It is the forth year of summer 2 months past harvesting the fields. The people of Dorne and the Reach are gathering and traveling to King's Landing.

The rumors are now fact as news - peace is at hand. It has been several weeks and the news of peace is what most are talking about these days. The small folk of the Stormlands are generally glade to know that their sons will no longer need to die for their king and liege lord.

News has arrived by courier to house Fell of Timberwood, diplomats of the capital have visited and have distribute invitations, and they have discuss important matters at hand with regards to the crown. One matter of many is that House Fell of Timberwood, by request of the king will escort House Asfield and House Neumann of the Reach as well and House Kowlyn and House Ravenhowe of Donre to kings landing.

King Baelor the Blessed, the Septon King has come to an agreement with Dorne. A royal wedding will be had, this will be a glorious event that will be spoken about for ages to come. Also not to the liking of the gental Baelor a tourney is planned as well.

Letter of Invitation

 It is with great pleasure that the House Targaryen of Dragonstone, announces the joining of Prince Daeron of House Targaryen, to Princess Myriah of House Martell of Dorne.

 There will be festivities beginning 7 days prior to the wedding and services for this union will be held at The Great Sept at Kings Landing.

 The House Targaryen requests that House Fell of Timberwwod and representatives of their respected houses attend this monumental event.


Behind the sense:

There have been a lot of dis-trust both in the lands and in the house with the death of its late lord. Many of the family members are jockeying for position with the young lord and family. Several now swornswords have been add and even a few sellswords for the house's protection.

Letters have been sent out to recall some of the families most trusted to come home and settle matter of old, .... there services are need once more.

In the courtyard of their fathers many of the men, noble household and others of importance have gathered, to prepare to leave in the morning and babysit the enemies of old. Its several day to Blackhaven and it is not an easy trip. With the peace many of the soldiers in that region have turned to banditry.

Its mid-day and the sun shines bright, ...........
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:35, Tue 18 Nov 2014.

Loranth read the letter a few more times before speaking he had summoned his family and retainers. Loranth knew that he needed to present himself to the King in King's Landing, but he had wanted more time. He knew that no longer could his House live secluded in isolation. It needed to expand its influence, so the domain would not become the target of other Lords seeking its vast resources.

Friends, I have asked you to come because I have received a letter from the King. We have little time to prepare, but in the next few days we will embark on a journey.

He holds the letter out, so that he can clearly read it and be heard.

It is with great pleasure that the House Targaryen of Dragonstone, announces the joining of Prince Daeron of House Targaryen, to Princess Myriah of House Martell of Dorne.

  There will be festivities beginning 7 days prior to the wedding and services for this union will be held at The Great Sept at Kings Landing.

  The House Targaryen requests that House Fell of Timberwood and representatives of their respected houses attend this monumental event.

When he finishes, Loranth lays the letter down.

There is much that we must do. I would hear comments and suggestions now on what preparations are needed.

Everyone in the estate had been whispering and gossiping that the young Lord would be making some kind of pronouncement today.  Acired had wanted to fore-go her day's lessons and just go to the courtyard straight away, but Lady Adria had insisted she stay and attend her distaff lessons like any other day.  Time had slowed to a crawl with Acired glancing towards the exit to the courtyard every other minute.

Eventually the summons for the household trickled to the sun-lit room where the miserable girl sat, brightening the monotony with excitement as servants rushed into to inform Lady Adria that Lord Loranth would be addressing the household presently.  Hitching up the hem of her dress in both hands, Acired prepared to run alongside the others rushing to the courtyard when the tell-tale "ahem" and clearing of a throat signalled Lady Adria's displeasure at her haste.

"Slowly!  And with great dignity.  We ladies do not run, like wild horses.  We walk gracefully and with purpose.  Attend me and walk besides me, Acired."

With a sigh, Acired assented and fell into step with Lady Adria.  "Yes My Lady"

She would rather be in her leather jack and running with the stableboys and pages, but Lady had put a stop to that once Acired had arrived here at Castle Timberwood.  Each day was now filled with lessons on being a "proper Lady" as Adria saw it, and the torment was almost more than Acired could bear.  Her old tunic and trousers had been packed away... or possibly burned, as she wouldn't put it beyond Lady Adria to take away even the temptation of horseplay and rough-housing.

Once gathered in the courtyard, the young Lord's speech was brief and to the point.  Excitement swelled within her, and she thrilled at the thought of getting out of these walls.  She couldn't contain her enthusiasm and she blurted out.

"My Lord!  Will there be a melee as part of the celebrations?  Jousts?  May I attend, please?"

Unfortunately he had been out riding a patrol when his cousin's summons had reached him, but he had been glad to return.  If he had to listen to one more farmer complain that his neighbors goats were into his crops, it was likely he would loose it. When he arrived with his cadre of trusted armsmen in tow he had set them to seeing to the horses and gathering any other news of note that they may have missed while on patrol, before taking a brief moment to clean a bit of the road dust from himself before appearing before the Lord of the hold.

He stood some 6' 4" with full black hair kept above the shoulders and a stylish goatee gracing his chin. His sharp eyes, a light content blue this afternoon, roved over the assembly as his cousin spoke. He wore a brigantine of green with steel rivets, over a long coat of mail. His clothing, though well cut, appears well used and comfortable. About his shoulders hung a long black cloak trimmed in silver thread.

He wasn't really sure how he felt about this prospect of lasting peace with the Dornish. He had fought in the last war and had been there when their armies had routed. A slight twinge in his guts reminded him of the old wounds that still pained him some nights. But it was probably for the best as it was obvious the Dorns would not fall easily to military might.. But perhaps may yet fall to a softer touch. Leaning slightly on the long trident he held in one hand he looked thoughtful for a long moment before speaking. "Banditry is still a problem along some of the roadways.  While its unlikely a large group would be attacked, we should bring a number of armsmen with us... In addition to my own."

In reply to Loranth Fell (msg # 2):

There is a great deal of mixed emotions among the gathering in the courtyard. Some seem excite, most likely the thought of King's Landing and a feast excited them, But others that have been to the Crown capital know that its beauty is to cover for all the many corrupt things that happen there.

Of course The Great Sept is finally finished, and its said to marvel Old Town, 10 fold. But first is the matter of meeting with these other lords. And if the gathering is focused on just King's Landing that may be better then realizing what's behind it all. This is a huge deal for those nobles with daughters and sons that are of age or will be of age too marry. Many of the Donre lords and princes are wealthy, so they say and breed good children in their stock. So attending this event could prove to be a blessing. And then escorting 2 of the top 20 southern houses could also pay off as the first to land a lasting impression and marry off one of two of the children from House Fell, expanding its status south away from the Fells of Felwood.

@ Vanna Storm, Its rain season and todays weather is not typical of the regions weather, it would be wise to prepare well for the days a head. Vanna is familiar with the lands south of Timberwood when he conducts his ranger patrols.

Loranth seemed lost in thought, so much opportunity so much risk. He had dreamed one day that he would find love, but for the good of his house he would need to put aside love.

Yes Acired, there will be a great Tourney. Hundreds of knights and Sellswords throughout the land will come to demonstrate their martial skill. You will see it all from our box near lists. Ser Lachland, I task you to prepare to represent our House in the great Tourney that is to come. Furthermore, I order you take care of all arrangements dealing with the travel of the House. I humbly suggest that you take your squad of Spearmen to act as our guardian, and I would coordinate with Vanna to have the Rangers act as Pathfinders for the Journey.

Lor hated taking so formally to his order cousin. He sometimes though it was unfair that he was lord, and Lachland his retainer. Lachland had risked his life to represent the House in the war, but Lor could show no weakness because House Fell's future was in his hands not Lachlands.

Erryk Tyrol, as the house's lead factor you are best suited to determine what is needed for trade and gifts for the King, the Great Houses, and of the Wedding couple. Captain Urs, if we dispatched a trade ship with escort to King's Landing would it arrive in time for us to utilize in trade talks?

@ Erryk Tyrol

OOC: House Kowlyn has there known ships but due to the King's request they are traveling by land to meet all the northern families. The families are expected to meet at Blackhaven and as a show of peace travel by lands so the small folk feel confident that the peace is real and not the same as what happen some years ago.

OOC: I plan on travelling by land, but that does not mean that we should not have a boat of trade goods sitting in port to give us trade leverage when we propose a trade deal to the King

In reply to Loranth Fell (msg # 8):

OOC: Just noted it in case someone thinks of traveling by ship. Also doesn't change the fact you can if you like. It's info for you to have and know - use as you see fit :)


Players OOC: just me giving info that's common knowledge, If the knowledge is only for one player I will post it as private.

PCs can ask a question, .... if its something you should know I will reply with an answer.

If its questionable that you know it, I will ask for a roll. When I ask for a roll you pick the ability that you feel fits best and add and bonus die if any. Send in IC thread and note as OOC: the roll and question and I will reply.

Keep in mind that you have the freedom to be creative, so don't feel that there is a need that every question will need a roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:32, Thu 20 Nov 2014.

Eryyk had been quietly poring over missives and ledgers in his office when the message to meet arrived. He did not immediately depart as he carefully reorganized the materials but he made it barely on time nonetheless. Considering he received a direct question from the young Lord he considered for a second before answering, "That is a complex question, dependent heavily on what kind of a man our King is. Expense does not always equate to subjective value. Though I will say one thing... it should be something that is clearly a product of the house. For example, if our King is a hunter or man of war, one of our local bows given some small embellishment would make a far better gift than gold and jewels, moreso if it is one that is storied. If our King is a scholar then we would look more towards curiosities, a pet or specimen of local wildlife. A man of taste would appreciate art, if he loves the sea then a ship or even a well made canoe would be appropriate."

Letting that opening sink in he continued a moment later, "We must also consider what message the gift is meant to convey. Such as, it might be a... forward..., that seems the right word, a forward and ambitious gesture to have a babies cradle made for them. We are suggesting a hope for the health and success of their marriage and should such a gift see use it serves as a very prominent reminder of the house that gave it."

Vanna said very little ever, but little passed her attention. She had never fought in a war, but she had learned to be a warrior in the school of hard knocks. She stood back, and watched the proceedings. She had no desire to leave Fell domain, but she knew there was little she could say to the young Lord. Most of the Fells seem to forget that their House was being targeted by an unknown enemy. Leaving Fell lands especially to a place like Kings Landing would make it challenging to protect Loranth.

I trust your judgement on the gifts, Eryyk. We can talk more in private about trade and logistics after this. Before, we finish this up. I wanted to take a moment to speak plainly.

The young Lord clears his throat, and even stumbles a little in his voice as he searches for the words. He knows that his father would never had shown such emotion when talking to his subjects, but he was not his father.

I have a vision for what are House can be. My father, Lord Goodard, was a good shepherd. He protected all us from the many wolves that lurk outside our border. Thanks to him, and our men at arms we have virtually wiped banditry from our lands. Many small folk have migrated into our holdings because of safety we provide. As good of a shepherd that my father was, he lived in a time that is starting to pass. Where Houses built walls between each other. Isolation meant safety, but Westeros is to big for that. We must leave our mark on the world, or I believe we will fade away. Maybe not all at once, but it will happen. There has been great wars as well as rivalries with other House, but I tell you that must be set the past aside. We must learn to forgive, and leave with those that we have hated in past. I do not say we lay down the sword. I believe there is a way that we can be mighty, but with that might we can be just and fair. I dream of a grand city where all can live in hope and peace. It will not be accomplished in my day, but together we can leave a legacy of hope for generations to come. I ask all of you in these coming days to stand by me! Stand by our house! Stand for each other! There will be challenges to us, but I know that together we can face them.

Loranth pauses for a few moments. He his taken by the emotion and thoughts of what the domain can be. His father provided safety, but not hope for the many small folk. He was so accessed with security that he lost sight of who he served for. Loranth knew that most Lords believed that they served their Lord and the King, but Lor knew they had a greater obligation to serve those that were not noble and the seven.

Well, with that said. We all have much work to do. I am sure that you will want to talk amongst yourselves. I will be within my sitting room if any wish to speak with me. Acired, a little later when you have finished your studies and duties to my mother come speak to me.

Lor turns leaving the courtyard. He felt it important to allow them to digest what he said without fear of being scrutinized by their Lord.

Eryyk gave a nod and small sardonic smile. He was not a man for grand speeches and his benefactors was lost on him. As he left Eryyk settled into a comfortable seat and considered the others present for a moment before stating, "At this point I'm going to go to King's Landing ahead of the main caravan by way of ship. I think it would be useful to get a feel for the area and secure accommodations before the arrival of the main group. No one 'official' should join me."

Tristan had hung back amidst the bustle of Lord Fell's announcement. He held a small scrollcase loosely in his hands, bearing the mark of House Fell. The seal itself was unbroken; Tristan had cut the bottom of the case out to retrieve the message before stoppering it up with wax, leaving the original seal unbroken. The message had been simple: with the death of the Old Lord Fell, and Tristan's own mentor having passed away years since, it was time to return to the fold. He now had a clearer idea of why the message had arrived when it had, nearly three years after Ser Gregory's death at the hands of the Dothraki.

The young Lord, Loranth, his second cousin, was clearly a young man of vision, and had impressed Tristan with his speech, but he was still very much growing into his responsibilities, and the mantle he bore with him. He would need both his wits and the loyalty of his supporters if he was to survive in the viper's nest of Westerosi politics, let alone thrive, as he clearly intended.

Tristan was very much an outsider here, having been absent long years from Timberwood. The faces around him were strangers. Discretion bade him hang back and get the lay of the land: to acclimate and see if he could detect any hesitancy among the staff in the face of Loranth's commands.

But no, now was the time for action.

He wore a simple black doublet, as his horse and equipment had been stabled by a harassed-looking groom, who had assumed him to be a messenger by the presence of the sealed scroll, and his travel-stained appearance. Tristan had talked his way past two different guards on his way into the estate, hoping to present himself to Loranth as quickly as possible.

After Loranth had left the courtyard, Tristan waited one minute before following the young lord to his sitting room. He knocked, and allowed a momentary pause before entering the small room.

"My Lord", he began, "your letter bade me return, and I have. I see now that Timberwood is thoroughly occupied with upcoming events that are foreign to me, having only recently returned from across the Narrow Sea. You are my kith and kin, and rightful liege, by witness before the Seven, and so I place myself at your disposal. My sword is yours." His severe demeanor cracked, just a little, and he smiled, "It is good to see you again cousin."

Tristan, I am glad that you have returned. I am sorry that we have not formally welcomed you as we should. You have sacrificed much to come home, and help the family...Me. I shall not forget it. Timberwood is in the process of change. You that have seen the world, and know things that I have yet to learn will of course sit on my council with our other cousin Lachland. If, you wou wish to be a knight as is your right by birth I will arrange the anointing to take place at the Great Sept of King's Landing.  It could be a symbol to all that House Fell of Timberwood is as civilized as any House in Westeros. But, listen to me. You have gifted me greatly with your skill and loyalty, but I ramble on not showing you the love I feel this day at your return.

Loranth steps towards his cousin and embraces him in a brotherly hug. Breaking after a moment with a almost boy like laugh of joy. He than realizes his behavior, and returns to a more distant stance as is proper for a Lord.

Vanna watched the newcomer hard until Loranth signaled that he was not a threat.

Tristan was somewhat taken aback, "Loranth...my Lord, you do me great honour, far beyond my expectation, and I will endeavour to live up to the faith you have expressed in me.

As you say, I have seen some of the world, and am in many ways a foreigner in the lands of my own blood. There is much to do, but I would relish the opportunity to serve at your disposal, as I re-learn the ways of the land of my birth. I am skilled with blade, lance, and horse, and in regimental command. I heard mention of a tournement, and would relish the opportunity to bring honour to our house by participating, but the road between here and there is long and uncertain.

I overheard talk that we have been charged with escorting the representatives of several distant houses to King's landing, including some Dornishmen, we should take particular care that our wards are not subject to any ill-conceived retaliation for war-time grievances. Having languished across the sea during the conflict, I can perhaps lend a steady hand and calm head to our diplomacy with House Ravenhowe. We should not allow the past to limit our future endeavors.

But this and many other decisions are yours to make, as lord of House Fell. By your leave I will depart, to give my greetings to our cousin Lachland and some others before I change out of these travel-worn clothes."

Tristan gestured to his black doublet, stained with dust and the mild discolouration of dried sweat. On campaign it would have gone unnoticed, but he knew he needed to pay better attention to the propriety of the nobility if he was to ease his transition back into its fold. He bowed formally, but with the twinkle of genuine affection lighting his green eyes, and made ready to depart to the courtyard

Tristan, we will speak more in the future. We, the sons of Fell,we are destined to rise together. As the House prospers, I promise all that are loyal shall prosper both Small and High folk alike. Tristan, you are not so foreign to me. You are like a lost brother coming home. We welcome and feel at peace.

Loranth slowly turned returning to his thoughts. Wondering what the future will bring.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Fri 28 Nov 2014.

Without waiting to check if her studies were indeed completed for the day, Acired piped up once more.

"My Lord?  This is thrilling news, but... with your permission, I should like to forego the box seats and be allowed to stand with the squires on the tourney grounds, and assist with those competing as a spear-carrier such as the capacity of the household squires?  It'd be ever so much more exciting to view you and our knights from the seat of action!"

Hearing Acired, he turned before entering his study. "Vanna, please wait outside as I speak with Acired."

Loranth walks in. He offers Acired a sit at his desk. He is silent for a while as he seems to be thinking over what has been asked. He stirs the fire for a moment, and than turns to her. "I am sorry I can not do as you ask. The House has a certain image that I am trying to have put aside. I know that you are as capable as any Squire. Better even, but the Storm lands is not ready for such a change."


He raise his hand up before she can talk to cut off her protests. "I said I can not do as you ask, but I have an idea that may be acceptable. I have been told that in Dorne there are noble women that are respected fighters. We will be meeting with the Dorne Lords. I will seek to have you placed during the trip as one of their ladies in waiting with the contingency that they allow you  stand with the squires on the tourney grounds, and assist with those competing. If, you impress enough one of the Dorne Warriors. They may wish to take you one as a squire. In doing this all, you will further relations with the Dorne Houses for Fell. Plus, you will get your wish, and maybe one day if they grant you your spurs you will change how the Storm Lands views women"

Initially looking disappointed, Acired perked up at the alternative plan offered by Lord Loranth.

"Oh!  I know very little about Dornish customs, but that sounds exciting My Lord!  What exactly does a Dornish Lady-In-Waiting do, if I may inquire?"

Her mind raced, already making up all sorts of wild scenarios and daydreams, and the enthusiasm showed upon her face like an open book.  She wore her emotions on her sleeve, and was not yet hardened to the manner of folk in Kings Landing who would see that as a vulnerability rather than a trait of honesty.

Lor was obviously bemused by Acired question. A smile game on the most of the time to serious Lord. "To be honest, I have never been a lady in waiting, so I am not certain. I assume it is much like a page or squire for a knight. I think it will challenge you, Acired, but I know that you will succeed. Most of the Storm Lords would call you a willful young lady, but I do not see that is a bad thing like they would. Your high spirit will allow you to rise to greatness when others would simply give up in the face of adversity."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Sat 29 Nov 2014.

The merchant had watched the small family reunion play out before him watching with a wry smile. Once the two had words he stood to approach the other young Fell and gave a very small formal tip of his head, "Tristan welcome. You were still barely a mite when last I saw you. I heard some news when I stopped in Myr, Tyrosh and Pentos... mostly rumours. we'll have to share a cup and sort fact from fiction."

A mystified look crossed across Tristan's face, hurriedly dispelled.

"Erryk? Good gods man, I had no idea you'd still be here. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same!"

He looked the merchant up and down, noting the well made, but reserved cut of his clothing, the sparse and understated ornamentation. "You seem to have landed on your feet after these twelve years, and I admit it's good to see another familiar face."

"As for the tales, well, if the tales I heard across the sea were true, there'd be nothing left of Westeros South of King's Landing but ash and bones: that's how they're speaking of the Dornish War, and yet now there's to be a wedding between Targaryen and Martell! I'm sure any tales of my own exploits are similarly overblown."

Tristan sighed, feeling the weight of a long road travelled settling on him like a leaden weight. "I know there's much and more to be getting on with, but I could use either a drink or a good stretch of sleep, and I'm not sure which I'd prefer until I get one of them."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:24, Tue 02 Dec 2014.

"Its decided, a snifter of brandy lends itself well to a deep sleep to follow", He said giving the younger man a heavy clap on the back and led him towards the Eryyk's study, "Your uncle did honest by me and I have made sure to do honest by him... and I'll admit the comforts are rather nice."

The man gave a small smirk as he thought about the war and how best to describe it, "It was hardly a war. The fighting was quick and the sandmen armies were smashed in typical Targaryen fashion, but the people squirmed like eels in the hand when they tried to rule them afterwards. In the end they squirmed enough to make a mess of the whole attempt."

In reply to Loranth Fell (msg # 22):

Encouraged by Loranth's words, but a little intimidated by the sudden interjections of weighty matters around them, Acired had felt a little tongue-tied before giving a response.  Once a moment of pause allowed her the chance to address the Lord again, she piped up.

"Thank you My Lord.  I would very much like to try out what you suggested, though I know very little about being a Lady In Waiting, or the Dornish customs.  It does sound very novel and new, and I am excited at the possibilities!  Thank you again!"

She then paused and added questioningly.

"My Lord, the servants have been gossiping... is it also true that there are plans for a Sept to be constructed and added to the castle?  With an actual Septa from outside ministering to the ladies here?"

Loranth smiles. Gossip travels fast he had only told that to Vanna and a few trusted retainers. "Yes, it is going to happen. If, Timberwood is going to ever be the House it should be. All its members need to learn the ways that are common to all Westeros. Besides, it would be nice to have the Seven occasionally pulling for House Fell."

Tristan nodded at Eryyk's words, and let himself be casually directed toward what must be Eryyk's study.

"Ah, that makes sense of the proposed wedding then. Normally with tensions so high, a wedding would do as much to foster future war as cement immediate peace. With the Dornish attitude to succession though, it's as much the Martell's marrying into the Targaryen's as vice-versa," he responded, referring to the Dornish tradition regarding female inheritance.

He found a chair in Eryyk's study, and relaxed into it. "So tell me my firend, how do things stand for our house? Loranth has much on his plate and more to deal with now, matters of family and leadership, but you always had an eye for detail. What's your take on our part in forthcoming events?"

Eryyk began to pour two glasses of local brandy, palmed one off and took a seat for himself. He swirled the glass a moment as he thought on the situation before answering, "Our role in this wedding is nil. We are nowhere near important enough to make the eye of the King unless we make ourselves stand out. If we want to turn this to our advantage the goal is not to exalt ourselves, but to make ourselves instrumental in exalting the Baratheons. As for Loranth he is... untested. He has a head for the day to day operations but he has not needed to deal with a critical situation."

In reply to Loranth Fell (msg # 27):

Mulling that over, the young ward then seemed thouthgful before chirping up with another question.

"I'd like to accompany you as you see to the arrangements today, My Lord?  I don't think I have any more scheduled studies, and I feel as if I could learn a great deal watching you tend to Lord's business, especially in preparing for King's Landing!"

He shrugged, swirling the brandy in its glass and staring into it pensively. It was a finer vintage than the swill he was used to on the campaign trail. It was strangely sweet too, and trimmed with an oaky finish. A local vintage perhaps? He hoped to test the waters with Eryyk first, finding him oddly easy to talk to. To say these words to Loranth seemed ill-advised until he’d had the opportunity to test steadier, more experienced, waters, and Eryyk seemed wise to the ways of the house, and loyal to its interests.

"Indeed, the wedding itself is a royal affair, far beyond us in its scope, but around such momentous events are smaller, though still significant, opportunities. With so much of the nobility in or around King’s Landing at the same time, many new alliances will be formed. It seems logical for an appropriate betrothal to be made for either Lachlan or Loranth. For myself, I have the opportunity to make a public appearance in the ranks of my peers for the first time, and with the Seven’s Blessing, achieve some mark or renown on the tourney field."

He turned from the broad concerns of the house, to those weighing on his own heart.

"I will be honest with you Eryyk, though it will sound like the ill-conceived bravado of youth, I have no desire to wed any day soon, and I will be of little enough use to our House in its pursuit of trade advantage. But such a momentous alliance between houses of Targaryen and Martell provides every sort of opportunity for those of more humble origin. Understand me clearly: I want nothing but to establish, secure and promote the success of House Fell, and I intend to be a watchful protector while Loranth establishes himself more securely. Beyond that, however, I wonder if I cannot be of more use that sheltering within Timberwood and riding on Loranth’s coat-tails."

Tristan leaned forward in his chair, unable to completely hide the eagerness he felt for the matters he discussed.

"The realm is in flux, with ranks great and small more accessible than they have ever been, and it is not in my nature to timidly wait for my assigned portion. Not all great opportunities rely on high-birth, and not all rely on careful financial management, or marriage alliance. Indeed, some of the greatest honours one such as myself might wish to attain would require me to forswear the opportunities afforded me by blood, such as that of marriage, lands, and children."

He looked back down at his drink, musing at its flavour, and sure that Eryyk would take the meaning of the words he daren't quite speak aloud, lest they seem too ambitious by half.

Eryyk smiled at the apprehension of the young man as he listened intently. He almost had to wonder if he sold his noble airs too well. He had gone from a gutter to a castle. Now a man starting from a castle was eying a rise from a foreign campaign to the Red Keep, a concept that hardly seemed a stretch to his eyes. So cutting to the heart of the matter he offered with a small smile the casual observation, "You would look good in white."

He took the smallest sip of brandy and let the liquid sit on his tongue while he waited on a reaction...

"Acired, I can not see it being that interesting, but if you wish you may come. Could you do me a favor, and find Master Erryk. Ask him to come at his earliest convenience."  Went to his desk and started to shuffle through his papers. His smile seemed to fade as he pulled out the ledger, and started to work the numbers.

"Yes, My Lord"

Acired started to give a small bow, then remembered her lessons and instead picked up the hem of her skirts and curtsied as the Lady Adria had spent hours teaching her to do.  She was still growing accustomed to the habits and traditions of these lands away from her small island, despite how impractical she thought them.  Her father had sternly impressed upon her that she was to obey the Lord and Lady of Timberwood as if they were her own parents.  She was trying.

Withdrawing from the room, she peered within and without the other archways and doorways of the castle corridor, finally spying the Maester speaking with the Lord's cousin.  Waiting for a pause, she then entered and curtsied before interjecting.

"Maester Tyrol?  His Lordship wishes to speak with you and has sent me to bring you to his chambers at your soonest convenience."

She dipped her head at the Maester and then gave a pleasant smile of admiration towards the martial-looking Tristan.

Tristan's eyebrows rose at the sudden appearance of the young Lady. How long had she been there? Her face was unfamiliar, and he couldn't remember it from those early childhood years before he departed. A ward, perhaps? Her coloration was certainly fairer than the Fell bloodline, and the budding of a genuine beauty, near flower, though with a hint of steel or sinew beneath the surface. This one could be trouble, he thought, distractedly. He chose his words to Erryk carefully, not wanting to reveal their shared conversation to an unknown party. He smiled, his face lit with a genuine warmth.

"Thank you for you time Eryyk, you've much and more to be getting on with in helping Loranth prepare. It means a great deal that you took time out to speak with me and welcome me back. Rest assured...rest assured that I do not take the matters we discussed lightly, and that I know the destination to be a distant, quite unlikely, thing, with important and varied hurdles to be surmounted on the way. It is good to know that I have a confidante in you."

He stood, and a wave of fatigue rolled over him, he extended his hand toward the chair arm to steady himself, but found he didn't quite need to, so he folded his extended fingers into a fist and raised it to his mouth to stifle a yawn.

"I'll leave you to make your way back to Lord Fell, Maester Tyrol", he said, perhaps a little too formally, "and perhaps this young lady can direct me to appropriate sleeping quarters. If you'll forgive me lady, I fear we've not been formally introduced. I am Tristan, second-cousin to my Lord Loranth, recently returned from across the narrow sea." He stifled another yawn, "quite recently in fact." In the back of his mind he realised that asking directions would be something of a feaux pas if the lady were particularly high born or a guest like the ones House Fell were to escort. The fatigue and disorientation of the weeks at sea were still weighing on him, and he wished he could call the words back.

There was a combination of mixed envy, admiration, and approval on the face of the girl as she listened to Tristan speak.  She nodded as he spoke of coming across the Narrow Sea, and her eyes sparkled with interest.

"A sea voyage?  Where did you sail from, if I may ask?  I grew up in the Gullet, not far from Dragonstone.  I love the sea, and I miss the sea air greatly.  Not that Timberwood lacks its charms, but the castle is so much farther from the sea than i am used to.  Oh!  But where are my manners?!  I am Acired, Acired Velaryon.  I was sent here to be fostered under the care of the Late Lord Fell and Lady Adria."

She offered her arm to Tristan, a gesture of both courtly manners for him to show chivalry and also to lend the excuse so that he might lean a bit and ease his fatigue.

"Now that you two have your introductions. I'll see to the business with the Lord", he said as he stood and knocked back the remainder of his brandy. He straightened his clothes and started to leave and at the door he stopped held it open and mentioned offhandedly, "I really must lock up. I keep most of the houses financial ledgers in here. I am a merchant after all... no chain on this neck."

Tristan's eyebrows rose in mild shock. The Velaryon's were an old house indeed, with the blood of Old Valyria in their veins, a fact which seemed obvious enough given Acired's fair appearance. He was no student of history, but like every young squire, he had been raised on stories of military heroics, and knew that the first ever Lord Commander of the Kingsguard had been Ser Corlys Velaryon.

He bade farewell to Eryyk and took Acired's arm, as propriety dictated, though pride forbade him from leaning against her as though he was the doddering old man that exhaustion made him feel like.

"My ship sailed from Pentos, my Lady Acired. It is the superior port if one wishes to make the journey, as the good relationship between the Iron Throne and that free city means the tariffs are low, and ships make the journey all year-round."

"I'll admit, I have learned no great fondness for the sea, though that might be a matter of circumstance. Nine times in ten that I've smelt the sea air, I've been soon-after packed into a troop transport galley, often too small by half. My company, the Golden Manticores, spent far more time in the field, fighting for one magister or another in The Flatlands, or defending them from a roving Khalasar if the merchants were too foolish or stiff-necked to pay tribute. "

He shook his head in consternation. How many good, Seven-serving Westerosi men died in those battles, because the merchants were too greedy to pay off the barbarians, and yet too cowardly to fight their own battles? He tore his mind away from such brooding thoughts.

"We did not often linger in the Free Cities themselves, as the foreigners did not trust so many foreign swords in their streets. I grew to love the hills instead, and the tall grasses that grew all the way up a courser's flank in their short summers. The Flatlands are the breadbowl of the region, and most of the nearby cities are fed by it. I doubt I met more than a score of truly decent folk in all my time across the Narrow Sea, and fully half of them worked those fields for little more than a pittance."

He was aware the remark might seem rustic, if not bizarre, to one of his own class, and so he redirected it.

"Suffice to say, I am glad to return home, where the lands are ruled by Godly men of conscience, like our good King Baelor, who is well loved by the smallfolk."

They had turned a corner, toward what seemed the guest wing of Timberwood's long halls. He found it almost funny that this outsider, from the family of a crown vassal, could navigate his family's halls with greater familiarity that he. He was cautious of droning on, and so turned the focus back to the young lady, "Dragonstone is often spoken of like something out of fable, and I once heard a septon describe the Velaryon's seat in Driftmark as "The New Valyria". I can well imagine that the sea air might smell sweeter there than in Pentos. Would you tell me more of it, and of how you found your way to being fostered in our more rustic halls?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Tue 16 Dec 2014.

Holding onto Tristan's arm as if she had just gotten a prize for good behavior, Acired beamed and walked him along through the castle corridor.

"Pentos?!  That sounds quite wonderful.  It must have been such a sight, to see so many people of different lands, so many beasts of different hue, to hear the tongues of many men and smell the spices and trade goods as they are unloaded upon the docks...  I rarely left my father's island, it's just a large rock really, with only a watchtower to guard against the Ironborn and pirates, not even a proper keep.  But I did love to sail, I had a little coracle I would take out everyday.  And I learned to handle larger vessels from my father, for when he needed someone to help him prepare for a campaign."

When he spoke of campaigning, she glanced at him admiringly, yet with a sincere look of appreciation for his somber words.

"You've seen combat then...  That look in your eyes, I've seen it in the faces of mariners and fighting men of our isles as well.  You've seen the light of life ebb from the gazes of the men you've faced, as well as the ones you fought alongside. ...It changes you, does it not?"

She paused and then added.  "I've seen it too... when I've tended the dying after raids on our folk.  I was even caught up in the midst of a battle once.  It was madness.   You must be very brave to have kept your sense of self afterwards."

When Tristan asked about her home she turned pink in embarrassment and looked down at her shoes.

"I've never actually been to Driftmark.  Or to Dragonstone for that matter.  Father made occasional trips, but it was not my place to accompany him.  Our home is just a small island, it doesn't even have a proper name on any maps.  But the populace call it after the tower's first commander, they named it the Islet of Sudal.  We have fisherfolk, goatherds, and the open sea, and not much else.  On the rocky shores there are clams, mussels, and oysters to gather ...sometimes with pearls.  But mostly there's just boats and nets full of fish, salt water everywhere, and constant winds laced with the smell of seaweed.  There's precious little wood, no trees really... not like here."

Looking wistfully into empty air while reminiscing, the young girl gave a slight smile.

"As for how I came here, my father is ...was, a Knight Captain of the Gullet Watchtowers.  He oversaw stores and taxes, laid supplies, kept ships trim, and took a modest stipend from his duties.  But last season he was gravely wounded in battle against the Ironmen.  He survived but later took ill, and can no longer walk or fight.  A knight that cannot fight is of little use to great lords.  Income from the islet is modest and he could not properly take care of me.  But he was boon companions with the late Lord in their youth, and sent me here to be fostered.  I arrived shortly after the late Lord's passing.  Hereafter I have been sequestered with the Lady Adria, and keeping out of harms way, for the most part..."

Eryyk hustled across the castle grounds to meet his Lord after locking his study behind him and the pair of young nobles. It seemed like life in a castle was just such an experience, study to study, office to office.

He knocked lightly at the door before pushing open the door and inquiring, "I was told you wished to speak to me?"

"Yes come in." Loranth walks to his cabinet pulled out a decanter and two glasses. "Why don't you pour both of us a glass. I wanted to talk to you about the vision I have for this trip. We have been afforded an opportunity that I would like to try to exploit. Fellwood is viewed as a backward domain, so I have requested that a Septa would be dispatched to us. I have promised that we will build a Sept. Our coffers are pushed to the limits, but I believe that if we can arrange an audience with the King that we can enlist his aid and the Kingdom's gold to make it happen."

In reply to Eryyk Tyrol (msg # 40):

“Indeed, skill on the water is a rare enough skill in itself, let alone for the daughter of a noble house. In truth, I can lend my strength when a spar needs bracing, but I’ve never learned the finer arts of sailing in my time aboard Pentosian Galleys. The sailors tended to load us up like cattle and begrudged us the time we spent on deck rather than within the sightless holds.”

As they spoke, Tristan saw the admiration writ clear across her features, and thought he’d best nip in the bud any notion that he was a gallant knight, raised in court finery and etiquette as well as the reality of war.

If I am to speak truthfully, Lady Acired: What small social graces I’ve learned, I possess because I made the point of pursuing them, or because Ser Gregory, for whom I squired, expected the scion of a noble house to learn them. I have spent more time in the field of war than in court, and more time in the company of low-born free-riders than well-born maidens such as you. I feel greater trepidation at the thought of escorting and socialising with the nobility than I did upon the Burning Plains when faced with a Dothraki horde. Simply put, my lady, combat did not change me so much as shape me. It is the life I have led, and the path The Seven have thus far seen fit to lay at my feet.

When Acired revealed herself to be the scion of a cadet branch of her illustrious house, Tristan realised he had mis-stepped by assuming her to be of greater stature, and had embarrassed her. He cursed himself silently at his thoughtlessness, and wondered again whether it was a reflection of the rough edges of his manners, or the tiredness that seemed to be seeping into his very bones.

As she spoke of her Father’s injury and the intervention of the late Lord Fell, Tristan felt his emotions begin to boil.
“If I am not out of turn, my lady, it is a shameful thing that your father was not more properly assisted by his liege or family after taking such a grievous hurt in the service of his duties and House. Even so, my heart is gladdened that my Lord Loranth can now play his part in setting right such a wrong, and see you schooled and fostered in a manner more befitting your bloodline.“

As they walked, he mused, perhaps more talkatively than he would had were he less tired. His guard and reserved composure had been somewhat worn down.

“My own father was a household knight of House Fell, and lacked any lands or great prospects of his own. He rode the lands of Timberwood regularly and with pride, glad to be a strong sword-arm for Lord Loranth’s father and grandmother. He took a barbed arrow for his trouble and died from it, well before my tenth name-day.”

“I remember when Lord Fell executed some prisoners from the same group of bandits that laid him low. Ser Moresey, for whom I’d been squiring for less than a year, bade me watch and reminded me of our Words: ‘We Fell, we raise anew”. Looking back, they are oddly fitting, for the timing of my father’s death paved the way for me joining Ser Moresey in Pentos, to be raised and blooded in foreign wars.”

They had reached the end of the guest wing, and Tristan saw a servant exit the room that had clearly been hurriedly prepared for him while he spoke with Eryyk. The steward is clearly a man who still knows his business, he mused.

He turned back to face Acired, endeavouring to make his point clear before finally succumbing to fatigue.
“I am proud of my father, and seek to emulate him in the love he showed my family and our people, in the way he chose to live, serve, and ultimately leave this world. Your father sounds like a man cut from the same cloth, a father worthy of great admiration, who loves his family andsees duty as its own reward, whatever ill-fortune is dealt him.”

He bade the young Lady farewell. Once the door to the small room was closed, Tristan made his way to the bed. Made of strong local wood, but lacking in any ornamentation, it suited his tastes well. He knelt and laid out his prayers to the Seven, praying first for his cousin, Loranth, but also for a great many others, including friends abroad, and Acired and Eryyk. It seemed an age before he had finished, and when he climbed into bed, he did so gladly, falling asleep immediately.

 Noticing that more family and friends have arrived, Lachland has stayed quiet and out of the way. But the time has come to get them ready to meet and escort these Dorne houses and Reachers to Kings Landing, so if they don’t hurry then they may has issue with the royal court.

 Lachland has been told that his 1st and 2nd cousins are in conference, he knows better to interrupt, but at the same time, … it’s been a long time since the three of them have shared stories and plotted which women are next on their lists. He laughs at himself with these thoughts,... he knocks on the door to the chamber of which Tristan "Skybreaker" and the Lord of Timberwood are having their conversation.

Vanna opens the door. She stares hard at Ser Lachland than allows him to pass into the room.

He walks in scanning the room, he is taking in the environment. He has a lacks personality that gives out a flare of arrogance. "Cousins, so good to see you" he walks over to the table "M'lord, .... " he extends his hand out to grab a goblet with the thought of serving himself a cup of the good stuff "Cousin you have been away for a long time, you look well."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 06:06, Sat 10 Jan 2015.

"I hope I did not interrupt your conversations, ..... I understand that we are to escort some Dornish lords and ladies to King's Landing." Smiling at his cousins, "News travels quickly; sometimes the men are worse than the kitchen hands."


'I can assist and help get things ready to leave in the morning with your approval?"

Drinking a quick second glass of wine, he chugs it down without tasting it.

"Lachland make it so. Determine which Dorne Princes we are escorting. Also, get with the Maester, and determine which of the Noble Prince has daughters that will be fighting in the tournament.  Vanna, will work with you to provide scouts that know the route." Loranth returns to the ledger he was studying. He was concerned on how he would fulfill the the promise of building a Sept. He rises from it before Lachland leaves. "It is good to have the Knights of Fell home.  We drink and merry in King's Landing."

The house gets ready to travel south to the lands of House Dondarrion, the guardians of the northern pass. It takes a few days to properly repair the men. The road they must take to meet with the Dorne Lords is a different from the road that will take them to King's Landing, .... so Ser Lachland Fell has taken it on himself, the task of getting everything needed for this journey (the men of Fell will not see home for several weeks). After another day of non-stop preparation Lachland announces to Loranth that they will be ready to leave in the morning and it will be 3 days before they reach a hamlet at the end of the pass which is the location they will meet and escort the houses north. This is about a day and a half north from Blackhaven.


The courtyard is streaming with men and they await their Lord as the sun raises and lights up the road.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:37, Mon 09 Feb 2015.

Even though there likely no chance of any actual lawless encounters inside their own borders, Acired chose to wear her boys clothes and armor for the ride out.  It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the effort of the Lady Fell, but she felt a restless urge that wouldn't satisfy with just riding in the ladies train.

Clad in polished scales, her coat of mail looked like it had been fished from the sea foam itself.  Her shield was in good condition, and her spear was rubbed with wax and recently sharpened.  She smiled brightly and looked for the others as she took an unsteady seat on horseback.  She could ride fairly well, but she preferred the swaying of wooden decks to the gait of a mount.

"What is the name of the hamlet we are to rendezvous at?  Will there be others there already to meet us?"

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 49):

"Like night and day M'Lady Acired, ....." he reaches over to one of the straps that seems to have come loose. "The strap is loose, if I may, ....." as he tightens it. "It seems that the rest have not given you the credit you deserve, perhaps this trip will change their minds".

When the rest of the noble house members enter the courtyard Ser Lachland approaches each to make sure they are ready and tends to their requests. He mounts, .... "Fell Rangers Mount Up, Lord Loranth when you are ready".

"We ride to Ridgewing a hamlet just within the lands of House Dondarrion, be sharp the Marcher Lords are not to trifle with, and the Dorne we escort are not liked, …. we could see some not interest in seeing our charge make it to King's Landing."

Ser Lachland waits for his seniors to lead.

The heads of the house lead the way out of the courtyard and down the muddy road. It has rained for several days the road is slick with mud and holes have filled with rain making large puddles.

Single file (the only wat through) they ride through the heavy forested lands of House Fell. Once they reach the boards of House Fell, .... Vanna Storm heads out ahead with a group of her rangers to scout. "Lords, I will scout ahead and meet at camp if all is good on the road ahead, I will see by night fall  ....  If we find trouble or trouble find us I will send word."

Ride well M' Lords.

OOC: Posted by GM

On the road to Ridgewing, ....

Ser Lachland Fell rides up beside Acired "So Lady Acired, have you every been to the Red mountains or Ridgewing?"

Ser Lackland is a well known womanizer, he enjoys the company of his ladies and often is call unsavory for his interest in noble born daughters. Their is an attractive aspect in his demeanor, ....

As soon as he rides side up to Acired, his cousins and other family members begin to whisper. When he sees them do so he says to Acired, "Don't mind them they are jealous, and they think I bed every lady I talk too. It's not true you know ? I only bed the best in breeding." He laughs at his own joke as if unsure you thought it was funny as well.

OOC: @ Acired Velaryon you the only PC at this time in this IC, so when ready let me know. I was waiting on your post.

Flattered at the interest of Ser Lackland, Acired doesn't seem to quite realize his interest in her is because of how she looks, but seems to think she can relate to him because of his prowess as a knight.  As such, his comment about bedding her seems to go completely over her head.  Shaking her head at the initial question, she smiles,

"I've never really been anywhere outside of Blackwater Bay, Ser Lackland.  I've never even been to Dragonstone, my father never allowed me to accompany him.  These woods here are the only other opportunity I've had for travel, and I find them exotic and most unlike anything we have at home.  I'm excited to be up and about in armor again though!  I've always wanted to ride in the company of knights, and being allowed to attend the upcoming Tourney and possibly squire if I make a good impression, well it's quite exciting!  I can hardly believe this is all happening!  Would you take it amis if I ask you to tell me more about your campaign experiences, Ser Lackland?"

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 54):

Smiling much like he did when he made those rude remarks "Well there is not much to tell unless you like blood, death and whoring, .... Sorry M'lady, sometimes I forget I'm not there, and here such talk is distasteful."

In a much softer and noble tone, "Well I've seen much, is there something you have heard that you wish me to talk about?"

Wryly speaking, Acired replied with a bit of sour humor.

"Given my relative ignorance on the topics of all of those subjects, Ser.... I think perhaps I leave it in your discretion to tell me what war stories you deem fitting and entertaining.  I am after all inquiring after your experiences, in a general sense."

She then turned her attention away and murmured quietly.

"But you do not have to feel as if you are indulging me such as a child, Ser Lachland.  If there is naught you find worthy of discussion, then I shall entertain myself by watching the lands as we travel."

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 56):

"Well I did defend the pass once when House Baratheon called for banner men and sent troops to assist House Dondarrion from the Dornish. I did get to see some fighting but those skirmishes were a Dorne trick to distract us from their main assaults on the western mountain domains of House Dondarrion. The Dorne elite are not to be trifled with, I saw how fierce their spear men fought and that's when I knew that I wanted to continue with my training. I didn't want to be the loser on the end of a Dornish spear."

"My father spoke highly of the Dornish spears as well..  it's part of why he suggested I learn to fight with spear and shield, so that I had the advantage of cover and reach.  He also taught me that a shallow stabbing puncture is far more lethal than a shallow slash, and that a spear would put down my foes more readily and with less strength needed."

She looks rather proud as she speaks of her father's teachings.  Her eyes glance over at the knight and she tilts her head, as if looking at him from a specific angle.

"Why do the ladies of the castle say you must always be walking bow-legged each morning you return from the townhouses outside of the walls?  Is it because you ride quite a lot on your own?"

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 58):

Lachlan smiles and holds back his laughter, in order not to cause insult "No lady Acired its not from my horse riding. It's my reputation with the women that seems to strike others to talk about me."

His grin gets bigger and a light chuckle escapes his lips. "My apologies I am not laughing at you just at the fact they say these things. Perhaps if I rode horses harder then my women I could call such things a lie. But I would say I prefer the taste of women more then the other less fruitful things life has to offer. Every man has a weakness some it's the bottle, or honor, maybe even duty, ... me a beautiful women at my side"

The smile slowly goes away and he make a last comment, "At the end what is life unless you can share it, ....."

A side of Lachland few get a chance to see.
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:43, Sat 02 May 2015.

Looks surprised at Lachland's admission and then ponders.

"So for your part, you're seeking to find a wife and marry?"

She however smirks and quips "...or are we speaking now of camp followers and sordid women of the famed seraglios of King's Landing?"

She wasn't entirely ignorant of these affairs, but as all young people, her ideas were drawn from stories and gossip, rather than practical experience.

"Have you any knowledge of the place we are to rendezvous?  Is it a friendly place?  Or is the land itself treacherous and ill-suited for large parleys?"

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 60):

"Yes, my understanding we are to meet the Dorne lords in the next two days by the village just outside House Dondarrion's lands."

Grinning and he says to himself "friendly" "Well there's a reason its outs House Dondarrion's lands. Every since Old Dandarrion's son took over the house their seems to be friction with the other Marcher Lords. Old Dandarrion's son seems not to honor all of his fathers oaths and says those are his father responsibilities, of course the Marcher Lords have history that dates back hundreds of years so these oaths are not so easily broken or taken lightly. BUT these things matter little to a Fell, we are not Marcher Lords and we do not own them our fealty, so let them deal and we well pick up the piece's as they shall fall."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 21:29, Tue 19 May 2015.

"I should like to see a little excitement, I think."

The young lady seemed a bit chipper, as she spoke.

"I don't mean violence or bloodshed...  I've seen quite enough of that to suit my tastes back in Blackwater Bay." she added hastily.

"But don't you think it's wonderful to be out, riding, away from walls and boring people..."

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 62):

"I seen a lot, and what I have seen in the world is cruel, with mostly unwanted shits, so much of it that the walls became friends and the people were in the way. But the comfort of a companion is the only this that truly is pleasing, next to knowing that our enemies are dead, so I can enjoy my walls and forget about the people." He laughs slightly as if that he said something funny, but it clearly was not.

Form ahead, two riders come back from patrol. "My Lords the valley pass has been flooded out and we most go around, the wagons and horses will not be able to pass. Unless My Lords you wish to make camp and wait out for the floods, ..... perhaps two or three days?"

"Ser Lachland take 15 of your choosing, check the pass and what is ahead, make sure our new Dornish friends are ok, ... Maybe the gods favor us today and they all drowned in the flooding." 

"Go cousin carefully make your way through and meet with us at the village outside the valley. We will wait for you there" As Lord Loranth Fell begins to bark orders to the rest that they will go around and camp outside the village.

"So lady Acired, looks like you may have what you asked for, Are you up to some adventure?"

Wide-eyed, Acired nods solemnly and answers.

"If you would have me by your side, I will gladly accompany you.  It's not my first foray, and I will stay by your side and not get in your way.  I won't run off off or rush ahead!"

She reaches for her strapped belongings at the rear of her horse, pulling her shield onto her arm while she unfastens her spear from the saddle ring it was bound to.

OOC: Acired Velaryon are you the last active player in the house?

I just realized that they all dropped or have not been around. I would be willing to change her story a little to make room for you to split off and RP with the others because as of now your kinda solo and that's tuff on me as GM.

"Yes, I would have you by my side, .... come lets pick 15 good man to come with us. With the rain season being so strong this year we should leave our horses behind and take some scouts with us."

"We can make it to the crossing just in time if we leave right away"

Ser Lachland would love to bed a Velryon lady, but for some reason he has taken a liking to Acired, which simply mean if he every bedded her it would be more her choosing then his. It's just the way Lachland thinks.

In reply to Caladin (msg # 67):

(Yeah, I thought that's what you were doing, last we checked!  When everyone else seemed to drop, you said you would get me to King's Landing, and decided which group to move Acired to, probably using the politics of her name to place her somewhere 'interesting'!)

Following Ser Lachland, Acired nodded and had her things readied within moments.  Her father had taught her well, and she was eager to show that his faith in her had not been wasted.

Taking her cues, she watched as the knight picked good footmen to scout, ones that looked like they could adapt to the terrain and move fast.  She looked at the selection process much like how her father would have chosen fighting mariners over sailors or seamen.  Adaptation and flexibility over specialization, in both cases.

In reply to Acired Velaryon (msg # 69):



OOC: yes more interesting!, lol I do truly apologies for the way that group ended up. And I do appreciate you sticking it out. :)

 Lady Acired and Ser Lachland gather 15 men, and leave their horses. By foot the travel out and head in the direction of Blackhaven.

 The Stormlands, ... the very name conjures images of its mystery and adventure for those that have traveled so far. Blackhaven is no little village. At the northern base of the Boneway its stronghold keeps the unwanted out.

 It has rained for almost 3 days with little rest from the clouds above. At times the wind force would speed the rain, and it would hurt when it struck the face or exposed hand.

 Its been a miserable trip, every article of clothing is wet, and fires to keep warm at night are impossible to keep, even the food is wet & cold.

The rain has finial let up on the 4th day and on the 5th night well after dark, Ser Lachland has ordered to press on so to reach Blackhaven not have to stay another day on the muddy treacherous road ways. So far it seems no one has dared to travel in the weather and only on the last day did you see any merchants on the road.

The moon is over head and Blackhaven is lite by street lanterns. You have not yet seem a patrol.


OOC: you can post and finial comments and this IC will be closed.

Acired was used to stormy and rainy weather, the damp wetness was something taken for granted in the Gullet.  But that didn't make this any more pleasant because she happened to know what to expect.  Grimacing at her sticky clothes, matted hair, and smelly wet-horse, she glanced at the others and noticed the scouts gesture to Blackhaven in the near distance.

"Finally!" she exclaimed.  "...we're going to find dry rooms at an inn, I hope?  Or will we be greeted by the local lord, you think?"

As they entered the empty streets, she wondered why everything was so eeriely quiet.  Even the little fishing villages of home had some level of bustle after dark.  Men drinking and singing, animals being brought indoors, families laughing over dinner...  There was none of that here.

"How queer...  where do we go now?"

All PC will be awarded 2 exps

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