Corinne Flowers sighed happily as they rode through the gates of the fortified hall that had been her home now for the last several years, its seems although not entirely pleasant were the backdrop of her life except when she was out riding in the countryside and she'd learned to associate them with home. The tall dirty blonde armoured woman slowly stretched her arms out inside the armour already eager to slide off the young destrier and get it padded down and stabled, she wanted a bath and warm meal. The ride with her half sister Pella had been pleasant enough although the young noblewoman was still awkward around her mothers bastard, Corinne had quietly laughed off her earlier comment although she hadn't completely rejected the idea. The bandits had been attacking a farm of House Ashfield's smallfolks so she'd seen no need to have the wrecks tied up and sent off to Poppy Hill to take up Lord Ascar's time, she'd simply hung the survivors from a tree and continued her patrol. She doubted her Lord would make a fuss about it, bandits were a never ending problem for the lands of the Ashfields and they had only gotten worse as the flood of broken men came across the mountains from the war in Dorne. No one paid their deaths any mind.

At least thats what Corinne hoped anyone, she could never be entirely sure with Lord Ascar, but that was for the future and at the moment it seemed far less important that getting these tired horses rubbed down and in their stables. Corinne had dropped back a little bit when Pella had gotten involved with her conversation with Lady Mara, the dirty blonde bastard had learned early on not to impose when her half siblings were entertaining other nobles. Although she remained protectively close to her younger half sister, as she smiled and waved to several of the house armsmen and guards she knew and practiced with regularly.

Pella smiled, nodding along with Mara's explanation of the presence of House Neumann's sellswords, although she was less than convinced by the reasoning that was offered.

"I...yes, I would like that very much." Pella said happily, blushing a little for reasons she couldn't quite explain. "I will need to know what the ladies in King's Landing are wearing if I am to make a mark for the house."

She rides the obedient Meryn much closer to Mara, and leans over in the saddle, speaking conspiratorially. "I don't think I'm supposed to tell anyone, but mother says that this will be my last chance to find a partner before my father marries me off to a Dornishman.", Pella confides, both excited and worried at the prospect.

Edric face turned grim at the news of orders being given on his behalf without his knowledge. I sent no ravens. He pauses for a second pondering his options. This news is troubling to say the least. Have your men make camp outside the walls. I don't want to burden Lord Ascar anymore then we have to.In the morning send Tycho back with with the men. I want you to stay with a detachment of your most deserving men to serve as our escort to King's Landing. Turning to Bruce. I want you and Ser Duncan to guard my sister. If this is trap I want to make sure she is in safe hands. Turning back to Merius. Also, keep the Bastard from the North here as well. I might be in need of a squire in the tournies to come and he would be the best choice.

Merius nodded 'It will be done as you say.'

If he was entirely honest, he was quite glad with the opportunity to take a rest. These past times have been trying for the Blue Lances. Chasing banditry around the countryside, and now escorting all these soft lords around was beginning to take its toll.

He left getting the camp ready in the capable hands of Lysono. He took the time to go once around their camp to ensure all their men were back and had a fire going. After exchanging some words with the odd one he got back to his sparse tent. Lysono already had the mulled wine warming and a capon in the spit. Merius smiled as he handed his horse over and his hawk made a quick sweep at the capon as Lysono cursed at the bird and threatened him with the other spit.

In times like this he almost felt back home and not in this foreign land. Would he ever feel at home in here?...

OOC: Will FF a bit here.

It was late when Tycho finally returned. Merius could see in his face that he knew what was coming. He gave him careful orders about not getting in any major confrontations and just ensure that the roads were open and the castle secure. He also gave him leave to only depart at first light, which would give the men a chance to rest. A not so glum Tycho left for his fire with a bit of capon and cup of mulled wine.

 The group rode back to a Poppy Hall, as Mathys mood improved the further he got away from the stench of the Dornish. Edric rode up along side of him, was offered a grin from Mathys, when the matter of their childhood bouts was mentioned.

" Well Edric, that was then, and this is now. I look forward seeing you on they flat of your back, when my lance sends you toppling from a horse."

 This was said in  a good natured way, as he respected Edric, and considered him a friend, more so, then many currently on his father's lands When Edric suddenly put spurs to his horse, and rode off to Poppy Hall, Mathys frowned at seeing to many sell swords out and about. It was like a Bee Hive of activity, and he had to wonder what was causing all the activity. So he put spurs to his own horse, and rode on til he arrived at the Hall. Having dismounted and tossed his reins to one of the small folk, Mathys nodded to those he knew.

 " So, what goes on here, anyway?"

 These words where directed to anyone that cared to answer the young noble.

Edric waited for Lord Ascar to join him and Mayths before speaking. Seems as if someone is ordered the Blue Lances to escort our Dornish Lord here. Merius thought it was I that sent the orders, but I did no such thing. giving a short bow to Lord Ashfield. Lord Ascar, with your permission I would like to keep the two sworn shorts and a small detachment of Blue Lances here as protection and to help escort my sister and I along with your family to King's Landing. The rest will return home and those staying will eat from their own rations so you don't have to waste your stores on them.

Lord Ascar Ashfield watches as the courtyard become full, He says nothing and waits his sons. The those that know one another, greet and pass words Ascar clears the archway of one of the walls, now in sight of everyone. Victarion notices his father and dismounts, he has not spoken much since the meeting with the Dorne Lords.

"Father." Victarion looks down at the "My Lord,...."

Lord Ascar can see something troubles his son "We will speak of you meeting later in private for now there is one more that we most attend to." Victarion replies with a "yes" and walks away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:35, Sun 29 June 2014.

In reply to Ser Edric Neumann (msg # 13):

As the lord is about to pass Ser Edric Neumann, he stops at Ser Edric addresses him.

"I have spoke with your Lord Father Ser Edric and your Blue Lancer will all stay here until we leave to your home, from there we all go to King's Landing."


He then walks up to Garin "Young Lord Garin Kaldor it is good to finally meet the man and house that has so well protected the Prince's Pass for all these years. I welcome you to our home. Forgive that we did not have time to properly greet you but your follow lords Steiner and Chiffon have seem to have taken most of our attention with their troops in our fields."

Garin smiles "I understand Lord Ashfield, My salty Dorne Brother's don't have the teaching as we in the 'Pass'."

Tannard looks for a servent but they all seem to be busy, except one but unsure of her station he does not order but asks (looking and standing in front of Corinne) "I will need to know where to bring the horses and were to take my lords things?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Sun 29 June 2014.

  Mathys was ignored, but he was used to that from his father and older brother. He shrugged, then headed into the  Hall in search of a decent goblet of I wine. Of course he had to pinch the behind of a pretty small folk servant wench along the way, what else where they good for.

 " Wine! Someone fetch wine and victuals for the returning nobles. And oh yes, bring some old bones for the Dogs of Dorn to chew upon. Let it not be said, that Poppy Hall did not seek to make those of Dorn feel at home."

 Mathys flopped down in a seat at the long table, and propped up his feet on the table, with a little self satisfied smile upon his lips.

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 17):

"Come everyone lets follow my quick and thirsty son inside, the servants will tend to your thing and get your rooms ready for your stay." Lord Ascar follows his son give him a hard slap on the shoulder near his neck, then graps tightly, "Your an Ashfield stop acting like a simple minded sellsword and hold your tongue I n front of the Dorne, or I'll beat you quite" Not like your father but for some reason he seems to be much more interested in this Garin and his opinion of him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Sun 29 June 2014.

 With the head strong and very willful, young Mathys, only his father could lay hands on him, without a challenge. But where before, there had been a young,brash, Bravado, now sat a sullen, pinch faced, young man, after he was chastised by Lord Ascar.

 " Yes, my Lord Father."

 Mathys glared at his sire, when his back was turned, but he held his tongue, for the time being. He contented himself with pouring some wine into a goblet, and downing it.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Sun 29 June 2014.

In reply to Ser Edric Neumann (msg # 10):

"Yes Ser, I'll be sure to inform Ser Duncan of your word." The big man nodded to Ser Edric and Merius as the latter left them taking a moment to look to the wall where Brandon still stood before he moved off so that he could stand off to the side to keep out of the way of the returning riders. He would await Ser Duncan and Lady Mara's return.

Corinne Flowers sighed at her half-brothers antics as she slide off of her horse and onto the courtyard of the fortified hall that was her home, one day with a lot of effort and money it might aspire to be a actual castle one day. Without conscious thought the young dirty blonde lancer adjusted her sheathed sword to prevent it from tripping her as she slide off and barely even noticed the heavy armour as she got firm footing on the pack earth and stone of the courtyard. She gave a quick signal to the other men in her patrol who were already dismounting and taking the new destiers off to the stables where they'd be rubbed down, feed, then water before the men would remove their armour and take their own rest. The one lancer who was walking just a little bit funny was leading the horse that had proven saddle shy, Corinne wasn't sure what to do with that beast, she couldn't let anyone ride it especially in a fight that would be as good as murder. But Destiers were expensive and losing even one was not a pleasant thought for anyone who knew the price of horseflesh, personnel she thought it might make good breeding stock for the Poppy Hill herd but even there such a skittish animal could easily hurt one of the field hands or even a breeding mare. She'd have to take it up with Lord Ascar, next chance she got.

Then the blue eyed dirty blonde woman blinked as she saw one of the squires from the party that had joined them coming up to her and spoke to her, the Mistress of the Horse nodded slowly and smiled back at the armoured young man no sense in not being polite. "No worries, the stable boys will take your horses and the grooms will see to them right away." She gave a loud whistled and waved over some of the young small folks who worked in the castle stables learning the trade of tending to horses hoping for a better life. The moved rapidly knowing that she didn't tolerate slackness moving quickly to take the reigns of the abandoned horses, the better trained grooms and lancers kept an eye on the boys. "You can follow them if you like and want to make sure the horses are properly taken care of but my people know their business well, as for where your Lord's belongs go I haven't the foggiest. I just got back myself, speak to the Seneschal for that."

In reply to Corinne Flowers (msg # 21):

"Thank you M'Lady I think I can handle form here" as he give a flirtatious smile. The boy is not much of a boy but looks a bit more like a young man.

He takes his leave and gets Lord Garin Kaldor things in order. Then he speaks to the servants, as he seems to be in a bit in a rush to please his lord.

Lord Ascar Ashfield seems glade to see that everyone has returned in good health, but he also looks troubled. He is very welcoming to his guest from Dorne much more then those that wait in the fields.

"Dyllan, Mara, Ser Edric, Ser Mathys, Victarion, Merius ... you are with me I wish to discuss todays events." "Lord Garin we will meet later after you have a chance to rest up from your travels."

Lord Ascar leads the way to chambers so they can talk in private.


Lady Iliria has now made her presence known "Come everyone we have wine and so food for those hungry" as she leads the rest that are interested to the hall for a light meal.

She properly introduces herself to Garin and he in turn offers his hand as they walk together.

Mara Curtsy to the Dorne congregation, and then nods in the affirmative to Lord Ascar. She follows Lord Ascar wondering how poorly this was going to go, but she had hoped that like the Dorne Lord Steiner she could help him and any gathered in the wisdom of peace.

Ask you wish my Lord.

Edric follows the group and takes a seat in the council chambers. He waits for everyone to sit before speaking. M'lord, Lord Steiner has agreed to meet with you inside Poppy Hall and not outside in their camp. A feat that would of been hard to do if it wasn't for my wise sister Mara. He pauses for a bit, pondering how best to continue. Also things got heated in the tent and it seems that Dorne's best have challenged us to a tourny of sorts.

 When the  lord of the Manor, to wit, his father, bespoke of a family meeting, Mathys made a mental groan to himself. He just knew his older brother was ready to wet himself, in anticipation, of telling their father, of how he acted towards the Dornish. But for all that, the second son stood to his feet, and followed the rest into the place where his Father would bedazzle them with his wisdom.

.....But as with any time his father was going to speak with them, Mathys made sure he had plenty wine to drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Wed 02 July 2014.

Slightly taken aback for being summoned to this council, Merius does his best to take the travel dust off his clothes whilst following the others. He had a good look around the council chambers as he got in and found his seat near the Neumann legates. He found it quite brave of Lord Edric to start speaking before the host but kept his mouth shut and his eyes open.

Having returned to the hall at a more leisurely pace, Pella had somehow been left out of her father's summons. Earlier she might have felt a bit slighted, but by this point she was almost grateful to be left to her own devices again, safe once again in her fortified home.

She quietly tries to wander away from the group to the Maester's laboratory of sorts, rather than follow either of her parents and be forced to be a gracious hostess. The prospect of burying her nose in a book, or chatting with Maester Job, was far more appealling.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Wed 02 July 2014.

Corrine Flowers responded with a smile of her own although hers lack a lot of the flirtatiousness of the young mans, "Of course, well meet then, I hope we get a chance to speak more." She returned to her work not entirely comfortable with the conversation now that it had shifted from entirely practical terms into the grey of interpersonal relationships. Turning back to her work she began the process of carefully rubbing down her own destier then removing the heavy saddle with a small gasp at the weight being put on her already sore muscles before she guided the horse into the stables. After getting the horse in freshly mucked stall with food and water she quickly secured her saddle and harness before going to check to make sure the rest of the patrol and the house grooms had taken care of her patrols horses and the House Ashfield delegations mounts.

In reply to Ser Edric Neumann (msg # 25):

Once every has entered the chamber and those interested in seating have done so Lord Ascar walks away from the window to table and stands next to Ser Eric just behind him, its an uncomfortable feeling as he talks to him from hind, Ser Eric is not able to look at him if he replies unless he gets up from his seat and or turns in his chair.

"So Lord Steiner has agreed, ... that's good. He will except our invitation to Poppy Hall, ..... That's good also.

"And you say your sister has credit for this? .... Wise & beautiful sister Mara."

In sarcasm "Challenged to a tourny excellent even better news, so I guess it will be you to uphold this challenge?".

"Does anyone else want to speak,..... any other good news to share?"

Ser Victarion looks up at his father, "Father if I may explain?  " A quick reply "NO YOU MAY NOT!"

Merius hears the exchange with interest. Even for a Lord of Westeros this Ascar seems full of himself. Nobody could miss his snipe at Mara. This promises to be interesting.

From the top of the walls over the main gate one man shouts out "Two approach from the hills, their banner is House Steiner!"


Brandon Snow, Bruce the Strong, Pella Ashfield, Corinne Flowers and several others are still within distance to hear the shouts.


"They are riding in fast, ...."


Wulfgang Tannard hears the shouts and leave the sables to see what is going on, as he reaches the courtyard the gates open quickly and Vernon Steiner rides in with a squire.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:18, Thu 03 July 2014.