Edric turned to see who was laugh, but instead he noticed that Pella was scare. We will just have to wait to see the color of the children hair before we know if you are right. Fail to even turn his attention back to the Dornishman as he spoke. We have more important matters to attend to this this petty argument. Edric rode off and took his spot next to Pella whispering. There is no reason to be afraid M'Lady. We are just here to tell Lord Chiffon and Steiner to meet with your father in Poppy Hall then we will be off.

Edric, you are right. We need not engage ourselves in name calling and vulgar Behavior. These men show their true colors for they know that we travel under a diplomatic banner. It is easy to act brave when they know that the other persons hands are tied. Most likely, they have never felt the love of a woman, or they would speak with civility.

She turns and looks at the soldiers hard.

I have had the honor of meeting true Dornish Lords. You men know that your Lords would never allow such rude behavior. If, I was to ask one to defend my honor they would forget about all hatred for the rest of Westeros, make sure that I was defended. They would show you little mercy until you begged my forgiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Mon 09 June 2014.

Despite her attempts not to pay attention, one of the Dornishmen catches her eye; a scarred veteran with his front teeth missing, leering visibly at the young lady of the Reach. Pella quickly averts her eyes again as the man begins making suggestive motions, staring instead at Victarion riding in front of her.

The thought of what could happen if something went wrong chilled her to the bone; every soldier had taught Pella that the Dornish were perverts and rapists with less morals and more hunger than a barrel full of rats. Her father, her brothers had faced the Dornish in combat, as had almost every man from Ashfield town, and she suddenly truly appreciated how fearsome battle must be.

"Yes, of course. I'm sorry.", Pellla mumbles to Edric apologetically, wiping her watery eyes with her hand, ashamed and embarrassed by her emotional reaction. As Mara speaks strong truths like a true lady ought, Pella condemns herself with the realisation that she is probably the most cowardly person in the Reach.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Mon 09 June 2014.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 111):

The soldiers are lightly dressed and all in a similar fashion with tan leather britches and white shirts. On their right sleeves embroidered in red and blue are the standard of House Steiner, ... looking about many of the men are well seasoned in age. Then a man, one of the few young men around, ..... in Dorne fashion the young man is well dressed and in light leather armor stamped with a crab on his chest, he walks tall and straight up from behind the solider, those that were laughing have now stoped.

Mara is unsure if they have stopped because of her comment or from this man's presences.

Mara's stared cold and hard at these men. She would not give them the satisfaction to know how much she truly was scared. She owed that measure of bravery to the other two ladies with her. Such bravery was shown to her by her mother when she was sent to court, and she was her mother's daughter.

Edric offer his sleeve to Pella so she may dry her eyes, but his attention falls on the new comer, to whom he tries to recognize.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 111):



The young man quickly draws a dagger, ... then cuts the man just under his embroidered standard, the white shirt quickly turns red with blood. The solider grabs his arm and looks up at the young man. He say nothing just bows his head low in respect.

"You are absolutely correct M'Lady we Lords would not except such behavior, .... My hatred is set aside what will you have me do with him?"

"Kneel Sea Dog,  .... beg the Ladies forgiveness!" he then cleans his blade on his back as the man takes to both knees with his head down. "M'Lord, I'm a solider of Dorne and I will not beg, however I do respectfully ask the lady's forgiveness, ...."

As if a switch was turned on and off from anger to gentleman he looks up, extend his open hand, asking without words for the lady's hand. "Is the Lady one of Mercy?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Mon 09 June 2014.

Mara looked at the soldier compassionately. Then gives her hand to the Dornish Lord, so he can aid her from getting off Wintermoon. As she stands, she staggers for a moment. Her frailty showing through, but refusing to look like the sick little girl she once was. She forces herself to stand tall and proud.

I would not have you beg to me. I would ask though that you in the future remember this day, and in doing so you will always show respect to ladies no matter what station. I pray good soldier that if you have a wife or daughter that they are treated with respect by all men also. Lord of Dorne, I believe there has been to much killing and hatred between the Reach and Dorne. It is a time for mercy and forgiveness.

She smiled at the Lord, and glances to her companions.

I am Mara of House Neumann. I travel with the Heir to House Ashfield and his wife, Victarion and Polina. His brother and sister, Mathys and Pella, and the Blonde knight is my Brother Edric.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Mon 09 June 2014.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 117):

"I am Vernon Steiner first son of Lord Dannor Steiner, master of his sails, captain of the 'Claw' and son of the Father, child of the Mother, weapon of the Smith, servant of the Warrior, student of the Crone, love of the Maiden, and the deceiver of the Stranger. And that man there" ... as he points to two guards and Lord Stainer himself ... "is my Lord and Father Dannor Steiner." he kiss Mara's hand "Welcome to our camp, ... you are all welcomed please allow me to walk you over to my father's tent."

Looking back at the solider he gives a jest with his hand, dismissing him and the others.

As he walks he glances over each slowly as if measuring their weight and value, them speaking to Victarion & Mathys he makes a brief introduction "My father Lord Dannor Steiner, these are the sons and daughters of House Ashfield father they have come seeking your audience."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Tue 10 June 2014.

Shocked by the young lord's air dominance over his men, Pella stared at the Steiner heir wide-eyed, then wincing as the soldier's shirt began to flower with blood. Whatever had been upsetting Pella she snapped out of now, as long practiced habits took over. A man had been hurt; that was all she needed to focus on for now.

Pella dismounted Meryn easily and started rummaging through her healer's satchel as she approached the man rising from his knees to leave. "You. Get up, take your shirt off...I'll inspect the wound.", she clipped, apparently unaware of the somewhat confused and amused looks on the faces of men nearby whose minds were still somewhat focused on sexual suggestions.

"I'd wager a stag that you'll need stitches, judging by your shirt.", Pella commented, as she cleared a nearby table and started laying out her supplies.

She waved off her travelling companions distractedly as they were all invited to meet Lord Steiner. "Go, I'm busy." she said dismissively, now fully focused on her craft.

In reply to Pella Ashfield (msg # 119):

Vernon Steiner can't believe what he is seeing. His face in in utter amazement as Pella tends to the wounded man. He smile, then chuckles and then laughs, its as if the more he thinks about it and the more he sees the funnier he find the moment.

He walks back "Lady Pell?" as if he almost asking if he got it right. "There is no need, ... he will live, and the scare will remind him of this day and the already merciful acts of your house." Again as a noble gentleman extends his hand to help her stand "Please my father awaits you, ..." asking if she would give up this act and think about joining them.

Lord Steiner is not amused by both Pella and his son. One eyebrow raised then his lip begins to swell on one side. "I'm glade you find it so amusing son, ... now go fetch Lord Chiffon. Let him know we have visitors."

A servant opens the tents flips, Lord Steiner turns his back and begins to enter his tent "Come let us sit inside and speak over wine." 

Pella appears unaware of the tone of disapproval around her, distractedly annoyed at having to explain herself as she begins to clean the soldier's wound. "Have you seen a cut turn bad?" she snapped at the Steiner heir. "Have you tried to treat a wound that has festered? Arrogant men may die in any number of ways, and the Seven know they die often enough, but the worst path to death is negligence. This cut is certainly deep enough to merit attention", she stated as the soldier tried not to wince at her prodding.

Done with the Steiner heir, she addressed the lord in slightly more moderated tones. "With respect, Lord Steiner, I've no great interest in attending the royal wedding under talk of Dornishmen dead because of a visit to Poppy Hall in times of peace - it is unfortunate enough that blood has been spilled on our fields. Please excuse me while I repair this damage; you have highborn guests enough without me."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Tue 10 June 2014.

Edric enters the tent, taking a seat next to where ever his sister sits. He refuses any wine so that his senses can be keep clean. He refuses to speak, this was house Ashfield show so he lets Victarion take the lead.

Mara allows the Ashfields to enter before she does. She fines her place and graciously accepts the wine.

The inside of the tent is lavish. The center has a large circular table, no more them 18 inches off the ground. There are 4 dark skinned servants in thin loose robs. Sitting on the floor are dozens of pillows, plush and positions around the table. The servants quickly take food trays from behind a curtain but wait for The lord to sit before offering him food, water, & wine.

Lord Steiner takes a sit positioning himself facing the tent entrance. He lays across the pillows as if sitting up on a plush bed. Smiling he sees the somewhat curious face as his guests look about the tented room. For the men this seems like fancy whore house, for the ladies, its out of a dream.

Entering from behind the group are 2 more men baring House Steiner colors they enter so quickly and they almost bump into the group. "Excuse us, ..."

Lord Steiner, "Please sit relax, I know we are not in Dorne but I thought to bring it here. One of our many costumes is to first make sure guests eat and drink before discuss politics and business." "Please sit enjoy, partake with me." His emotions are hard to read there is a low tune in his voice but still stern, his posture is relaxed but still noble, ... his speech is well trained.

The men from behind work their way around the room and station themselves on a pillow with both there knees, just slightly behind the lord to his right. They sit straight, backs upright and say nothing not even introducing themselves.

Seeing Lord Steiner take a relax position, Edric follows suit taking a plump looking pepper from one of the trays. It seems our two cultures aren't that different after all. It is customary that when a traveler enters a homestead, the Lord offers him wine, bread and salt to show he is welcomed and now under that Lord's protection. Edric takes a bite out of the pepper and instantly starts coughing as the heat from the pepper washes over his senses.

 Young Mathys remained behind, with his twin sister, as she went to tend the Soldier of Dorn. His sword was loose in its scabbard, as he watched the many around them. He remained behind to guard his sister's well being, as well as her honor.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Wed 11 June 2014.

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 127):

Vernon Steiner actions seem to have calm the soldiers and they no longer instigate, nor even look in the direction of Pella or Mathys. In fact they all make their way back to their duties and forget that they are even around. The wounded soldier that she is tending too, waits for the crowd of solider to disperse and then polity as he looks up at Mathys grabs her hand "M"Lady you can not nor will I allow you to continue, I have already been dishonored and know your actions further dishonors my name." He now stands holding his wound and walks away.

 The young son of House Ashfield, stiffened, when the soldier dared to touch his sister. His hand went to the hilt of his dagger, but refrained from drawing it, by sheer force of will. He walked over to his twin and placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder.
 " Sister,mine, your heart is your weakness, but I love you, for you being you. Let the Dog of Dorn bleed." He attempted to guide her towards the tent, where his Elder brother went. But Mathys, did take one last hard look at the Dornish soldier, he would remember that face, in the coming days.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Thu 12 June 2014.

Corinne Flowers took a long drink from the waterskin hanging at her hip and sighs happily at the taste of the still cool spring water, she made a contented sound as the water slowly poured down the side of her face and into her armour. It was very pleasing not to have to worry about conserving food or water as her small party neared the end of their return trip. Corinne was a powerfully built woman wearing well made but worn riding clothes with the sigil of House Ashfield on her breast, with her road three companion all House Ashfield armsmen of one sort or another and all wearing fairly similar garb although not as fine as hers. Corinne was the Mistress of the Horse for House Ashfield and a trained knight although she'd never stood the vigil or taken the Oaths, she was responsible for maintaining the fine cavalry mounts of the Houses cavalry and knights. That had been the whole point of this little trip each man road one of the newest young destrier warhorses that had just reached maturity, each of the men with her were experienced war riders as well. They had taken the young unproven warhorses on a long patrol around the edges of House Ashfields holdings in an attempt to find potential faults with the young warhorses. Over all it had been a very successful patrol, three of the four horses had had minor problems but those had easily been dealt with by experienced hands, the fourth was a problem. It had taken to the saddle badly from the start and only gotten worse as the patrol went on, it was rideable by a skilled horse rider but putting a distracted lander on it during a fight was asking for trouble. Corinne was not looking forward to explaining to Lord Ascar that one of the expensive pure blood warhorses was not fit for combat, although getting a lancer killed trying to ride a horse that had been badly trained by its breeder was a even worse option. Corinne almost pitied the poor horse breeder when Lord Ascar got ahold of him almost it was hard to pity man who'd beaten a horse until it was scared of a stable.

Corinne slowly lowered the waterskin and capped it carefully as the road twisted in front of her small party and the great hall of House Ashfield a smile on her lips at the thought of returning to her home and what she thought of as her family. Suddenly she stopped raising her hand to signal a halt to the rest of her band at the sight of them encampment ahead of them, too small to be a war party but insulting large to simply be an envoy. Although secretly Corinne admitted that it wasn't insultingly large at all considering how bandit infested the realm was, her patrol had helped three different families of small folks deal with petty thieves and bandits including was quick a brutal fight with twenty bandits attacking a small trading caravan. They'd been scarily well armed as well obviously broken me fleeing the war but they'd had no stomach for a real life and between the caravan guards and four armoured lancers charging hell for leather into their rear, that had been to much for them. A few were dead now the rest had fled and Corinne had hoped to talking Lord Ascar into releasing some lancers and footmen to go hunt them down but with the Dornish envoy that she'd been hearing about here, she doubted he would.

Corinne's body ached pleasantly from long riding and her ass and crotch ached far less pleasantly she stank from days in the saddle too close to horses and with little chance to wash her clothing or herself, she really wanted to go back to the hall and take a bath then make sure her brothers and sisters were okay. They had to be worrying about getting married off the sand born gits, although at least a bastard like herself didn't have to worry about Lord Ascar or anyone else taking a interest in her marital life. Unfortunately she couldn't go home just yet, instead she raised her hand signaling the other lancers to dismount while still out of sight of the dornish. "It looks like our guests have arrived, boys." There they carefully removed their armour from the pack horses and quickly began to don it, it was a quick process each of them knew their business and helped the others, so that within a several minutes they'd been transformed from weary travelers into worn but proud lancers. Corinne wore well worn but well maintained full plate with the flower sigil defiantly painted on her shield and on her chest, the other men wore long knee length chain hauberks and carried heavy kite shaped shields with the red poppy wreath on a field of green painted on them.

The road out into view of the dornish camp and the great hall smartly putting on the best show they could for their guests from across the mountains and deserts, Corinne herself rode without her helmet on as a sign that she wasn't looking for a fight. Not exactly the best solution considering the fact that it showed her face which bore a remarkable resemblance to her mother Lady Iliria, leaving little doubt as to at least one side of her parentage although her long curly dirty blonde hair which she had tied back at the moment was all her father. Her small band road toward the Dornish camp which they would have to pass to get to the great hall anyway, doing their best to show lack of concern but preparedness.

In reply to Wulfgang Tannard (msg # 65):

"Wulfgang my boy I don't see and markings, Do you? He looks like a solider or knight but he maybe unaware our reason for being here."


The men at the top of the crest split up in three groups one heads left one heads right and the other straight down the field intersecting the road that travels around this crest and to Poppy Hill.

at the looks of things if you new any better you would say maybe bandits - they are without standards, colors, banner there is nothing not a something to show who they are, then splitting up and two flanking and as one charges down the middle, this is insane their almost in a formation.

Pella purses her lips as the Dornish soldier as he walks off, making no remark but becoming thoughtful instead. She begins packing away her tools and supplies, storing them neatly in her satchel.

"As you say, Mathys." said Pella as she affectionately held her twin's arm. "Spilled blood of the First Men made our fields fertile a thousand years ago; I will not concern myself if Dornishmen wish to feed our crops anew."

As her...sister Corinne approached, Pella gestured towards the horses with her free hand, before following Mathys towards the Steiner's tent.

We thank you for the hospitality, my Lord. We have come to make sure all is in readiness for when you meet Lord Ascar. His first Son Victarian wanted to come out first to assure all arrangements were met.

Mara was amazed at Victarian and Mathys lack of diplomatic skill. The Lord had his son assure they were respected and given them food and drink in a sign of friendship. Yet, one is outside and the other sits silently. This was their meeting, but maybe she could give it the boost needed.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 133):

"What arrangements ? I have made them, as you can see, ... So when will he come to see us?"

His head is slightly tilted, with one hand covering his mouth and is fingers stroking his upper lip. He takes a fruit from a silver dish, and after each bite of fruit, - he is seen cleaning his teeth under his lips with his tongue (the tongue is not exposed or visible). AS he is in thought, .... Then he sucks his teeth before he speaks again.

"You are all, not actually here to tell me he is not coming?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Thu 12 June 2014.