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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 22, 2018 15:34:34 GMT 1
After dancing with Ser Brynden, Ashara sought out Ser Titus Blackbriar, but he seemed to be trying to avoid her.
Shame at having lost the duel, or over having the duel in the first place when I said not to? More likely someone has twisted his memories to convince him that I pushed him into it.
She did, however, see Ser Roland available.
As good a time as any, I suppose - strike while the iron is hot, as they say. If I can pluck House Cordwayner from the Fire, it would be one less task for Ser Brynden. Also, it would give Lady Maegelle another headache to deal with, which is an appealing idea on it's own.
"Ser Roland!"
She curtsies with a broad smile.
"Congratulations on achieving the quarterfinals in the joust. Lady Janna must be quite pleased to have you wearing her favor."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 22, 2018 17:04:59 GMT 1
She came upon him as he bowed farewell to Alicent, then repeated the gesture to his new partner.
Ashara's smile was reflected sincerely in Roland's. He was still floating down from the cloud of Alicent's company. The murders, kidnapping and drama with Daeron were pushed to one side for now.
Roland was either a far better actor than anyone would believe, or word of Ashara's confrontation with Lady Cordwayner had yet to reach him.
"My thanks Lady Ashara. The harder I practice the kinder the Seven look down on me. Lady Janna took a risk in bestowing me with her favour, in turn her faith gave me the strength to prevail. She seems to be enjoying the dance - I think she longs to take further risks in avenging herself against Butterbumps' wandering hands."
[Awareness: TN 12 to spot the Septon Abelar imposed hair shirt as they dance? Seems reasonable?]
"I have often had to defend my own words or my Lord's on the battlefield. Shall we see if I can indeed fare better than your previous sparring partners?"
Ashara's unusual height for a woman would ease things somewhat, given many knights gave up an inch or two in height to Roland. He and his brother shared the same dark look, but Roland was tall and strong were Lord Cordwayner was short and timid.
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 22, 2018 22:58:17 GMT 1
"It seems to me that the best defense against a fool is to not be foolish. Cling too hard something merely for it's own sake - honesty, modesty, looks, skill at arms, cleverness - whatever it is, it becomes easy food for one such as he. The key then is to focus not on the outward appearance of those things, but to focus on the inward virtues that they are used to indicate." Smiling, she continues. "For instance many might find my attire immodest - quite rightly, I suppose. What though is the value of modesty? Why, to preserve chastity. I am confident in my ability to resist the temptations of the flesh, and thus I need not armor myself in modesty - true or feigned." She chuckles a little. "Not that I am saying that Lady Janna is unchaste, of course, merely that she accommodates the fools that cannot tell the difference between outward modesty and inward chastity - likely without any knowledge that she is doing so. I suspect that those fools are the true targets of Butterbumps jape, and Lady Janna's accommodation a convenient tool for that purpose. Indeed, if he had done the same with one whose chastity was questionable, it would have a wholly different message." Though it's likely that he also meant to prick at Lady Janna too, for her naive acceptance of the constraints put upon her. Her naiveté and innocence is somewhat ridiculous too, and dangerous, though I doubt she would understand why - the poor little lamb. Maybe japes such as that can hep awake her from her complacency before she is led to the slaughter. probably not, though. I can see why Ser Roland would like her - he wants to save his brother but feels he cannot, so he seeks to 'save' another from the same domination, though able to mask it in society's idolization of the illusion of the Maiden. What is ridiculed in a man is idolized in a woman. Too many insecure men afraid that their betrothed will turn out to be a Lady Maegelle, so they teach young girls that 'good girls' are docile and that being 'good' is rewarded with a fairy-tale knight. It makes me want to retch.
"Come though, it is rude to speak of one lady when in the arms of another."
She was well aware, of course, both that she had brought up Lady Janna and the double-entendre.
"How goes the recruitment for your melee team?"
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 23, 2018 11:26:22 GMT 1
Roland managed laughter at Ashara's teasing, less po-faced tonight than on previous occasions. Still, there was wisdom in her to match Ser Daemon's. Both so young, yet youth oft brought clarity of mind and purpose.
"Better than I hoped so far, despite my lack of titles and rank. House Cordwayner's master of arms would find it easier to get the meetings I sought, even if my deeds outshine my bastard brother's."
Regret for the moment rather than bitterness, but still more edge than when last they spoke.
"Recruitment does not begin in earnest until the morrow, but I have already prevailed upon Ser Damon Crane, the captain of Lord Tyrell's guard. The Irone Crane served with honour in the war."
"Ser Mikel is well known to you, and his strength and skill would shame many of higher birth. A good man to have at my side."
"Lord Starling will go where he believes he can win most glory, but I believe there is a good chance he believes he can find that alongside me."
"Lord Arryn will be among the foremost of my lieutenants and brings with him not just the Wild Sery Wyl Waynwood but also Ser Humfrey Hardyng."
Ashara was truly mesmerising, she was to dancing as a man like Donnel was to tilting.
No bold political statements yet, and ever the gallant Roland took Ashara's question as concern for her brother.
"If Ser Donnel and I were not enough to quell my lady's fears, I can be hope such a roll of champions lends further reassurance as to her brother's safety."
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 23, 2018 16:36:47 GMT 1
Is that a hair shirt he is wearing? My my, righteous Ser Roland has been naughty... or tempted towards naughtyness. Mayhaps he has been plagued with dreams of his nephew's betrothed, garbed in less than she is now? Or perhaps thoughts of Lady Alicent 'expressing her gratitude' for her heroic rescue. How typically male."If your brother were to ask you back to your rightful place, would you accept? You have done quite well for yourself in service to House Starling, and with the deeds and honor you have exhibited could likely find yourself lord protector to a lady-regnant in the future, should you desire it." A shadow of a frown crosses her face. "I will admit that I myself have no small amount of trepidation of living at Hammerhal. Your good-sister... she does not like me, and does not want me to marry her son. I fear she may be the source behind the vile rumors about me that we discussed previously, seeking to foment a belief in my lack of virtue in order to justify breaking the betrothal. i fear she may have already poisoned your lord brother and niece against me - I know not how Ser Quentin feels, but I doubt he could stand against his mother's influence for long."
While I've got orokos open... D8 Dance Roland spot the hairshirt Awareness(notice): 6d6k4+3 18 success. You knew it was coming... intrigue time! Like with my intrigue with Titus, I will let you decide if the attire bonuses from the event would apply or not, though they will have far less of an effect here as I am looking to neither charm nor seduce Roland. Disposition: Dislike Technique: Incite Objective: Have Roland attempt to remove Maegelle from House Cordwayner (methodology up to Roland). D8 dance Roland Initiative: 4d6 11 (13 if attire bonus is applied) ID 11 (+1 per DoS on Free Action) DR 5 Composure 12/12 Frustration 0 Free action: D8 Dance Roland Free Action Deception(act): 5d6k3+2 17 (Romantic/Naive applies) Will wait for your initiative before posting R1 action.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 23, 2018 17:16:03 GMT 1
"I will not return to Hammerhal to a beggar's place while another occupies the position as my brother's strong right hand." "If my brother were to request my return, I would have to listen, but changes would have to be made." "I will not serve for my sister, who openly advocates treachery against good King Daeron, nor under my bastard brother. He serves the same ends, even if his methods are more subtle." The prejudice against bastards ran deep in the North, but was justified in this case. That said, Roland did not dishonour his dark haired brother by raising the tournament's rumour that the golden-haired Cordwayner heir was Ser Normyn's son. Roland's tone softened. "There was a time I could have recommended stout men to aid you in Hammerhal, but such are all gone now, replaced by Lady Cordwayner's creatures. I understand your trepidation, and we must think what we can do to ease it." D8 Ashara intrigue: 3d6 12 - attire bonus gives you the lead on initiative Objective: Friendship ID: 10 Composure: 11/11 DR: 3 (Amiable) D8 Ashara - Shield of reputation: 5#5d6k3 9 14 14 17 13Passive awareness: 9 (inc Naive, so 2 DoS on that Deception check [OOC: As Roland has been roleplayed as attracted to Dornish women in general and Ashara in particular then attire bonuses should definitely apply. Just cranked a load of numbers out as Roland can't really win this but won't Quit a dance floor intrigue unless someone advocates treachery etc, in which case it is "Switch to combat" instead. Shield of Reputation won't succeed until R8 (switching between that and Consider), which is far too late I suspect. Yield offer in case it interests you: work together to remove both Maegelle Cordwayner and Ser Normyn Flowers. Banish the traitors!] |
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 23, 2018 18:06:44 GMT 1
"Aye, Ser Normyn is wholly Lady Maegelle's creature - an she turn traitor, he would follow unquestioningly."
She smiles, perhaps comfortingly?
"I do not think you need concern yourself that your Lord Brother would request your return to serve under the lady or her champion. You are indeed one of those stout men she has replaced; she would not allow Lord Ilyn to make such a request. She has no doubt twisted his mind to thinking that you seek to be Lord of Hammerhal yourself, and does not trust you any longer - and if she no longer has influence over your lord brother, then the bastard will also no longer have her patronage."
Counteroffer - Roland must take the initiative, do it in the name of the King, and focus on removing Maegelle as the primary objective (removing Normyn should be easy enough after, if it is not simultaneous). Ashara will certainly assist however she can, though she must tread carefully lest she be (correctly) labeled an agent provocateur and hurt House Starkwood's reputation. Ashara will increase one disposition step with Roland.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 23, 2018 19:30:59 GMT 1
It was not difficult for a courtier of Ashara's ability to play on Roland's loyalty to the king, disgust at public treachery and his simmering resentment at being merely a sworn sword far from the house of his birth.
As they danced, Roland pondered her words.
"That seems the right order for the pieces to fall in. One cannot speak treachery against the king and drag my storied house's reputation through the mud. If Ser Quentyn's wife can find a home among the Silent Sisters, then too can my brother's wife. Such should protect my family's honour and prevent my gentle brother falling victim to ill-advice."
He sighed.
"Would that I could be my brother's strong right arm rather than be cast as a threat to him."
"Beyond volunteering her service to the faith or being tried for treachery, I see few ways to safely remove this poison from my house. I understand your fears now, as you may be a hostage rather than wife at Hammerhal."
[OOC: Counteroffer agreed! Can now play out the conversation.]
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 23, 2018 19:58:20 GMT 1
"Hold strong in the knowledge that even if others cast you as a threat to him, you are acting in his own best interest, whether he see it or not. Once the vile poison is removed, I am certain that he will come to see you as savior and strong ally, not an enemy."
She sighs.
"As for the actual removal, I must confess I am at a loss. If Lord Ilyn cannot be convinced to remove her of his own volition, then damning evidence would be needed - of treachery or infidelity. Mere accusations would likely result in only a duel for honor, with no further action taken in consequence. Lord Tyrell has all but spoken the same treachery as her, so will not likely be willing to condemn mere whispers as treason... and if the crown were to issue an edict against her with no evidence, it could spark the very war that Bittersteel seeks."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 23, 2018 20:40:10 GMT 1
"Duels for honour oft have greater consequences than the skirmish between Balon and Ser Titus. They have brought down lords, taken control of towns and ended wars. If such could be forced and the matter proven in the eyes of the Seven then our purpose may be served and House Cordwayner saved."
"There are few men my equal with sword or lance, although I do not seek to enforce my views via these. The likes of Balon and Otho abuse knighthood and our laws."
"However, Ser Normyn is among the few who I would face with even odds, so this path is not without its risks."
"I shall see what I can learn, although I may have been gone too long from Hammerhal to have much influence on my brother."
"My lady may be wise to bring a trusted maid and sworn shield with her to my family's seat, although such a position shall not go easy on those you ask. We oft ask the hardest tasks from those we love most."
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 23, 2018 21:12:04 GMT 1
"Perhaps so - but even should you win, would you expect your lord brother to send his wife to the silent sisters, or would she convince him that the duel was interfered with in some way, and should be given no credence? A duel may be taken as a sign of the Seven's will, but that is a matter of interpretation - unless you believe that the duel between the brothers exonerated the elder?"
She shakes her head.
"What if, instead of Ser Titus it had been the Breakspear, or Ser Daemon? I am doubtful the outcome would have been the same - does that mean that the will of the seven is guided by the sword-arm of knights? No, of course not. If a disadvantaged knight find victory against the odds, that may well be the Seven blessing that knight - but if a match is uneven and the expected victor wins, does that make him innocent, despite evidence to the contrary?"
She sighs.
"In regards to my wedding, it is like to be long delayed, for much the reason that Lady Alicent's has been - the pressures against it are high, but neither side is willing to accept the burden of being the one to break the betrothal. My father will not send me to Hammerhal a hostage, so as long as House Cordwayner remains in the thrall of traitors I am stuck - it is the worst of both worlds - I have neither secured a true alliance nor free to secure one with another house... and there is little House Starkwood needs as much as it needs strong alliances."
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 23, 2018 22:03:36 GMT 1
"I gave much the same speech regarding Ser Walton Wyl's ill-fated duel with Balon. There is a place for such duels, as you say, but it is not for man to bully a lie in to truth by might.""
Roland inclined his head sympathetically as Ashara described her plight.
"A difficult situation my lady. It seems the Reach is in a mood to delay as many weddings as possible but expedites funerals, an unhappy state of affairs."
The magic of his dance with Alicent was fading, the subject too somber to even feel a true thrill at Ashara's touch and presence despite her attire. He attempted to lighten the mood.
"How goes the evening? I have my blessed indeed to find you as well as the ladies Alicent and Janna have time for me this evening. Who among Highgarden's worthy has most impressed you on his feet?"
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 24, 2018 1:00:47 GMT 1
"Other than yourself, you mean?"
She asks teasingly.
"I danced with Ser Brynden."
She leaves off the bastard name, as she typically did with most Great Bastards. It simply wasn't necessary - there were other Ser Bryndens to be sure, but he was the famous one - it was the others that would need to have a family name included.
"I was rather impressed by his knowledge of even Dornish court dances, though I suppose those would be more common in King's Landing than Highgarden.
The admiration for Bloodraven is evident in her voice. A lesser man might be jealous, as she had teasingly pretended to be when Roland was speaking of Lady Janna... but Roland was not such a lesser man, surely.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 24, 2018 11:15:37 GMT 1
The full name was scarce necessary. Roland knew little of the man, beyond his competency with a sword and his excellent with a bow.
A mere half hour ago, such a tone would have indeed filled Roland with envy, despite his confession to Septon Abelar and best efforts. For now at least his heart was with Alicent Yronwood, a beautiful woman grown and in need of his aid, rather than playing at courtly romance with Janna Hightower, however well born and mannered the latter was.
"He has the better of me there, as he would have with a longbow."
Roland's knowledge of Dorne was of a sadder, bloodier, more practical sort.
"Beyond that and his rivalry with Ser Aegor I know little of the man. The smallfolk are always whispering about his light colouring and grim aspect, but they are an ill-educated superstitious lot."
The match with Ser Aegor over Lady Shiera Seastar had attracted much attention, even if the talented Ser Aerion would then overthrow Ser Brynden in the lists to win the Shiera's coveted favour.
He was not above a little folk superstition himself despite trusting to the Seven, but his contempt for the lower born overrode the odd belief in old tales.
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Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 24, 2018 17:06:05 GMT 1
"No man can be talented at all things, and you have already proven yourself his superior in jousting. The smallfolk are not wrong about his coloring or his aspect, there is definitely an air of grimness around him, especially compared to some of his half-siblings, but the they do not have then benefit of a Maester's teaching, and thus have to make sense of their world without the basic knowledge that we nobles are expected to attain."
She shrugs.
"To denigrate them for not having that knowledge is like to call a man a bad dancer because he has not been taught an exotic style - hardly his fault for not having had been taught something which he is never expected to have a use for, and had never been given an opportunity to learn."
Her tone is not one of advocating on behalf of smallfolk, but rather a refutation of the attitude exhibited.
That the same faulty thinking is used to denigrate women as 'weak' or 'ill-suited to lead' for their lack of martial skills.
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