|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 24, 2018 21:32:02 GMT 1
"I did meet one low-born captain on campaign that had the mettle of a true knight, but for every man like that there must be ten score that would make ill use of such an opportunity, even if granted to them. At best such men would waste it, at worst turn it to evil ends."
"Did Ser Brynden have the footwork to back his academic knowledge of your homeland's dance? It would be a fine thing to be surprised twice over. He has a swordsman's sure footedness as far as I can judge."
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 24, 2018 22:37:12 GMT 1
"Oh, aye, for every one like Ser Mikel there are no doubt ten score like Bittersteel, Otho Bracken, and Eldon Merryweather - born to nobility but utterly failing to be noble in spirit."
She smiles.
"Indeed, his footwork was at least as good as mine, though I cannot vouch for his skill with a sword."
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 25, 2018 11:15:04 GMT 1
"A riposte to shame even Ser Daemon Blackfyre my Lady, and me tonight. Not only that, but a man's sins are greater if his he has been born to better things, educated and taken knightly oaths."
Roland took particular care to give Daemon's full title. It would take more than a few words to move him from his prejudices, but Ashara had at least given him something to think on.
"The House I have sworn my sword to has all the nobility my birth House won in its storied history. As we speak of the small-folk, Lord Starling was righteous enough to take up arms publicly against Merryweather's knights, whatever the politics of the matter or the difference in rank between perpetrator and victim."
"Would that I could promise you that you would find a Lord Starling at Hammerhal and be able to set aside worries of being a hostage. Would that we could strike a further blow against the vile Eldon Merryweather."
To avenge Lysette's dear friend, the gentle Maegelle and free Alicent Yronwood in one blow - that was a most noble cause!
Roland approved of Ashara absenting the titles of the men she described and reinforced the gesture. These men were unworthy of such.
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 25, 2018 16:05:34 GMT 1
"It is not Ser Daemon Blackfyre or yourself that need shaming..."
Was she merely mirroring Roland in using the full title, or did she too admire the man? As a vocal supporter of King Daeron, the of his brother's base birth would surely advance the cause... yet she does not.
"...and while righteous knights taking up arms against Merryweather knights the perpetrator sits comfortably elsewhere, secure in his position of privilege, free to sin and victimize again and again."
She shakes her head.
"It is cold comfort to his next victim that Lord Starling was so righteous."
|
|
|
Post by Roland Cordwayner on Oct 25, 2018 17:09:14 GMT 1
"Too true. This is not the first of his outrages, nor will it be the last. If the right opportunity arises, Lord Starling will not hesitate to take it, nor I to be his agent. Still, such an opportunity for justice would doubtless mean further harm at that monster's hands."
It is quite the comedown from his dance with Alicent, their weighty subject matter cooling his physical attraction to Ashara. Such was scarcely necessary, given his penance from Septon Abelar reminding him of his oaths.
The music was drawing to a close, and Roland attempted to at least close on a happier tone.
"I shall endeavour to be as true to my word to you as you are to your art my lady. It has been a pleasure and an honour. This has been a testing day, and I had not thought myself in the mood for dancing, but my dance partners have lifted my spirits."
Roland thought back to his old Master of Arms at Hammerhal, Ser Gurney of Halleck Hill - a scarred fighter of great renown who had served at Caladan Hall.
'Mood? Mood is for dancing and love-making, not swordplay'.
Janna, Alicent and Ashara was a better and more beautiful set of partners than many higher born knights could hope for.
He bowed, at least having enjoyed the dance itself, even if he had been given much to ponder.
[OOC: close to a wrap as we near the end of the game day?]
|
|
|
Post by Ashara Starkwood on Oct 25, 2018 22:48:21 GMT 1
"Forgive me for dragging such weighty matters into what should have been naught but a pleasant dance."
She says with a smile.
I wanted to keep your mind off of my body, the last think I need is for you to try to supplant Ser Quentin as my betrothed. That would be a whole other mountain to climb.
She returns his bow with a curtsy.
"Good night, Ser, and thank you for the dance. I wish you luck with the remaining tilts, and with the selection of your melee team. I would enjoy seeing you win."
Though with the competition arrayed against you, that is probably unlikely.
[/scene]
|
|