***Caladin

The men were gone for less then an hour. It seemed almost too short. During this time the ladies discuss what lady's do and especially the lady of the House, as she was very interested in the men of court - the single men. At time she ask things that really should be discussed and Mara give the best answer without crossing the line.

****

Edric and Lord Ascar returned to Poppy Hall after their walk. Edric makes a point of finding a servant instead of looking for his sister and the others. I am retire to my chambers for a brief rest. Come and wake me when food has been prepared.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:08, Wed 04 June 2014.

OOC: To keep the timline even I just had time pass so that more players can be in the same place at the same time.

from msg #37





Its been a long few days crossing the narrow paths and rocky terrace of the Princes Pass has shown you meaning to why they have never taken Dorne by force. House Kolwyn has been good to Wulfgang Tannard for many years but now that peace is here they must be wise and show good faith to the north. House Kaldor a loyal group to House Martell and the Kolwyn's has sent Garin Kaldor to discuss peace and bring back terms. As a show of this good faith you, Wulfgang Tannard are being delivered to Lord Ascar Ashfield a man that is said to be short tempered and foul mouthed to anyone without station or if he's just in a bad mood. You have taken the position of squire to Garin thou his station is not knight it does not matter because by days end tomorrow you will be serving another.

You do feel positive as no one can every take away for you the beauty of the pass the adventure of crossing it and the experience that on name from the north will every have as long a one Dornish man, women or child lives to defend it.


Wulfgang and Garin have reached deep in the Reach the furthest they would ever either would have liked, .... just a short year ago. Up ahead a patrol of men have spotted you, of course who could miss you both with the colors flying on your banner - the House colors of Martell and Kaldor, (you feel like a great big target).

You have given a lot of thought about Garin, you still don't know if he's a master mind or a fool, - traveling completely alone through enemy lands - with only a squire holding a banner with a station that could get them killed by even the commoners. And he does it with pride, honor and a sick focused look.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:39, Wed 04 June 2014.

After a while Pella's bad mood faded into unrefined awe at Mara's tales of the exotic people and events of King's Landing, which in Pella's mind had become quite the most magnificent city imaginable.

"Mara, will you be travelling to King's Landing for the royal wedding?", she asked eagerly. "Will you introduce me to some of these people? Please? Especially that Tyroshi knight that can spit fire!" she grinned.

I would be honored to introduce you to those at court Pella. I sometimes forget how wonderful it is. When I went I was, but a girl of 16. I was scared of my own shadow than, but the court changes you  like a forge strengthens metal through heat and constant pounding of the Smith's hammer. The metal at first is often soft and brittle. Sometimes do much so it breaks. Court can be that way. You learn to be strong.

Mara wondered to herself if she had become so jaded that she had forgotten the wonderment.

Pella, we will have to get dresses soon. Some of the best dressmakers are from Highgarden. The houses of Ashfield and Neumann will show its petals for the whole court to see and envy.

In reply to Caladin (msg # 62):

Traveling is fun and riding a joy, whoever said those words must have forgotten to mention that one can do these things only for a short time before joy becomes pain and fun becomes fury. Wulfgang did enjoy the scenery but his mind wandered and he caught himself thinking about how he would mount an attack.
While he was still thinking and trying to solve the first hurdle, he noticed a patrol coming their way.
"Se.. Garin, I believe that they are here to welcome us." He sits up straight and tried to look proud to hold the banners of House Martell and Kaldor.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:43, Wed 04 June 2014.

Edric dressed to greet the Dornishman, wear and blue and black stripped doublet bearing the crest of his Neumann on his right pect complete with a matching scabbard for his longsword. Spying his sister and Pella he made his way over with a grinning on his face. I see M'ladies are talking about their favorite subject, dresses. You might want to include these Dornishmen in your discussion for their clothes are very lady like and made of the finest silk.

Pella nodded enthusiastically at Mara's suggestion, "Yes, we must do that." She looked down at her own dress, mud stained around the hem. "Perhaps something less likely to attract muck, do you think?"

Pella laughed lightly at Edric's comment.

"I don't think I've ever seen a Dornishman that still had a head attached, nor have I seen Dornish fashions not obscured by jagged cuts and blood stains, so this will certainly be a learning experience", Pella joked darkly.

"Speaking of which, your own head still appears to be attached...is all well now, or should I talk to my father?"

all is well with your Lord Father. Ranner is still mine and you will have your horse. He simply wanted to walk and talk.

Pella gives Edric a suspicious look, a little doubtful about such a simple resolution, but decides to accept it. "I apologise for my father, it seems he's asked you to undertake a significant journey for the most trivial of reasons."

She gently places her hand on Edric's wrist to reassure him "Whatever my father said, it is good to see you again...even more so that the cause is not a wound in need of healing."

 In the field where the men of Dorn, encamped, now arrived a lone man  on horseback. He wore the colors of house Ashfield upon his tunic and breeches of fine material. He was garbed more for the hunt, then war, but a sword did ride with him upon his left hip.
 The lad might have almost been an older women, so fine where his facial features, berate of  a man's beard. His hair was dark red  in hue, and his eye color concealed by the brim of the feathered cap,he currently wore.

 Young Mathys made a show of making a complete pass around the camp, just outside of its boundaries,as he took the measure of the Sand men. His actions could perhaps be taken almost as a challenge, or just being curious.

Edric placed his hand on Pella's Don't be to optimistic, it seems as if your brother trying to pick a fight Nodding towards Mathys riding around the Dornish camp.

Pella's brow wrinkled a little as Edric held her hand. That hadn't happened before, not even when they were both children, reading books together in the council room. It felt...reassuring, and warm. She held on, staying in the moment for now.

"I...", she faltered, before collecting herself and coming to her brother's defence, as usual. "Not a single one of the Dornishmen out there have earned the right to camp on our lands. If Mathys provokes them just by circling, they will have proven to be the worthless dogs that soldiers speak of."

  The young man reigned up his horse in front of the Dornish encampment. He stood up in the saddle, and made a mock bow towards those in the camp, then threw back his head and laughed. With that done, Mathys put spur, to the horse's flanks, and rode once more around the camp, before he veered off, and headed towards his sister and... Guests.

 The second son reigned up in front of Pella and guests. He raised his hat to expose his face and regarded his sister. " Good day, Sister mine. I see we have visitors. I hope you are being a good hostess, to the Dorn.  His words where spoken in polite terms, but the sound of his voice, held just a hint of mockery, in its tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Thu 05 June 2014.

Pella smirked at her brother, who knew full well she shared no more love for Dorne than he did.

"I will be as pleasant a host as required, Mathys, but I dare not be too pleasing, in fear of being married off to live in the desert.".

  His sister's rely, made Mathys chuckle, as he dismounted from his horse. The young Knight  regarded the man,standing next to his sister with a measured glance.
 " Ser Edric,  good to see you again. Two questions, I put you your Ser. Did you have a pleasant journey. And the most important, why are you holding my sweet, innocent, sister's hand?" He asked   Playfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Thu 05 June 2014.

Edric moved his hand off of her and turned to great Mathys. Mathys! my old friend how are, and a knight to,we must share stories of our squire-ship over a cask of wine. Giving Pella a quick glance before looking back. I was simply reassuring your sister how you could take on the whole lot of Dorne on your field.

Pella offered Mathys a cold glare as Edric felt compelled to pull away. The ledger of minor annoyances between the twins had been relatively even over the years, and it looked as though the tally was going to be progressed again.

"Quite so. I was telling Edric that you'd knock every Dornishman out cold if only they all could stand within range your breath."

I know many hate the Dorne, but it is a brave new time we enter. Our King seeks to heal the wounds of the past by bringing home the lost children of Dorne. As much as all of us would like to taunt and challenge them for their transgressions. We are called to a higher duty. This duty will test us all on whether we are loyal to the King's edicts, or do our darker passions rule us. I do not say forget, but it may be a time where we must forgive for the betterment of all.

Mara spoke with a soft confidence. She knew all three had seen the horror of war. She did not wish to diminish that, but to usher in peace would in that horror. They would once again re enter a time of building. Westeros could move forward, and help its people versus diverting its funds and resources to a hopeless war.

Pella opens her mouth to argue with Mara, but finds herself completely unable to make a valid argument. Certainly there were plenty of reasons to hate the Dornish, but war is costly and the results unpleasant. The world did not need more good smallfolk turned into orphans and cripples because of arrogant and inconsiderate highborn.

Also, Pella considered, Mara spoke as a lady of the royal court - it suddenly dawned on her that Mara's view may also be the way the Targaryen saw the treaty with the Dornish. Perhaps being out of step with this view when visiting King's Landing could be very difficult, even dangerous!

"Yes but...yes." Pella said hesitantly as these new and challenging thoughts ran through her mind. "Yes, you are right, I think, Mara", she added uncertainly.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Thu 05 June 2014.

  Mathys could,and often was  arrogant,and had a biting wit, when he wished, but today, he seemed in good spirits. A chuckle and a slap on Edric's shoulder, ignoring his sister's barb... For now. " I  might need some help, in that, Edric. Perhaps we might have some time to hunt, before we all depart for King's Landing. The Deer are many this season, and a fine feast, if we can bring them low."

 The young son of the House Ashfield tossed his reins to a passing servant and then made a slight bow to the lady. " Lady Neumann,  a great pleasure, to see you again. It is hoped that your journey, was pleasant." Mathys observed the courtesies, but his eyes roamed over her charms, like a potential buyer at market.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Thu 05 June 2014.

Mara had seen Mathys type before. The ones that thought a woman was nothing more than property to bevtaken.  She had decided while at court that to some point this was true, but if she was going to be taken by a man it would be on her terms. The costs would be high, and the man would have more intellect than a rock.

Ser Mathys, your attention flatters me greatly, but be thee wary. My brother is known to be very protective of my being, and considers it disrespectful to myself as well as him to stare to hard or long.

She maybe sure that her tone carried warmth, so she would not be seen to be mocking him

Giving Mara a stern look. Mara, I am sure Mathys meet no disrespect. As for the hunt, I am a little rusty with a bow, but I.m sure I can still bag more than you.

 A  man with a silken tongue and or schooled far better then Mathys, in etiquette, would have a glib response. But he was not so suited, by nature, or temperament, so spoke candidly. " Lady Neumann, If my gaze lingers upon a woman, it is because I find her pleasing to the eye. It is not meant as an insult, but a compliment. If a man takes issue with something I do, I not hard to find." The young man was so bold as to rake  her, with his eyes, again, before he turned his attention to the group, as a whole.

 " Why do we all stand outside, anyway? I am sure that guests are meant to be given wine, and victuals. What say you sister, shall we retire to the Hall? I  might even  lay low a few servants  with my breath."  He gave Pella that bit of a smirk, he reserved only for her.

"Lady Mara, you must excuse my brother; he stares because he knows he will never have a match as kind or intelligent as yourself."

"In time, after my father has exhausted all other options for a match, due to Mathys' entirely mysterious and not at all predictable lack of appeal to highborn girls, he will no doubt be married off to a swineherd's daughter...and even then my brother may have more luck with the sow than his lady wife."

Smiling graciously, with the air of one who believes she has earned a confirmed tick on the sibling annoyance tally, Pella gestured the family's guests towards the hall.

"I do agree, though, that we may wish to retire to the hall. Perhaps we'll be served roast pork tonight, as father seeks to curry favour with Mathys' future father in law.", she suggested, favouring Mara with a conspiratorial wink.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Thu 05 June 2014.