Lord Ashfield had to make a difficult choice, but he had no choice other than to declare his intentions. The following day after Garin left Poppy Hill the Steiners were invited to the 'Hill' they were given the finest wine the house could offer and a meal just short of a feast. In a very delicate manner, House Ashfield declined Steiner's proposal and declared their position with House Kolwyn. House Steiner left with House Chiffon, both houses had many foul words to share with the Lord of Poppy Hill, the conversation went very badly, very quickly, …. both guest houses stormed out with a simple remark at the gate of the Hill ‘Dorne Lords do not forget disrespect, House Ashfield will taste ash at the hands of such Lords’

Lord Vernon Son of Steiner was not present at the discussions; many believe that he chases down Lord Garin.

Once the Dornish break camp and begin their journey home, Lord Ashfield sends patrols to make sure none stay behind and they leave peacefully.

---

Now that Poppy Hill has returned to normal the house and servants begin to get there things ready. Lord  Ascar Ashfield will be taking half his men and will be taking supplies for 60 days and enough gold and silver to take care of their needs for the trip. He has officially asked his oldest to stay behind with Wallace to manage the house as the rest head to Blackhaven to meet their new partners of trade and then head to King’s Landing for the events that await them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

With so many guests leaving rather unexpectedly and a lot earlier than anticipated Wallace’s careful planning for the day, and especially the evening festivities, was thrown into the wind.

Most likely that was the reason why he was rather short-tempered with the small folk under his command for the whole day. He became a tad bit less forgiving and empathic listening to their typical problems and troubles.

However, he got quite alarmed when one of the maids told him of what had transpired in the yard before he had gone outside. Once again, Lord Ascar’s second-born son had proved to be a hothead. His reaction to Veron Steiner’s provocation had shown that rather blatantly.

So all in all, Wallace had to admit that he was rather relieved that the Kaldor heir would leave them so soon, never mind the reasons for his departure, which he surely hoped to be enlightened upon by his lord as soon as time allowed to have a word with him. If no Dornish were present, so much the better.

Alas, time was precious and there was far too less of it for the remaining day.

With the festivities over, Wallace finally found the time to retreat to his small room. He was glad that his praises of the cook had been valid, Lady Mara had complimented the dishes served and he did have the feeling that she had been honest. Well, with someone raised in Kings Landing, however, you never knew.

Wallace sighed inwardly.

He was most devout to House Ashfield, but lately he was beginning to have some doubts as to what would happen to the house should the current lord no longer be there.

Victarion, the heir apparent, was still too indecisive and a bit too reclusive, spending more time reading books than actually showing a leader’s charisma. Victarion was a knight, however it was common knowledge that he was not truly a man of the sword and lance. Maybe the evolving peace with Dorne would see his qualities shown to the world at large. Wallace only feared that the household did not respect the heir as they should. Ashfield had spent too much time in borderwars with Dorne and the small folk expected a martial leader in their lord. Victarion was already at an age when many lords of the Reach were younger than him, but so far he had not really shown the qualities one would hope to see in a lord of an influential house like Ashfield. Wallace hoped that marriage would mend these shortcomings and he vowed to get to know the heir’s wife better during the next months. He wasn’t sure if Lady Polina would join the voyage to Kings Landing, but he had the feeling that her skills were indeed required there. The Ashfield men were capable warriors and leaders of men, but peace would suit them badly. And if the stories held even minimal truth, then it was clear that the capital held a lot more threat than a battlefield. Threats which the Ashfield men might just blunder into without seeing them coming. If young Mathys would not be able to rein in his temper he would get into trouble quickly and easily. And his skill with blade and lance would not help him out of these kinds of straits.

Mathys. Unlike his brother Lord Ascar’s second son reveled in battle and the peace shook his confidence. As a second son, Mathys had never been required to learn the finer aspects of lordship and so he had focused on sword, lance and horse. And women, too. What was there to do for a warrior in peacetime ? The trouble was that Mathys did not listen to reasoning, only accepting the views and opinions of other warriors. In fact, only Ser Redbrush seemed to have a way to reach the young man. Wallace feared for Mathys. No matter how good he was with the blade, there was always someone better. And Wallace feared that Mathys would not realize that fact until it was too late. How to curb the knight’s exuberance ?

Wallace wished he could have joined the family on their trip to the capital, but Lord Ascar had made it clear that he himself would join and Wallace did not trust anybody else in the household to keep affairs running as they should. How to protect the Ashfield family then ? Wallace shakes his head in frustration.

With uneasy ponderings plaguing him, Wallace blows out the candle and finally drifts off into sleep.

As the family's departure to King's Landing drew closer, Pella became more and more apprehensive. She hadn't travelled further from Poppy Hall than Old Stump since she was 8 years old, all because of a trip to Cider Hall for a wedding.

She could still remember the strange landscape they travelled through, seemingly full of woods that could be filled with anything from bandits to maybe a lost shadowcat. Even at that age, Pella could name every tree, but the fact of them was unsettling...they exhibited something primal and foreign to the gentle rolling hills of farmland at home. Cider Hall itself had been no better, filled to the brim with important people she didn't know, and she had begun to panic.

The next morning, Pella couldn't remember what had happened the night before; Lord Ascar and Lady Iliria had shared concerned glances but said nothing. Her older sister, Alianna, treated her as if she had grown an extra head, and Mathys told Pella that she'd been screaming something but he couldn't understand it through the adjoining wall. The family left Cider Hall before dawn, missing the wedding, and while Pella had felt guilty about what had happened, she was glad to be returning home.

After that, excuses were always made by her mother and father as to why Pella needed to stay at Poppy Hall when the family travelled, which she rarely fought against. However, as a young lady in need of a match, it was time for Pella to travel again.

To distract herself in the lead up, Pella became heavily involved in preparations for the trip, ensuring that a suitable amount of high quality medicinal herbs were packed as a gift to the Grand Maester, that all her best clothes were ready for travel, and trying to find out as much about King's Landing as possible from Mara Neumann - maybe familiarity with the city would help her anxiety.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

As Merius mounted his horse he could not say that he was in the best of moods. This guard duty was not only potentially hazardous as he felt he could end up being one of the people to take the blame if things went around. As Hagop started on the road ,scouting ahead, Merius went to meet Lord Garin...

Garin was not a man of many words and short to urging speed he had not a lot to say. Merius was quite happy to leave it at that. He motioned the Blue Lances forward and has they trotted on the road to Blackhaven, he could not help to remember his other mission here... Mara Neumman would be looking for something once they met again. It would be interesting to see what Garin would say... Merius spurred his horse to near Garin and decided to make the first approach...

'We should make good time. Not a difficult road and we had plenty of rest, as long as you can keep up we will continue. I have men scouting ahead to avoid surprises. What is the reason for the rush? It would be useful to know what we are running into...'

 The talks with the Dogs of Dorn, went from bad to worse, when his Lord father, declined the agreement with the Vipers. Mathys had remained aloof of the talks, staying in the background, as he knew full well his own temper, and not wanting to bring dishonor to his Father's Hall, by  hacking off a head or three, with his sword. When the Men of Dorn departed, but not before a dire warning was issued to House Ashfield, Mathy's saw a red haze, as he glared at the backs of the departing Dogs.  When  Mathys appeared girded for war, to lead the patrol to shadow the departing Dorn, his Lord Father forbad his leaving the confines of the Castle, as his Father knew full well his sons, intentions.
  The young Knight was well vexed, indeed. No more war, insults, to his honor and that of his family, left unanswered, and not even allowed to lead a patrol. Mathys Ashfield felt without a purpose, that hunting and arms practice, did nothing to fill the void, he felt these days.

 The time between the departure of the Dornish filth, and leaving for Kings Landing, was one Mathys used to train for the Tourney in the Capital. He rode against the Rings, and tilting dummy, sword and hammer practice with the House Master at Arms. His War Horse was reshod, a special mixture of mash fed to it, and exercised twice a day. His armor and weapons where looked over by the Smith, as Mathys looked on to see all was done, correctly.

 The young Knight had two Shields and two Long Swords, made as gifts for the weddings. Both shields had the coat of arms of a House Ashfield painted in the them, and the Swords, unadorned blades, but of excellent quality.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Sun 10 Aug 2014.

Mara was uncertain that all was good. She feared greatly that the Dorn's had lured them into a trap. Garin and his crew on one side baiting the Steiner's on the other. She was uncertain what game they played, but she was certain that in the end that the Houses from the Reach would fare poorly in these transactions. One thing about the Dorns were that they were a people of tradition.

For the next two days after the Steiners left she spent in research. She was hoping that perhaps the Library or Maester would be able to illuminate the history of this feud. Also, perhaps the game they play upon the Reach was like something from their past. Other than eating, and the little time she spent with the ladies of the house speaking of fashions and scents that would be appropriate for the court. She spent her time searching for the answers.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

In reply to Mara Neumann (msg # 6):

Spending a great deal of time researching, .... Their seems to have a lot of information on them, in fact the families of Kowlyn and Steiner have some interesting shared history.

Some well known historically events are the 'Omens of Doom' in which the Steiner's engaged the Targaryen's on the high seas stopping an invasion on the Kowlyn coastlines, House Steiner sailed out and caused havoc using guerrilla style tactics during storms. This was called the 'Omens of Doom' because everything was set against them yet House Steiner refused to except the omens - cured the old and new and sailed out to face the Targaryens. They continue to have a reputation as a Salty Dornish House not to be reckoned with if met upon the waves.

Some 500 years ago, House Steiner pledged a lasting alliance to House Kolwyn when the only heiress to their House was rescued by the heir to House Kolwyn. The history and books and notes don't seem to have much detail on his except that this has been the founding detail that links their houses, but they are no notes of any blood relations, no marriages and no exchange of house in good faith.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:42, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

Mara concluded her research. She was uncertain how to take it all, but time was against her. If a plot was being hatched against the Ashfield and Neumann there was little time. She was uncertain who to turn to, but perhaps Pella, Maester and Wallace would have insights she lacked.

She sent with a servant a note to each to join her in the evening about an hour after sundown. She wanted to reveal what she had learned. She was uncertain what she was missing, but the pieces of the puzzle seemed out of place. Maybe the others could help her put them in order.

Edric spent the rest of the day planning with Mara about what they should bring with them to King's Landing. Edric would be returning to Blue Hall the next morning and want to make sure that his Household was packed and ready from the arrival of the Ashfields so that they can depart for Blackheaven without delay.

At the banquet Edric attempt to ease the tensions between them and the Dornish party after today's events by conversing with the Dornish Lords and Ladies throughout the Banquet. When it came time to dance he first ask a Dornish Lady, but for the rest of the night dance with the ladies of the Reach, even asking Pella to dance several times.

The next morning Edric was ready to ride with Bruce Strong and Brandon Snow at first light. He decline Lord Ashfield's offer of an escort in case the Dornish try to ambush him and his party. Edric had other enemies to worry about besides the Dornish and keeping a low profile would make sure Olaf wasn't aware of his movements.

Pella & Wallace receive a note during the day from Mara her an hour after sundown in the southern drawing room. Nothing else is noted, but the message seem secretive. A bit odd she doesn't seem the type to be in the shadows, but it most be important or she wouldn't ask.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:50, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

It is now the third day and the courtyard as well as some of the field is lined with servants, wagons, mules, horses and supplies for the travel to King's Landing. Half of the house guards, a few dozen soldiers and several of his top men escort the family and supplies. As few important figures stay behind and a very disappointed Ser Duncan Shepherd watches as his Lord and lady lead the caravan down the hill and over the crest.

Several of the small folk from the near by farms and mills come out to greet and wave good bye to their beloved lord & lady and House Ashfield.

The weather is fair and its been some time that so many have travel so far from Poopy Hill. In fact it has even made of few, on the road uncomfortable as the first day slowly comes to and end.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:01, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

 The day of the departure for Kings Landing, saw  young  Mathys in  a good mood. He laughed and exchanged jests with the House Guards in the escort, but making sure all was as it should be. The second son of The Lord, inspected each man, weapon and armor and corrected any short comings before departure. He was garbed in light mail, as his scale was stored in one of the wagons for the journey.

 Mathys had convinced his Father to allow him to command the Van Guard of the caravan. After they left friendly lands, he would lead the roaming patrol, that would scout ahead,and patrol the flanks and rear.He even looked forward to spending some time with his twin sister, Pella. He was a Knight, and had to keep his distance from her most of the time, as it was unseemly, for a man, even a brother, to be seen in the company of his sister, to often. But truth be told, he missed his sisters company, and sound advice. When they where children, he could always go to her, when something had upset or angered him. She could almost always calm him down, and or solve his problem. Indeed, he looked forward to facing her across a game board, or just walking in the camp and talking.

Indeed, the coming days where good, to his way of thinking, a journey, and the Royal Tourney at its ends. The only thing that would make the experience more enjoyable, was if someone was foolish enough to attack them on the way. He smiled at this thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Caladin (msg # 10):

Handled and continued in a different thread

A few day after the Ashfield's left Poppy Hall a sentry on the boarder of House Neumann's lands spotted Mathys and the Ashfield vanguard. As word reached Blue Hall of their imminent arrival, Edric suited up and readied a personal escort. When the party cleared the woods and entered the plains that surrounded Blue Hall and it's hill. Edric rode out with 20 armored lances and knights to greet them. He had dawned his new armor, a fine piece of plate enameled white with blue glass ram's head adoring the center of his breastplate.

As he approached Lord Asfield, edric dismount and gave a deep bow, saying "Lord Ashfield, on behalf of my Lord Father, welcome to Blue Hall."

The Trip to Blue Hall took much longer than expected. The caravan was long and Lord Ashfield expect delays like weather, broken wagon wheels and the like. For the most part the travel was good, no injuries and no men lost to bandits or Steiner spies.

Along the lord and lady entertain several on different evening share their personal food and wine to keep moral up as many would miss home. At these feast when the company was right they would also discussion several manners of state and send massagers home with letter from the men and official documents to their respective counter parts.

Blue Hall will be the last place to get proper rest before entering the Stormlands and it been some time since the Lord and Lady have visited so they intend to make good use of the 2 days they plan to spend with their banner men.

---

Nobles of house Ashfield, .....

 "Ser Edric Neumann Its good to see you again, I Hope all is well" he then pays his respect to the rest of the noble house of Neumann as the Lady Ashfield does the same. The two houses and their men seem happy to see and be amongst each other once again and this time not in battle.

Polina sighed at the thought of repacking to go to King's Landing.  It felt like she had just finished unpacking after her arrival in Poppy Hall.  Since arriving at her new home, she had spent most of her time being quiet and watching the house and it's people go about their work.  She still didn't feel comfortable with anyone, but at least they weren't all complete strangers anymore.

She packed everything she would need and tried to find time to visit with Pella and Mara, since they were the other ladies who would traveling to King's Landing.  As for her husband...  She felt both relieved and anxious that he would not be traveling with them.  Still, she would do her best to bring respect to House Ashfield.

Merius Basso you are at Blue Hall, your men are all with you. You took the safest road to Blue Hill, and escorted your charge along the way, none followed. Once at Blue Hall and the young Lord Kaldor demanded you stay in Blue Hill. He expressed his gratitude to both you and the House Neumann. He did not explain why he had to travel alone but make it very clear he had too.

If House Steiner was following they are the best spies you have every seen as you took every precaution you know. You have been trained to not only to flush them out but how to get home safely. Once relieved of your responsibilities to Kaldor you took to some rest as you waited for the rest of the house to return from Ashfield. Now you are ready to head out with the young Nuemann’s to trek to King's Landing.

Merius was grateful for the rest he was given. The speed with which they made their journey was fast, even by the lancers standards. With the eminent arrival of the guests, and their imminent departure, he thought it best to meet Mara Neumann to report to her the results of his assignment.

The men and servants seem up beat again, the traveling was taking its toll, and many were not accustomed to leaving their normal lives behind like they did. Also House Neumann seems to be up in spirits with House Ashfields arrival as well.

OOC: Players may post freely and by Monday GM will be posting the travels to Blackhaven.

Another new place.  The first thing Polina did after arriving at Blue Hall was request a glass of wine to refresh herself after the journey. Then she tried to seek out Lady Mara or Lady Pella.  She asked after them around the hall as courteously as she could.

Mara was home. At least technically, Blue Hall never held much fondness for her. She loved her mother and brothers, but she dreaded the sight of her father. As a girl, she did not know this, but as a woman she knew what a monster he was.

She knew that she would need to gather the ladies together, or her father depravity might strike her or one of them. She sat with her mother Lady Jocelyn as Polina came in. The two of sat doing needlework as they caught up.  Mara smiled as sh entered.


Mother this is one of my friends. Polina. She is the Daughter of the future Lord of Ascar. Polina, this is my Mother, Lady Jocelyn.

"Hello Polina, would you sit with us, ..... ?" She places her needle aside and stands to properly great Polina.

Edric returns Ranner to the stables as sees to it that the Horse of House Ashfield are also stabled and fed. Grabbing two blunted sword from the weapon rack outside, Edric hands one to Mathys. So Mathys we never got a chance at Poppy Hall to see who has improved the most since we parted ways when we were young. Care to face me one on one?

 The caravan that was House Ashfield slowly wound its way to end this leg of the journey, at Blue Hall. The travel had been without incident, no Vipers of Dorn, no bandits, not even a deranged Hedge Knight, to offer some sport for the second son of The Lord of Poppy Hall.  He was tired, thirsty from the dust of the road, and he wanted to sample the wares ( women) of Blue Hall.

  Mathys  saw that his twin sister, Pella, was somewhat  nervous when upon the road. So he would ride along side of her, from time to time, and make a jape, or speak of matters of their youth, anything it lift her spirits. She was the most important person in his
life, even over his father and mother. It was ever  Pella that rose to his defense, when they where children, and even today, she might intercede with The Lord, when Mathys went to far on  a matter.

  As they neared the end of this stage of the journey, a group of riders approached, and Mathys rode with the van guard to intercept them. The symbol of Blue Hall was seen, Mathys rode forth and raised his right arm in salute, and escorted them, so they might offer respects to his Lord Father . The face of an old friend was revealed when the visor was lifted, and a wide grin split Mathys face, when he saw Edric. They rode to Blue Hall, as the two old friends exchanged japes and gossip. What Mathys wanted to know most, was how the hunting was at this Hall, both game and women.

 When the Household was getting settled in, Mathys went about the matter of seeing that the escort was seen to in a proper manner. He walked back towards the Hall, when Edric appeared and tossed him a practice sword, and  inquired vhow his skill was. " Well, my friend, let us cross blades, and you can judge for yourself." He said with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Sun 31 Aug 2014.

Edric returned the grin and lead Mathys to the training yard. First person to land 3 hits win. He says before taking his place ten yards away from Mathys. Edric waits for Mathys to ready himself before lunging towards him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

  Mathys raised his blade, and saluted his opponent, then assumed a fighting stance and made a slow counter clockwise circle around Edric.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

The men have decided it's time to seperate them from the boys, and some sparring has begun in the field just outside Blue Hall. The men have crowded to see Ser Mathys Ashfield & Ser Edric Neumann go at it.

OOC: players at the site will have to wait until the rolling is done and then they can react to the posts as they go up.

The rest may continue in this thread to post what they are doing at Blue Hall, once this is done and the combat is completed we will be moving the story along to Blackhaven.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

In reply to Lady Jocelyn (msg # 22):

Polina curtsied before Lady Jocelyn, rising with a smile for both of them.  "I would be honored, thank you."  Sat down with them and smoothed her skirts.  She had no needlepoint work with her, and so fell back to polite small talk.  "It was very kind of your lord husband to allow us to rest here before we continue on."

Polina, I was surprised that your husband, Victarion, did not travel with you. I did not get to spend much time with him to get to know him

She continued with her needlepoint. She did not like needlepoint, but it was one of the necessary skills of a lady of her station.

"I was surprised as well, though I suppose Mathys is the better competitor for a tournament."  She paused to admire Mara's work before admitting, "I have not had much chance to get to know my husband, either.  Between arriving at Poppy Hall and then preparing to travel to King's Landing, there's been little time for much else."

She offered few compliments the pretty patterns that Mara and Jocelyn had chosen, then asked tentatively, "I know Pella has already asked you, but I wondered if you could tell me what we might expect in King's Landing?  Is there anyone there who will know the Ashfield name that I should watch for?  To introduce myself, or to avoid?"  She wasn't sure if these were appropriate questions or not, but she didn't want to start any unpleasantness simply from a lack of knowing.

The time is passing quickly even as they speak and talks just pass the hours by -it just races by and the two days are coming to an end. House Ashfield has noted that everyone is to be ready to leave by noon the third day.

There is not much time left so everyone makes the best of it and enjoys the hospitalities of House Neumann and the Blue Hall.

Seeing Mathys attempting to circle him, Edric pivots in his stride, attempting to predict were Mayths will be before he is even there. Raising his blade, Edric gives a downward slash hoping to hit Mayths's arm or side.

Rolled: 17

Mathys felt the others sword  strike him in the arm, but the scales did their job, he swung his own sword in  a downward slash to Edric's shoulder.

Grunting as Mathys's sword connected to his shoulder, Edric raises his shield and watches Mathys, as Mathys takes a step toward him Edric lashed out with a thrust and it slid beneath Mathys Scales bruising him lightly beneath his chest. Luckily Mathys' Gambeson had absorbed most of the blow but that will sting later.

 Mathys felt himself on the receiving end of Edric's blunted sword. That "touch" would leave a bruise come the dawn. He laughed, then with a spring of his legs, Mathys launched himself at Edric, with a whirlwind of sword blows aiming both high and low.

Swinging Wildly Mathys steps in and delivers a Devastating hit to Ser Edric. Edric feels as the blade of the sword drives deep between his armor, sending a lance of pain up Edric's spine.  When Mathys draws back his sword he realizes maybe that may have been too much, attacking so recklessly could potentially effect Edric's chances at competition in King's Landing.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 07 Oct 2014.

 Mathys had exchanged some goodly blows with his childhood friend. When they had completed the match,  Mathys would clasp hands and laugh, as only two friends could do. " Now that we have exchanged mutual metal compliments, what say you to a hunt? While the rest of the the party takes their ease, we can retire to the Greensward, perhaps upon Deer or Boar that might volunteer for our supper. What say you Edric?" Mathys smiled at the thought of a good hunt.

in a playful voice Alianna speaks out to Ser Mathys "Boy's there is no time for such games, hunting will have to wait as we will be leaving as soon as the supplies are refreshed."


The day passes quickly and the night is uneventful. House Neumann has been a good host offering a modest feast in the hall that evening. The normal boarding political talk takes place with some giving their opinion even when not asked. Most of the nobility at the table humor those of lower station but remind them of there place when it call of it.

Early in the morning the wagons, men, supplies and savants are ready, ... those heading to Blackhaven are mounted and the caravan heads out once more. This time they will use one of the many passes though the Dornish Marsh entering the stormlands, but with the many troops, sellswords and famed knights from the houses the trip is without a hitch. Time passes quickly on the road and the members of the house exchange stories and get closer as allies and friends.



OOC This end this IC and a New IC will be Posted. In the New IC I will recap a few events and some notes for the PCs. I also recommend that if I missed something your first post for the new IC be recapping as well and then getting into the new sense.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
All PC in this thread will receive 1 exp for the IC also I would like those that are still active to get another 1 exp for their patience and for sticking with us.

Alianna Ashfield
Cale Waterstone
Mara Neumann
Merius Basso
Pella Ashfield
Polina Ashfield
Ser Edric Neumann
Ser Mathys Ashfield

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