The day is fair and almost half of the house is empty, Wallace is tending to his normal daily duties.

The current Lord of Ashfield, Ser Victarion Ashfield, ..... "Well Wallace its day one without my family here I feel incredible, ... It you and I now and we will show my father that this house and all its glory will raise to the occasion even when he is away"

Wallace hopes that this new position of Victarion doesn’t go to his head, as Wallace is well aware that Lord Ascar Ashfield has no intention of stepping down and giving the Lordship to his son quite yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Mon 13 Oct 2014.

The hall felt empty with so many people gone. In fact, Wallace could not even remember when so many had been away. Of course, during the wars, most men-at-arms were not present and both Victarion and Mathys had always been in the field with them. Still, Lord Ascar had seen fit to take a rather large force with him and Wallace felt a bit naked arms wise with the task ahead.

He nods humbly at Victarion’s eagerness
”I am sure you will do just well, my lord. I would advise against anything too rash, of course.
Regardless of what may occur in the crownlands or on the way there, we would probably manage things best if we were to stick to the plans your father has informed us about.
Specifically, my lord, we really need to focus on the spreading banditry on your father’s lands. Alas, with most horse gone, increased patrol may proof to be a problem, still…”

Wallace continues to drone on about all the actions he had come up with during the last couple of nights of deep thinking. In order to ensure safe trade with their new allies south of the Marches, House Ashfield would need to do its part and keep the roads clear and safe.

”My lord, I have anticipated our needs to recruit more patrols and thus have taken the liberty to invite Semmon of Redpass to join us this evening in order to discuss Redpass’s possibilities to support us in this matter.”

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 2):

"That's an excellent idea Wallace, ...... we will get these bandits and clear our lands, ......" He smiles as he looks into Wallace's eyes, "father has put his trust in the other houses to tend to these bandits, But we will call on our banner men to send two memebers of each house and we will ride the country side to free us of this burden," Looking away and up as if his ideas are master full, "and father will see that I am worthy of lordship."

"You will manage the house and together with Corinne, & Dyllan we will hunt down these bandits and bring law to the country side."

"We ready ourselves and in a fortnight begin our hunt, ....."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:16, Thu 28 Aug 2014.

Wallace is somewhat overwhelmed by the heir's enthusiasm.
He wonders We have banner men ?, but does not comment at this point, even though he does not quite understand what Victarion means, or more precisely: whom he intends to send on patrols.

"My lord, I do agree that showing the house's colours will certainly bolster the the plan and the small-folk will rejoice that their lord takes their matter to heart."

Wallace scratches the stubble at his chin. He always had cursed his strong beard growth, especially since it grew all blotchy and thus he was forced to shave everyday. Non today, though, to his shame he had quite lost time last night. It was good that no one had seen him in that condition.
His irritation at his stubble swaps over to his not understanding Lord Ascar's heir, and so he asks after all.

"Forgive my ignorance, my lord, but I do not quite understand whom you intend to lead that expedition, or indeed who shall be part of the troop.
I was hoping that the small village Redpass might provide some capable men for this task and thus invited the elderman Semmon to discuss this matter. Surely he can help us in levying some men.
However, to make this a success, we would require to equip them properly.", the senechal winces, "which will cost, of course. Nothing too fancy, but it will be no use if they are overwhelmed at the first sincere opposition.
Perhaps it would be wise to include master Hallys in our talk with Semmon ? He may be able to forge some swords and bits of armor to equip some men.
Of course, many of the men will not be proficient riders, so mayhaps we should consider a more lengthy expedition ?"

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 4):

"Your right Wallace perhaps you can lead me in this, ... you note supplies, lets start with what we need to make this happen." looking at Wallace "We have friends Wallace lets call on them for their help" ..... "but I'm not looking to repay favor they should what to do this for our family not for a reward."

Wallace smiles amiably.
"My lord, I am sure that Semmon expects some recompense. A token payment might work magic, though. We can easily afford to pay them with better food than they would normally get. That alone should attract some. Perhaps even a small relief of the taxes for a year, too. And the prospect to join the guards for real will surely entice the whole affair to young men's appetite."

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 6):

"Wallace are you giving away my sisters dowery, my mother would be very upset with you, .... "he laughs at this known joke.

"I like this food idea of yours, I will leave the details to you, how long do you need to ready this so we can head out and pursue these reported bandits."

Wallace nods, somewhat uncertainly.
He had expected Victarion to want to join in the talks with Semmon and Hallys, first to make an impression and second to indulge in his own importance.
It looked like the heir of Poppy Hall did not want to waste time with talks, though, he obviously graved to get out there and hunt for bandits.

"My lord, let me try to answer that questions once I have talked with Semmon and Hallys tonight. Certainly only a week at most."

Wallace chews his lip in thought.
"Of course, any such men will be untrained, Ser Redbrush may want to teach them some basics. So until then, your idea of demanding trained men-at-arms from your bannermen is for sure the quickest way."

Wallace pauses, reaching into his memory of the last reports he had about guard strength of the diverse knights who served Lord Ascar.
"I am sure Ser Gabriel Tallanvor can provide four men easily.
Ser Allek Pranner shall put forth two men, as shall Ser Willyam Terrowyn,", Wallace smiles, "though surely he will send his eldest son Byron instead. Old Willyam is suffering from severe fits of gout, or so his son is telling me, and Byron is graving for glory and the title of knighthood."

Wallaces pauses again, scratching his every-annoying stubble.
"Ser Tallyn Ironmaker, Ser Fredryck Tiernan and Ser Garwen the Bull shall also provide two men each. Thirteen men-at-arms then, my lord, lead by yourself ?"

---

New Person	Description
Ser Gabriel Tallanvor	Status 3, adult landed banner knight in service to House Ashfield 10 men-at-arms
Ser Allek Pranner	Status 3, adult minor banner knight of House Ashfield 8 men-at-arms
Ser Willyam Terrowyn	Status 3, old minor banner knight of House Ashfield, suffering from gout, 6 men-at-arms
Byron Terrowyn	oung adult son of Ser Willyam Terrowyn, acting as squire to his father, does not want to be knighted by his father, capable fighter seeking fame and glory
Ser Tallyn Ironmaker	Status 3, adult minor banner knight of House Ashfield 6 men-at-arms
Ser Fredryck Tiernan	Status 3, middle-aged minor banner knight of House Ashfield 6 men-at-arms
Ser Garwen the Bull	Status 3, middle-aged minor banner knight of House Ashfield 6 men-at-arms

This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Tue 09 Sept 2014.

Wallace left the hall, keeping the heir of Poppy Hall to his thoughts of yet another victory won by the blade.

Wallace shook his head.

Victarion seemed to think that this would run down to some sort of military campaign: searching for the foe, meet him on the field of battle, and vanquish the enemy by might. Wallace did not share his master’s notion. Not at all. Bandits were by their very nature an elusive sort, they would not meet the nobles on the battlefield, they would instead do everything to completely evade the assembled warriors.
When it came down to banditry, the only option was to show presence, and that meant patrols. Patrolling the main roads would do the trick, not some open battle. Rather than displaying proudly the pennons and banners of the Ashfield knights, they should send out regular riders. Of course, these would need to be recognizable as Ashfield men, but it was quite a difference whether you rode out with banners streaming in the wind as if riding to war in the Marches or whether you ascertained a continuous presence on the trade routes.

But Wallace had not found it in his heart to disillusion the young heir, he seemed so eager to curry the favour of his father that Wallace found himself hoping against hope that it would come indeed to an open battle.

Wallace shook his head again and continued to walk through the halls, corridors and staircases. Poppy Hall was not big, in fact it was almost too small for the household and the troops, except a constant 20 men contingent of guards, were not even stationed within the Hall proper but outside of what Wallace liked to call the Hall’s defensive perimeter. And he had lived so long inside the Ashfield’s ancient seat of power that he would always find his way, even in near darkness. In fact, the only indication that he was deep in thought was his frown and that he did not respond to any words of greeting or bowing of the servants who were busy with their daily chores.
Wallace almost tripped over a bucket filled to the top with soiled water. Irritated he looked about, trying to find the culprit who had left it there. A maid entered the corridor, coming from the private room of the absent second son of house Ashfield, yelped at the sight of the senechal, blushed and curtsied muttering apologies. Wallace’s frown deepened as he recognized Sarah. The lass was far too pretty to clean Mathys’ rooms and he vowed to make a change: comely Tilda would much better fit that task, if only to prevent any unwelcome trouble: Mathys was well-known for his irresponsibility in that regard. Luckily, Maester Jon had always been able to provide the required brew to avoid additional children within the hall. Wordlessly, Wallace pointed at the bucket and Sarah quickly took it away and left with yet another curtsy.
Wallace continued on his way.

Subconsciously he had chosen the right path through the halls while pondering the situation: he had arrived at the kitchen.
The kitchen was the realm of the master cook Jonathan, whom the household called the walrus behind his back. Wallace had not seen a walrus in his life, but the maester had shown him a picture in one of his numerous books and Wallace had to admit that the servants were not that wrong. With his huge belly, bald head and thick moustache the chief cook did indeed look like that sea creature.
Wallace quickly informed Jonathan about the planned dinner with Semmon and Hallys this evening, needlessly reminding him that Hallys enjoyed a good wine any day, certainly not the Lord’s deteriorating stock of the finest Arbor Gold, but the richer red sort. It so happened that Jonathan himself preferred reds, too, quite contrary to Lord Ashfield, and thus there was always red wine available without Lord Ascar noticing. And Wallace did, too.
Wallace was about to turn around, then realized that he had forgotten something. Quickly he snatched a small loaf, still hot from the oven, a bit of cheese and two sausages from one of the numerous working places. Jonathan frowned, but as Wallace silently mouthed the name of his next visit, the obese cook smiled, bellowed to one of his assistants who quickly ran to another working place and came back with two apples.

With a nod of thanks the seneschal left Jonathan to his own devices and climbed the staircase back up to the main hall and onward to the maester’s chambers.
He knocked on the door and waited for the leave to enter.
Maester Jon had reclined in the huge armchair in front of the cold fireplace. Even in summer, this was the maester’s preferred place and Wallace found him with a big tome in his lap.

”Maester Jon, I hope I do not interrupt you in any delicate research. I come to ask for your help in some research for which you are much more aptly endowed than myself.”

”Wallace, come in, come in, do take a seat, I beg you. You did not, per chance, bring something to eat from the kitchen ?”, the maester often forgot to come to table for breakfast, reading deep into to the night and thus sleeping too long. It was a well-known – and actually cherished – trait of the maester and thus Jonathan always kept some food about to grab for anyone who intended to visit the maester of Hosue Ashfield.

With a smile, Wallaced produced the basket with the food he had taken just a couple of minutes ago and placed it on the table. He took the offered seat next to Jon.

”Maester, the research I was talking about would be into Dornish history. We have learned of our late guest that there seems to be bad blood between House Kaldor and House Steiner. Knowing if that is true would be just as useful as knowing any specific details.
Further, Lady Mara Neumann and myself have come to an understanding that there seems to have occurred some kind of schism between Houses Kolwyn and Steiner. Again, your help in learning the truth of that would be most welcome. After 500 years of a strong bond between these two a break seems so unusual. And if so, what has caused this souring of their relations... and ultimately who had his hands in that ?
Do you think you can help ?”

---

New Person	Description
Sarah	young, beautiful maid
Tilda	adult, comely maid
Jonathan the Walrus	old, chief cook

This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Tue 09 Sept 2014.

"Why yes, Wallace I may be able to shed some light on the matter." Maesrer Jon walks to one of his many book cases, .... talking to himself he mutters "dame I just had it and I know I place it, .... there it is".

Maester Jon pulls out a ragged book with several loss papers hanging from the edges. The book is in rough shape but the words your sure will read the same.

"As our Lady asked the same questions Castellan Justman before she left,  ... what I found is that these houses have been very closed in the years pasted, .... Their history shows a few events were Steiner has come to assist Kowlyn but their reward for their services have been few and far in-between. Of late our friends hiding in Dorne have reported that in the passed 3 years bandits have been running wild in the banner lands and neighboring area of Kowlyn, and House Chiffon and Steiner have become close many believe they will marry some children to make the bond stronger between them."

Jon fumbles with the loss papers, ... the papers seem to be correspondences between men and women from around Dorne, .... they look like messages transcribed from ravens. It seems that the Lady of the house have been developing spies around the southern lands and collecting information from during the greater part of the wars several years ago, including recent events.

"I have also heard that the Steiner has entertained some Red Priest or Priestess that have joined and converted Amaranth Dawn and those that live there. They have some blood feud with House Ravenhowe who is in service to Kowlyn and between Ravenhowe, Kaldor and Kowlyn they have formed an very strong and meaningful alliance just in time for peace talks. There could be many reason at foot these houses are not happy with one another but based on these notes more Steiner upset at Kowlyn then the other way around. And of course there is more to House Amaranth Dawn, as the Kowlyn's are very well known to have accepted and are strong in the Faith, ...they have pushed aside any faith other then the 'Seven'"


OOC: If you want more info on this will need a roll and you can assist him in the research.

Wallace is quite baffled at the sheer mass of information put forth in such short time. He was most intrigued that none other than Lady Iliria had obviously not sat idly all those years but had indeed been busy in the erection of an espionage net. Wallace whistles in appreciation.

”Slowly, my dear maester, too much and too quick for my old mind. Would you mind if I took your notes and studied them for myself tonight ? I will bring them back first thing in the morning.”, Wallace smiled and pointed and the basket with the food, ”And I promise not to foul your notes with any food or drink I may have tonight.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 11):

"These are the Lady's so be warned that if they do not return she will be very upset. She did ask they never leave my side, ....  but being its you Wallace I'm sure it's for the house's best interest. ....Correct?"

He is concurred and wants Wallaces's reinsurances that the come back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:35, Mon 08 Sept 2014.

Wallace felt hurt that the maester would even contemplate that he would do anything at all that would not be to House Ashfield's best.
The muscles at his jaw clenched and only with a visible effort he loosened up again. Wallace's eyes seemed to darken, like stormclouds darkening the sky, heavy clouds coming from the north to stop at the high hills and mountains of the Marches, spilling the rain on the fertile plains of the Reach.

"I live and breathe in the service to this house, maester,", he replied coolly, all traces of the former easy atmosphere deflagrated like a fly that came to close to a candle’s flame.
Wallace pointed at the maester's chain that hung heavily around the man's neck, "It does not always take a chain to bind oneself to a house.", he comments.
Wallace’s allusion to the maester’s chain was no coincidence.

When Wallace had been placed under Lord Tyrion Ashfield's care as a ward together with Hextor Fossoway due to their respective fathers' mischievous warmongering, the maester had already served House Ashfield.
The Justman heir had always resented being a ward and had ever likened it to being chained like a dog to the kennels. So much in fact that he had tried to run away at the first possibility that provided itself to him within the very first year of his enforced stay at Poppy Hall.
In fact, it had been none other than Maester Jon who had healed the grievous wound Wallace had taken from the Ashfield horseman who had brought him back.
After that Wallace finally accepted his position as a ward and resentment turned slowly but steadily into gratitude.
When his own father died in a tourney a mere year after Wallace’s Name Day he left nothing behind except for the bronze signet ring of House Justman. And the requirement to keep a ward to ensure his father’s behavior became moot. Wallace had numbly accepted the ring and still kept it on a chain around his neck. Except for that reminder to his heritage, however, Wallace’s gratitude had developed into true loyalty to House Ashfield and as such had risen in the ranks of the household.

So the maester and he shared a long history of servitude to the house.
That Maester Jon should doubt and question his loyalty hurt more than he cared to admit.
Then again, it could just be an indication of the maester’s nervousness about the current situation.
And indeed, should other houses learn of Lady Ashfield’s trickery the house would suffer indeed.

”Do not question my loyalty and fervor to serve House Ashfield again, Maester Jon. It does not become you well to have such doubts after all those years.”, he says, not as coolly as before, but still very much determined.
Wallace breathed out slowly, letting go of the anger that had built up.
Much calmer afterwards, he continued.
”If you prefer, and if I do not incommode you, I can just as well study these papers and notes in your room. That way, these never leave your rooms and you fulfill the lady’s wishes to the word. Your integrity will not be compromised.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 13):

"OO.oo NO, ... NO... Wallace, please that was not my intent, .... Your a valued member of this family and equal in many regards. I only meant that if, .... they were not to come back or something is misplaced, ... and well she did make it very clear that they were to stay here, .... I, am only worried, BUT no not of you of course but there are so many others that may, .... Come now you must understand you too have so many responsibilities and there are so many that have hinder you along they way. Maester Jon's voice changes several times, as he rattles-off for a moment then regains his thoughts , ......

"You look stressed Wallace came perhaps some EverClear Water to calm the nerves, .... Just a little to settle the stomach ease the stress, ..." He walks to the table looking at several flasks with mixtures, "I Know I have one here someplace all ready, .... 
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:47, Wed 10 Sept 2014.

Wallace raises his hands to placate Maester Jon. Seemingly his own reaction had been too strong.
"Maester Jon, my apologies. Let's forget this brief misunderstanding, shall we ?
"I won't need any EverClear Water, thank you, I am fine."
"But if you insist on me imbibing something, I would gladly share a cup of this red wine with you."
"Let me have a look at the Lady's notes, if you please."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

"Yes of course" As he takes the information and places on the corner of his reading table.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Umm... ???
Sir, you are contradicting yourself.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 15):

The Maester is getting older and has started talking to himself, he recently starting getting very nervous when asked are push with many questions.


OOC:
He is talking to you but not directly, during the middle of the conversation, and he seems to be overly concerned about you taking the material.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Wallace is quite startled by the Maester's reaction.
Did I not just say...???, he wonders to himself.

"Maester, you do not be concerned about me taking the papers. I just offered you to read them in your rooms, right here, so I won't be taking them at all.", he tries once again to alleviate Jon's concerns.
"Unless it is something completely different that has you so wound up ?"
"Now if you'd allow me to peruse those notes and papers, so I can assess the threat to our house properly and take appropriate countermeasures. For surely you agree, dear Maester, that in my function as the castellan countering any physical threats to Poppy Hall falls within my responsibility."

---

OOC:
12:02, Today: Secret Roll: Wallace Justman rolled 14 using 7d6, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 3,2,2,4,1,3,2. Read Target.
This vs. Maester Jon's passive Cunning
Included for good measure as discussed above.

12:03, Today: Secret Roll: Denalor rolled 18 using 6d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 1,3,4,1,4,6. Convince.
Again, for good measure in case you need to evaluate Wallace's persuasion

In reply to Wallace Justman (msg # 19):

Read them in my room, .... well, why yes of course I misunderstood, ..... Wallace you may use my books and things when you like.

---

different ? no not at all I misunderstood that's all.

Poppy Hall falls on all of us Castellan Justman, I merely misunderstood, .... I'm a bit tied and I think I will take a little of that EverClear Water myself, are you sure you don't want some, ....

OOC: EverClear Water is a tonic water with some mint flavoring and a touch of alcohol - nothing that would get you drunk or loss your senses is also helps settle stomach pain and said to help relax the nerves.

Wallace raises his hand
"No, thank you maester, but nothing for me, I am fine."

Walllace was actually growing a bit concerned about Maester Jon. It was rather late, yes, but he would not have guessed that the maester was so tired.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Maester Jon gathers his things including some of the components for more EverClear Water and excuses himself and leaves the room to go 'fetch' his drink and give Wallace some privacy.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:28, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Wallace continues to read on what he can so he can continue to assist the young lord and report back to his father on his finding. Only time will tell and hopefully he can help the family as he has always done in the past.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Wallace recieves 2 xps for this IC

---