Fatimah turns red embarrassed, Sorry, sorry, right I didn't mean I didn't trust the Lord. Its just I'm supposed to guard Ashara. What if umm... a ruffian sneaks in? Or an assassin? I hear some assassins can shapeshift! No Lord could be blamed for letting one of those sneak in.  she turns and puts the sword over her chairs back. All ready now! she says as she takes Edric's arm. Did I save that? Probably just made a bigger fool of myself. But I swear I saw a man change shape after killing a baker. Although who has the money to hire an elite assassin to kill a baker? Plus he was a jerk, people would have cheered if someone just stabbed him in the open. Stupid shapeshifters.

Ashara's smile brightened as Madax spun her around. "I suppose I have my answer" she said mysteriously. She leaned in a whispered to Mardax.  Ashara continued to let Mardax lead her in the dance. "I wonder if we're being watched. The handsome lord and his Dornish partner..."

She gave Fatimah an encouraging smile.

Altair took the red haired girl by the hand, and brought her out onto the floor. "My Name is Altair. And you are beautifull."

Mardax smirked a bit, as he looked back into her eyes continuing the dance.  A few spins and dips, depending on the song, as he shook his head.  "Who would be watching?  My cousin and her partner, because to me... no one else exists.  They only exist because you keep looking at them."  He said with a smile. "not that I mind.  My cousin is quite charming, given the right motivation."

Ashara looked in to Mardax's eyes. "That's very romantic" she said happily when Mardax said that for him no one else existed. She blushed when he pointed out she kept looking at her cousin. "My cousin and I are as close as sisters, and I wanted to make sure things were going well for her. I'm sorry, it was rude of me to turn my attention from my dancing partner. Please forgive me my lord. You have my undivided attention" she explained, embarrassed.
Ashara smiled and laughed as Mardax spun her around; she loved dancing, and it was a joy to dance with someone who was good at it like Mardax. "You are an excellent dancer, Mardax" she said warmly, before teasing "If only you hadn't arrived at Kolwyn Hold so fatigued" with a mock-pout.

 Mathys had returned from his bout of needing fresh air. He walked back into the Great Hall,and resumed his seat at his fathers's side. He knew his Sire was giving him the " We are not amused" expression, for having left. Ser Mathys reached for a goblet of wine. " I needed to clear my head, father. But rest assured, I shall be on my best behavior, for the duration of this Mummers farce.." He took a long drink.

He smiled at her as she talked about her cousin, and nodded.  "Yes, it would be good to see her happy, in these rare cases.  But it is alright, family is important. No need to apologize."

When she teased him about when they had first met, he nodded.  "Had I known dancing with you would release so much tension, I think I would have sucked up the fatigue, and danced with you anyway.  Though, this time, I think it is because your smile is my reward for surviving an assassination, and making here to be with you again."

Ashara looked relived. "You are very understanding, thank you. If I may ask, howdo you get along with your family, my lord?"

She looked mock-hurt "You'd only dance with me for... medicinal reasons?" But she grew utterly serious when he mentioned the assassination. "What? I didn't know things were so bad... but I'm very glad you made it through. I'm happy I can make things special for you after so terrible an event." She offered Mardax her best smile "Welcome back, Mardax"

Mardax smiled, and bowed his head to her.  "I don't wish to discuss the bad right now.  If you  wish to know more, we can talk later."

Another twirl, before she was back in his arms, he spoke about his family.  "Well, I like to think I get along well with them.  I am close with my older brother, and close with my little sister.  Me and my father don't always see eye to eye, but we know family is the most important.  As for the rest, I am not sure.  They are family, but I don't generally have much contact with them.  War heroes and everything, I missed the war.  I was in Essos."

As the events unfold and the festivities continue, Lord Perros Kolwyn and his Lady Tansa rise up once they have done he duties to avoid any disrespect to the Marcher Lords. They first walk over to Menara & Osgred Selmy, ... Lady Tansa seems to be at it again as they looks over at Fatimah & their son Ser Ackley Selmy "The Hammer". Once they are finished. Perros and his wife head to Lord Haryl's table, they are clearing giving their good nights to their host.

Cariel Dondarrion can be seen eyeing the Dorne families and as a somewhat skilled politician times his move to intercept the Dorne Lord and his lady before they leave. Words are exchanged and soon after "Old Lord Dondarrion" makes his way to Ser Hassan of House Ravenhowe "Ser Hassan Lord Kolwyn has agreed to meet with me later, I hope that you will also be able to attend. I will be at my manor once the drinking is done" "I hope you will attend, perhaps all the key family members should attend, .... they will all have something to gain."

In reply to Altair Fowler (msg # 206):

Speaking softly she leans into Altairs left ear, smiling and with a seductive voice "Your a very handsome young man, But I was told to dance with you by 'The Butcher'. He can't get close to Mardax without causing suspicion or making a sense." "My patron wishes to meet Mardax, outside the seeing eyes of the house and its many spies." "My patron knows you have no idea what I'm talking about or even why but its in all the houses interest, ... so doing this would be in service to your lord and many others." "He will meet Mardax and wishes to also speak with Ser Edric Neumann and Ser Mathys Ashfield, .... Edric and Mathy's will have no idea what or who you are talking about but tell them that their houses are in danger and it goes beyond the bandits that plague there lands"

Leaning away and now speaking louder so those close can hear if they were trying "You dance well, .... Thank you, I now most take my leave."

Fatimah has a mix of feelings swirling about in her head, anxiety from dancing without her sword in a strange place, worried about screwing up the dance, worried about Edric's safety in the melee, feeling protected by Edric while dancing. She knows mentally the last two are silly and probably a very good reason to never, ever do this with someone she plans on fighting beside in a real battle. But a Melee isn't a real war, so she's happy.

OOC: So it seems like Edric has vanished, and I do want to post something so it doesn't look like I've vanished.

Altair goes over to where Mardox has also finished the dance with Ashara. He bows,"My Lady, will you excuse us for a moment?  Ser, I need to speak with you in private."

Ashara blushed. "Of course, I won't mention it again. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up painful memories." She only hoped she hadn't ruined the occasion. She focused on the dancing, trying to move past her mistake.

"A family man. I like that." she said with a smile "It's important for knowing if a man will be a good husband, I think." She grew more grave when the war was mentioned. "That was a hard time, for all of us."

Ashara curtsied to Altair. "Of course, ser. Talk away."

She moved to the side of the dance floor, where she could see Fatimah and her knight dancing. She scanned the crowd for Bron, but didn't see him. He must still be dancing and enjoying himself. Good, he deserves a happy time.

Mardax smiled lightly at Ashara, before another man came up.  At least he was polite enough to wait till the end of the dance, but he still gave him a slightly cold stare.  He was curious what this man wanted to speak about, but turned to Ashara.  "Please excuse me, dear lady.  I will return as swiftly as I can."  He kissed her hand, before departing with the man.

Altair takes Mardax into the corridor, and looks round for a jplace far from anyone else. "Ser, I am sorry to take you away from your lady. You obviously had more success than I. My lady was sent, to give me a message. Her patron, called "The Butcher", wishes to speak with you in private, nay, in secret. He also wishes to speak with Ser Edric Neuman, and Ser Walter Mathys. They will not have heard of him. She says, tell you it is to the benefit of all our Houses, and it's not just to do with brigands."

Mardax stared at the man a bit indifferent, until he spoke the name.  Then his eyes narrowed, as he looked around as well.  What the hell?  The Butcher was here?  At least he knew he was looking for him.

"When and where.?"  Was all he said.  The less information the better.  Meeting with two Reachers, though, that was a bit odd.  But no matter, he was told by his brother to meet this man, and so he shall.

PM

"I am sorry. She did not give a place. Perhaps if you spoke to those others, if I got their names right, you could come back, and I will ask her for another dance." Altair goes back into the ballroom, and looks for his lady. He has misseed the start of  a dance. The girl is dancing with a youth with pimples! She must love her work to dance with him, Altair thinks.

Ashara blushed slightly when Mardax kissed her hand.

She walked gracefully up to Altair after he moved away from Mardax. "Were you assisting lord Mardax, ser? If so, I thank you sincerely" she said warmly. She curtsied to Altair. "I'm Ashara Kowlyn, eldest daughter of Lord Kolwyn. And you are?"

Mardax looked at the man, as he explained nothing useful after that point, and went off again.  HE sighed a bit, before he was thinking things over in his head.  Why two Reachers?  Was he going to go find them?

Mardax was a bit more tense now, and sighed, before going towards the one on the dance floor.  He stepped up to Fatima and Edric.  With a bow, he turned to his Cousin.  "Fatimah, please excuse me.  But I must speak with Ser Edric about something.  He will return shortly."

Not a problem ser. Fatimah says, but she isn't exactly quick to part on her own. A sort of lingering. When they walk away and she's out of there line of sight, she hurries over to Ashara, whispers with a sort of glee. He asked to dance. This is going to be so much fun. He'll fight for me, I'll fight for him and we'll dance again.

Ashara smiled fondly at Fatimah, pleased to see her cousin looking so happy. She leaned in to whisper back to her. "You two looked very sweet together. I bet every boy here is jealous of Ser Edric. And you will make quite a pair in the tournament. Although it is a shame you have to hide that pretty face and hair of your under a helmet."

"You seem a bit flustered... are you thinking Edric might be... more than a one-time dance?"

Edric gave Fatimah a twirl after she voiced her concern for her cousin's safety. Ashara has a gentle heart and I sure no one would want to cause her harm. Besides the Dondarrion are one of the most powerful families in the Stormlands. No harm will come you or your sister I promise.

Their dance was interrupted by the arrival of Mardax. The expression that played across his face showed that something was troubling him. Giving a bow to Fatimah, I am sorry our dance must come to an end so soon, but if I return in time perhaps it might continue? Edric left and followed Mardax out of the hall give it and its occupants a cautious look around before exiting.

OOC: To Lords and Ladies thread or Private Messages?

Altair bowed. "My Lady, I am Altair Fowler. I am third in line to my House. And I serve Lord Ravenhowe."