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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 22, 2019 5:41:03 GMT 1
Ser Aerion Flowers had come to collect the ransom from Balon after he'd unhorsed him in the quarterfinals. With the defeat the tourney would end up being a net loss for Balon but he didn't care. There'd be plenty of other ways to make gold as the Reach ground its way towards war. When the Great Bastard arrived he had a few retainers in tow, assorted nobodies Balon deemed unworthy to acknowledge. However there was one that Balon recognized, a face that'd been important enough to remember. What's his name again? Mark? Morgan. Balon thought before finally remembering. Ah yes, Mikel. The hedge knight that kept trying to punch up.
When Aerion had finished the transaction with Balon, Mikel loitered around. Balon couldn't help but notice and sat down on a short stool in front of his pavilion, "You gonna stand around all day or you gonna come sit down?" Balon motioned to a spare stool. "Come sit a spell and have a drink."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Mar 22, 2019 11:20:31 GMT 1
Balon had brought him out of his thoughts with his offer and Mikel was privately embarrassed to realize he had not noticed the others leave. "That sounds like a great idea." Without missing a beat Mikel sat in the offered seat and graciously accepted the offered wine, offering a toast. "To good wine and pretty women."
Balon's name had been tossed around quite a bit at the Black Tourney. While Mikel knew not to believe everything he heard, he had a bad impression of Balon and had not thought to find himself sharing wine with him.
After their toast Mikel spoke. "Do you recall our first meeting? It was brief, and I do not even remember if we spoke. Early at the Black tourney six of us held a melee for morning practice." Thinking it best to converse cautiously, Mikel enjoyed more wine and allowed Balon time to answer.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 23, 2019 7:22:08 GMT 1
Balon had brought him out of his thoughts with his offer and Mikel was privately embarrassed to realize he had not noticed the others leave. "That sounds like a great idea." Without missing a beat Mikel sat in the offered seat and graciously accepted the offered wine, offering a toast. "To good wine and pretty women." Balon raised his cup in agreement, "To good wine making pretty woman do bad things." He laughed and took a long drink of wine. Balon was friendly but cautious with Mikel. He wasn't on the best terms with the Starkwoods but was curious to learn more about Ser Mikel. After their toast Mikel spoke. "Do you recall our first meeting? It was brief, and I do not even remember if we spoke. Early at the Black tourney six of us held a melee for morning practice." Thinking it best to converse cautiously, Mikel enjoyed more wine and allowed Balon time to answer. "I do." Balon thought back to the 3 vs. 3. "You defeated my father while I fought Ser Addam. If memory serves Ser Aerion attacked me from behind but his aim was piss poor and he left himself vulnerable to Ser Malcolm." Balon took another drink smiling at the memory of his team winning so easily. "Ser Malcolm finished off Ser Aerion and I made Ser Addam yield." Balon chuckled as he looked to the ground, "Six knights testing their mettle. Who'd thought the tourney would go the way it did."
Balon looked up to Mikel, "Rumor has it you left with a few new scars. How many knights did you challenge?" Balon knew of Otho and Simon Tarly. Who else was there that he didn't know about?
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Mar 24, 2019 9:28:50 GMT 1
Mikel smiled at Balons toast, it was clear Mikel had mixed women and alcohol with satisfying results in the past.
When he recounted the mini melee from his perspective Mikel smiled as he pictured it. "Your father almost had me from the start. He'd of run me over in the joust, no question about it." Mikel did not want to turn this encounter sour, so he offered his condolences and moved on to answer Balons question.
"Well it started with Otho, I remember riding against him but had to be told how it had gone, the maester said I had a concussion, a sort of head injury. That ailed me until after the tourney. Next was Ser Simon, he left me a pair scars, and the last night - as most began departing the last day - was no joust or duel but a brawl against some of Lord Merryweathers men. I was bruised and beaten, but suffered no lasting effects."
"I wish I could have partaken in the melee, but the Maester convinced me if I did it would be my last. Considering how I felt he didn't have to work very hard to convince me. It was interesting to watch though. In fact, Ser, I happened to pay close attention to you during it." He waited a moment, to watch Barons expression before and after the coming revelation, before adding, "At the request of a woman."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2019 5:50:48 GMT 1
"My father was always one of the preeminent jousters in the Reach and a capable warrior even if time had slowed him." Balon nodded in thanks to Mikel's condolences and toasted his father, "May Ser Donnel's prowess pass on to his children and children's children."
"Ser Otho is a dangerous knight." He paused before adding, "I'm told there's a history between you two and instead of listening to rumor I'll ask you directly; what issue does Ser Otho have with you?" Mikel would undoubtedly know Balon fought alongside Otho in the melee but if there was anything beyond that no one knew.
After listening to his response Balon shifted to Simon and Lord Eldon's men, "Don't take offense to this ser, but do you like pain? Do you crave it? Because I'm trying to think what would drive you to fight Ser Simon and take on Lord Eldon's men?" Balon wasn't mocking, more of a fascination as to why Mikel would involve himself in such affairs.
Balon's eyes narrowed in suspicion when Mikel mentioned he'd paid attention to him melee then he sat up a little straighter when he said 'woman'. "And what woman requested this if I may ask?"
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Mar 26, 2019 9:13:19 GMT 1
"Your father's prowess was undeniable, and your brother and yourself seem to share that quality."
"After a small tourney I had been enjoying a drink. A brawl broke out between two men, a Blackwood and a Bracken. I had not seen the start but I had heard them shouting at each other before the violence started. It didn't last long and I had moved so that I could see the end of it. The Blackwood man went out hard. It isn't uncommon to see the man down take another few blows in a bar brawl, but if I said that's what happened next it wouldn't do the scene justice. Otho took a few seconds to gain his composure and then moved to stand over the man. He raised a foot and started stomping his face in. I pushed past the men between me and what was going on to pull Otho away, but he didn't like that any. Before our brawl could start the others in the room finally took action and pulled us apart. The Blackwood man died the next morning. There was a trial and I stood witness against him - nothing came of it. Except for his men briefly hunting me once I departed."
"No offense taken, Ser. It is a fair question. It is something I think about from time to time but I have trouble finding the words to suit what drives me. Otho murdering a man - don't get me wrong, I know men can die in bar brawls- but what happened there was the murder of a man who was defenseless after the fight. Ser Simon beating on his squire - a boy who couldn't protect himself against him - is not quite as severe but of a similar cut. And as for Eldon's men, I believed another woman was going to be used against her will. The thread I see is men being cruel simply because they can. Might makes right and immunity by station over the victim, it is simply wretched. And some part of me feels that if I can have an effect, and my death is not guaranteed, what am I if I do not try? Certainly no Knight. Not even a man."
Answering Balon's question of 'why' had transformed the conversation into something serious. When Balon then showed suspicion when Mikel confessed watching him, it helped to bring back the light heartedness for Mikel. "Lady Laena Pyre. I was with her when she offered you condolences at your fathers vigil, and so when she asked me to help her understand your actions it did not seem unusual. Lady Pyre is quite a woman, and may I say you are fortunate to have caught her eye Ser." He held up his cup to toast and enjoyed another drink. It was good wine. "Is it true there is a possibility of a closer future between the two of you?" Mikel had heard of the wedding proposal and that it did not find any support. However with Laena on her own he wondered if the possibility still existed. The little he knew her he did not believe she would have even made such a proposal if it did not personally benefit her - whether it be the promise of station, wealth, or perhaps even true love - not that he thought that could be it.
The conversation seemed to be going well. Balon seemed to care for small talk as much as Mikel and he appreciated the direct questions. Mikel had questions of his own but decided to hold them just a bit longer. He was interested in what Balon would have to say to the answers he had given, and things Mikel had a mind to speak of would spring easily from there.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 26, 2019 23:34:44 GMT 1
"Your father's prowess was undeniable, and your brother and yourself seem to share that quality."
"Our brother Vortimer is squiring for Ser Horas Redwyne." Balon mentioned off-handedly. "He won the Squire's Tournament at Highgarden and may end up being the best of the Blackbriar brothers." He added proudly. "After a small tourney I had been enjoying a drink. A brawl broke out between two men, a Blackwood and a Bracken. I had not seen the start but I had heard them shouting at each other before the violence started. It didn't last long and I had moved so that I could see the end of it. The Blackwood man went out hard. It isn't uncommon to see the man down take another few blows in a bar brawl, but if I said that's what happened next it wouldn't do the scene justice. Otho took a few seconds to gain his composure and then moved to stand over the man. He raised a foot and started stomping his face in. I pushed past the men between me and what was going on to pull Otho away, but he didn't like that any. Before our brawl could start the others in the room finally took action and pulled us apart. The Blackwood man died the next morning. There was a trial and I stood witness against him - nothing came of it. Except for his men briefly hunting me once I departed."
"Funny isn't it?" Balon poured himself some more wine and offered the flagon to Mikel. "Being a blackguard is all about perspective. Lots of people think Ser Otho is a savage brute but the same can be said of Ser Ulbert (Blackwood)." He took a drink before adding. "It all depends on what side of the line you're on." "No offense taken, Ser. It is a fair question. It is something I think about from time to time but I have trouble finding the words to suit what drives me. Otho murdering a man - don't get me wrong, I know men can die in bar brawls- but what happened there was the murder of a man who was defenseless after the fight. Ser Simon beating on his squire - a boy who couldn't protect himself against him - is not quite as severe but of a similar cut. And as for Eldon's men, I believed another woman was going to be used against her will. The thread I see is men being cruel simply because they can. Might makes right and immunity by station over the victim, it is simply wretched. And some part of me feels that if I can have an effect, and my death is not guaranteed, what am I if I do not try? Certainly no Knight. Not even a man." Balon listened quietly and harrumphed at the end, "Nobility leads to a short life span my friend." He held up a hand defensively to stop any objection, "I'm not saying what you did was wrong, I'm just saying a hedge knight from a backwater house isn't offered the same protections that the Lord Eldons of the world get."Balon added, "So what happened to the bastard that was pleasuring Lord Eldon and his men? I heard she did so of her own volition." Answering Balon's question of 'why' had transformed the conversation into something serious. When Balon then showed suspicion when Mikel confessed watching him, it helped to bring back the light heartedness for Mikel. "Lady Laena Pyre. I was with her when she offered you condolences at your father's vigil, and so when she asked me to help her understand your actions it did not seem unusual. Lady Pyre is quite a woman, and may I say you are fortunate to have caught her eye Ser." He held up his cup to toast and enjoyed another drink. It was good wine. "Is it true there is a possibility of a closer future between the two of you?" Mikel had heard of the wedding proposal and that it did not find any support. However with Laena on her own he wondered if the possibility still existed. The little he knew her he did not believe she would have even made such a proposal if it did not personally benefit her - whether it be the promise of station, wealth, or perhaps even true love - not that he thought that could be it. "Ah, Lady Laena." Balon did his best to conceal his happiness at the revelation. "She is quite the woman." Balon sighed while he thought of how much to share. "While Lady Laena's hand is hers to give my uncle and aunt seek to punish me for my political beliefs." There was an edge of anger in his voice. "At this time they have no desire to agree to the marriage."
A sly smile crept up on his face, "I guess we'll just have bastards for the time being." He laughed long.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 1, 2019 10:17:12 GMT 1
After complimenting the bright future of his brother Vortimer, Mikel found himself responding to what Balon said about persepective, the Bracken's and Ulbert Blackwood.
"In truth I do not know very much about the Blackwood's or the Bracken's and especially not about the history of their feud. What you say about perspective is important though. Often we cannot see beyond our own, and everybodies is different. For myself I think that a man's actions, which is what determines the man he is, is who he is first. Not his lot in life whether it be high or low. Nor who he serves or why. Though such things can have an impact and are best accounted for and considered. I believe my time as a hedge Knight traveling the Seven Kingdoms gave me an uncommon perspective, or said another way my time living in the hedges left me ignorant of the way civilized men conduct themselves in the Kingdoms."
"Before the subject of Otho Bracken is left behind I confess I was surprised to have seen you - anyone who isn't a Bracken really - fighting beside Otho. More to it, you seemed to be more then simply on the same melee team. Might I pry and ask how that came to be?"
"Before the brawl began I had asked her multiple times if she was there by her own choice. I had even made it clear if she was, it wasn't my business and I would forget about them all. Her lack of an answer, posture and eye contact led me to believe that she was not, I imagined she drank too much and was unable to make even the most simple resistance. Then once it had begun I saw her walk around all the participates to Lord Eldon's side." Mikel shook his head. "It would have saved me some aches and pains if she'd just told me to get lost." He shrugged, in hindsight there was an absurdity to the situation. "Looking back if I knew she was willing I would have moved along and thought no more of it. If nothing else, I hadn't had a little dust up like that in awhile, and without being beat on now and then its easy for a man to think he is bigger than he really is."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 5, 2019 4:52:08 GMT 1
Balon listened as Mikel laid out his thoughts on men's actions. "What drives a man to act? If we determine who a man is by his actions then we need to understand why he does what he does." Balon was hardly a learned knight but knew through experience that sometimes a man's actions were hardly his own. "Actions might seem bad in the moment but they serve a greater good." It was something Balon had said to himself repeatedly over the last couple of months. "An *evil* action might protect his family or elevate his house, who am I to stop a knight or lord from doing so just because I failed to deduce the reason behind the action." He took a drink before continuing, "Not to say all actions have deeper meaning. Lord Eldon's carnality serves no greater purpose beyond satisfying his own desires."
Balon didn't shy away from his association with Otho, "Ser Otho is kin to Bittersteel and was assigned to my squad. Our orders were to weaken Stormbreaker's team and allow Bittersteel to take out the command squad. I led my team to the best of my ability to complete that task. I didn't know Ser Otho planned to kill anybody and if I were to guess the death of Lord Blackwood was revenge for the death of his brother. Not that anyone has told me that." Balon added emphasis on the last sentence. He shrugged, "I had no interaction with Ser Otho before or since the melee."
Balon smiled, "I'll give you credit, I don't know many knights that'd take on Lord Eldon's goon squad." He brought his cup up in salute, "You're either incredibly chivalrous or incredibly stupid." A devilish smile crept back onto his face, "What's important is did your attempt at a heroic rescue get some young lady fair all hot and bothered." Balon waggled his eyebrows.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 11, 2019 21:49:50 GMT 1
"I think we all have thoughts we would not confess to from time to time. But whether we decide to act upon them or decide not to, that is a line which separates some from others. The ones to truly worry about are those who do not know a line exists or cannot understand why it does. But I think what you said is important. Knowing why something happened is beneficial information, the kind of thing to keep in mind and be aware for in the future. But - and this is only my opinion - if a man were ordered to do something he knew to be across that line, and did so I do not believe he can not say he did nothing wrong and was only following orders. I think it would be more accurate to say that his commander and him both did something wrong. Though perhaps if he was going to be executed if he didn't follow orders..." Mikel shrugged. "Hopefully not a position either of us will ever find ourselves in."
Mikel nods at Balon's explanation of his interactions with Otho and lets the subject rest, responding to Balon's comment about Lord Eldon's goon squad and a lady fair. "I'll confess to you. It was worth the beating to hit Ser Norren, and I don't remember the two I got next, but I imagine they are cut from the same cloth. And you'll be happy to know, Ser, that there was a certain Lady who witnessed my, well go with incredible chivalry, and was quite smitten by it. Ever meet the sort at some tourney? The violence acts as an aphrodisiac to them. They tend to be a wild bunch, and if you haven't met one yet I insist you keep your eyes open to do so next time. Lucky for me that one had no aversion to the losing side." Mikel laughed, at Balon's words, at his own, and at himself.
Mikel enjoyed friendly and light hearted conversation as much as any man, but he enjoyed deeper conversation more then most. He had no intention of provoking an ill feeling, but Balon seemed so far to be more candid then he had expected. "Would you mind if I asked you something personal? I have no desire to risk turning our conversation sour and not being offered any more of your wine." When Balon let Mikel know it was alright he asked his multi-part question. "Ser Walton Wyl. Many say that you killed him intentionally. But, " Mikel says to show he is not calling Balon a murderer, "I did not see the match and those I have spoke to whose opinions I would place value in say that you did nothing that should have killed him that they could see. The most damning thing is what you said to him that led to the match, and that is where my question lay. Why say the things you had, I cannot imagine you believed the things you said - unless by the time the tale reached me it had been inflated to include the bit about his horse?" Mikel snorked and cracked a half smile. This question would lead to another, but that one might be more trying. Mikel would see how Balon took this first. "And may I add, I am only curious if you would rather not answer it..." Mikel nods, showing it is ok.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 11, 2019 22:45:52 GMT 1
"...But - and this is only my opinion - if a man were ordered to do something he knew to be across that line, and did so I do not believe he can not say he did nothing wrong and was only following orders. I think it would be more accurate to say that his commander and him both did something wrong. Though perhaps if he was going to be executed if he didn't follow orders..." Mikel shrugged. "Hopefully not a position either of us will ever find ourselves in." "I believe it's a knight's duty to follow orders." Balon itched his goatee in thought, "I don't recall Fireball telling me to follow orders only when I thought they were and just." He chuckled at the absurd thought. "A lot of orders and commands exist in the gray area between right and wrong. If you think your lord is too unreasonable then you should leave his service and seek out someone who falls more in line with your expectations."
"If I was part of an army that sacked a city and the commander allowed the soldiers to rape the women I'd say on the surface that's wrong. But if the commander knows it'll improve morale, lessen desertion, and increase the men's loyalty is the order wrong?" Balon stopped, deciding there was no point to bringing up hypotheticals. Instead he raised his cup and agreed with Mikel, "May we never have to compromise our beliefs." Mikel nods at Balon's explanation of his interactions with Otho and lets the subject rest, responding to Balon's comment about Lord Eldon's goon squad and a lady fair. "I'll confess to you. It was worth the beating to hit Ser Norren, and I don't remember the two I got next, but I imagine they are cut from the same cloth. And you'll be happy to know, Ser, that there was a certain Lady who witnessed my, well go with incredible chivalry, and was quite smitten by it. Ever meet the sort at some tourney? The violence acts as an aphrodisiac to them. They tend to be a wild bunch, and if you haven't met one yet I insist you keep your eyes open to do so next time. Lucky for me that one had no aversion to the losing side." Mikel laughed, at Balon's words, at his own, and at himself. Balon smiled, he knew the type, "The more punches you throw the wetter they get." He thought back to Jeyne and her excitement after Walton's death. "They're a fun bunch but I recommend looking out for the repressed ones. They're harder to spot but wilder by half. So eager to let out their pent up energy." Was Laena one of those? Hopefully. "Would you mind if I asked you something personal? I have no desire to risk turning our conversation sour and not being offered any more of your wine." When Balon let Mikel know it was alright he asked his multi-part question. "Ser Walton Wyl. Many say that you killed him intentionally. But, " Mikel says to show he is not calling Balon a murderer, "I did not see the match and those I have spoke to whose opinions I would place value in say that you did nothing that should have killed him that they could see. The most damning thing is what you said to him that led to the match, and that is where my question lay. Why say the things you had, I cannot imagine you believed the things you said - unless by the time the tale reached me it had been inflated to include the bit about his horse?" Mikel snorked and cracked a half smile. This question would lead to another, but that one might be more trying. Mikel would see how Balon took this first. "And may I add, I am only curious if you would rather not answer it..." Mikel nods, showing it is ok. "I don't like the Dornish. I don't like their customs. I don't like their attitudes. I don't like the history between them and us. They annoy me." Balon added offhandedly, "Except the Stone Dornish, they don't bother me." An image of Alicent Yronwood flashed in his mind. "When Fireball resigned as the Red Keep's Master-at-Arms they replaced him with Ser Walton. I found that insulting. When I learned he was going to be at the Black Tourney I used it as a chance to punish him. I spread horrible rumors about him knowing he'd challenge me.""I planned on hurting him, embarrassing him, making sure everyone knew what a mistake it was promoting Ser Walton. Then the dumb bastard fell of his horse and died. His death was an accident." Balon shrugged, "I'm not sorry he's dead but I'm no murderer."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 14, 2019 23:09:26 GMT 1
Mikel felt the urge to to share his opinion. Lord Ulbert would punish men who behaved in such a way, and any commander who would order or even allow such behavior was a brigand regardless if his status. But what would it matter if Balon knew those thoughts? None. He remembered Laena suggesting he play up his role as a simple upjumped hedge knight, and he didnt think that included being pushing his opinion or showing his thoughts. At least not more then he already had. Mikel shared Balons toast.
"War and women. Two subjects couldnt be further from one another yet have so much in common when examined closely. And yet, the Dornish. Have you ever known one of their women intimately? It could change your entire perspective." Pursing his lups he tilts his head to one side. "Or enhance it I suppose." He laughed. "I spent some time in Dorne, it was interesting. And troubling. It seemed that they felt the same about us, not that Im a Reachman, as Reachmen feel about them. I didnt know if going down there was a good idea, but nobody tried to kill me regardless of what I could read in their eyes. Fucking hot, but I tolerated it better then the cold of the north."
Mikel leaned forward. "What was it like fighting Blackfyre?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 16, 2019 5:14:57 GMT 1
"War and women. Two subjects couldn't be further from one another yet have so much in common when examined closely. And yet, the Dornish. Have you ever known one of their women intimately? It could change your entire perspective." Pursing his lups he tilts his head to one side. "Or enhance it I suppose." He laughed. "I spent some time in Dorne, it was interesting. And troubling. It seemed that they felt the same about us, not that I'm a Reachman, as Reachmen feel about them. I didn't know if going down there was a good idea, but nobody tried to kill me regardless of what I could read in their eyes. Fucking hot, but I tolerated it better then the cold of the north." Based on Balon's facial expression Mikel could tell the thought of sleeping with a Dornishwoman was repulsive to him. "By the Seven that sounds awful." He took a drink to wash away the horrifying images dancing through his head, "I guess if you meant the Stone Dornish I'd be hard pressed to say no. Lady Alicent (Yronwood) is a sight to behold but otherwise no. Take Lady Ashara for example." Balon and Ashara's history was fairly well known. "If you look at her lips, her eyes, her assorted..." Balon looked for the right wording, "assets you'd know they're fine and good but once you put it all together.... It's kind of like a statue with a glaring flaw in it. By all accounts the statue is well made and pleasing to the eye but that one flaw sticks out like a sore thumb and you can't see anything else but that flaw." Balon shrugged his shoulders, "What the fuck do I know. It's hard to explain.""Give me an Andal or Valyrian woman. Blonde or platinum hair. Blue, green, or purple eyes. Big breasts," Balon held out his hands to emphasize his point, "to bury your face in. Pale, creamy skin. Now that's something I could get behind... LITERALLY!" Balon laughed and took a long drink of wine, draining the contents of his cup. Mikel leaned forward. "What was it like fighting Blackfyre?" "Anticlimatic." The duel had been a lose-lose for Balon. If Balon had gone all out he would've gotten himself seriously injured and missed much of the Black Tourney. If he would've somehow won he would've shattered the image of invincibility Ser Daemon possessed. No it wasn't a duel he'd enjoyed at all. "I was outmatched and agreed to apologize to Ser Jasper, which I did.""Defeating Wild Wyl Waynwood and Ser Gwayne Corbray. *That* was exhilarating."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Apr 18, 2019 20:25:30 GMT 1
"Well, we share a taste certainly but it seems I hold the advantage of being able to enjoy a wider selection - not that you would call it an advantage. I have known men who feel the same Dornish as you do, but it does not extend to their women. Iwonder if their greater...mm, sense of self that they are allowed offends you? And ifthat is it would you feel the same about some of the women of the North who share that quality?"
"I would love to hear about your fight with Gwayne Corbray if you feel like sharing? And just as if we were speaking of an encounter with a woman, as much detail as you can recall please!"
After listening and carefully to Balon's recollection of their contest Mikel added a question. "I can point a lance but am not much of a rider, not compared to most Knights. I imagine when you were not jousting you had been watching, so I ask you, if you can recall seeing me in the lists do you have any advice?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 22, 2019 6:19:43 GMT 1
"Well, we share a taste certainly but it seems I hold the advantage of being able to enjoy a wider selection - not that you would call it an advantage. I have known men who feel the same about Dornish as you do, but it does not extend to their women. I wonder if their greater...mm, sense of self that they are allowed offends you? And if that is it would you feel the same about some of the women of the North who share that quality?" "Wider doesn't mean better." Balon agreed with Mikel's conciliation. "Are you asking if I hate Dornish women because they like to shake their cunny at any passing knight? No. I don't like the Dornish for lots of reasons. Their customs and laws. Their violent history with the Reach and Stormlands. The way the king granted their lords largesse when they joined the kingdoms that he didn't grant us." Balon's mood was turning sour talking about Dorne. "Outside of House Yronwood and a few of the Stone Dornish I've yet to find any worth a shit."
"I would love to hear about your fight with Gwayne Corbray if you feel like sharing? And just as if we were speaking of an encounter with a woman, as much detail as you can recall please!"
After listening and carefully to Balon's recollection of their contest Mikel added a question. "I can point a lance but am not much of a rider, not compared to most Knights. I imagine when you were not jousting you had been watching, so I ask you, if you can recall seeing me in the lists do you have any advice?" Balon's mood improved talking about the Grand Melee. He regaled Mikel with every detail. The snap judgments and tactical decisions. Sword thrusts and parries. Anticipating what the foe was going to do and identifying weakness. Coming to the defense of Bittersteel. It was a different type of 'high' from when he attacked the kidnappers in the Rosewood. Fighting knights of such high esteem and coming away virtually unscathed was something he was proud of. When Mikel asked for advice Balon was blunt in his assessment. "Be a better rider." Short and to the point. "Who gives a fuck how well you aim your lance if you fall off your horse every time you're hit by a lance. However," Balon held up a finger for emphasis, "When I squired for Fireball he told me it was more important to train for war than for tournaments. And I've learned over time he's right. Tournaments are fine for earning coin and turning a few maidens' heads but when the shit gets down and dirty you need to be a fighter, not a knight. It's why you did well against Ser Symon (Tarly). " And it's why my father died in the riots.
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