[D4] Planning for leave [Balon, Donnel]

Balon walked with his father, curious as to his intentions. The tension between the two had been palpable but nothing had come of it. At least not yet.



"Well... most of them are knights from Starling lands. Lord Willem tends to recruit locally though there are some exceptions." Ser Addam, Daeron, and Roland came to mind. "They're a formidable force known for discipline and skill."

"As to what I think of them? Depends on who. I have spoken with Ser Addam and Ser Daeron. Both seem like good men and knights. Then there is Ser Roland." Balon tried to think on how he should describe the man. "I find him to be a pompous ass who spends the majority of his time looking down his nose at other knights." Balon paused before adding, "So I guess you could say mixed feelings."

Balon wasn't sure where Donnel was going with his questions. His tone was surprisingly cordial and it put Balon on his toes. "Are you asking me if I think we should send a delegation to House Starling to see if it's the men or the methods that make the so formidable?" Confusion was plain on Balon's face. "I think you and Ser Eoric (Applehouse) have done a fine job training the Blackbriar forces. Wouldn't it make sense to send one or both of you if Lord Jon finds his soldiers lacking?"

What in the bloody fuck is going on here?

"You want me to go to Kingsbridge?" Balon didn't know how to feel about the request. On one hand it made sense to go as Balon would eventually take over his father's roll at Gyldenhaal, as ill-defined as it was. On the other hand Balon was here to find a bride, not serve as "just another knight" in the Companions. Balon cleared his throat, "To be honest father I don't know what to say. My goal remains to find a wife during the tournament. Preferably one that is set to inherit." Balon's mind instantly went to Daena Roxton, "I suppose if I fail in that regard I could go but who is to say Lord Starling would want me there?"

Balon' mind began to race, "Who have you talked to about this?"

Balon remained conflicted on the idea of going, "How long would I be there?" Spending time with Ser Daeron and Ser Addam held promise but Ser Roland was also at Kingsbridge and he was insufferable. He respected Lord Starling but knew little of him.

More importantly Balon was one of Shiera's few allies at Gyldenhaal and leaving would further isolate her. He'd definitely talk to her before making a decision one way or another. 

Balon considered his father's words. A few months wasn't that long but it was technically an open ended assignment, something Balon didn't care for. It seemed odd to him. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering him but Donnel was being uncharacteristically chipper. Maybe it was the rough-housing at breakfast with his brothers that'd made him nostalgic? Balon needed time to think about the offer. Is it an offer or a demand?

"Let me think on it father. The tournament is far from over and who knows what'll happen by week's end." It was the most Balon was going to commit to at the moment.