D3 EnDuring the festivities [Allister Donnel]

Lord Alliser was making his way from the arm wrestling tables, nursing his sore arm, when he is jostled by well made man behind him, Oh isn't this cute, some knight seeking to add more embarrassment onto Lord Alliser. Lord Alliser feels the man's rough hands help steady himself, or maybe not? Lord Alliser turned around and stares up at Ser Donnel as Ser Donnel was apologizing to Alliser, oh my. Lord Alliser quickly reviews the tall mans form, "Ser Donnel, your apology is heartily accepted." Lord Alliser reaches out his and up towards Ser Donnel, "Lord Alliser, Your reputation proceeds you." As that of your hotheaded son. But who am I to judge a father based upon the actions of his son. "I am glad to hear that you more then live up to said reputation."

Lord Alliser gives a warm smile up towards Set Donnell, "it truly has been a while since I've seen so many knights in one place." Malyk could have organized it better, but perhaps they were not wanting to have do much structure? "Imry does have a good seat, that's for sure. Much better then my own." 



 But I didn't leave my wife waiting when it was time to go to get her favor either. Lord Alliser face is troubled for a second, then he soldiers on, " but i will be competing in the tournament, not that i expect to make it very far, who is  your favorite to win the tournament overall," Lord Alliser pauses, "besides yourself if course"

Lord Alliser smiles at the suggestion of wits, then gestures over to the table where Ser Roland Redwyne had just slammed down yet another knights hand onto the wooden table. "I would say that redtusk might have a better shot then average this year. While Lord Tyrell is always a favorite, I feel that Ser Aegor might like to see a supporter take the wreath of flowers to crown someone who supports their cause, and Ser Roland could be the man to do it." Unspoken was the undercurrent of the rumor out of the riverlands about Daveth, "However I believe that one of the great competitions was watch will be between Ser Aegor and his half-brothers. Rage and recklessness can be a powerful tool, although I must admit that such tools are often better in the melee, whereas on the list field I feel horsemanship is a better judge of success. After all, it does not matter how well you strike if you end up with your ass in the dust." There was a slight undertone of resentment and humility in Lord Allisers words, likely having to due with his own injury from all those tournaments ago.

"And yes I agree without about Baelor having the drive, I wonder if his drive might be opposed in equal measure by those who are disagreeable to his... mother." Lord Alliser would not call out the fact that he was dornish, "I imagine a great number of Reachmen would be happy to see Baelor defeated, not to mention more then a few of his cousins."

Alliser nods towards the big Knight, "you are correct again Ser! Money is very helpful in ensuring Knight's are properly trained, but so is the leadership of the house." The dark clad Lord gestures towards the older Knight, "and not necessarily who is the Lord. The companions are well known for their skill and chivalry. In thanks large part to leadership of strong knights like yourself." The smaller goateed man is sounding out the bearded knights impressions on knights leading, as opposed to birthright, a small test of where house blackbairs military leader might lean in the coming conflict.

The middle aged Lord lowers his voice, "I would doubt that it was a man of good standing who would commit a man to death in such a way. But the dornish, eunuchs, and women are known to use such weapons. It would not surprise me if the Dornish do get blamed. But they seem an unlikely suspect to me. But how about yourself? Do you agree with your son's assessment?" Lord Alliser was genuine in his curiosity about the knights opinion of the matter, so presses him gently so as not to cause an abrupt end to the conversation.

Alliser nods, "Indeed there is much that can be learned by being attentive, and the Gods have blessed me with keen eyes. But even so in the swirl of chaos things can be missed. Court is more like a melee then a joust, and just  as a commander can not be expected to know everything, it is negligent to not have others keep an eye on things as well. For things that a commander might miss, paying attention to the 7 men in front of him, would end up knocking out his team if he did not listen to the man on the far left of the line shout of the warning of a column charge." The lord understood the basics of strategy, but was using it more as a comparison for the more martially minded knight.


"But even small sticks, when banded together, form a hardened shaft. It is why friends are helpful when navigating the intricacies of court, and you should never feel ashamed of asking for aid from an ally." Lord Alliser strokes his goatee, then decides to share some information with the knight in an effort to gain some goodwill. 


Lord Alliser leans in and lowers his voice"I know that the bloods gained a significant advantage with the death of Lord Jon Hightower. He was strongly leaning towards supporting the Blackfyres, and with his loss comes the loss of an above average commander. However bastards are base in nature, and with the rumors about Daven, perhaps that bitter bastard is seeking to consolidate power as well." Lord Alliser cleared his throat, "but I was at the festivities, and I could not make out who slipped the poison into his cup. I also did not hear what the type of poison was either. I know that some Maesters study such things, and with the mass of Maesters we have at the tournament I would think that at least one would have the experience to help generate a lead as to where the poison had come from" Lord Alliser sighs, then leans back away from the big knight, "However, it would be troublesome for me to have my Maester approach, as that would lead to questions about my interest in such things. Questions that, due to my reputation, would not be particularly friendly or well received." The brown eyes of the lord brighten, "But you, Ser, you are a shining example of chivalry. There would be few who would question you if a knight such as yourself were to take it upon your oath to the seven to investigate such matters."

Alliser opens his hands with a flourish, taking on a aggrandizing tone, "I can see it now, Mummers would sing songs about the Great Ser Donnel, and his valiant quest to discover who murdered Lord Jon." Lord Alliser looks back up at Ser Donnel, and gives him a warm smile. "Imagine how much the Seven would look favorably upon your actions, in seeking out the murderers of one of their Lords. It simply sounds like a tale waiting to be written." The Lord had a tone of sincerity that was hard to mistake about the idea of Ser Donnel leading an inquisition into the death of Lord Jon as one to be written down about, although his motives for sending Ser Donnel on the quest are less understood.

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Lord Alliser is quite curious about who killed Lord Jon, and is willing to assist Donnel if he does take the bait. However Alliser does not want to be the one spearheading the investigation, and would prefer to keep his presence as a peripheral as possible.