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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Sept 29, 2018 19:25:08 GMT 1
Roland and his new friend Mikel were a marked contrast to the movers and shakers at Highgarden: pieces rather than players. Even Roland's garb spoke to such, forced by cirumstance from his home and wearing the winged emblem of House Starling to a formal occasion. It was a grander icon than House Cordwayner's humble boots, and Lord Starling certainly lived up to his house's words.
While many sought out the company of the great lord and ladies of the Realm, Roland and Mikel were able to relax after the play, looking down at an empty stage from one of the higher tiers in House Tyrell's luxuriant courtyard.
He offered his friend a goblet.
"I feel we have earned these Ser, it has been a trying week."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 2, 2018 5:49:30 GMT 1
He smiled and thanked Roland for the cup, the week had been one surprise after another, and most of them tragic or painful.
"I heard you rode three matches today and won each, congratulations Ser. Had each been a brief affair? I imagine you heard that I was unhorsed by Lord Conklyn. I do not know if he struck perfectly - it was struck well enough to just slide me from the saddle in an almost gentle way - or if I had simply say poorly. Not to take anything away from Lord Conklyn he performed admirably either way."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 2, 2018 12:08:36 GMT 1
Roland nodded in sympathy.
"I saw - I had thought you had the better of things from the first pass. You gallantly continued to press the issue despite having the lead. On other days such will pay off and win you the favour of the commons."
"At least you did not encounter further injury, I was concerned at another fall after that brute Otho had struck you earlier. None can doubt your valour."
As before Roland drops the use of Ser Otho's knightly title and does not lower his voice in doing so. The truth should not skulk in shadows but bask in the light of the Seven.
"My thanks for your congratulations. The field is increasingly difficult, so I am doing my best to take my own risks and win with flair, even if I do not have Lord Tyrell's mastery of such yet. Still I am improving, managing such at the first time of asking in two tilts! The Longthorn makes it look so easy. I can but hope rapid, stylish victors allow me at least one more round before I face some great champion."
"Speaking of such, the most important match was the first of the three, I am pleased to have secured a melee championship. Ser Daeron Waters will not lack for invitations on teams, the man has overthrown a full hand's worth with his blade."
"I was surprised that you did not put your own name forward or support another: such is an ideal opportunity to win fame and fortune, or the friendship of some great lord. Mayhap this is thoughtless of me - I suspect the blow to your head troubles you still."
Roland smiled.
"Or perhaps you are too wise to risk the friendship of great lords."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 4, 2018 7:04:39 GMT 1
"I try to keep in mind what the joust is preparation for, and stay true to it. So for me the need to resolve the matter quickly without taking unnecessary risks is quite important. But perhaps if I were a better rider I would play some for the crowd myself, those who do are known further and wider than those who do not."
"I appreciate your concern, and certainly share it. In truth my head is feeling better - even when the poppies effect has subsided - but I do feel that my edge has dulled somewhat, and eagerly await for its return. For example I had not connected that your first victory of the day has seen you to a captain position in the melee. Congratulations Sir! Nobody deserves it more."
"Seven teams of seven, that will be nasty. Perhaps even more so then the re-enactment which itself was quite exciting to be a part of. I had ridden with those representing the Dornish and as you know things had not gone our way. Quite a learning experience though." He shakes his head as he briefly considers how a real battle of that magnitude might feel, and how easily it could go against a side as it had yesterday.
"I wish you luck, not that you are one to need it. Have you already begun forming a plan?"
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 4, 2018 13:41:36 GMT 1
Roland drank from his cup.
"I had already made plans, and it seems there are already plans being made for me."
He smiled, but it seemed gallows humour.
"Your lady Ashara Starkwood is betrothed to my family and will adorn our seat at Hammerhal soon. A marriage to my nephew has been announced."
[OOC: Awareness TN (8) - Roland is frustrated at his family, not mentioning them by name and his tone is "off" 2 DoS - he's also struggling with some attraction towards Ashara.]
"She asked that I take her brother on to my melee team, to better allow the venerated Ser Donnel Blackbriar to protect Ser Symon from threats that Balon had uttered against her brother."
Roland gesticulated in anger, spilling some of his wine even though the cup was by now half drained.
"We have already seen that Balon possesses the skill and wickedness to make good on such schemes, doubtless having been promised much if he serves such a purpose."
"I tell you this as she asked that I invite you to fight alongside me, to better protect Ser Symon. I confessed that I could not grant such a favour, as I already intended to offer you a place at my side, subject to your wounds having healed."
Roland brushed off some droplets off wine from his sleeve, seemingly only now noticing them and offered his hand to Mikel in invitation.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 9, 2018 1:32:53 GMT 1
Mikel smiles at the unexpected honor Roland has extended to him, then takes his hand and shakes. "I am honored to accept this offer, Ser. Thank you."
"The threat made by Balon is one we are taking seriously. It is unfortunate that you are being imposed upon and may not be able to pick your team the way you wish to, but I am thankful on behalf of my house that you are considering it."
"I fear the entire matter will be an awfully political affair in the end. Teams with opposing loyalties engaging each other first, perhaps with lethal intent. We just may see the bloodiest day here yet... Or with why luck, I have only become too paranoid and it will be an honorable affair." He half smiles to Roland, confirming the belief in his words.
"May ask with whom you intend to fill out the rest of your team with? I would like be acquainted with the men I will be fighting beside." Mikel's full smile returns, the thought of meeting fine companions and a pending melee, even if it is to be a lethal affair, stirs his heart.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 9, 2018 11:15:01 GMT 1
Roland waved away the concern.
"It is a prestigious melee no doubt, but it is just a melee. I will not have that brute climb any higher by adding another body to his pile."
"I suspect you are right - I am unsure as to whether mixing teams serves peace and bolsters unity or merely provides opportunities for treachery."
"I shall be watching remaining matches for men of character and skill, providing places for my fellow Companions where needed."
"Ser Aerion Flowers had been courting our lady Lysette, so I may use the melee to take a fuller measure of him. He certainly conducted himself bravely when we faced a boar alongside Lord Tyrell."
"Ser Dennis Hightower is a skilled knight, and I ride bearing Lady Janna's favour. I believe I have made good acquaintance with the whole family in defending them from Fireball's disruption in the Sept, so there is some hope in calling him to my cause."
"Beyond that, I am reasonably well acquainted with Ser Aerion, the Red Lion and Lord Tyrell, but two of the three are already captains. I have some familiarity with the puissant Ser Wyl Waynwood, but cannot claim to know him so well.
Ser Wyl was sworn to one of King Daeron's most fervent supporters, and would be as strong a political statement as he was a warrior. Perhaps adding a Hightower would balance such a move, given their enthusiasm for Ser Daemon, or mayhap it would lead to strife within the team.
"Do not hesitate to come to me with recommendations of men with skill and virtue."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 12, 2018 6:05:19 GMT 1
"I certainly do not know as many so well as you do. I can tell you that Ser Aerion Flowers is a very capable sword and would stand strong beside us. The only other I know well enough to mention is Ser Cleyton who rides well, certainly better then I, but he would be the first to say he is a better rider then swordsman. Not that he is lacking just perhaps not quite as capable as yourself, or Ser Aerion, or Ser Donnel."
"I wish I could be more helpful with this decision. Watching the jousting to shape your consideration is a good idea. Perhaps even having everybody you know that you wish to have on your team gather and share their opinions - I imagine each will be able to contribute more than I just have. That will also give you a chance to see how well they interact and become aware of any issues, or issues with anybody you might be considering."
Looking down into his cup he swirls the wine before asking, "Have you let your mind wander towards any consideration of strategy? I imagine seeing most teams pick another and charging, perhaps creating a large mess in the middle of the field. Though perhaps there is simply one way to do it in an event such as this." Mikel thinks back to his conversation with Ser Donnel in the bath house when they discussed the melee and was very interested to hear if Ser Roland saw things differently. |
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 12, 2018 9:45:15 GMT 1
Roland listened attentively at Ser Mikel's summary of promising knights.
"A council of war with my lieutenants sounds prudent indeed. I shall endeavour to make it so."
"In a melee, victory often goes to those that reserve their strength. However, victory does not only come in being the last man standing - winning a reputation for bravery or overthrowing a renowned warrior offers its own reward. This is a rare chance to cross swords with the finest knights in the realm, better than any sparring match for being closer to the uncertainty of a real battle."
"A refused flank, delaying on one side to concentrate our force and defeat a team adjacent to us may well work well if another splits their force more evenly. It risks our delaying action being overrun, but if that holds the main part of our force can turn and smash a second foe."
"Still, the battles against the Dornish taught me that few plans survive contact with the enemy. A small reserve to finish the blow struck by our concentrate force or buttress out delaying action offers flexibility."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 15, 2018 8:24:14 GMT 1
Mikel nods at Roland's words, speaking up at the mention of leaving a small reserve. "Perhaps having a line of five with two behind to capitalize an opportunity or simply reinforce the center or a flank of the charge?"
"With so few on the field I imagine each man selected will be of the finest quality." He cannot help but smile. "This will be a fight."
He drinks and goes silent to simply enjoy this moment. For all that was wrong at the tournent, maybe even because of it, he was happy to be here and the honor Roland extended to him still had him energized.
"May I be bold and ask, Ser Roland, what you hope most comes of this tourney for yourself?"
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 15, 2018 9:59:24 GMT 1
"A sound number, although I think we may have to make more friends and allies still - this is no market town tournament! Lord Tyrell's grand melee will see each team have seven times seven knights, well over three hundred knights in all."
"That said, I suspect your remark on quality shall still ring true, such is the gathering of chivalry here at Highgarden."
Roland stared down in to his cup, then lifted his eyes.
"I had hoped for a purpose and a place. I am a spare twice over now, and will become more so with my nephew's marriage to Lady Ashara. I had thought to win the attention of Lady Janna Hightower and win her hand by great feats in the joust and melee. I would be a liar if I did not admit that my success in the joust and being appointed a melee captain is a source of satisfaction. This has been a good company to test myself in."
He drains his cup.
"But another purpose grips me now. Men like Otho and Balon dishonour their knighthoods and the realm, attempting to fix strings to their betters to serve their ambitions rather than their oaths. Such appears to have infected even the House of my birth - I must do all in my power to set my family to right. A small thing, but it may even help keep the peace in the realm. For too long have I wandered, enjoying freedom over responsibility."
Roland did not yet fully grasp the subtler moves of the men that moved the strings on the likes of Otho and Balon, but was beginning to thanks to his conversations with Ashara, Laena and Abelar.
"I hope the Seven bless my aims, but it shall take more than a single tournament to achieve such. What hopes does Highgarden hold for you?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 19, 2018 10:09:41 GMT 1
Mikels surprise at the size of the melee is obvious. "I had no idea it would be so large, I had expected seven teams of seven and thought that would be near a battle! This will be something else entirely." He smiled, yet something in his eyes suggested that he saw a bloody mess on the horizon.
"I am happy that things have gone well for you, you deserve it and I expect your success to continue." He offers his mug up as a toast before continuing.
"The most I have dared hope for is service to a worthy House as Master At Arm's. I do believe I picked well in choosing where to serve, but harbor no illusions as to filling the role mentioned. In truth you are the first I have even told. I have had other thoughts now and then as to how better serve but who knows what may come to be."
"In truth all that has happened so far has troubled me, especially the matter with House Merryweather. I will confide in you further, I have spent a fair part of my day hoping to find some of his men with the intent to determine if any of them had been present and overheard anything that night. I had hoped to find them in drink, and send many more their way before trying to speak with them. Though I failed to find any, and am not sure what I could have done if I had found them and they would have spoken."
Mikel looks into his mug, perhaps searching for an answer.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 19, 2018 12:10:23 GMT 1
Roland's own ambitions were higher - daydreams of a white cloak or of marrying some great lady and had suddenly been joined by thoughts of driving his sister in law and bastard brother from Hammerhal to serve at his brother's side. While both were simply sworn swords for the moment, their bloodlines had given the two very different goals despite being so evenly matched in the smallfolk's tourney.
Mayhap if Hammerhal was cleansed Roland could make a place for Ser Mikel there?
"A man should have an objective, and yours is a worthy one that you would be well suited too."
"Such a plan is not unworthy, albeit it risks coming to blows. In particular I would seek out the man who did not turn his head against me, Ser Norren Wythers. He seemed reluctant in our match, but I could not tell if it was because Lord Merryweather's indolence breeds the same among his sworn swords, or if it was because he rightly judged his lord's course unwise. Tread carefully - I would not see you returned to a maester's care so soon."
[OOC: shall we wrap this after any parting words? We can always do another scene on D8 if you fancy it? See my PM from Oct 15th, no worries if too busy, lots going on.]
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Oct 19, 2018 23:45:04 GMT 1
"Thank you for the suggestion, I shall think on how best to act with it so I don't end up in the masters tent."
Mikel continues to enjoy the company of Ser Roland until each or either of them need to depart.
[OOC: Scene sounds good, I'll get back to you via PM!]
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