Ser Godfrey smiled at Ashara as he said, "I have every faith in your discretion and common sense my lady and I am sure you will uphold the honor & reputation of your House just as much as I strive to do everyday.

Though I must admit... I am a bit jealous that I never have a poem composed by your ladyship about me, though I suppose such poems are only for handsome nobles."  Ser Godfrey winked at Ashara to let her know he was only teasing.

Ser Godfrey nodded his head as he said, "I shall inform my brother of your reassurances Lady Ashara.  He does have a tendency to worry, though I suppose he has a lot rising on his strong shoulders... the heavy burden of responsibility."

Ser Godfrey chuckled as he said lightly, "Well no doubt your ladyship and lady Jadis present a formidable front of overwhelming beauty that would daunt the most stouthearted of knights, twisting their tongues as they tried to summon the courage to ask for a dance.  Luckily I have less fear than boldness, so I am willing to brave the dangers wiser men shy away from.

I shall inquire of Master Mardax presently regarding the topic of dance and I shall return, with or without him... one way or another both you ladies shall have your due turn at a dance."

So saying, Ser Godfrey parted from the two young ladies and jauntily approached Mardax at the table.  With a small, polite bow to Mardax, Ser Godfrey said in a respectful but also cheery tone, "Pardon my intrusion your lordship, but now that the music & dancing have started up in earnest in celebration of both the festival as well as the arrival of honored guests such as yourself, I was wondering if perhaps one of the ladies over yonder might tempt your lordship to ask her to dance?

I was planning to ask one of them to dance myself but then I realized that good manners dictates that the guest of honor should be granted the right to make his choice of dance partner first... assuming you are inclined to dance that is."

As the feast continues Lady Tansa leaves lady Ashara and Jadis to their mischief, she feels much more comfortable now that the twins have taken to the corner like the good dogs they are.

Tansa takes hold of Lord Perros arm and when Perros leans into her she whisper into his ear. They begin to walk the room speaking to their guests and introducing those that may not know each other. They are doing their best to host and show the good will to their Banner Man and their Houses.

time passes, ......

The night is not yet over and at one point the lord and his lady take to the dance floor for just one dance. Those of House Kolwyn are all too familiar that once they dance they take their leave, ... the gossip is that dancing gets the Lord's blood flowing, he starts to boil on the inside and only one Dornish women can satisfy his cravings. Its actually a wonder they don't have 20 children by now as they do like to dance often.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:14, Mon 14 Apr 2014.

Sitting quietly and eating a little, Makarios keeps watch on the new guests in addition to the representatives from House Kaldor.

Time passes

Jadis quirks a small smile "They'll think it anyways. And the more you try to stop it, the more they'll talk about it. Its just the way of people. The fastest way to become a famous playwright is to have someone forbid your work." She adjusts her scarf and sighs. "Besides, its funny listening to the rumors. I particularly like the one about me secretly being you, while you're me. I'm a tad confused how that works, but its funny." She shakes her head bemused. Moving to give her sister a peck on the cheek, she says "I needs must take my leave for a moment, to arrange some things for tonight."

She pauses to add "And anyone in this hall? It takes more than a title and some shiny armor to get this madwoman's attention." She chuckles and heads off to find some servants, very firmly insisting on the delivery of certain objects to her room, including grease, caltrops, bear traps, and a selection of small bells.

And time rolls on

"Thank you, ser" Ashara says, pleased, at Ser Godfrey’s compliment.
"Whether you should be jealous depends on when I would have written the poem, Ser. I've always been romantically inclined, but when I was younger I was not a very good poet at all" she says to Ser Godfrey. But at least her early attempts at poetry had given Jadis a few laughs, not that she had appreciated it at the time. She giggles at his later remark “Well, nothing brightens a lady’s day like a brave knight who is fond of dancing”
She laughs at the idea of her and Jadis disguised as each other. “That would be fun, if only we could pull it off.”
Ashara smiles at Jadis as Jadis gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Of course, sis, see you soon."
"Jadis..." she says chidingly when Jadis indicated she wasn’t interested in anyone in the hall, but she had no time to raise her objections before Jadis ran off. Oh well, they could always talk later, and anyways she had dancing to look forward to. She is glad to see her parents enjoying dancing together, though a little embarrassed; one never enjoyed rumors about one’s own parents.

Mardax watched everything transpire from his chair, Bridal sitting next to him.  The two ladies gossiping was, amusing.  His eyes focused on the two as they spoke with the twins.  He waited, listened.  Perhaps he had misjudged the bastard. Perhaps she wasn't a simpleton at all.

This was further enforced when Godfrey came to speak with them.  He had to strain a bit to hear, but managed to make the conversation.  His face went sour a moment, but quickly returned to normal.  Him and a goat? No matter, it was probably a lie.  Clever girl indeed.

Godfrey came over and Mardax smiled.  He laughed just lightly. "And here I thought it was you asking me to dance good Ser.  It appears that one of said beautiful ladies has left.  I hope not to continue that ballad.". Looking over at Ashara he smiled before looking back at Godfrey.  "While I would love the chance to get to know Ashara better, outside the presence with her sister, I shall abdicate this first dance to you. I am still a bit weary from the road, and would only wish to dance while I'm at my best."

Ser Godfrey smiled slightly at Mardax's remarks and replied in a polite tone, "No offense Master Mardax, but you're really not my type.  No... I was asking on behalf of the ladies in question... though as you point out, it would appear that one of them could not wait for your reply.

That said, I am sure Lady Ashara would be willing to make allowances for the natural weariness of travel as it might affect your dancing prowess.  However, I shall convey your wish to wait awhile until you are feeling your best.

By your leave Master Mardax, I shall see to it that Lady Ashara is not wanting for a dance partner.  But should you feel your strength return, please feel free to "cut in"."

With a nod of his head to Mardax, Ser Godfrey returned to Ashara and said in a resigned tone, "Master Mardax has kindly allowed me to take this first dance my lady.  He says that he would prefer to dance once he has recovered from the fatigue of his travels, when he will be at his best.

Poor substitute though I am, I do hope you will honor me Lady Ashara by agreeing to be my dance partner for this dance?"

Ser Godfrey offered his hand to Ashara for her to take and join him out in the dancing area.

OOC: I don't know if you want to RP this Ashara or do a time passes on...  I think the GM is planning to advance things soon in any case.

Ashara returns Mardax’s smile. Mardax must be quite the dancer, I’ll like to see that when he’s rested.
She laughs cheerfully. “Don’t sound so resigned to your fate, Ser. Dancing with me is really not so awful, I assure you” She smiled brightly to let Ser Godfrey know she was teasing “I would be most happy to dance with you, Ser Godfrey” she says friendlily. Her violet eyes sparkle with warmth.
Ashara takes Ser Godfrey’s offered hand and lets him lead her over to the dancing.

Ser Godfrey was fairly light on his feet despite his size, perhaps the training if footwork to avoid a blow helped keep a warrior nimble enough not to make a fool of himself on the dace floor.

Ser Godfrey chatted with Ashara as they danced, "Of course it is not awful my dear Lady Ashara, it is as always a joy to spend time in your charming company.  If I sounded resigned it was only because I am sure I shall not compare well to Master Mardax once he is fully ready to take to the dance floor.

Your ladyship should know how much we men hate coming up short in comparison to other men."

Ser Godfrey smiled at Ashara as he continued in a softer tone, "So what do you think of Master Mardax thus far?  I admit that I have not really had the opportunity to speak with him much, thus I have yet to truly take the measure of the man.

And where has Jadis gone off to?  You know, Master Mardax did make mention of a "ballad" when I spoke with him, I fear that he may have overheard at least part of Jadis's remarks earlier.  Though to be sure, Master Mardax did not seem particularly upset... so perhaps he has a certain sense of humor about such things?"

Ashara loves dancing. She is quick and graceful as she dances, doing her best as she knows with her position they will attract a great deal of attentions; she wondered what the others in the hall would think about her dancing first with Ser Godfrey. Her skirts swirl around her as she dances enthusiastically. She is pleased that Ser Godfrey seems to be able to keep up with her, if not excel.
"Thank you, Ser, that's a kind thing to say. I must say I enjoy your company as well" she says cheerfully. "You are dancing quite well so far, Ser"
"Oh, by now I've noticed men are always competitive when there are pretty maidens about"

Ashara considers for a moment, then replies in a equally soft tone "Lord Mardax is a bit strange... but interesting. He's well traveled, and he was friendly to me. On the other hand, he seems to have taken a disliking to my sister"
"I believe Jadis is just arranging a few things. She should be back soon" Ashara says calmly. She blushes at the news that Mardax had overheard Jadis' bawdy joke. "Oh dear!" she says. She nods at Ser Godfrey's next statement. "Well, a relief to know he isn't upset, and good to know he has a sense of humor" she adds, relieved.

Well it was doubtful anyone would make too much of Ser Godfrey dancing with Ashara, after all this was hardly the first social occasion with the Ravenhowes visiting the Kolwyns (or vice versa).  And Ser Godfrey was one of the few socially acceptable bachelors free to dance with ladies like Ashara, as such this was hardly the first time the two had danced together.  That said, Ser Godfrey had made the proper overture to the visiting Mardax, offering the honored guest the opportunity to dance with Ashara first.  If Mardax declined, Ser Godfrey could hardly be reprimanded for stepping into the gap.

Ser Godfrey chuckled as he replied, "Well men are pretty competitive regardless of who is about, though having an audience certainly makes them more so... and, as your ladyship points out, if some among the audience are indeed desirable fair maidens with beauty capable of enflaming the heart's desire... well "competitive" may not be strong enough a descriptor.

Though I wonder... are ladies not prone to a bit of friendly, polite competition when available, eligible young men are around?"

Ser Godfrey lowered his tone as he added, "Well the bit about having a "sense of humor" may be pure speculation on my part.  It could be that Master Mardax is just not one to openly show his feelings, though as I said I did not detect any particular ranker in his tone when he referred to "the ballad" Jadis was working on.  We can only hope that his calm demeanor means that no real offense was taken.

Still... this "ballad episode" is exactly the sort of thing I was expressing a concern about earlier... namely that there's just no telling when "loose talk" not meant for certain ears may still end up reaching them."

Jadis Sand

As she takes her leave the servants are not sure how to take some of her requests. They all seem to be confused and concerned if the measures and items such as the bear trap are real or if she was joking so they take no action and wait to see if she will ask again or forget.


Lady Tansa & Lord Perros

After their dance they circle the room giving those about a farewell before their exit.


The Red Twins

Ariel stays close to Isa like a watch dog guarding his master. And Isa keeps one eye on Jadis until she leaves. Then she takes notice the lord and lady as they dance.

Mardax keeping a close watch on the Red Twins notices them as they don't really hide their actions or even try to be conservative on there facial expressions. It clear their attention was 1st Jadis them the lord and lady. He also noticed that Isa was almost smiling in content as if remembering (daydreaming) something as they were dancing.

Shortly after the Lord and Lady leave The Twins ask to be taken to their room.


Archibald Sands

Since the events in the courtyard he has gone unseen. Most assume that he has his hands full with the boy trying to keep him alive and heal him the best possible.


House RavenHowne

Some of the lesser knights of Ravenhowne gather by their table to discuss who is staying and who will be leaving the morning. Many are asking who will travel out and see if the claims of an ambush were real or not.


House Kaldor

House Kaldor has a small showing for this years feast mainly because they are preparing their lands and have a greater distance to cover for the upcoming wedding. Of course there concerns of the pass and Dorne's safety is something they always think about especially because their lead knights and men will escort the heads of the family to Kings Landing. Among the many things they are also keepers and loyalist to the Martell's.


The Kolwyn's

Ronan has finialy drank himself to a stupor, and can barely walk. Upon his exit he pushes away anyone that try's to help. Yelling at them and insulating them as he stumbles away. By the door he grasps a last mug from one of his guests "You wouldn't mind, ..." holds it up "I do not fear the Black because its the Red that is a terror" he holds up the mug, drinks & drops the mug on the floor as he exits.


Dinning Hall

It has become the dead of night - The music has slowed and the feast for those no longer interested in drinking is over. One by one or in small groups many begin to exit and head to their room. The servants are now beginning to clean up after the guest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:57, Mon 21 Apr 2014.

Several hours have past and the feast is now over. All the guest have been taken to their rooms. not all the rooms have a fire to keep warm but bed furs have been given to made up for it.

The chill of the night air slowly begins to fill the castle chambers. The only thing to keep you warm on this cool night are the bed furs. Kolwyn Hold is quite, only the occasional guard walks the corridors.

OOC: if no one posts, I will given until Friday morning and then continue to push the story along. HINT: This is the time for those that may want to sneak around.

Mardax watched the happenings as they went. He watched how graceful Ashara was, and paid attention to the twins.  Something was up with them, but he couldn't quite tell what.

soon he was one of the last people in the hall, and just shrugged to bridal before standing to depart.  A servant came in, and handed Mardax a letter before departing.  Mardax said his goodnight and he and brindal  went to their room.

time passes.

That night..

Jadis had been most insistent with the servants and more than a little vexed that she had had to assure that, yes, she was serious.

Now she stood over a pile of gear, looking over the assembled mass thoughtfully. Many ladies spent their days in gossip, embroidery or other mundane and trivial pursuits. Jadis, on the other hand, had always been approached life from her own unique angle. For most, the only marks of this that they were exposed to were the hare brained adventures and tomboy fancies. Very few had any idea how far down the rabbit Jadis was willing to go or how thorough she was about it.

One of her peculiar traits, mostly unseen and yet possibly one of the more dangerous was lay in forethought. This lady had planned for many eventualities merely for the joy of it, from avalanches to pirates(regular) to pirates(romantic) to the dead rising. While admittedly many of her plans could be summed as 'run, screaming, for the hills' others were a bit more elaborate.

Looking down at Brutus, now in her riding leathers, Jadis smiles "You know, this is probably going to be a waste. Any would be trouble makers would be mad to actually try anything. But they say I'M mad, so I guess it works out. And hey, it'll be fun!" Brutus merely snorts and rolls his eyes, flopping down on the carpet. Jadis sighs "Fine. Be that way."

That said, she began her preparations, whistling a jaunty tune. The window was thrown open and the grease liberally applied to the window sill and the outer walls. The bells were lined up on the inner sill, ready to topple and ring. The traps and caltrops were coated with ash to hide their gleaming metal and placed carefully around the room; near the door, under the window, nestled in the smoldering coals of the fireplace and one of the bear traps was even glued to the bottom of the garderober's privy seat. Several heavy books were placed atop the seat, ensuring it'd take a good hard push to open it should anyone decide to climb the chute.

Jadis set down several oil lamps and looked over her preparations, nodding to herself. Hefting her stick, Jadis used it to rap on the door between her and Ashara's room "Ashara! Are you in there?" She pauses for a moment, then asks "Are you in there ALONE? Because I saw you dancing with Godfrey and I will geld him if he's in there with you."

Ashara curtsied to Ser Godfrey once they'd finish dancing and said farewell fondly. She gave Mardax a smile before leaving. She waved farewell to her uncle and Maester Archibald.

"I'm here, sis" Ashara responds to Jadis' question. "Jadis! Yes, I'm alone, no need to resort to violence to protect my virtue"

Jadis smirked faintly and forced a tone of saccharine faux worry in her voice "I was just concerned for your well being! He is a very charming knight and they say his lance can pierce solid steel with but a single thrust. I'm told that even in King's Landing they know him as the Bane of Maidens!" She bit down on knuckle and stifled a giggle. After a moment of choking back laughter, Jadis forced out "You still want to stay with me tonight? In case of mad Red Priests or knights who can knock on a door with their hands tied behind their backs?"

Ser Godfrey finished his dance with Ashara and bowed politely to his partner before rejoining his brother at the Ravenhowe table.  He quietly observed the Red Twins and their reaction to Lord & Lady Kolwyn.

He discussed the plans for the reconnaissance in force scheduled for early tomorrow morning.  The entire Raven's Claws would be riding out along with Ser Godfrey, so they knew to get their rest and cut back on the wine & merrymaking that they would otherwise have indulged in.  Ser Godfrey also advised his cadre of knights to sleep lightly, perhaps even in "watches" as Ser Godfrey did not fully trust the Red Priests or their entourage.

As the party wound down, Ser Godfrey took his leave of his brother Ser Hassan and then made his way discretely to the prison cells within Kolwyn Hold in search of Maester Archibald with the idea that he wanted to check on how the mute prisoner was doing under the Maester's care (and perhaps discover if the prisoner had been forthcoming, as much as possible given his impaired condition, regarding recent events).

Taking a break from his as yet incomplete task of bringing the castles newest prisoner back to full health to let both his on mind, and the body of the no longer at risk man, rest a bit before deciding how much of the remaining night to invest in the project Maester Archibald stops by the conclusion of the festivities to make sure they close down properly.

Once assured that things are in motion in the proper direction Maester Archibald begins his normal nightly rounds, unwilling to let minor disturbances interrupt predictability and the importance of consistent behavior.  Included in these rounds but by no means descriptive of their full extent is a stop off at Jadis's chambers to ensure that she is actually sleeping, and not keeping her sister awake again.  Passing through her door with little more than a perfunctory single soft knock to ensure that she is not surprised by his presence some time after he enters the room Maester Archibald joins Jadis at her all to common post at Lady Ashara's adjoining door.

”Jadis I am quite sure that Lady Ashara wishes nothing more than to sleep quietly after such an eventful night, particularly so as another long day is no doubt ahead of us all tomorrow, let us leave her to her sleep and seek the same of our own, or at least as much as we can before the needs of the castle require us all to wake and attend them once again.”  Offering a gentle but insistent guidance back to her own bed with his hands on the back of both of her shoulders Maester Archibald ensures that Jadis at least makes an attempt to comply with his advice before quietly excusing himself from the room to continue rounds that lead him past all the other rooms that house nobles of permanent residence in the castle checking outside their doors for obvious signs of troubled sleep or other discomforts often hidden by excessive pride in the light of day.

Jadis smiled patiently and raised her hands. "I'll let my sweet sister sleep soundly." She chuckled to herself and lowers her voice "Though I think she might wait up with fire poker in hand, just in case of Red Priests." She shook her head and, dodging adroitly around his gently ushering, moved to her desk and took a seat. "I have a few things to finish, then I'll be abed just like a good girl. Sweet slumber to you, Maester."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

"Jadis!" Ashara objects halfheartedly, giggling along with her sister. "I had no idea Ser Godfrey was such a formidable... jouster. I-"
She blushes and quiets down as Maester Archibald intervened. "It's all right, Maester Archibald. my sister wasn't bothering me. It will be a long day tomorrow, with all our guests to deal with. See you in the morning, Maester." She settles down in her bed and closed her eyes, lest she too draw Maester Archibald's chiding.

Ashara began to speak softly to her sister after the Maester had departed, trying to keep her voice low so they wouldn't be overheard.
"Getting caught staying up late discussing your latest scheme. Doesn't that bring back memories of our girlhood?" she said, giggling softly. "Only lucky for me, I'm now too old for my father to spank when this scheme inevitably gets me into trouble again."

Jadis laughed softly and quietly pulled a stone from the wall between their rooms, loosened years ago. She crouched and peered through the hole into Ashara's rom with a smile and said quietly "Oh, it does bring back memories. Remember that time we managed to covered in all that sticky sap? And I managed to get myself so stuck to that three hundred year old tapestry that they had to cut me free?" She snickered, shaking her head. "Now that got me a spanking. My children are going to be born with bruised bottoms." She pats her own bottom. "Just thinking about it brings back the sting." Jadis turned from the little hole and looked around her room at her preparations "So, you still up for a sleep over? Or you feel safe enough in your own room? I still have a few spare bear traps if you want some!"

Mardax went up to his room, and once he and bridal were inside, he finally opened the letter, reading its contents, and thinking over the nights happenings.

"Oh, gosh, I remember. How could I forget?" Ashara giggled. She winced and rubbed her bottom in memory. "It didn't seem funny at the time. Or for a few days afterwards"
"Yes, thank you. It means a lot to me that you look out for me, sis" she said fondly. "Just remember to pick up the bear traps in the morning. We don't want the servants to think you're trying to kill them."

Jadis snickered "Oh, I leave surprises for the servants all the time. Though I've yet to leave a bear trap for any of them. But they have learned what happens if they go mucking about with my desk." That said, she gathered her supplies and gave Ashara's treatment the same as her own: Grease, bells, caltrops and bear traps. In short order the room was rather securely thoroughly trapped. Looking over her work, Jadis mused. "It might sound insane, but I'm pretty sure that going through the effort means we'll be undisturbed while, if we'd just gone to bed, we most certainly would have been disturbed. I'll leave the door between our rooms cracked, okay? Just in case the monster under the bed comes back." With a wink, she returned to her own room.

Her last preparations were simple. A few pillows to simulate a sleeping body, lights lowered til they flickered, casting ample shadows, a loaded Brutus tucked under the bed and herself resting on a comfortable cushion in shadows of a corner, scarf wrapped firmly wrapped around her head until only her eyes could be seen. Soon, she drifted off into a light doze.

=end nocturnal fun=