The houses mount up and the wagons ready to push on to Blackhaven, ......

Several day on the road and the have been uneventful for the most part. The men are in good spirits and the weather has been fair until today, ....

Heavy dark clouds rolls in and a storm is brewing from the coast - high winds and they are becoming stronger. It begins to rain as the wagons start to slow down. Some of the horses become agitated and restless, lighting strikes fiercely and the crackly of a whip is heard after each stroke of light, then they disappear in the darkness of the clouds.

This is way these parts are called the Stormlands.

After several hours of heavy rain fall the rain begins to slow down but not stop. The party on this muddy road, Blackhaven is just a just days travel.

The Storm God must be pissed because it has been raining on and off with gray clouds for almost 3 days. The men are covered in mud the horses are extremely tired having to pull and trotted thought the mud.

The night is cold and harsh with the rain. The camp is busy but solemn wanting this journey to end. The men usually of good spirits grumble as they can not find a way to stay dry.  The winds blow and the thunder crashes. The sound of horses splashing through mud echos through the camp. The Blue Lancer out riders have returned.

Picket guards are alerted, and they meet the incoming riders. The Guards challenge the Riders. "Approach and be recognized"

The Outrider replies "Blue Lancer Larn, I have information for Captain Merius on are location."

The guard immediately dispatches a subordinate to find Merius.

A cry through the camp is heard "Captain Merius, Captain Merius. The forward Outrider has returned."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:59, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

GM Controlled

Pella exits from the tent where the women have been staying. She approaches Mathys and Edric with a seriousness that borders on grim resolve. Even Mathys can sense this is not the time to tease her.

Edric, your sister Mara, has taken ill with the weather. I could see it in her over the last few days, but she would not admit to it or allow me to examine her. As we entered the tent she fainted. Thank goodness. Polina caught her. She seems to be suffering from some type of fever dream. I have given her some sweet sleep, but still she calls out a name.... Thorin. I sense she is afraid for him.  Do you know who Thorin is.



OOC: Mathys and Edric roll a Cunning roll with Memory.

Merius sighs. Why did they always returned when he was about to finally get a meal?... He looked outside, past the tent flap, and saw the bitter rain still pounding down. 'Why have I really left the warm nights of Essos?...' he thinks.

He put his knife down and sips some warm mulled wine to give him some warmth. Merius always made a point of enduring the same as his riders. He would never simply receive them as if they were servants to him. Sword belt on, he make his way through the sloshing mud to where an obviously anxious rider waited. He rubbed the horse on the forehead, one of the perks of the job, and looked up to the rider.

'I hope your tidings are not as bleak as the weather...'
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

Leon and his small contingent of men from Poppy Hall had finally arrived in the Stormlands. It was obvious to Leon why they called it the Stormlands. It had been raining for at least three days. The other mens spirits were near crushed, but for Leon as he approached the Picket Guards he was elated and anxious because he was about to meet his destiny. Maybe one day, his name would be held in esteem like the noble Ser Mathys. The wrongs Leon could right.


As they approached, the Guards challenged them. "Approach and be Recognized. State your name and purpose."

The Neumann guards not recognizing the boy or the men from Poppy Hall took a ready position.

Yes Captain, the weather she is bleak, but hopefully this will brighten your day. We are but a day maybe slightly more from the Dornish encampment at Blackhaven. I ran into a few of their scouts, and they have told me the best way to approach.

The young Blue Lancer, Larn, was obviously proud that he had delivered this information.

'You've warned a mug of mulled wine, and a while out of the rain...'

Merius returns to his tent warmed by the news. Maybe the gods of this land were starting to pity them. Gods are finicky creatures you never really knew what they were conspiring. And speaking of conspiring, it was time to bring the good news to his employer. It was never good policy to leave his employer waiting.

He again sloshed through the mud to find Edric and Mathis talking to one of the ladies. He made the prearranged hand gesture to signal to Edric he had a message for him and waited.

In reply to Muse (msg # 5):

Leon looks to the remaining two men but quickly realises that they don't seem to be in the mood for talking so he faces the guard to give an answer.
But what answer? Leon quickly tries to come up with a good phrase.
"I am Leon, squire of Ser Mathys and we are here to join up with him. We also have to deliver an important missive."
Leon smiles. the tone was a bit too cheerful for such a crappy weather but the boy is obviously proud of what he just said.

Edric feared that the wound Mathys gave him in the duel would impede the parties travels or even prohibit Edric from coming all together, but with the stitches provided by Maester Egislor and a good night's rest Edric was fit for travel. The rain and wind of the Stormlands did nothing to bring down Edric's spirits. The time spent living here as a squire made traveling in the cold in wet second nature to him. Besides he had a tourney to prove himself in and the storms weren't going to bring him down. His only caused for concern was his sister. Since her youth she was prone to illness and the storms here might be to much for here delicate self.

Edric and Mathys huddled the cook fire, hoping to dry off abit before the next wave of rain comes when they were approached my Pella. Edric instantly wierded that bring Mara might of been a mistake and the only relief Pella could bring was a name. Thorin. Why does that name sound so familiar? Edric thought to himself, but his concentration was lost at the sight of Merius hailing for his attention.

I'm sorry Pella, but I do not recall of Thorin in my sister life. Maybe an old suitor from King's Landing that she had a falling out with? If you could make sure the Ladies in the tent are proper I would like to stay with  her until this illness passes from her.

Clasping Mayths on the back and giving a courteous bow to Pella, Edric makes his way over to Merius.

Merius I hear that the outriders have returned. What news do they bring of our Dornish companions?

Merius nods to Edric. 'Well, I'm told we are but a day, maybe slightly more, from the Dornish encampment at Blackhaven. We also have been told of a favorable route to get us there. This sounds good, but with your permission I want to send some of my men to scout this route and make sure we do not run blindly into anything. I intend to send them now, hence the interruption, to ensure we get news well ahead of our start in the morrow.'

One of the men steps up to Leon. He looks him up and down hard. He is obviously one of the lead Soldiers. He has blue highlights through his armor and clothes.

You men secure the Horse and take these two to a secure area while we clear this up. Make sure to get them a ration of grog, and a warm meal. You, squire, come with me I will take you to your knight. The seven help you if I find that you are lying to me boy.

He leads Leon through the rain through the camp to a group of people talking.

Sers, my Lady, and Captain Merius. This lad and two other men in Ashfield colors were stopped in the rear picket. He claims he is Ser Mathys new squire.

Send as many men as  you need, and feel free to enlist any other man Loyal to House Neumann to ensure this task gets down swiftly. I want to know about every inch of this new route if we do intend to take it. Also put together a detachment of your fastest riders together for tomorrow morning. It seems my sister has fallen and if this route is more favorable I intend to ride out in front of the vanguard with her in order to reach Blackhaven at a faster pace.

GM Controlled

Pella leans close to Edric whispering.

Dear, do not worry. I will make sure she is well. Your sister is a fighter like her Brother. She has been fighting it for days I am sure, but she is so stubborn that she would not say anything for fear of slowing the caravan down.


She starts to turn to leave.  She stops looks to the Blue Lancer, and than to Leon.

Welcome Squire to House Ashfield. If you need anything I am Pella Ashfield. Good luck, I think you are going to need it knowing my Brother.

She stops for a moment in front of Mathys.

Brother, be gentle with him. Don't break him like you did your toys as a boy.

Merius nods again and sloshes through the mud back to his camp. He quickly dispatches Hagop with five men to scout the new route and report back, under strict instructions to be be careful and to be sure they scouted properly, despite the weather.

 Indeed, the  gods must of had a drinking bout worthy of an Epic ballad, for the divine piss now pouring down on  them was enough to drown the word. Such thoughts where upon the mind of Mathys, as he attempted to warm himself by the fire. He drew the damp cloak more tightly about him and spat into the brazier, that caused it to hiss." Well, Edric, perhaps the sun might decide to honor us with an audience on morrow."

   Ser Mathys was about to tell a bawdy jest, but the appearance of his sister, Pella, caused it to die upon his tongue. He listened to her, as she bespoke of Edric's  sister having fallen ill. When Pella told them of the name Thorin, Mathys  frowned in thought, for that name was known to him. But where? He was musing this over, when Edric clapped him on the back and departed to speak with one of the Soldiers.

   As the small group of men approached the fire, in it's illumination, revealed them to be in House Ashfield colors. Mathys was about to call to them, when his sister spoke to him about broken toys and squires. " Pella, my sweet, dear sister, tend to the ill Lady, the hurts and sniffles of the camp, and leave my Squire to me." His tone of voice was of a tone of a mild scolding, but it did not reach his eyes. He adored his twin,  even of they fought like two dogs over a bone, at times.  He kissed her upon the back of her hand,  then looked to his...errrr his Father's people.

 " Ho, men of Ashfield! Come to the fire and warm yourselves, and be welcome. Leon! I was wondering if you had fallen into a midden pit, or some poxy wench,had wood you from your duty." Mathys was frowning.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

Leon bows wen Pella welcomes him saying "Thank you very much Lady Pella" before quickly facing his knight.
"No no Sire, no pit! The rain was really bad and we couldn't ride faster. I also have two messages from Septa Gisela! he says and when noticing the front he adds quickly: "We also were ambushed... Twice even! only two guard of the five remained... They are over there" pointing in the rough direction where the picket guards took them.

  When Leon told Mathys about being ambushed, Mathys suddenly became more mentor then antagonist to the young Squire. " Ambushed? Leon, are you whole and hail? Did you get a look at those that attacked you? Did they wear any symbols, or did they look more like Bandits?" The Knight was now standing on front of Leon, looking him over  for any sign of injury.

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

Leon nods quickly and blurts out "I am fine Ser! They looked like shabby bandits to me but I didn't get a good look. It was very chaotic when they attacked and I was busy getting away... We lost one guard in the first ambush in the Neumann lands but were able to drive them away. After we left Castle Neuman they were back again with more or maybe they were other Bandits I don't know! Thankfully my horse runs very fast but they got two guards on the chase.
There is no sign of any injury visible.

 After his Squire, answered his question, Mathys nodded. " Leon, get yourself something hot to drink, and warm yourself by the fire, after you deliver your missives.Once you are relatively dry and refreshed, come and seek me out. Now off with you. " With that being said, Mathys turned and told the pickets to allow his Father's men at arms access to the camp, so he might speak with them of events.

Edric gently placed his hand on Pella shoulder, Go and look after my sister. Tell her I will visit her soon.

Leon's story of Bandits sparked Edric's curiosity. It might be Olaf and his band that attacked you,but they never attempted on attack an armed party before. If it was his band then It might be time to purge him from this world. Mathys, we will sit down with Merius soon and plan a campaign between our two houses to rid the Reach of these bandits.

As the two Ashfield's went there separate ways, Edric approached Leon. I hear you have letters from my family's Septa. If they are address to my sister or I then I will take them now. Edric's tone seemed to suggest that he would be receiving the letters no matter who the are addressed to.

Leon nods happily when his knight mentions a warming fire. "Yes Ser!"

When he gets approach by Edric he nods and rummage around a bit before producing two missives, handing over the one to Edric and the one to Mara. "Here they are Ser Edric!" he says, happy that this business was taken care of so quickly. He then will head to the fires to get something warm to drink.

Edric made his way to his tent. Lighting a candle, Edric took a seat and read the letter addressed to him.

Missive 1 to Edric

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

Edric set the letter down, his worst fear coming to realization and he how he couldn't be there to put an end to the troubles at home. He sat in silence, contemplation want needs to be done. When it finally came to him he retrieved quill and ink, writing a letter to Lord Ascar.

Edric folded the letter and and left his seal upon it. Exiting his tent, Edric handed the letter to one of House Neumann's men. See that this letter reaches Lord Ascar. Also inform Merius and Mathys that I wish to meet with them in my tent right away. Tell Mathys to bring his squire too. He almost died bringing me this information and deserves to here to contents of my mother's letter.

As the men arrived to his tent, Edric poured each as glass of wine and offered a seat to them. Once everyone was present, Edric took his seat and handed them the letter.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Dearest Children:

I write to tell of in tidings at Blue Hall. I have sent this note through non traditional methods to insure its secrecy to your father. His lecherous and immoral ways seem to rule him more than the need to insure the well being of the domain. Much of the tasks of day to day operations has fallen upon. Much of the day to day operations have fallen to Maester Egislor and Septa Gisla.


Two weeks have passed from the time I am writing, Septa Gisla and myself went to the nearby hovels to offer compassionate aid to the people of our domain. We were guarded by Bruce the strong with a few of his men. Suddenly, battle erupted around us. Olaf's bandits had chose to strike. We were nearly killed. As the horror happen to the those poor small folk. Gisla pulled me to our palfreys, and we rode to freedom. I looked back, and saw that Bruce's men had fallen. He stood in the middle bravely fighting on. He was outnumbered 10 to 1 at least. The men attacking were falling to his great strength. I have not seen Bruce since. He is missing, and presumed dead.

Olaf and his attacks have increased. Our troops are young and untrained. If, it was not for the bravery of our heroes and the Blue Lancer Cavalry Blue Hall surely would of fallen. You brother, Jon, has done well in the deployment of our men. He truly has a scholar's knowledge of war, but unfortunately he views the task as a intellectual challenge. He lacks a leader's empathy for the men and the small folk we defend.

We shall hold. It is important that you continue to King's Landing. I have planned long for the return of both my loving children. When; I arranged for you to be sent to your various places. I did it for two reasons. My great love and desire to protect you from your father. You Edric, I feared if you stayed at home you would become more like your father. I saw in you a greatness. A chance to renew the Blue Hall. My sweet Mara, I know you think I sent you away just because of your father's appetite. Dear Mara, I saw that you were stronger than the body the Seven has given you. I knew you would thrive at court. It was my hope that you would develop the strength that I knew you had. Mara stand by your brother; he will need friends and allies. House Neumann has many enemies other than Olaf. They see the weakness in your father, and they wish to strike. Our truest enemy is ourselves. How, you wish to deal with it is your choice.

There is one major challenge ahead of you. House Durwel has made Olaf's son, Kelric, a knight. Rumors are the attacks that once were directed at their house has stopped, and I fear that they may work in tangent with Olaf. Ravens have brought news that you will see him at the tourney. Be careful. I do not know his purpose, but it may be to harm you and your sister.

The young squire waits for my letter, so I will close with I love you both. I do not know what the Seven have planned for me. I fear that I may never see you, but think not of me. Think of the glory, I have foretold in the future for House Neumann. You are my legacy, and you our are future.

Your loving Mother
Lady Jocelyn Neumann

---

It seems as though the situation at Blue Hall has become grave and I fear that I can not handle this situation alone. I have brought you here because I believe you are the only ones I can trust to help me end Olaf and help return my lands to prosperity.

 Mathys  spoke to the two remaining men of house Ashfield, that had escorted his squire to the encampment. After telling them to warm and refresh themselves, it was about then that Edric's man asked Mathys to join him. He headed for the tent and entered, after having taken a camp stool, Mathys noticed the serious expression Edric had. He sipped his wine, and waited for his friend to reveal the reason for the summons.

 When the letter was read by Mathys, he drained the last of the wine in one swallow before he spoke. "  Whatever you need of me, old friend,  I am your man. I say we  sally forth and bugger these Whoremongers with their own swords."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

Missive 2

Merius again sloshed through the mud. An exercise that was becoming tiresome, as tiresome as this cursed weather. His longing of the free cities was re-igniting with every step in this, also cursed, mud.

He nod to all present and took a secondary position at the table, respecting the hierarchy present. On his turn he read the missive and hardly disguise the cloud hat hovered on his face. Black tidings indeed. There were positives for him, as the men he left back where still holding on. But the gods know there were preciously few of them.

‘I’m at your service Lord Neumman. This connection between Olaf and House Durwel does help explain some things behind the bandits actions.’

Edric's heart swelled as Merius and Mathys both sworn him their swords.

The time for fighting will come Mathys, but I was taught that a battle is won before the armies take the field. Now is the time for talking. I intend to accept your father's offer and marry your sister. This will form an alliance bound by blood and I will need the might of House Ashfield to win. Hopefully I can find a suitor for my sister that will pledge their house's support as well. Also the war with Dorne is done. House Kolwyn is our ally and their troops excelled in the same tactics used by Olaf and his band and their insight alone will help us greatly. It is key we gain their trust and support. Lastly There will be a large number of hedge knights looking for glory. The more we can convince to join our crusade the better.

Edric's attention then turned to Merius. Merius, you are a wise and battle-tested commander. I need your experience now more then every. Any suggestion you have, make. I look upon you as an equal not as a foreigner.   

'I hope to repay our confidence Lord Neumman. I would rarely advise to split our foces, but there is a numerous contingent of lances with us. The fact your allying with House Ashfield, makes you even more safer. I think the best we can do is send a small number of lances back to the Blue Hall to verify that the Hall can indeed hold. They can bring us word of what is happening not only in the Hall but also in the lands around the hall... and of this link to House Durwel. If we are not re-assured we can turn-face and send the bulk of the lance back to the Hall, otherwise we progress forward. And perhaps, if House Durwel is deeply involved with bandits against your House...  take action against the Durwels, before their arrival at the tournament. They will not have a big party of riders and surprise would be on our side...' 

Merius understood the full implications of what he was proposing, but he was being paid to provide security for House Neumman and, if force was the best option, then he certainly would not shy away of stating it.

  When Edric bespoke of talk, marriages and alliances, Mathys threw up his hands with a sound of annoyance. " Now is the time for action, Edric, not talking. The things you spoke of are all fine and good, but they will do nothing for the situation at your hall...NOW! Let us take as many swords as can be spared, and steal a march on these turds. If you want it to be known that Ashfield is with you, my shield being with the relief force is a sign of that. Our arrival will not be anticipated, so we deliver them a buffet that will not soon be forgotten. Then you can worry about the long view."  Mathys poured himself another goblet of wine and sipped.2

The guard at the the tent's entrance signal's that he is entering. With the guard is one of Lord Ascar's Personal guards.

Lord Ascar send notice that He would like the a forward vanguard to ride ahead. He wants the vanguard to leave three bells before dawn. He wants them to connect with the Dorne contingency. He will command the main body and follow up. He wishes that his son will make arrangements to secure dry quarters and warm food before we head out again to King's Landing. Furthermore, Ser Edric he will speak to you on a dryer day and place. He welcomes the conversation, but feels that more will be accomplished with a warm mull wine in hand.

 When his Lord Father's man delivered the words of his sire, Mathys stood to his feet and tossed the wine cup to whatever servant was near to hand. " Piss on that. When my Father hears what is contained in those missives, he will change those orders. Edric, come with me, and I will get you in to see my Father." Mathys just assumed everyone agreed with him on this matter. He draped himself with his damp cloak again, and waited on Edric.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

Edric rose to his feet, knocking his goblet of the table with the back of his hand in the process and spilling its contents on the ground. Dammit Mathys! Do you not think I want to ride out there and kill every last one of them, but its not that easy. You don't have a sister that could die of illness at any moment, a mother who you might not see again because your brother thinks that war is something as simple as numbers, and a father...

Edric slumped back into his chair, losing all the fight he had moments ago. A father who is the cause for all of this. Mayths your fire is what I admire the most, but it what will also get you killed one day. The fate of my house rest on my shoulders and I will not see it fade from the history because of rash action. We will wait til everyone is safe at Blackhaven and then we will seek your father council, but until then we do this my way. Am I clear?

Edric attention then turned to Merius. I will not start a war by attack a House that I know little about. I want you to gather some of your most loyal men. They are to make their way back to Blue Hall under the pretense they they got separated from the group and have returned to resupply before making their way back to King's Landing. From there they will disgues themselves as free rider and make their way through House Durwel and gather what information they can such as troop build ups and the like. Is this something you have then men for?

    The stubborn expression, that marked Mathys as his Father's son, came upon his face, when Edric started to shout at him. When his friend had  run out of stream and slumped into a chair, Mathys sighed. " You knew how I would counsel you in this matter, Edric. I cannot change what I am.  And as what will kill me, that is my affair, not yours." His voice had an edge to it.

 Mathys walked to the tent flap, and flung it open, to expose the interior to the cold wind and rain. " I will ride with you, fight with you, and if it is needed, die with you, in the defense of your family, Edric. But while you wait, the Seven only knows what might happen. Let me know, when you want to actually do something." The second son, raised his hood, and walked out into the rain.

 As  Mathys Ashfield began to walk from the tent,  he drew back the hood of his cloak to allow the rain to sooth his temper. He needed to speak with his father, and would, in spite of what Edric wanted. But for the moment, what he needed was a good jug of wine, and perhaps one of the better looking servant wenches, to warm his bed this God's awful Knight. " Leon!... Leon!!. Now where did that rascal of  a squire wander off too?" When Mathys saw him next, a good cuff on the ear was in order.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Mon 17 Nov 2014.

Leon was listening while standing further back, near the tent wall. He tried to make sense of the whole thing and smiled as Ser Mathys proposed to ride out right away. "Going to war for a good cause is much more knightly then marrying and dancing! But maybe they have a tournament though... A tournament is a very knightly thing too! I bet Ser Mathys is really good at jousting! Didn't they talk about going to Kings Landing? The tournaments there must be the most awesome of them all! I wonder... But suddenly Leons daydreams were interrupted by the realization that his knight already left the tent! After quickly looking around he quickly bowed his head to the remaining tent occupants before darting to the tent flap.
Jogging through the rain and muddy ground Leon heard his name being called. "Here Ser! I am here!" he nearly yelled out to be heard over the rain while trying to catch up to Ser Mathys.

Merius nodded to Edric. 'Yes, I do have the men to do that...'

This was something Merius thought should have been done long ago. But now that the opportunity was here, he did not want to let it escape.

'If I may suggest, This can be our chance to get rid of Olaf. If we get the chance, I suppose you would not be opposed that we quietly disposed of him?...'

 The stride of Ser Mathys was a long one, so his Squire might have to put some effort to keep it. The Knight of House Ashfield walked on thru the camp,towards his own tent.

 The rain still fell like the Maiden weeped, for the state of the world, as they arrived at their destination. He thru open the tent flap, and walked in, throwing his wet cloak onto the ground. After he flopped down into the only char, Mathys  leveled his deep blue eyes at Leon, and it was obvious that the a knight was vexed still. " The Gods save me, may they save us all, from men that think to much.  Give me action over  speaking any day of the year. What say you, my faithful Squire, do you think to much." Asked in a monotone voice.
 He leaned back and regarded Leon.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Tue 18 Nov 2014.

Edric grab another goblet and filled it with more wine. He sat in silence for a few moments, pondering Merius's question. It seemed as though everyone wants an immediate response, but being to rash could spell disaster for the house. Meanwhile killing Olaf would scatter his band.

I'm listening Merius, but what makes you think we will get him this time when we haven't gotten close to catching him once?

As night grew on, Edric made his way to his sister tent to to check on her health. Before he left, Edric placed the letter address to his sister in her hands, whisper "I'm sure father and mother would approve of him." Edric left her tent for the comforts of his own and to prepare for the next leg of his journey.

TIME PASS

OOC - Edric, is that the planning thread?

OOC - Yes it is.

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 38):

Leon does his best to keep up with his knight though its pretty  tough for him with all this mud.
When Ser Mathys asks him he quickly replies: "Erm, no Ser! A knight should act swift when following his heart! There is always time to marry the princess later after fighting bravely and honorable for the righteous course! while still dripping from the endless rain.

To Think about, ............

Blackhaven is about a day away. Home is no less then a two weeks ways. A soft bed and roof over your heads would do you all well and will do the men some good also.

Also remember that this trip was at the command of the king. Meeting with the Dorne Lords and 'Princes' and make peace the best you can. Failure is not something the Targaryen's take lightly.

Also at the request of Lord Ashfield, arrangements for the trade agreement are to be finalized with all parties at Kings Landing, .... turning away will most likely end this possibility.

It's becoming late in the day and the camp is set early to get rest before the finial day travel to Blackhaven. It has been raining for almost 3 days now with not a break in the sky.

OOC: I would like each player's post to be a recap of their events from day one, and their intentions openly so that everyone understand were we are in the story.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:39, Wed 19 Nov 2014.

  Mathys seemed to consider Leon's words for a brief moment, then chuckled. " Squire, open  the chest at the foot of my bed, Take the small pouch of coins. He waited until the young man had done as instructed, before he continued. " I have two very important tasks for you to accomplish this night. Take those coins, and go forth into the night and rain, and fetch me a jug of decent wine. The second task is even more important. Find me a decent looking whore, one that is not poxy, or resembles my horse. Find yourself a whore, as well, Lad. Never let it be said that I am a cruel to my Squire. Now get you gone, before you feel my foot in your arse." He said with an amused tone in his voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Thu 20 Nov 2014.

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 44):

Leon looks rather surprised at that but quickly follows the orders with a Certainly Ser! and a smile on his face.
He certainly is better at picking a good horse then good whores and his experience with wine is also severely limited but he still tries his best...

Mara stirs awake at her brother's voice. She grasps the scroll containing the message. In her weaken state; she can not read it. She shivers not from her illness, but from the news that she fears the message brings. With difficulty, she hands it to Pella, and even as she does she knows what it says.

Read this please, Pella.

Pella reluctantly takes the message. She opens it quickly seeing that the letter is bad news. She tries to avoid reading, but Mara is very insistent that she does. So she starts to read the letter

To Lady Mara of House Neumann

 Lady Mara, I am uncertain if you remember me I was Squire for Ser Thorin Kellington. I am sure that word has reached you that Ser Thorin was declared missing in action. He was assumed captured by the Dorne forces. My heart is heavy to say that House Martell has confirmed his death. I am one of the few that knew of your and his secret pledge to be wed.

 I am uncertain if you know of the courage of your knight. The battles were going poor for us. He agreed to stay and command a holding action. The goal was that if he could hold them long enough that the rest of the army could regroup. His command held for three bloody days of battles. The army was safely withdrawn. Not wishing to see any more blood shed. He called for a parley, so he and the Dorne Commander could arrange a mutual with draw from the battle. Tensions were high on both sides. As Ser Thorin rode out to meet the Dorne Commander; an arrow struck the Dorne commander. Ser Thorin could do nothing as the Dorne army surged forward. Last I saw him, he was being dragged from his horse. I do not know who fired the arrow. Some claim that the Dornes fired at our troops, and the arrow was shot in retaliation. I do not know.

 More important than the details of his death is how he lived. He was immensely brave in battle, but braver still in the pursuit of peace. Other men would of continued to war out of ego. He saw that the toll of war was paid by his men. He knew that there was a great risk that he would be killed that day, but he met death with courage and a purpose. He would be proud to know that peace through marriage was being sought, and the endless bloodshed between us and Dorne will finally at a end.

 I wish that I stood by him. I would of traded my life for his. I am nothing, but a inferior shadow of the man he was. He forbade me to go saying, "You have won your spurs many times over I release you from my service, and I call upon the seven to anoint you when home. His last words to me were 'If, I fall tell her I loved her and always will'

 Ser Barris
 House Kellington

Pella could not help but cry as she read the letter. She felt sorry for Mara. She feared that this news would cause her.

As Pella read, Mara felt like she was breaking inside. She wanted to throw herself off the top of the highest mountain. As Pella read the part about Thorin's bravery; she forced herself to stop crying. She coldly stared at the tent ceiling. She understood than that her life was not about love. She was born to make sure this peace happened, and than she could join her love.

Pella slowly forced her to drink, and she was just could fight no more. The sleeping potion slowly took her consciousness, and she dreamed of Thorin. The types of dreams that only happen in fairy tales.


Fade to Black..... time passes

 Please consider Mathys scene " Time Passes"

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 49):

Then "Time Passes" for Leon too.

The night passes, it's dark, depressing, wet, ..... the weater is wearing down the men. Life was simple for many months and now with the news of peace there seems to be more to worry about as other players in Westeros politics start to maneuver themselves. soiler are more and more truning to robber and outlaws turn some country sides to a lewless land.

Blackhaven it not far, about another days travel. By late morning after the men have eaten and the camp is packed to head out once more.



OOC: I would like each player's post to be a recap of their events from day one, and their intentions openly so that everyone understand were we are in the story.

Mara started this journey from the Blue Hall with her Brother to go to Poppy Hall. Edric her brother receives a proposal of Marriage by Lord Ascar for his Daughter Pella.  Shortly, after House Steiner of Dorne arrives to treat with Lord Ascar, but as they are camped on the outskirts; Ser Mathys rides out, and offers insult. Mara with several other members go out to smooth things with Steiner. It looks like it is going to blow up, but Mara intervenes offering wisdom impressing Lord Steiner. Later, a representative of House Kaldor speaks to Lord Ascar about a trade treaty, and he warns of a plot to assassinate an unknown Dorne Lord. Mara sense duplicity on the part of Kaldor, so she meets with the more level headed member of Ashfield. She also tries to have Merius infiltrate Kaldor while his Blue Lancers escort him. Travel is hard on Mara as they go to Blackhaven. She becomes ill, and Pella is taking care of her. Riders from Ashfield bring Missives. One of them, is a letter to Mara confirming the death of her secret Love Ser Thorin Kellington.

 Since the announcement of the peace with Dorne, and the King's tournament in the Capitol in celebration, Mathys Ashfield had been more and more vexed. The war was where he could earn glory, honor, and make a name for himself. His courage in battle had gotten his Knighthood, but then it had all come to a sudden end. Now it was all talk of peace, treaties and marriages to seal them with. All should be forgiven and forgotten. Mathys thought all of this, so much float sum, worthy only for the privy.

 Time passed, and the visit of the Dorne to his Father's house, and now the journey to Kings Landing, did little to ease the growing sense of loss in the inner most recesses of Mathy's heart. But what had started as a long boring journey, had recently offered the potential for adventure and martial glory. His close friend, Edric, called upon Mathys, to ask his counsel in a discrete matter, dealing with his family. When the details where explained, Mathys was all for breaking off and heading to deal with the matter in a direct method. That of steel to those involved necks. But Edric, always to cautious in the second son's opinion, bespoke of talk, delays, and other things better suited to Maesters, then Knights. So Mathys  washed his hands with discussions, and prayed to the seven that his friend came to his senses.

 So, for the time being, Mathys of House Ashfield would drink, whore, and abuse his Squire, all the way to King's Landing.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Sat 29 Nov 2014.

Things are looking pretty good for Leon.
His dreams of becoming a knight suddenly seem more real then ever after getting "promoted" to the position of a squire under Ser Mathys. The travel to meet his knight was a rough and exciting one and while the rain sure got annoying Eric felt his destiny was calling!
The first impression he got of Ser Mathys was very good: He is rough but generous, moody but honorable, a brave knight of deeds instead of words.
What a true role model!

Leon has no clue what going on but all roads lead to excitement it seems.

The road to Blackhaven was a long and hard and one that was only made worse by his sister falling ill. The situation went from worse to terrible with the letters brought by Leon. It seems that House Neumann was on the verge of collapse and its enemies closing in for the kill like hungry wolves stalking a wounded animal. With his house future resting on Edric's shoulders, he called upon those he trusted most for council. Edric wanted to build up his forces, forge alliances,and then bring a quick, forceful end to the scum that has plagued his family's land since before he was born, but it seems as though the others thought that plan foolish and ill advised. They wanted to ride out and face the threat head on. One hoped to ambush a house and end a war before it started and the other had dreams of a grand crusade that could get everyone killed. Edric went to bed that night no closer to knowing what should be done. One side of him wanted to crush this threat right then and there, but another side of him wanted to be cautious and listen to his mother's council. At least tomorrow he would find himself at Blackhaven and hopeful he would meet with Lord Ascar, A man he looked to as a father, and receive good council from a man with experience.

OOC: Thank you for the recaps :) This IC has ended I will be posting exps and some notes: The other IC thread for the Dorne is in the recap phase, once done I will be posting and it will be all the house in one place.

Congratulation !

This scene has ended, a new thread will be posted.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Scene:12, Group:2

All players receives 1 experience

Each player that has played from the first IC receives 1 Destiny;
Ser Mathys
Ser Edric
Merius Basso
Mara Neumann
If I missed you please let me know, ....

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This message was last edited by the GM at 16:09, Thu 04 Dec 2014.