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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 24, 2018 22:14:16 GMT 1
The previous day had been, in so many ways, a disaster for House Starkwood. Worse for others, of course, but still a bad day.
However, for the most part the house had persevered through the troubles and in some ways came out ahead... so far.
Ashara had meant to speak with Ser Mikkel after the previous day's joust, but her encounter with Balon Blackbriar had interfered. Seeing him continue in the joust today and toss his gauntlet in support of House Starling only reinforced that she must speak with him.
Having already left the stands to speak to Ser Quentin, it was easy for Ashara to find Ser Mikkel.
"Ser Mikkel! May I have a moment of your time?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 24, 2018 23:08:56 GMT 1
Mikel turned to face Ashara as she spoke to him and it seemed to take a moment for him to understand who she was and that she was talking to him.
"Of course, Lady Ashara. What is on your mind?"
The second half of the sentence was slower then the first, he was handling the milk of the poppy well enough but it was not without effect.
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 25, 2018 5:19:38 GMT 1
"To begin with, I want to apologize for not coming to speak with you yesterday. Things got... complicated."
Ashara doesn't elaborate, but Mikkel no doubt has heard about her encounter with Balon.
"Yesterday you were in a dangerous and unfortunate situation, and you acquitted yourself well - both in skill of arms and in maintaining your dignity. On behalf of House Starkwood, I thank you."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 25, 2018 8:48:23 GMT 1
"To begin with, I want to apologize for not coming to speak with you yesterday. Things got... complicated.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Lady Ashara. In fact I should be apologizing to you. I had only heard about your," He hesitates a moment. "complication after my first joust today. A day too late as far as I am concerned. If you are willing to talk about it may I press you for the details? I will not be contributing to the gossip mongering." He reassures her of his intentions, trying not to show his discomfort at what he believes is a lack of formality on his part for asking. "I wish to know what happened to know what might or should happen next."
"Yesterday you were in a dangerous and unfortunate situation, and you acquitted yourself well - both in skill of arms and in maintaining your dignity. On behalf of House Starkwood, I thank you." Mikel smiled and fumbled for a response. He had a humble nature and was not one to search for praise, with Ashara before and doing just that he hoped he did not seem as tongue tied as he felt. "You owe me no thanks for doing what I should do - had to do- more fittingly. But hearing you say that means a great deal to me. Thank you for your kindness." He glanced around them ensuring they still had enough space for a private conversation so long as they were mindful of how loud they spoke. "This tournament is proving a dangerous place. May I ask how your experience has been so far?"
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 26, 2018 16:29:23 GMT 1
"To begin with, I want to apologize for not coming to speak with you yesterday. Things got... complicated. He hesitates a moment. "complication after my first joust today. A day too late as far as I am concerned. If you are willing to talk about it may I press you for the details? I will not be contributing to the gossip mongering." He reassures her of his intentions, trying not to show his discomfort at what he believes is a lack of formality on his part for asking. "I wish to know what happened to know what might or should happen next."Ashara waves off his apology. "My encounter with Balon Blackbriar occurred after your joust with Otho Bracken. You were in no condition to do anything, and you should feel no shame for that." She blushes slightly. "The rumor about our encounter is largely true, though lacking in detail. When the beast called to me I responded as courtesy demanded. I asked about the outcome of his joust, expecting feigned regret at the death of Ser Walton, but instead he gloated with pleasure and repeated his prior slanders. I should have taken that opportunity to end our discussion, but instead out of disgust I chastised him for his ignoble behavior. It was then that he began insulting in most personal terms my lady mother, and..." She blushes even more. "...in a most unladylike way I lost my temper and slapped him. I had hoped it would send him away, but instead he continued insulting me and my family. I was overcome with undignified rage and slapped him again, and I think a third time as well. It was then that he knocked me to the ground and left, threatening Symon." "Yesterday you were in a dangerous and unfortunate situation, and you acquitted yourself well - both in skill of arms and in maintaining your dignity. On behalf of House Starkwood, I thank you." Mikel smiled and fumbled for a response. He had a humble nature and was not one to search for praise, with Ashara before and doing just that he hoped he did not seem as tongue tied as he felt. "You owe me no thanks for doing what I should do - had to do- more fittingly. But hearing you say that means a great deal to me. Thank you for your kindness." He glanced around them ensuring they still had enough space for a private conversation so long as they were mindful of how loud they spoke. "This tournament is proving a dangerous place. May I ask how your experience has been so far?""While I approve that you do not gloat in feigned chivalry, neither should you deny praise for true chivalry. There are sadly few knights of your caliber here, Ser Mikkel. Never assume that another will do what is right if it is not expedient - there are more like Balon and Otho than like you." She sighs. "This tourney has certainly had it's good moments, but for the most part it has been disappointing and disgusting by turns." She smiles, trying to turn the conversation to a more positive topic. "From what I have heard, other than your injury this tournament has been quite rewarding for you? The attention of Lady Ysilla is quite the accomplishment." |
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 27, 2018 8:38:53 GMT 1
"My encounter with Balon Blackbriar occurred after your joust with Otho Bracken. You were in no condition to do anything, and you should feel no shame for that." For some reason that brought a smile to his face. "The rumor about our encounter is largely true, though lacking in detail. When the beast called to me I responded as courtesy demanded. I asked about the outcome of his joust, expecting feigned regret at the death of Ser Walton, but instead he gloated with pleasure and repeated his prior slanders. I should have taken that opportunity to end our discussion, but instead out of disgust I chastised him for his ignoble behavior. It was then that he began insulting in most personal terms my lady mother, and...in a most unladylike way I lost my temper and slapped him. I had hoped it would send him away, but instead he continued insulting me and my family. I was overcome with undignified rage and slapped him again, and I think a third time as well. It was then that he knocked me to the ground and left, threatening Symon."
"Balon has made it very clear that he is not his fathers son. And I must disagree with common thought, I do not see what you did as unladylike but instead as something commendable. You stood up for yourself, your beliefs, and your family against what could be called grave odds. How many men who think themselves bold and able would have done the same?" He shakes his head at the thought. "If I ever have a daughter I hope she will have your courage. I only worry about the danger you had been in at that moment. Just because a man should not act a certain way does not mean that he will not, and Balon himself has proven this. I will speak to the Captain of our guard and ensure no Blackbriar be admitted to our camp without direct permission and an armed escort. Furthermore, how would you see this situation becoming resolved? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts before offering my own for your consideration."
"While I approve that you do not gloat in feigned chivalry, neither should you deny praise for true chivalry. There are sadly few knights of your caliber here, Ser Mikkel. Never assume that another will do what is right if it is not expedient - there are more like Balon and Otho than like you. This tourney has certainly had it's good moments, but for the most part it has been disappointing and disgusting by turns." "From what I have heard, other than your injury this tournament has been quite rewarding for you? The attention of Lady Ysilla is quite the accomplishment." |
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 27, 2018 13:58:58 GMT 1
"Balon has made it very clear that he is not his fathers son. And I must disagree with common thought, I do not see what you did as unladylike but instead as something commendable. You stood up for yourself, your beliefs, and your family against what could be called grave odds. How many men who think themselves bold and able would have done the same?" He shakes his head at the thought. "If I ever have a daughter I hope she will have your courage. I only worry about the danger you had been in at that moment. Just because a man should not act a certain way does not mean that he will not, and Balon himself has proven this. I will speak to the Captain of our guard and ensure no Blackbriar be admitted to our camp without direct permission and an armed escort. Furthermore, how would you see this situation becoming resolved? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts before offering my own for your consideration." Ashara smiles. "'Unladylike' and 'commendable' need not be opposed. In truth, I do not feel I was in much danger. We were in public view, had he turned utterly vicious I'm sure at least a few passing knights would have leapt to save a damsel in distress." She thinks back to her meeting with Ser Titus earlier. "I am not sure we need exclude all Blackbriars. Cousin Laena has worked tirelessly to seek peace between our houses, and it would be a shame to let one villain ruin that. Both you and Laena speak highly of Ser Donnel, and I can vouch that Ser Titus is more akin to his father than his beastly brother. I would think banning Balon should be sufficient, with caution towards Blackbriar men of lesser station, as we cannot know where they stand." She sighs. "I do not know how to resolve this. I fear no peace may be made between the brute and I, for his prejudices run deep. Further, I fear that should anyone of our house duel him over it, he would take the opportunity to do far worse to them than he did to me." "So far I have alternated between embarrassing myself and performing well with incredible ease." He laughs at himself. "And I have been very fortunate to meet Lady Ysilla, and to have enjoyed her company. She is very true to herself and I have always appreciated that quality. Forgive me for saying so if it is not my place, but perhaps not entirely unlike you? At least when it comes to dealing with the likes of poor and false Knights." Mikel has recovered from his earlier fumbles in conversation and already seems more comfortable. His typical wall of courtesy is down, perhaps due to the poppy or maybe something about Ashara that has lulled him to ease, but he speaks plainly and with sincerity. She smiles at the comparison. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting Lady Ysilla, but from what I hear I think we would get along well." She considers for a moment. "It seems to me that House Bridges and House Starkwood would make natural allies. I do not wish to seem presumptuous, but if you feel that there might be grounds for more than just passing fancy, I would support you in that endeavor." |
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 28, 2018 8:03:57 GMT 1
Mikel listens quietly and is surprised when Ashara tells him that Laena has been working to sow peace between the two houses. After hearing this he nods in agreement about banning Balon and being cautious towards any Blackbriar men but exempting Ser Donnel and his other son Ser Titus as they have only shown themselves to be honorable men, though he makes a mental note to tell the Starkwood men at arms that they should still be particularly alert should the two come to visit. When he responds it is clear he does not believe a true peace can be made between them. "Even if Balon apologized it would be nothing more then a meaningless show. Him saying the right words and everybody forgiving his behavior though in truth there was no meaning in them and he would have no intention of conducting himself differently in the future." At this he shakes his head and speaks on the Merryweather issue momentarily. "As in the instance of the head of House Merryweather," He intentionally leaves out the appropriate title. "some of his men will be knocked from their horses as they would have been anyways but the odds are against any true justice being served to the one who is deserving of it, and so we tragically have just another meaningless show." Spitting the thought out he returns to the subject at hand. "I agree with what a duel would accomplish as well though I would hate for the matter to be left as it is. Perhaps I can speak to Ser Donnel and figure out something which might be satisfying to yourself and Lord Starkwood who I imagine can not be seen to let the matter go unanswered."
Mikel seems surprised when she mentions Lady Ysilla and that she would support him should he choose to pursue her affection. "May I ask what your support would entail? The more Houses that Starkwood can call friend and ally the better it will be for each of us, and if Lady Laena and I are any indicator our houses certainly seem to respond well to each other. If I am being honest I would be extremely surprised for somebody of Lady Ysilla's status to show more interest in me then a passing fancy but she certainly isn't just anybody else is she?" He warms to the thought. |
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 28, 2018 15:58:58 GMT 1
"I meant that should you feel it appropriate, I would encourage my lord father to negotiate such a match, though as you have said her standing might make it difficult. However, I suspect that if she is interested in such a match, that may not be as much of an issue. I have a feeling that her family would have great difficulty convincing her to say the words with one not of her choosing, so if she chooses someone I suspect they would be more than happy to try and make it work, regardless of her desired match's standing."
She smiles warmly.
"If there is anything else you feel I could do to assist, please, do not hesitate to ask."
Her expression darkens as she shifts to their other, less pleasant topic of conversation.
"We are of one mind regarding Balon. Even if what transpired between us yesterday had not occurred, he would have been the largest obstacle to peace between our houses. However, one apple, fallen far from it's tree that has gone rotten is no reason to cut down the tree - if you will forgive my mixed and perhaps ill-chosen metaphors."
She pauses, ruminating upon what has been and what might yet be done about the situation.
"Laena and I spoke with Ser Daemon Waters yesterday afternoon, and convinced him to take actions against Balon and Otho, to send a clear message that such behavior is not condoned by him. Perhaps that will inspire Balon to re-examine his beliefs and actions, though I would not wager on it. Beyond that, it is largely in the hands of his family to decide how to keep him in line to allow a peace. It is not only our honor that he is besmirching. As for a duel for my honor..."
She sighs.
"I understand that it may be unavoidable, though I cannot help but see it as meaningless - only fools would believe a word he speaks. However, I fear the worst should my brother or father face him - he has murdered once under the cloak of chivalrous competition, I would not put it past him to do the same again. Further, with you already being injured I would not desire for you to risk more on my behalf. Perhaps cousin Aerion would be willing. I doubt the blackguard Blackbriar would dare risk angering the royal blooded by killing one of their own. Or perhaps I could convince Ser Donnel or Ser Titus to do so in an act of solidarity. It would certainly go a long way in showing that the rest of House Blackbriar are committed to peace."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 30, 2018 7:13:45 GMT 1
Concerning Ashara's willingness to help with Lady Ysilla Mikel replies, "I will keep that in mind and if I feel like it is a possibility I will be sure to speak with you on it again. Thank you." When she then says that if there is anything else she can do to just let her know Mikel knows she means it in relation to Lady Ysilla but feels like she might be helpful concerning another matter. "I believe I might have a matter which you could help with but it is not one concerning Lady Ysilla, though you certainly should not feel any obligation to. I trust you have heard about the attack on Lady Alicient?" He stops there to gauge her interest. He would hate to involve her in something she has no desire to be involved in.
He shows his surprise when Ashara mentions Ser Donnel or Ser Titus standing against Balon. "I would not have thought of that but could not imagine a better possible outcome. None of House Starkwood might be hurt and I imagine it highly unlikely they would truly fight to strike one another down. Might even be the lesson he needs to amend his ways. Though I imagine a need for approval from the man he squired for is truly what drives him." Mikel shrugs.
"I am embarrassed to confess that I did not know you and Lady Laena were so involved with things as you are but given the impression of each of you that I have I am glad that you are. I hope you know that if you ever have a need or feel like something might not be right, I am here to help."
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 30, 2018 17:36:10 GMT 1
He shows his surprise when Ashara mentions Ser Donnel or Ser Titus standing against Balon. "I would not have thought of that but could not imagine a better possible outcome. None of House Starkwood might be hurt and I imagine it highly unlikely they would truly fight to strike one another down. Might even be the lesson he needs to amend his ways. Though I imagine a need for approval from the man he squired for is truly what drives him." Mikel shrugs. "I am embarrassed to confess that I did not know you and Lady Laena were so involved with things as you are but given the impression of each of you that I have I am glad that you are. I hope you know that if you ever have a need or feel like something might not be right, I am here to help.""Of course, Ser Mikel. You are a valuable part of House Starkwood. That means that we will certainly call on you if needed, but also that we will take care not to risk your health and well being unnecessarily." She gestures to his head wound. "Please, if we call upon others and not you during the tourney, do not think it is because we do not value you, quite the opposite. We may well need you in top condition in the near future, and that means giving you time to heal before we put you in a situation where another might try to take advantage of your wounded state to inflict even more harm upon you." Concerning Ashara's willingness to help with Lady Ysilla Mikel replies, "I will keep that in mind and if I feel like it is a possibility I will be sure to speak with you on it again. Thank you." When she then says that if there is anything else she can do to just let her know Mikel knows she means it in relation to Lady Ysilla but feels like she might be helpful concerning another matter. "I believe I might have a matter which you could help with but it is not one concerning Lady Ysilla, though you certainly should not feel any obligation to. I trust you have heard about the attack on Lady Alicient?" He stops there to gauge her interest. He would hate to involve her in something she has no desire to be involved in. "With all of the unrest surrounding the Septa's procession and the execution, I doubt there is a person in the city that has not heard of the attack." Ashara tips her head in curiosity. "Are you involved in some way?" |
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 31, 2018 5:43:51 GMT 1
He nods a thank you at the pleasantries and thanks her before responding about the incident concerning Lady Alicient.
"After the incident occurred Ser Roland had asked for my assistance. I went with him and a small party to investigate the smiths mark on the daggers which the would be assassins had been using and had been told to leave behind. It was confirmed that they were the make of Longtable, Lord Merryweathers blacksmith, but that didn't help to clear anything up. There are a half dozen theories concerning why what happened may have happened but no real answers. The thing which stands out to me is that Lady Alicient had not heard the rumor that Ser Daven had been killed by his own kin until just before the attack. But the attackers had been told to find out where she had heard the rumor from. Perhaps somebody told her intentionally?" Mikel shrugged. "I do not want you to go searching out the truth behind such things as it would be a matter of life and death, but perhaps if you hear anything related to the matter you might make me aware?" |
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Aug 31, 2018 23:25:44 GMT 1
"They were told to leave the knives? Curious. And that rumor..."
She pauses, thinking over the puzzle Ser Mikel had presented to her.
"I have some ideas and a number of questions, but the only one who could answer them would likely be Lady Alicent... Ser Roland could perhaps answer some, but not all. No, I think I should speak directly with Lady Alicent. Meaning no offense to you Ser Mikel, nor to Ser Roland, but I suspect that Lady Alicent might be a bit more open to speaking with me - we have a number of things in common that could form a basis for rapport, and she may be more willing to open up to a woman."
Not to mention that she could likely play these two men like a fiddle.
"Perhaps Ser Roland can make an introduction for me tomorrow."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Sept 1, 2018 7:57:36 GMT 1
"Thank you Lady Ashara that is a wonderful idea and I appreciate that you are willing to do it. I will speak with Ser Roland and make the arrangements, perhaps for you to speak with him first to know the full details of what had happened during the attack and immediately after it as they spoke with one of the men that they were able to capture. Then on to speaking with Lady Alicient." Mikel had a good feeling about what Ashara could contribute in this situation but a large part of him felt guilty for involving her. Although the way it appeared since the beginning of the tournament was that everybody was involved whether they wanted to be or not. At least this way they were acting under their own dictation.
"If there is anything I can do to return the kindness please let me know." |
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Sept 1, 2018 22:08:26 GMT 1
"That sounds like a good plan. All I can ask of you is that you keep yourself safe... and prepared."
[/scene?]
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