2018 4:36:44 GMT 1
Leaving the festivities in the Great Hall, Daeron's swagger was exaggerated by the booze into a long-gaited stagger. Looking to clean off the soil of the day and to sober up before his duel on the morrow, he decided for a quick bath before bed. Seeing two other men in the pool, he decided to join them and enjoy the camaraderie of other knights. With a simple wave of his hand, he disrobes and enters the hot bath.
"Now here are two men that I've not met before. I recognize you, Ser Donnel of Gyldenhaal from the tourney at Ashford, if I recall you ripped the helm right off of some Cuy sworn sword. Your son is known to me, but I've never had the pleasure of your conversation. I've not had the opportunity to meet this one though."
Casting his violet eyes at Mikel, he looks up and down at the knight as if he were a merchant appraising some goods, he then greets him as well:
"Who might you be? From the looks of it this must not be your first tourney. Nor your last I hope!"
Although the other knights might know Ser Daeron as a Blackfyre supporter (or they might have no idea who he is at all), his tone is the pleasant one of a comfortably buzzed man.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 30, 2018 7:17:52 GMT 1
Mikel laughed. "I hope none of us are here for our last tournament, Ser!" Once he finished laughing he continued. "I am Ser Mikel of Harroway recently taken service with House Starkwood. It is my pleasure to meet you Ser...?" The inflection in his voice makes the question obvious, his tone friendly. Mikel silently noted the eyes and hair color of the new comer. When (if) Ser Daeron introduces himself Mikel asks if the first few days have gone well for him.
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Post by Ser Donnel Blackbriar on Jul 30, 2018 10:36:12 GMT 1
"Ser Daeron!" Ser Donnel helpfully adds, to help Mikel. "I got lucky with my hit, that was all! Whhich of my son have you had the chance to meet?" Ser Donnel tenses, given the different nature of his sons, they were likely to leave quite different opinions.
"A little while back we were discussing the melee, perhaps you, Ser Daeron, can help enlighten us from the perspective of someone born to the court?" Ser Donnel asks quriously.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 30, 2018 19:21:34 GMT 1
Allowing Donnel to introduce him to Mikel, Daeron gives an impish grin which gives more of an answer than any words could.
“The best way to describe life at court in the Crownlands is to describe it as a Grand Melee. Except your entire team consists of Maesters and perfumed courtiers who are more concerned with the cost of arming you than they are with winning the fight. They’re also just as likely to stab you in the back as they are to help you.”
He offers a conclusive shrug and a rhetorical question:
“Why do you think I left to live among the Companions?”
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 31, 2018 8:57:06 GMT 1
"I have met Ser Roland Cordwayner of the companions, he struck me as a rare sort of good man. He left me with the impression that I would find the rest of the companions to be similar. So it is an honor to meet you Ser Daeron. As Ser Donnel said we were discussing the melee. I fear I had a naïve view of it but have been set straight. In fact the words you just spoke about court life are quite similar to the enlightening I was just given."
Mikel takes a breath before continuing. He had been curious about the Companions and felt now would be a good time to gain a better understanding. "Forgive my ignorance but I have heard different things about the Companions and would appreciate being set straight. Are the companions a standing company of Knights serving House Starling or are they the Knights in service to House Starling? I can make the distinction more apparent if need be, I realize what I said may not be as clear as I should like." From his expression is it obvious the question is sincere.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 31, 2018 14:03:42 GMT 1
“Ser Roland is a prime example of the virtues that the Companions value, and as of today he’s a legitimate hero too. Last I left him every man in the Great Hall was waiting their turn to share a drink with him.”
For the second question Daeron has to pause, taking a moment to parse the distinctions.
“We’re all knights in service to House Starling. Think of us as a large and organized group of sword swords, mostly drawn from the lands around Kingsbridge, but also throughout much of the Reach and occasionally beyond. Myself and my cousin both came from Driftmark before joining the Kingsbridge Companion.”
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