The early morning provided a crisp spring air fit for riding, and the Blackfin party made excellent time to Castle Lychester.

Lychester Castle made for an impressive sight on the flat and rolling plains of House Lychester’s lands, though in contrast with the fortifications of the Vale, Westerlands, and Stormlands it was relatively small. The curtain wall encompassed four short grey towers and two squat gatehouses, providing overlapping fields of fire to cover an approach from any angle. The moat, though fed by a nearby stream, was often stagnant, but for now was full to the brim with spring rains. The walls and gatehouses were decorated with proud, if somewhat faded, banners showing the black talon and orange-white field of House Lychester, and the same sigil was carved into the stone above each major entryway to emphasize the ancient ancestry of the seat.

An armoured knight sat astride his mount near the bridge leading to the primary entryway, a standard bearer and steward by his side, welcoming travelers to the keep with an ornate wooden platter of bread and salt, and turning away any uninvited hangers on, beneath the careful watch of six orange and white clad crossbows in the overlooking towers.
As the majority of the guests were not due to arrive for a full day yet, the road leading to Lychester Castle was mostly bare of traffic as the Blackfin party crested the nearby rise, though a pair of rider had preceded them by a few minutes, and disappeared into the shadow of the keep.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:57, Tue 23 Mar 2021.

Gwen glanced around at the rest of the small company after taking a longer look at the castle and its surrounding area. "We are earlier than most, it seems, though that doesn't particularly trouble me. A bit more time to spend with the hosts who will doubtless be quite busy in the coming days."

Her gaze went back to their goal. "Let's complete our journey and enjoy a bit of revelry." Gwen waited a moment to see if any other observations were made, but she seemed about ready to be off her horse.

"Saddle sores already Lady Gwendolyn?" Berion asked as a hint of mirth danced around the edge of his mouth.  "But yes, punctuality is hardly something to be apologetic for.  As you say, it will afford us opportunities that we will no doubt lack later."

As they approached the knight standing watch, Berion gaze was immediately drawn to the man's heraldry as he sought to identify the stranger.

As the Blackfin party approached Castle Lychester, they could make out the knight's coat of arms - a brown ploughman on a black field, obscured by a diagonal red stripe. This coat of arms was overshadowed by the standard bearer's huge banner; the black talon over orange and white gyronny of House Lychester.

The steward leaned forward as though to whisper details to the knight, but was waved back. Clad in polished splint mail, the knight raised his visor and offered a respectful salute as House Blackfin approached. He was a relatively handsome man in his late twenties, with short cropped hair and impressive moustache. He had the build of a trained knight, and would stand six feet tall if afoot, though he far less bulky than Ser Nathan.

"Greetings, travellers. I am Ser Gareth, sworn sword of Lord Lyman Lychester, and today, his champion. Come forth and identify yourselves, so that you can be offered the succor of honoured guests, if your intentions be true."

His tone was formal, but not unfriendly. Behind him on the battlements, men waited dutifully, with weapons in hand, but uncocked, and there was no general sense of alarm .

Thoren studied the Castle as if he was an enemy general planning to lay siege to the fortification. He gave thought to how he would deal with the fields of fire, with or without siegecraft, how he would navigate the moat, and how small of a force he could get away with to take and hold this place until support came. Of course, he had no plans to act upon this with this House, but the exercise kept his mind sharp. If the day came when had to do such a thing, he may not have time to plan it out.

"Well met, Ser Gareth," he said, riding forward a step. "I'm Ser Thoren Blackfin. I ride with Lady Gwendolyn of House Blackfin, as do Ser Berion Knollwood, Ser Darvil Blackfin, and squires Valen Vance and Jerom Pierce," he concluded, listing those with names of consequence.

"We are here at the invitation of your liege, to accept his gracious hospitality, and celebrate the impending nuptials of Ser Addam."

Ser Gareth nodded at Ser Thoren’s greeting, clearly finding it fitting “Greetings Lady Blackfin, and to you Sers Berion and Thoren,” he nodded but did not list the lesser names Of the company. “I know Ser Addam and Lord Lyman had intended to greet you themselves, but being uncertain of you arrival, opted to depart with the young Lord Tullison for the Lorrentime Ranges.”

While apologetic, Ser Gareth was far from grovelling. Minor miscommunication of this sort was not unusual, as travel between House Seats oft depended on weather and urgency.

“If you will take of Lord Lychester’s bread and salt, you will be considered of his honoured guests for the duration of your stay, whether under his roof or upon his hunting grounds. I will gladly see your mounts rested and watered and provide replacement and an escort while you depart for the hunt.”

At his word, the steward moved forward to profer the ceremonial offering, a wide pinewood platter topped with bread and salt.

Gwen nodded once at the offer. "We will happily partake, Ser Gareth, and we appreciate the care for our mounts." She looked about for movement from squires, knights and her ladies. Gwen would speak for the travelling party, but certainly expected others to do all the labor.

"I'm certain some of our number will be happy to join the hunting party. Hopefully there are many more hours of enjoyment to be had." She glanced over at some of those who had expressed desire to join the hunt before returning her attention to dismounting

"Lord Lychester’s hospitality is much appreciated Ser Gareth, thank you.  And yes, Lady Gwendolyn is quite correct, I would be delighted to join in the hunt." Berion replied as he gave the man a quick bow of his head before taking the customary offering after Gwen had finished.

He wasn't a particularly adept hunter, by any stretch of the imagination, but Berion had a rather soft spot for hawking, even if it was something largely relegated to the ladies, or more... senior menfolk.

Ser Gareth played his part with courtesy and good grace, and House Lychester's retainers followed his instruction to the letter, though those watching closely saw one or two give the Lychester Champion sour looks while his back was turned.

House Blackfins horses were soon watered and, where necessary, exchanged for fresher mounts, and a small escort of Lychester scouts brought House Blackfins retainers to where their lord might be found.

On the road, a shout of alarm from the scouts caused a moment's alarm, but it proved to be Ser Nathan Serbera and his companions, the knights of the hedge. True to his word, Ser Nathan had ridden off the night's drinking and ridden hard to catch up with House Blackfin just as they crested the final rise.

House Lychester often made use of the Lorrentine Ranges for its falconry. The hills were bare of all but the sparsest of vegetation and low grasses, though a single slow stream had carved a path nearby, leading to a number of frogs, foxes, hares, rats and herons to make an uncertain home among the reeds.

Where the stream collided with a major tributary of the Red Fork, the vegetation grew thicker and taller, a lush woodland home to deer, boar, wolves, and smaller prey more suited to the use of hounds, bow, or spear than falcon. The woodland was so thick that is was known to be easy to become disoriented within.

The main Lychester camp sat perched on a hill overlooking both the low valley that would serve for falconry, and the main path leading into woodland. Prominently set up within the camp were pavilions in both the orange and black of House Lychester, and the red and blue of House Tullison. As sentries within the camp caught sight of House Blackfin's banners, a trumpet sounded welcome from within the camp.

Clearly, they were expected.

Gwendolyn had never been one to join the hunt. She was happy that others enjoyed it, but it was not even close to her favorite activity. However, the opportunity to socialize seemed to be available, so she would make the best the situation and be a pleasant guest to the proceedings.

Gwen raised a hand in greeting as they approached and then waited to be announced before dismounting and approaching those gathered. "It seems a rather pleasant day for a hunt. My thanks for the invitation." As the others dismounted and joined her, she introduced them in turn.

Bowing his head in greetings as Lady Gwendolyn introduced him, Ser Berion smiled warmly.  Allowing the Blackfin heiress to take her rightful place as the head of any conversation, he took a moment to survey those present, looking for familiar faces or heraldry.  Knowing who was, or wasn't here, could be more than a little telling in regards to which way the winds were blowing after all.

A tall, bald, thin, almost gaunt man dressed in clothes of fine make, if a little worn. Lord Lyman greeted the House with a sanguine formality,
“Good day Ser Naton, Lady Gwendolyn, and to Ser Berion and Ser Thoren, and your followers you honour us with your presence." Lord Lyman greeted them formally.

He turned toward his entourage.

“With a winter at our backs I’m sure some of your old acquaintances might seem unfamiliar,” he remarked, though it was difficult to tell if this was intended to be humous, given his monotonous delivery.

My son and heir Ser Addam, of course, and my daughter Iris,” he remarked of the two gold-haired children, both in the early years of their majority and dressed in finely made hunting leathers in the colours of House Lychester, “Will be partaking of the hunt and falconry in respectively.”

“And my trusted Bannerman and strong right arm, the good Ser Lyonel Darry, will be overseeing the protection of the hunting camp,” the grizzled old knight was the only man present clad in full battle dress, barring his helm, which he kept in the crook of his left arm. Even as he nodded in deference to Ser Naton and Lady Gwendolyn, his eyes were constantly scanning the surrounding hills for unseen dangers.

Lord Lyman gestured toward the other nobles present, “And I am uncertain if you well know Dunstan Tullison, his mother the Lady Moraine, and his sister the Lady Yve.” The Tullisons were less fair in complexion than the Lychesters, with the Ladies in particular bearing a somewhat sombre look, Dunstand and Yve seemed perhaps fifteen “Alas Lord Donbar is too ill to join us, and has remained at Joston's Rock” Lord Lyman punctuated the comment with a polite cough of his own, which he covered with a kerchief.

“I trust Ser Gareth managed to do as instructed and you have been formally welcomed as our guests?” Here was the first chink in Lord Lyman’s armour, as he implied that he expected the knight to foul the matter up in some way. Behind him, Ser Lyonel frowned slightly, but quickly resumed his scan of the surrounding area.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:26, Sun 02 May 2021.

Thoren returned the greetings of Lord Lyman, Ser Addam, Lady Iris, as well as Ser Lyonel and the Tullisons, making sure to wish for a speedy return to good health for Lord Donbar.

"Yes, Lord Lyman, Ser Gareth indeed offered us a formal welcome, and saw to it that our mounts were cared for, saw that we had replacements, that we were able to join you and greet you in person," he said.

Lord Lyman nodded, apparently satisfied, "I am glad you have come, and glad that we shall all have the chance to speak and celebrate my son's upcoming wedding before the arrival of more guests makes such matters more difficult."

Young Dunstan Tullison nodded politely at Lord Lyman's introduction before launching into a matter clearly foremost in his mind.

He addressed Lady Gwendolyn and her knightly retainers, "You'll help Ser Adham and I settle a challenge, yes? He doesn't think any hunstsmen from the Pendric Hills can match you lowlanders in the woods. I've brought a brace of good dogs and our huntsmaster Ser Mathers all the way from Joston's Rock.

Dunstan nodded toward the Blackfin retainers, Gerhart Rivers amongst them, "You've clearly brought your own huntsmen, so we can make a challenge of it. The Blackfins and Ser Adham against the Tullisons and Ser Naton."

Behind Dunstan, his sister Yve, gave a slight smile, and his mother the Lady Moirane briefly covered her face in embarrassment at her son's eagerness.

The Lychester heir was clad in a mix of expensive silks and hunting leathers. His hair was a polished gold, his teeth a gleaming white, and his manner just as cocksure as the younger Dunstan, Beside him, a page carried a long spear enlaid with bronze patterns on his masters behalf. Whereas some of the Lychester retainers seemed worn or faded, the heir to the house was near-resplendent.

Ser Adham smiled at the younger lordling's eagerness, "I believe I said only that your Ser Mathers would not be as used to our boars and tall stags; our forests are full of of forgotten creatures and hidden glens."

His eyes darted toward his father's face, perhaps reading some signal hidden in those craggy, pallid depths. With some effort he reigned himself in, "We shan't even speak of the matter 'til Lady Blackfin is properly seen to, and even then, I'm sure she will prefer the gentler company of the falconry to the rough and tumble of a boar hunt."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Tue 11 May 2021.

Gwen looked to those Blackfins that would be doing the actual hunting for some sign of their approval of the suggested arrangements. She was willing to field the question of her own placement, however. Gwen slowly nodded her appreciation for the consideration. "Thank you, Ser Adham. I do prefer the falconry to the boar hunt, and I'm sure you will all enjoy some time together without any ladies in attendance."

The Blackfin heiress gestured toward her uncle with her right hand. "Lord Thoren certainly has my leave to determine whether and how the Blackfin men align themselves for your competition."

Jenny dismounted as well, feeling a little awkward in her riding leathers. She felt like she must look closer to the wild Isle-born girl she felt like sometimes that the elegant Westerosi maiden she aspired to be. She curtsied anyhow, determined to stick to the proper courtesies and do nothing to embarrass Gwendolyn, who she thought of both as her Lady and as like a sister. She smiled pleasantly at the Tullisons and hoped that they couldn't tell how nervous she was.

Alyssa was dressed neatly in subtle forest hues, her riding gown down to her ankles but just high enough not to catch on most undergrowth while she deals with her lady's business. She had dipped and offered her courtesy to Lychesters and Tullisons alike, but saw no need to speak up.

Truthfully she had as little experience with falconry as she did with hunting boar. She would accompany Lady Gwen's party, she expected - to hold horses and talk with the rest of the party watching the others actually hunt.

She cast a glance up at Ser Berion, then looked over at Dunstan and Yve Tullison as she tried to recall what she knew about their House.


12:27, Today: Alyssa Knollwood rolled 11 using 3d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,6,2.  Knowledge (Education) (with full dice pool, oops).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Sat 15 May 2021.

Ser Naton dismounted from his large mount, and cast a cavalier eye over the scattering of bright tents, minor nobles and their retainers, dismissing most with a glance. His eyes lingered over several of the Ladies in the Blackfin party, as he threw them a wink.

Ser Naton ignored Ser Adham’s polite words, striding over to the young Tullison and sizing him up, he simply laughed at the reed thin Tullison huntsmaster by his side and said, “I’ll follow yon lead old man, but I’ll have Ser Ollie, Ser Osney and Ser Desmond with me as well,” he brayed, gesturing behind him to the hedge knights and their squires, who had kept a mostly respectable distance away from the noble gathering. “For you’ll need stout arms and spears for the meat we’ll put on Lord Lychester’s table.”

Ser Mathers was a slighter man that Ser Naton, and half a head shorter, but he seemed unimpressed and unintimidated. He simply nodded as Ser Naton’s boast, and maintained a stoic silence.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Sat 15 May 2021.

Thoren wasn't much of one for the hunt, but there were roles to be observed here and duties to be undertaken on behalf of House Blackfin.

"Yes, I could go for a hunt. It has been some time since I've had a good one. I think we'll have Gerhart, Ser Darvil - and Ser Berion if you'll join us. The squires as well, I suppose." He'd leave the guardsmen with Lady Gwen of course.