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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Nov 13, 2018 13:14:45 GMT 1
As the festivities in the Great Hall drew to an end - festivities maybe not being the right word for it - Titus left the drunken bickering behind and sought out Septon Abelar, the firm hand that guided Gyldenhaal in all matters spiritual and his own, life-long confessor.
First he sought amongst the Pavillions; the mottley ocean of tents, sigils and banners in all colors one could imagine although muted by the cover of the night.
Then he sought the Great Sept, omniously lit by torches and moonlight even the white washed wonder seemed as if looming with ill intent, inside the low chanting chorus of Septons and Septas saying their prayers - but not his.
He sought the Gardens, the forrest of marbled men of old, stoney visages giving neither comfort nor guidance for the few that visited them in this our.
Yet no Septon.
They say that when searching for something it will always be in the last place you look, a stupid saying Titus thought, as once found you wouldn't search anymore so obviously it would be the last place. But tonight that was perhaps the truth. It was in the Godswood of Highgarden, below the Three Singers, those immense wierdtrees, trunks white as bone warped in to a single eternal embrace, three grim faces testifying to the Gods that ruled this land before the coming of the Andals and the Seven that are One, that he found his Septon. A queer place for a man of his conviction, but even Baelor the Blessed would be amazed by the ancient beauty in this place, lit up by a moon that here seemed much kinder.
Unnoticed by the man, Titus lingered for a moment, not wishing to disturb the solemn silence and whatever thoughts the priest may be lost in. Eventualy he spoke, low and respectful.
"Septon. I hope I am not disturbing you." standing a fair few paces away, Titus would not approach unless beckoned, he held an immense respect for the man and was very much still the young boy before his confessor around him.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Nov 14, 2018 5:09:27 GMT 1
Abelar turns from his reverie, laying his dark eyes on the young knight.
"Of course you do not disturb--I would have sought you out myself had triumphs in the lists not occupied your purpose over the last few days." He gestures up at the three twisted weirwoods. "Magnificent, aren't they? I can see why the Andals might have spared them, despite the demonic practice of tree-worship."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Nov 14, 2018 12:32:35 GMT 1
"Many... things have occupied me as of late. Advancement in the lists one of such but not the only." He sighs and stops for a moment, his mind in a turmoil of what to say. The three carved faces observing him in silence. "Magnificent, yes..." again he falls silent before abruptly speaking "Would you take my confession, father?"
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Post by Septon Abelar on Nov 15, 2018 0:24:08 GMT 1
Abelar places a hand on Titus's shoulder. "Of course, ser."
It was not the most holy setting available, but the septon knew from years of experience that in confession, finding the right moment is more important than location.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Nov 17, 2018 13:23:27 GMT 1
"Thank you..." he takes a breath and closes his eyes before starting, slowly.
"I am guilty of many sins, father. I am guilty of pride - having come here I have laboured to do well. To advance in the lists and to do my family and house justice in acting with honour. But in my pursuit I have enjoyed the glory and the laurels it brings. I have put myself forwards amongst those who are clearly my betters and ambition is a sin, is it not?
I am guilty of..." he swallowed, this was always a hard one "... I am guilt of lust. I ride with the favour of Lady Daena of House Durwell and have spoken and danced with her and have had... many impure thoughts. And there is another... in my attempt to mend the wound caused by my brother I have spoken many times to Lady Ashara Starkwood - a woman betrothed and whilst it was born in honesty I can see my thoughts wandering whenever I think of her.
I am guilty of wrath... and endangering my own kin - risking to spill Balon's blood out of my own stupidity and anger. I... I didn't know what to do and now it is as if it never happened.... but it did. The realm know. The Seven know. I know! No one is more accursed then the kinslayer... he falls silent, gathering himself. Best have it all out.
I am guilty of cowardice. The realm is on the brink of Civil War and I want nothing more than to hide my head in the sand. I do not know what to do and I do not know who to follow! Mother and Balon pulls one way, cousin Gormon with them but is that right? Father and Lord Jon says little and I..." his shoulders slumps and the otherwise tall and strong looking knight seems small, like a child. "...I do not know what to do... nor have I the strength to do it."
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Post by Septon Abelar on Nov 20, 2018 4:06:03 GMT 1
Abelar interlocks his fingers, listening respectfully.
How many knights are chasing Ashara Starkwood's skirts?!
"You did well to confess to me, Titus. Pride, lust, and wrath are deadly sins, and we will come to cowardice a little later. Luckily for you, life is long and there is yet time to balance the Father's scales before he takes you to account. Repentance is key."
"For your pride, I believe you have already tasted the punishment of defeat in the lists. But in future contests of martial sport, you should allow your opponents to strike the first blow unanswered. It will teach you humility and remind you that your place in the company of champions must be earned, through grit and puissance. Lust . . . is a slippery thing, and demands a vigorous response." I'm out of hair shirts . . . "I would recommend that whenever you attend court or another place where such temptations present themselves, you warm your bed with a man each night--Wort would do--to remind you that your place is in the fraternity of knighthood until your wedding day arrives, and to ward away the twin temptations of feminine company and the, *ahem*, thoughts of feminine company that may arouse when unaccompanied."
"Your wrath is not your sin alone, but also Balon's, for provoking you and many others. You are no kinslayer, for he still draws breath. In repentance for your wrath and in atonement for striking your brother in anger, I charge you to guard every member of House Blackbriar with your life--your father, your mother, your brothers, your lord uncle, your cousin, and all the others--no matter how much they anger you. No matter what heinous deed or crime they are accused of. No matter what shocking accusation causes others to flee their side or cast them out. You must defend them from blades that come, bold or hidden, and from their own deadly folly."
Abelar holds up a finger. "As for cowardice, I must disagree. It is not cowardice to keep passions in check at a time like this. Balon is not brave for charging after Blackfyre's cause before it is even declared. He is a fool for causing so much harm before his would-be King even announces a claim. Your mother pulls more subtly, hungry to see her station and those of her family rise before her life expires. If she could only wait, she would see that you will rise much farther under a sturdier course." Abelar's brow furrows as he attempts to find the right words. "It is not Lord Jon or your father's way to speak of things such as rebellion before it is officially declared. Half the realm may whisper of it, but they see such intrigues as unbecoming lordship. And they are right. If a rebellious cause is truly just, it does not require planning and schemes. It requires only a bold declaration, with no forethought. Like when the smallfolk stormed the Dragonpit, or when the Faith Militant marched on King Maegor." Abelar shakes his head. "The events of the tourney make clear that there is much and more intrigue behind Blackfyre's cause, and little reason. Even now, they tolerate a complete pig-lord like Merryweather. I'm sure his downfall has been delayed due to political maneuverings--Lord Tyrell could strip him of his title in a heartbeat."
He meets Ser Titus's gaze. "It is not cowardice to remain above the whispers and the murders, and the altogether lusty talk of knights who stiffen when Ser Daemon walks past. Loyalty is a virtue. One from which Balon and your mother continue to wander. You distinguish yourself in remaining above. Keep the counsel of your liege and your father. The King is Daeron and no man names him falseborn, much less with evidence of such. Stay the course."
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Nov 20, 2018 12:09:23 GMT 1
He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees and hands clasped together with his head bowed as he listens intensively. Now and then he nods to the words of the Septon. This is what he needed. Repentance is key."For your pride, I believe you have already tasted the punishment of defeat in the lists. But in future contests of martial sport, you should allow your opponents to strike the first blow unanswered. It will teach you humility and remind you that your place in the company of champions must be earned, through grit and puissance. Lust . . . is a slippery thing, and demands a vigorous response."I'm out of hair shirts . . . "I would recommend that whenever you attend court or another place where such temptations present themselves, you warm your bed with a man each night--Wort would do--to remind you that your place is in the fraternity of knighthood until your wedding day arrives, and to ward away the twin temptations of feminine company and the, *ahem*, thoughts of feminine company that may arouse when unaccompanied.
His performance against Ser Roland had been a humbling experience, to miss a lance cleanly shows that he has yet much to learn. To reach so far and fail so abruptly must be the will of the gods. But to let an armoured knight on horseback come at you and not answer the charge... the Septon was not a man of swords but perhaps he spoke figuratively. Titus did not say anything - perhaps that was pride objecting? The sooner the subject of lust passed the better. Unknown to himself he swallowed and cleared his throat but other than that made a concious effort not to move when the Septon spoke of the remedy. He did not like the sound of it... next to Wart even less. Maybe prayer would suffice? "Your wrath is not your sin alone, but also Balon's, for provoking you and many others. You are no kinslayer, for he still draws breath. In repentance for your wrath and in atonement for striking your brother in anger, I charge you to guard every member of House Blackbriar with your life--your father, your mother, your brothers, your lord uncle, your cousin, and all the others--no matter how much they anger you. No matter what heinous deed or crime they are accused of. No matter what shocking accusation causes others to flee their side or cast them out. You must defend them from blades that come, bold or hidden, and from their own deadly folly." There is a dark and sombre look about Titus as the Septon speaks. He nods his head in agreement, like the condemned man coming to terms with his execution. There is fear in his voice. "But how can I defend all when our House stands divided? When war come-" he is cut short Abelar's raised finger, the priest looking outwards whilst Titus keeps his gaze to him. Abelar holds up a finger. "As for cowardice, I must disagree. It is not cowardice to keep passions in check at a time like this. Balon is not brave for charging after Blackfyre's cause before it is even declared. He is a fool for causing so much harm before his would-be King even announces a claim. Your mother pulls more subtly, hungry to see her station and those of her family rise before her life expires. If she could only wait, she would see that you will rise much farther under a sturdier course."Abelar's brow furrows as he attempts to find the right words. "It is not Lord Jon or your father's way to speak of things such as rebellion before it is officially declared. Half the realm may whisper of it, but they see such intrigues as unbecoming lordship. And they are right. If a rebellious cause is truly just, it does not require planning and schemes. It requires only a bold declaration, with no forethought. Like when the smallfolk stormed the Dragonpit, or when the Faith Militant marched on King Maegor."Abelar shakes his head. "The events of the tourney make clear that there is much and more intrigue behind Blackfyre's cause, and little reason. Even now, they tolerate a complete pig-lord like Merryweather. I'm sure his downfall has been delayed due to political maneuverings--Lord Tyrell could strip him of his title in a heartbeat."He meets Ser Titus's gaze. "It is not cowardice to remain above the whispers and the murders, and the altogether lusty talk of knights who stiffen when Ser Daemon walks past. Loyalty is a virtue. One from which Balon and your mother continue to wander. You distinguish yourself in remaining above. Keep the counsel of your liege and your father. The King is Daeron and no man names him falseborn, much less with evidence of such. Stay the course." He lowers his head. The young knight seem calmer now. Sadden but calmed. "I think, Septon, here at Highgarden I have been tested. Hidden away at Gyldenhaal it is easy to think oneself true, but here... so many paths. Each one with promise of such reward at the end. But they are a maze lined with thorns and I have faltered." his voice is unsteady "I fear I have strayed too far. Lord Gormon offered me service at Starpike and I accepted. When father found out... I couldn't look at him." he takes a breath, steeling himself. "How can I repent? How can protect my family and stay the course when I have given my word and in doing so I would brake it?" |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Nov 27, 2018 4:46:16 GMT 1
Abelar listens thoughtfully. A fortnite with Gormon Peake and he'll be baying for royal blood, just like Balon. But can I stop this?
"We are in agreement that service at Starpike may present obstacles to what I have counseled, but such service would not necessarily prevent you from protecting your family. Peake and Blackbriar are related by marriage and blood. Their path and Lord Jon's are intertwined in many ways. But there are some clear guideposts for you to follow. If any war sets Peake against Blackbriar, all would accept that your service is released. If Blackbriar came under assault and Starpike was at peace, the same would hold."
The septon thinks for a few more heartbeats.
"As for the thorns, you tell it true. There are many of them, and many will tell you to endure the thorns for the reward of the flower. But not every thorn hides a rose. Sometimes a thorn is just a thorn. It is part of becoming a wise knight to know one from the other. On that subject, I cannot guide you through every situation--follow your prayers and your heart."
While the septon does not elaborate on his admonition to suffer an unanswered blow in each combat, leaving the young knight to wonder.
OOC: the "unanswered blow" is totally up to interpretation. It could be as simple as taking no attack actions in the first round if you have the initiative, or something as dire as forfeiting initiative (acting last) or refusing to take other types of action in the first round. In the melee, it could apply everywhere or only to single combat situations. You could even just do it against lesser foes and then figure that you've done as Abelar said by the time you face any greater foes.
I try not to force PCs into insane repentance situations, so there's quite a bit of leeway here.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Dec 4, 2018 16:10:05 GMT 1
He nods in silent agreement. "Thank you, Septon. I am going to miss your council at Starpike. And yourself." Abelar had always been there, his confessor since childhood, the man who had anointed him with Seven Oils and sworn the knightly oath before the gods. At times, the Septon had been there more for the young boy than his own uncle a father. He was family and Titus was going to miss him.
"Would you lead me in prayer before we return to the pavilions?"
Forgot about this one amongst all the small-folk hacking. Prayer can be held off-camera and we can call it /scene unless you have more to add. Thanks and going to be interesting to see how Titus and Abelar's relationship ends up in the aftermath.
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