In reply to Cyra Vyraes (msg # 52):

Sundancer snatched the treat out of the air, not really concerned over who threw it. At least not when Bron was within view. Bron on the other hand raised an eyebrow and stared at Cyra's back. What was she suggesting? That he should risk Ashara, and himself? Then again, he watched her at a distance. Maybe he could contact her...just to see if she was ok. Yes, that is all. Nothing else-totally reasonable and safe. After all, he. Would just be inquiring about her well being. No one could blame him for that. Right?

Well, he would be smart enough to do it when her pig headed uncle and aunt were off making someone else's life miserable.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Fri 07 Nov 2014.

In reply to Ashara Kolwyn (msg # 55):

Wonderful, especially because this means I don't get left out in the rain.

Ashara giggles. "Very clever, coz." she says to Fatimah. "The rain is driving us all a bit crazy."

In reply to Cyra Vyraes (msg # 52):

The ride had been less than enjoyable for Dio.  The mud was particularly but he had stayed quiet save for the occasional comment to Cyra meant to lift her spirits in the damnable weather.

With a tired no and the pop of his shoulders and neck the old pirate looks about as worn down as the muddy road they travelled on, "I was not meant for this travel.  These lands are so wet we might as well have sailed to this castle."

Hassan circles his horse away from the lord after receiving his orders. Helm in hand and his hair wet and knotted.

“Ashara, I see you & Fatimah have already agreed, .... so Ashara, Fatimah is now in your charge while we stay in Blackhaven.” “Cyra, I image your pick for guard will be Dio, .... This is not Dorne as our lord has reminded us so stay close to Ashara and Fatimah and keep to the back for safety.” Hassen's real worry is that the nobles will not recognize these women as equals, again as pointed out before, so his thought is to keep the women in the rear.

“Gabriel Laurent, you will be assigned my lady Aislin guard my treasure well”, Garbriel simply nods but is very upset of the change in duties.

“Ser Badar, Ser Ernesto, Strohan & Bron. You are all with me your duties will be to the lady and lord on my command with the house guards as the main detail for their protection.”

Hassan then barks orders to the many servants and men to set camp. He expects that all will be in order for when they return. He expresses that all measures are to be make. Even though the lord did not say how long they would be staying, Hassan expects it will be a few days to wait out the rain. He also orders that they are to stay out of Blackhaven until he says otherwise.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 05:00, Wed 12 Nov 2014.

Ashara frowns when she hears Ser Hassan reassign her bodyguard. She'll miss Gabriel, but she trusts Fatimah to keep her safe. "We'll be careful, uncle."
She nods at his remark about this not being Dorne. "Do you know anything about the Dondarrions?" she asked her uncle curiously. She maintains a calm demeanor, even though she is cold again and eager to get to Blackhaven.

In reply to Ser Hassan Ravenhowe (msg # 60):

Bron nods to nobles command, and rides where directed. He tired to keep a neutral expression on his face, as the man was looking for an excuse to hurt him. Clearly this is the way they dealt with uncomfortable things-pretending like they never happened.

He of course noticed Ashara shiver, and had to restrain his impulses of getting her another fur. No good would come of it, so he had to just watch. He did not need to worry, she could get a warm bath after they reached Blackhaven.

In reply to Ashara Kolwyn (msg # 61):

I don't know much about the Dondarrians. I've heard stories about them engaging in heroics or at least winning against insane odds. Staying in the back? So he suspects danger? Seems reasonable, but... bleh. Confusing. At least she would avoid the rain.

"Dramatic heroics. That's a good sign, they might be exciting people" Ashara muses. "They aren't Dornish, though, they'll probably be a bit odd."

"Come" As Lord Perros address's those that will take shelter in the Blackhaven.

The rest of the caravan heads to the hill out side of the city and they begin to set camp. The rest of the nobles and their escorts head into Blackhaven. The city is large but not as lively as some of the cities of Dorne. The people seems down, depressed, maybe because of the weather or maybe its just their demeanor. Then again maybe, they feel the enemy had been welcomed into there home under forced circumstances.

The region of Blackhaven is part of the Dornish Marches, it is located in the northern Red Mountains near the Dornish border. It is north of the Wyl and south of the Cockleswhent. The fortress of Blackhaven guards this pass against their enemies & the outlaws hiding in the mountains.

Blackhaven has always been referred to as a city but it is a castle as well and the seat of House Dondarrion, a vassal house holding fealty to House Baratheon of Storm's End.

Blackhaven is a stout keep that has a long history and impressive history as a defensive fortification. There is an interesting legend about its founding.

OOC: players may rule if interested in this legend.

Bron looked around the gloomy place. It seemed quite the step down from Dorne-but then places like this was what he called home. At least, when he was not on the other side of the wall. He glanced at the walls of this place, and saw the bodies hanging. They wore signs around thier necks 'rapist', 'bandit', 'murderer'. Mostly to terrify the locals into obedience rather than frighten away outsiders. He looked to the sky, hoping the rain would clear away soon so he could see the sky once more...

Ashara rides with the others, looking around the city curiously. She notices that the locals don't seem too friendly and tries to make a good impression, giving them friendly waves and smiling prettily.
She says quietly to the other Dornish "An impressive city, to be sure. And a powerful castle. But I miss the spirit of Dorne." She looks up at Blackhaven, impressed by it but mindful that it was built at least partially to keep Dornish out. "I'd like to know more about these strange Stormlanders."

OOC: Interested

I would too. Any epic stories, or great battles? What are their tactics in battle? How do we woo the men? Fatimah giggles at the last bit, OOC: Extra background is always cool.

"Well, they are Marcher Lords, so unfortunately many of their great battles have been against us." Ashara responds to Fatimah. She blushes and giggles at Fatimah's last comment. "I don't know if Stormlanders are ready for spirited Dornish girls like us."

"My Lords and Ladies, Welcome to Blackhaven. I am Ser Giles Herston knight to "Old Lord Dondarrion". He has ask that we take you to his manor just below the ridge to castle Blackhaven. My apologies .... foreign forces are not allowed beyond the ridge. My young Lord Haryl and his family will meet you at his father's manor."

 Ser Giles Herston is a man in his early 50's and in good physical condition for a man in his age. He sports a gray beard and darker greases hair. He and his man are in no uniform except for their shield that hold the sigil of their sworn house Dondarrion. They also do have one other thing in common a dagger which are all exactly the same, that they have strapped to their boots.

Dagger: the pommel is made of red copper, its grip wrapped in purple cloth and the cross guard design in the shape of lighting bolts.

They are wet to the bone but it doesn't seem to trouble them much. All these escorts seem to have harden faces, some with mark on their faces from their battles. They are also all older then 40 or so they all look that old, ..... something's one can not really tell is a man's age when they have seem many battles.

The group passes much of the town and at its edge a large low wall manor stand ahead.

There are 2 on horse to the front, and 2 men to the rare. Ser Giles Herston was at the lead in the start but has fallen back along side Fatimah Ravenhowe.

"So you are a woman of Dorne, ..... are skilled warriors and our equal?"
Not listening to the reply he moves back forward to the lead.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:52, Wed 19 Nov 2014.

"A pleasure to meet you and your men, Ser Giles. I am Lady Ashara Kolwyn, I'm grateful for your protection and hospitatlity" Ashara says courteously. The Dondarion men look experienced and tough... that's good news.
Ashara pouts slightly when Ser Giles completely bypasses her when he wants to speak to a woman of Dorne. And what does he think I am, a Stormlander?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:07, Fri 21 Nov 2014.

In reply to Ser Giles Herston (msg # 71):

The women of Dorne are just as fierce as our men, there is no place... and your not listening at all. she turns to Ashara I had a boast all ready about Dorne and sheesh. Rude.

"He's probably just busy with his duties. We can regale him with the wonders of Dorne when we're all safe and dry" Ashara responds to Fatimah. She leans over and whispers to her cousin

The procession rides up to 2 large heavy iron gates. Behind the gates, 2 guards in similar shield and dagger fashion are on foot. They open the gate and greet their follow soldiers and guests.

One of the men on the ground yells out to the squires and servants. "Get a move on you fat shit and tend to the horses." As another boy comes out to help he slaps him in the back of the head, ... hard. "Where the hell where you?" and then kicks the boy in the ass. The same soldier walks up to Lord Perros, "Lord Prince Kolwyn excuse these young boys, they tend to get lazy when it rains." He extend his hand to Lady Kowlyn "allow me to help M'lady."

---

Walled Manor:
The walls are only 8 feet tall and have a short wooden walkway that is exposed from the inside. The lower windows are either gated in iron or are narrow slits. The manor is simple but large and designed like a keep. Is not pretty to look at but its impressive and well staffed. No less then 20 men can bee seen on duty. Whether they are on guard, tending to the horses or fixing a wagon wheel they all seem to keep busy even in the rain.

There are two entrances, one lower to the left and one upper to the right. The right entrance has an open stone staircase that leads to a short 3 story tower. and left only has  a 3 step stone staircase that leads to a double wooden reinforced door, this is a shorter 2 story building. One wall to the tower rests on and over the short hall.

---

Walking from the right down the stairs is a white haired old man dress very well. At his side is a younger man, who seems to be helping him, or trying to help him down the stairs. "Dame you leave me alone, .... I'm more then able to walk on my own." the Old man give a good push to the younger man and continues to walk down the stone steps, perfectly fine on his own.

looking back at the young servant he says "Remind me, to tell my son to remove you from my sight, ... I'm old and tried but not a dam cripple."


Smiling as he walks up to the Lord Perros "Welcome Lords and ladies of Dorne, .... Welcome to Blackhaven and welcome to my home. I am Lord Cariel Dondarrion, ..." pointing to the double doors..... a few more that have come out in the rain to greet their guest. "Those over their that's my ass of a brother in law Osgred Selmy, and my young sister Menara" (she is 62 and not very pretty) . "So get down from these wet horses and come in, I'm excited to finial meet 'the purple ravens' and 'yellow owls'" as he smiles again and looks to grab for an arm for help, .... looking at Ashara's he extend for her arm to walk with. He then continues to walk to the left to the lower structure where the rest of the Dondarrion's family are waiting.

Greetings and similar but less direct hellos are given by the lord's sister and her husband.

Bron lets Sundancer fly, and follows along as directed. The bird was careful enough to not get shot by a stray hunter's arrow by staying up high enough. Bron doubted he would be allowed in with Ashara and the rest of them-but waited to be told where to go.

While waiting around-Bron made sure to scribble a note. Most people did not know he could read and write-and he let them think it. People got a bit funny around books-especially in the south. Those that read where rich-and those that could not where poor. Rich people did not care much for when the poor 'put on airs', and he was still leery about provoking them.

He would just bide his time, and wait until Ashara was not under constant watch.

Fatimah will bide her tongue, appear interested, and stay by Ashara. Even while she does that she tries to assess dangers and the intentions of her hosts. See if she could gather and under current of information.

Ashara winces when she sees the men yelling at and slapping around the squires. She fully sympathized with the boy’s desire to do no more than they had to in this kind of rain. But this is not her home and there isn’t anything she can do about it. She looks around curiously at Blackhaven as they enter.
Ashara is painfully aware that she’s soaked and hardly looks her best to meet another noble family. But she carries herself well and is determined to make the best of it, and doesn’t let her relief in being out of the rain show. She dismounts gracefully and prepares to meet the Dondarrions.
She curtsies to Lord Dondarrion him as he arrives. “A honor to meet you, Lord Dondarrion. I’m Ashara Kolwyn, eldest daughter of Lord Perros. I thank you for the kind hospitality of your family.” She smiles at him when he says he is exited to meet the Kolwyns. “I’m glad to hear we have such a pleasant reputation.” Ashara takes Lord Cariel’s arm and assists him in walking like he indicates. She smiles at the other Dondarrions as she approaches them.

From the outside the lord's manor is simple, but on the inside it seems to hold the history of the house. Tapestries hang from the walls, furs cover some areas of the floor, suits of armor too the previous lords of the house decorate cornners of the Hall. The lord and serveral family members and sworn swords await to property greet House Kolwyn, & House Ravenhowe.

"Lord's, princesses, ladies and princes welcome to the Stormlands, this is an interesting day and time. allow me to introduce some members of the house, ....."

"Ser Giles Herston, my loyal knight, and captain of the oringinal Blackbolts. - oddly how the old lord introduces his captain first as there stands family in the house colors."

"This is my lovely sister Menara, and her sometimes useful husband Osgred Selmy, ... that beast of a man is Ser Ackley "The Anvil", you most likely know him as he defied me and his father some years ago and joined against the house Targaryen in the war against you and Dorne."

"By the Seven you are a Beauty, young lady," he smiles as he lets go of Ashara's arm, "you know if I was a younger man I try to bed you before the rest of these lesser men even spoke a word."

Cariel Dondarrion "Old Lord Dondarrion" the current lord Haryl's father is crude and rude, but shrewd and deadly in the field of battle, a master in commanding troop and defending the Boneway from the south.

Inwardly, Cyra was glad that the Stormlands didn't have any goods her family wanted, because living in this dower land with stern people sounded less than appealing. Despite her silence her bright brown eyes watched at the exchanges with Lord Perros, Fatimah, and Ashara. She stayed comfortably close to Dio while they walked to stave off the lack of warmth of this place: lack of warmth in more than sun alone.

Once inside, Cyra unclasped her dripping cape and laid it across one bare arm; she didn't bother looking behind her as she was certain she was leaving a lake behind her from her dress alone. The silk of her sleeveless dress was the color of twilight and the drenched fabric clung closer to her body than normal. Her eyes wondered the hall, taking note of each person who was introduced, and any who were not.

Upon hearing the compliment paid to Ashara, Cyra gave the Lord a roughish smile and said, "It lucky you not younger man, for lady's virtue. I certain many beauty gave to your charm not one summer past." After a moment she dropped into a shallow curtsy, "Vallar morgulis, it is pleasure to be guest here, to take refuge from rain."