Just as the Noble of Dorn, asked that question, Pella and Mathys entered the tent, and moved over to be near the Elder brother. Mathys made a curt nod to their hosts, as  he released the hand, of his twin sister. He looked around and his expression was one of not being the least bit impressed by the trappings of Dorn.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Fri 13 June 2014.

Edric coughing had died down and his eyes stopped watering. In sat in silence for a few awkward moments, letting House Ashfield take the reins, but when no reply came from Victorian he leaned forward and placing his hands upon the table. M'Lord I regret to inform you that Lord Ashfield will not be meeting with you in your tent. He instead wishes for you and Lord Chiffon to come to Poppy Hall and treat with him there. A subtle difference I know between your tent and his hall, but he only wishes to be a gracious host.

Corinne Flowers nodded as she saw her younger sisters hand wave and could figure out what it meant all too well, it wasn't a big surprise that they didn't want to trust their horses to the sandborn dornishmen who'd come to call. It was part of her duties as Mistress of the Horse to look after the riding mounts anyway and in all honesty it made her feel better to be able to be close enough to look after her younger brothers and sisters. Corinne honestly couldn't always tell if they liked her as their half sister or not and honestly she didn't care much, she treated them with the deference of the young lordlings they were and look after them as a older sister should without be too obtrusive about it. It was the lot in life the Seven had given her and she didn't mind it, mostly anyway like any woman she had dreams and ambitions beyond what she was now but Corinne's father had been a die hard realist and he'd hammered those same values into his daughter. The blonde haired female lancer couldn't really expect much more out of life than this, so best do it right and proper.

The armoured woman turned the armsmen traveling with her and quickly passed her orders to them, she sent the one man riding the horse that was saddle shy back to the great hall with her orders for the stable staff. He was even more exhausted and pained than the other men from riding a horse that really didn't like or want to be ridden so if anything happened he'd be at a intense disadvantage and his mount would be as much a threat as the enemy. The orders were to start gather up feed and fodder for the house horses and start storing them away in stables, the dornish had bloody well better have brought such things for their horses but no one knew how long this little summit might last. If they started to eat their way through the local field fodder then House Ashfield by guest right would have to feed their horses, so it was best to be ready in case that necessity came upon them. She knew her staff would already have started doing something like that but with an official order they could start to really bring in and store up the amounts they might need.

The blonde haired bastard born woman smiled softly as she eyed the dornish horses which were a sight to behold, they where small and more slender than the heavy destiers she and the other armsmen were riding but they were certainly not the oversized riding dogs that some ignorant louts prattled on about. She knew horseflesh and she wondered at the sight of the dornish warmblood mares who had been breed for jackrabbit acceleration and a level of endurance her heavy warmount could never even dream of. Hers was a heavy destrier breed for pure muscle and mass with slow but inevitable acceleration on the charge firmly in mind, breed to carry a fully armoured lancer into the fight, charge, then charge again. Corinne almost licked her lips at the sight of the horses and wondered if she could get Lord Ascar to purchase a few breeding mares or a stud from them, if she could some of that into the bloodlines of her own Reach stallions.

Corinne closed her eyes and cleared her mind quickly of that thought which was far too premature considering who they were dealing with, although the thought never left the back of her quick mind. One other odd thing that Corinne noticed was that she was not receiving anywhere near the number of odd, quizzical, or openly hostile looks she normally received as a woman in full fighting kit who obviously knew what she was doing. That was another thing she didn't think about as her party came to halt around her siblings horses and Corinne easily slide her armoured form off her horse and onto the ground before moving to check her horse, the other men did the same she'd trained them well to think of their horses first. After a quick check over and rub down Corinne ordered the armsmen under her command to see to her half siblings horses, and make sure they were tied off. While they worked she moved close to the tent entrance waiting for her half siblings to finish up their diplomacy and keeping an ear out for trouble. While she did she reached into a saddlebag and pulled out a apple using her her dagger to slowly cut pieces of the fresh bright red fruit, eating one herself then giving the second to her own mount.

In reply to Ser Edric Neumann (msg # 136):

"You say gracious host, .... And what is your station that you speak in turn?"

Pointing to Victorian "You are his 1st son, Do all your servants speak in turn?"

His brow curls down as he continues,.... "Gracious would have been to come down form that hill and leave the comforts of his bed to greet fellow Lords and Ladies that have traveled days at his 'Kings' request. Instead we play 'Who's the better' ...."

Ser Victorian is shocked at Lord Steiner's behavior, he know of his reputation but didn't image him this way. He saw him more crude less political, not so well spoken, ... Victorian does not reply instead he stares hoping Lord Steiner will just strike with a straight insult so he can just walk out.

Lord Steiner just looks into the eyes of Ser Victorian, and Victorian does the same. Neither laying down for the other, .....

In reply to Corinne Flowers (msg # 137):

Coming from a nearby tent are 4 more men all well dress in Dornish fashion, none pay much mind except of the youngest of them he stops takes a second look at Corinne and smiles. 'He Flirting,....'

The are about to enter the tent as the 2 Dornish guards make way for them to pass, ....

Mara stood straightening her dress. She knew that she was on dangerous ground, but words had to be spoken.

My Lord, I once had a dream. It frighten me greatly. I was but a young girl and did not understand it. In the field there was a large deer. On the south side,  a mighty lone wolf stalked it. On the North side, another mighty lone wolf stalked it as well. Surrounding the wolves were many lesser predators that would be willing to feast on the either the wolves or the deer, but were much to weak.  The two wolves both lunged at the deer killing it instantly. Both clung to the deer unwilling to let go. The wolves struggled for hours unwilling to compromise or share the deer. Eventually, their strength gave out. Both fell to the ground, and the other predators killed them as well as taking the deer.

She paused briefly only to catch her breath, and look to Lord Steiner and Victorian.

I now finally understand the dream. Will we allow our houses and kingdoms to falter because of our inability to compromise. Great men are remembered by the great deeds they accomplish. Today, greatness could be achieved by this monumental set in diplomatic relations. Or, shall this be noted as a folly because of pride. I invite you each to take my hand as a bridge. Let this be the first symbol of great men moving closer to each other.

She holds her smallish hands fearful of what will come, but hoping her words will bring peace.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 140):

Lord Steiner begins to laugh, he laughs so hard that he places his hand on his stomach as if it hurts. "See there that's a women, beautiful and fierce and wise,... are you sure you don't have some Dorne blood in those veins."

He stands, garbs the wine vase and a cup from the servants plate, "I will serve you a cup of wine, and I will eat with you and with the others, then you will return to House Ashfield and tell your Lord that it is because of you that I go to him."

"Too think that the north thinks so little of their women ... "

The tent flap opens Lord Chiffon, Vernon and two others enter the tent, .... they look on at Lord Steiner's heavy laughter. "Father, things are well?"  as he looks a Ser Victorian he seems confused and wonders if his father's laughter is with them or at them, .... "So it seems it is going well then?"

Pella remains standing, becoming frustrated at Victarion's lack of action, which he would no doubt hear about later. She opens her mouth a couple of times, but finds quickly that the solution has resolved itself, unusually well in her experience.

Pella stalls a moment, perturbed, then sits on a cushion, almost reluctant not to be leaving the tent in a huff as she had expected to be. She looked at Mara and wondered who this girl was to so easily change a conversation for the better.

Lord Steiner, you speak of capable women. This is Pella, Second Daughter of House Ashfield. She is one the greatest healers in the Reach. 

Mara smiles at Pella glad that she was here. She was hoping that Pella could get Victorian to exit his silence and be the leader he needed to be.

Pella looks up, surprised at being put on the spot by Mara, so used to having been the little fat girl that people overlook. Unsure of exactly how to respond, Pella gets back to her feet and curtseys to Lord Steiner awkwardly.

"I humbly thank the Mother for her favor when she gives it; a woman can only do so much, no matter how skilled."

   Mathys felt himself about to become ill, at all this prattle coated in sweets, spewed from women and the Dorn men. He was trying to hold his tongue, but it was becoming most difficult. So he contended himself with admiring the interior of the tent, but that in the end failed as well.

 " I am not as silver of tongue  as some that have spoken here. I believe in unvarnished words,so here they are. I am not pleased you are here, Lord's of Dorn. I am not pleased that you come to my father's house, nor that we must break bread together."

    The young Knight's expression was one of that might of taken a bite of something bitter.

 " I for one, would rather meet you clad in armor, with sword in hand, upon the field. The sounds of battle, are as a melody that sooths
my soul."
    Mathy's helped himself to a goblet of wine.

 "But I will admit this, after having faced you Dorn in battle, your prowess upon the field is worthy. That I can, and do respect, not sweet words."
He raised the goblet in  a salute to the Dorn, then drank.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Sat 14 June 2014.

Mara did not like what Mathys was saying, but she respected his honesty. She herself detested lies, but had learned silence was a gift the stranger has given when no words are available.

Ser Mathys, I respect your words of Honesty, but I also say this honest words delivered sweetly are still honest words. I pray one day that the wounds of battle that you suffered will heal. Your wounds though not wounds of the body still fester, and unfortunately they blind you to the benefits of peace. Renewed prosperity due to trade, and most important the killing stops. I am not an anointed knight, but is not one of the tenants to defend both the kingdom and the defenseless. I see no greater way of fulfilling your duty to the Kingdom and the seven Gods then promoting just peace. It may be a difficult road, but maybe the fact that we are in this room talking versus killing each other is enough at least to start.

Mara felt dizzy; she was not certain whether it was the exertion for the past few days, or the fact of she was standing in between men that wanted nothing more tan to kill one another. Mara could not understand why it was so difficult to forgive. She had forgiven. She had lost friends, and she had lost the one she thought she would love until the end of days. Before he left, he told her "I go not for glory, but for the quick end of hostilities. He was a man of peace. He was a true knight." She knew that it was best that she excuse herself soon. She felt the emotion

Edric was about to respond to the jest on his status, but he was taken aback by his sister's sudden fire for political affairs. All Edric could do was nod his head in agreement as his sister put he matter to rest. Noticing his sister becoming weary he places his hand on here foot. Sweet sister, I see your time in the capital has paid off. 

Merius trotted down the gentle slope towards the duo. It never ceased to amaze him how this Westorosi thought a piece of cloth on top of a pole could protect them from anything. A quick check told him that Lysono and Tycho were also moving in good orderly formation completing the encircling move. All in a day's work.

He gently pulled the reins and came to an halt within talking distance of the duo, whilst the rest of the Blue Lances stopped in perfect formation a couple of horses' distance behind him.

'Greetings good gentles...'

OOC : Well, I'm in!

Grain is confused at first he thought bandits now he is unsure, "this is Tannard, I am Garin of House Kaldor, diplomats of Dorne here to see The Lord of Ashfield, he is expecting us."

"And those surround us, ? Who do I have the pleasure of addressing,

Merius grunts.

'May the gods smile on you Garin and Tannard... we have been sent to escort to him, this Lord of Ashfield.'

And with that he makes his horse do a neat pirouette on his hind legs and starts cantering towards the assembly. Tycho and Lysono would ensure that Garin and Tannard followed...

In reply to Merius Basso (msg # 150):

"I did not get your name, ... SER.?"

"For a moment my squire and I thought you were coming for a fight by the way you moved and circled us." "You colors, they are not from around here are they?""

"You don't look like your from around here." As he grips this hilt, and positions his horse in-between his squire and the rest of the men.


Garin is not taking any chances, there are many bandits in these parts, many sellswords out of work and even a few robber knights. Maybe spys that his brother spoke of and they know of his comings. Perhaps this is a trap.

Is not much at hiding his feeling, both on this face and with his actions.

Merius stops after a few steps. He turns back, 'Merius is the name, lately of House Neumann. And also one not wanting to stay here for long.'

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 145):

Back at the tent,......

"Well young lord of Ashfield you ask for a fight, ... what kind of guests would we be if we did offer a gift. Perhaps you can have that sword in hand after all. Soon will be the tourneys at Kings Landing, ....." Lord Quinn Chiffon squints an eye as he talks to Mathys, at the end he smiles.

"I say you this, ... your best against or one of our best. At test of one on one combat, and to make things interesting a wager, 25 Gold Dragons to the winning sword and 50 Gold Dragons to his liege and lord."  What say you?" Vernon Steiner quickly interrupts taken advantage of the moment. He's excited at the thought of a skilled and good fight between men. Lord Steiner leans in, he's happy to see his son so motivated at the possibilities.

In reply to Merius Basso (msg # 152):

"Well Merius I will follow."

Merius's men have circled and have positioned Lord Garin Kaldor in the center of the men. Unfortunately for Garin and his squire there is no room for maneuvering. If these Freeriders choice to attack most likely their lives would be forfeit.

"I did not know that House Nuemann has kept on sellswords, ... turning and speaking to Tannard with the war at an almost end and peace at their feet I would say, .... 'Lately' of House Nueman maybe be change to previously of House Nuemann"

"Well Done" Dyllan rides up to Merius as they both, with the lancers lead the way back to Poppy Hill. "I will tell the lord, you have done an excellent job and followed his request with precision. He will be pleased."
He spoke loud enough for only Merius to hear what he has to say.

The silence was becoming deafening as the two factions broke bread. She could not understand Victorian or Mathys silence. They were leaders of men, and afraid of little. She had heard of scary bedtime stories in the North where dead people came back to life. They were much that way almost like Walking Dead. She appreciate her brothers comment, but now was not the time to respond. Instead, she grabbed the wine pitcher that had been passed around and 2 goblets for Vernon and his companion.

Welcome back, join us. Your father was just saying how he would join Lord Ascar at Poppy Hall. I truly hope that Lord Ascar can match the courtesy in his practice of Hospitality that your father has shown us.

She gets her glass and raises it in good cheer to the two entering.

Vernon's challenge drew Edric attention. That kind of money could easily get Edric a suit of Plate and barding for his horse. Ser Vernon, I accept your offer. What are your terms? First blood or blunted swords?

In reply to Ser Edric Neumann (msg # 157):

"The terms will be, ... each will enter one man to take part in the open hand to hand combat. If either man does not make it far enough to meet on the field the one that has reached the highest wins. If at any point they meet on the field the victor will be based on the same tourney rules as so by it's host." Vernon is speaking fast and his voice continues to be excited about the event.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 156):

"I'm Sure they will." He answers as if no longer interested in Mara and like a boy with a new wooden sword his attendant is on Edric.