In reply to Berion Knollwood (msg # 10):

“ Oh I quite agree; unseemly, ungodly, and impractical,” Alyssa nodded, the very soul of propriety. “I would suggest that Iris is well loved by her father, and seldom suffers a want of anything - fine clothes, jewellery, servants, and until now knightly champions. One who receives such things at a moment’s notice values them little,” Alyssa noted, adjusting the cuff of the dress she had sewn herself. “And I suspect if you were to champion her she would appreciate it in the same vein as she appreciates these other things, which is to say, fleetingly.”

“I do not pretend to know Iris’s heart, but my guess would be that she values what she cannot easily obtain, which will make it all the harder for her if Ser Walton has been seduced by Selene Mistwood,” Alyssa frowned in apparent sympathy. “But this also means that the best way to distinguish yourself from the dozen or so men who will offer themselves as her champion is simply not to do so. Defeat Ser Walton in the tourney, defeat whoever Iris offers her token to, and make her wish she had chosen you in his stead. I would suggest either accepting no token at all, or one that Iris would not consider a genuine threat or rival, such as the Lady Yve Tullison..”
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:13, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Giving his squire a nod of approval, Berion smiled as he tipped his hand towards his sister in acknowledgment of her point.  "Very true.  The thrill is in the chase after all.  No hunter wants their prey to simply walk right up to them, they want to work for it, so that when they do catch it, the victory is all the sweeter.  Unless they're you perhaps dear sister, after all, I heard about your falconry exploits" he added with a low chuckle and quick wink.  He was after all just teasing the woman.  After all, given their upbringing, falconry was hardly high up on the list of pursuits.

"I trust that I can count on your assistance in this matter as always?  Seven know what mess I'd step in without it.  Court is your chosen battlefield after all, not mine."  Not that he really had to ask given that he already knew the answer, but still, it never hurt.  "I of course would be more than happy to intercede on your behalf with Ser Gareth if you'd like.  It seems the least I can do after all."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Alyssa redenned at the mention of the falconry, “I have hardly had much chance to handle such birds before, and both Iris and Yve seems to find my attempt charming. Lyman seemed impressed that I was even willing to attempt it.” She sighed, as if uncertain of her own words, “but you are even less practiced with court nuances than I am with beastly talons - and rest assured both can rend. I shall speak with the Lady Moiraine and reassure her that any offer you make to the Lady Yve will be of quite chivalrous intent. Yve can then see it as an innocent gesture, and both of you will gain in the eyes of your peers - so long as you don’t go rolling off that horse too soon.” She smiled, glibly.

“As for Gareth,” she shrugged, “it is a simpler road to smooth, as our own family’s finished standing is no obstacle given his own humble origins. I was a little worried you would need convincing.” She admitted, with relief.

After a while of this talk of seeking Favours, Valen grew into a conflicted and tired expression, he of course didn't want to intrude into his master's courtly business unless asked for, and as such had kept himself quiet till now, but as the discussion between the siblings seemed to come into a conclusion of how they'd act he felt it was an appropriate moment.

"Forgive me if it will trouble you Ser Berion, but I don't know much of the business of seeking favours, nor do I have an idea of any possible individuals to approach. He glares at Alyssa as he says this with a plead not to comment what she finds obvious, as much as she may have been being nice by saying Gwendolyn hadn't been asked yet, Valen's position was entirely untenable on such a matter, and it went against his sense of loyalty and proper courtesy to the liege House of his knight to do so. "But as much as I tend to keep myself away from such pursuits, it would be...unwise to do so for long." It might sound surprising to hear it from someone who took so faithfully to Ser Berion's lessons of being wary and staying out of trouble when possible in courtly politics, but the knight might have expected Valen's hand to be forced.

Amid letters Ser Berion would usually receive from Valen's father in Atranta, amid question of the boy's welfare, developing skills at arms and prospects as a knight, politely veiled inquiries on whether he was making connections at court, or on the matters of possible betrothals, were surely many. Valen might dedicate himself extremely on his knightly pursuits, but clearly they weren't the most vital on his family's eyes, who probably thought just having Berion as his mentor would be enough to shape him up on that front.

Returning his sister's glib smile with a wink of his own, Berion replied "You know I could never resist you sister dearest.  And that would be much appreciated, thank you."

Rounding on his squire as the young man spoke up, Berion clucked his tongue in a chiding noise, though the wide smile plastered to his face made it plainly clear that he was doing so in hest.  "Valen, how many times must I tell you that when we're in private that you may dispense with the formalities?  And I think that finding a young lady willing to grant you her favour an excellent idea.  You're old enough to have to start thinking about that sort of thing, and Seven know that it would delight your father to no end to hear that you're thinking about more than hitting men with pointed sticks."

Glancing back over at his sister, he quickly added "What do you think Alyssa, one of your fellow handmaids perhaps?"

In reply to Berion Knollwood (msg # 16):

Alyssa exhaled sharply, “A safe choice in some ways, free of diplomatic entanglements. Appropriate for the squire of Ser Berion Knollwood, who is kin to silversmiths,” she smiled to her brother, sharing a family shame that did no harm in friendly company. “But as Valen Vance, cousin to the vaunted Lords of Atranta and Wayfarer’s Rest?”

She shook her head, “Myranda and Lanna are both too lowborn. Jenny perhaps, though the Ironborn are considered barbaric in some refined circles,” she clicked her tongue. “Lady Gwendolyn met a new ward this evening. A Mooton girl, Catelyn I believe. I do not know much of her, but the Mootons are an old house, and considered to be in the King’s favour as his brother, Prince Gambel, married old Lord Mooton’s daughter. This one must be in disfavour though, else she would not be warded with Lady Gwendolyn.” Alyssa smiled devilishly, meaning no insult to Lady Gwendolyn, but being well aware of House Blackfin’s infamy.

“A more ambitious choice would be Elinor Mallister, set to arrive on the morrow. She is sister to Edric, a girl of fourteen or so I believe. The Mallisters are well respected throughout the Riverlands for long centuries warding off the Ironborn, and well connected by marriage to House Erenford and Frey. I hear she is pretty and well spoken, but have not made her acquaintance.”

The idea of seeking favour any of the ladies who were constantly around Gwendolyn was an entirely uncomfortable idea, whether he failed or succeeded it smelled like trouble nevertheless. "Unfortunately I think what my father wants is more towards the diplomatic side than anything else." Valen notably didn't show too much of any reaction to Alyssa speaking of House's Knollwood origin, time and time again new nobles were made through their feats, and that was something he admired in Knighthood, so Valen would never think less of his knight's House because of it.

At the mention of the Mooton girl he gets pensive, considering the circumstances. "House Mooton also has notable economic power which puts it at a somewhat balanced status to mine, though our standing comes out of extense of land and armed forces instead." Not yet fully able to put his heart in the matter, Valen was at least smart enough to look at the situation properly, trying to set himself up to fail out of his stubborness would be foolish, and he'd already avoided this for too long because of it. Though it was best to not make assumptions without base, the two should at least be in more similar personal positions, even though she's from the main line he was a cousin. He knew all too well how dynamics within a large family were constantly at change.

At the mention of Mallister Valen shook his head immediatelly. "I have great respect for House Mallister but that's not an approach I think I should take with so little experience, it spells trouble." If Valen was one thing, he was incredibly aware of certain personal and political dynamics, the brother or uncle to a lord using his children to get in the graces of a more powerful house had a tendency to end badly. Personally Valen didn't want to risk botching any relations with one of or perhaps the most important martial house in the Riverlands.

"I think Lady Catelyn Mooton is the best choice for me to seek a Favour from, if it does not go through there is nothing shameful about a Squire riding without a favour and my father won't get to complain on my lack of effort." Seeking a favour from multiple people at the same time sounded dishonest and distateful to him so he preferred to settle on one choice.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

"Aye, I think choosing the young lady who hasn't had the opportunity to spend extended amounts of time with you is a smart move" Berion replied as he flashed his squire a quick smile and a wink.  "Though teasing aside, this Mooton girl does seem like a wise choice.  If only from a suitability perspective at least."

Blowing out a heavy breath, the knight glanced upwards at the ceiling before turning his gaze back to Valen and asking "So now that you've settled on a lucky lady, what's next?  Trust me when I say that you want to have thought it through lest you just stand there, mouth hanging open.  Learn from my mistakes and what have you he added as he winked again.

This time Valen at lets out a sort of theatric exaggerated sigh of relief to comply with Berion's joke.

The next question brings him pause. "I can't claim to know anything about her besides what I´ve already mentioned, and I wouldn't like to make it something purely based on that, I certainly don't greatly appreciate whenever someone wants to talk with me purely due to my family or position." To act without empathy and seeking only political goals towards a lady would certainly make The Mother and The Maiden displeased, thus he did not want to consider it.

"So I guess my plan is to introduce myself and ask about her in turn? Hopefully through conversation we may understand better of each other or find some common points, I too had to go through of the experience of traveling to another House's lands to be educated albeit a tad younger." Valen's best ability in conversations was usually his empathy.

"With her incoming wardship it would also be good to be properly acquainted with someone who's there or usually nearby." Now that he was thinking of it this way he could see the situation in a better light. "Certainly better than doing it solely for suitability reasons, and I don't really have the disposition to base the conversation on flattering platitudes." Too often had he heard professions of admiration or beauty from knights and squires towards ladies, while noticing how superficial those statements were.

"If that goes well then I proceed to asking for the Favour? Or do I do that from the start? What do you think of it overall." When Valen put his mind into something he certainly always put serious effort into it.

“It is not so uncommon to ask for a lady’s favour without a drawn out process of introduction. If you preferred to introduce yourself, the wedding itself may be the only opportunity, as the parade of arms will likely follow it. Many competitors will simply polish their armour, make sure their horses are presentable, and seek to avoid insulting the lady when they ask for the favour.” Alyssa summarised, rolling her eyes at the means by which men were expected to impress women

”I’ll seek an occasion during the festivities then, it may not be uncommon to ask without so, but I think it’s better that way. Though not as expressive as Alyssa, the idea of approaching someone asking for their belief and nominal support in an event such as the jousts, while having no idea who they were and trying to use just base flattery and their arms for it, was impersonal and superficial in a way, though if both parties had no chance to communicate before it might be understandable, Valen was already planning and could find the time during the wedding, so he might as well do so.

“By all means follow your sense of what is right.” Alyssa nodded agreeably.

She sighed I must soon be off. I know the Lady Gwendolyn has put much thought into who she may grant her favour to at the tourney. She would seek a promising knight from a house of greater renown than House Blackfin. With so few of the major houses in attendance, she is likely to be beset with offers from landed knights or even hedge-dwellers,” the handmaiden gave a laugh. “This is perhaps an area where you are well positioned to offer advice. Are any lesser sons of notable houses considered strong contenders in the joust to come?”

"Of course dear sister, duty neither makes nor needs excuse" Berion replied as he let out a low chuckle.  "Strong contenders from amongst the sons of the noble houses you say?  Ser Ronnel is probably the foremost among that list, though he is a bit on the older side.  Still, he's an excellent hand at the tilt, and one of the favorites to take the prize.  Beyond that, Ser Derrin Erensford, while not particularly known for his skill in the list is a rather accomplished warrior, having shown great skill when facing down Ironborn raiders.  And while he most certainly won't win, he shouldn't embarrass Lady Gwendolyn with his showing."

Alyssa smiled as Berion shared his insights into the forthcoming joust.

"Thank you brother, and with you advice tucked away I must depart. Of course I wish you all the best in the tourney to come, but if you are to lose, do make sure it is to Lady Gwendolyn's champion," she embraced Berion and turned to leave.

After the Squire's Joust, but before that night's feast

The past few days had been busy ones, leaving little room for anything but the scheduled pageantry and festivities.  However, given the various intrigues that seemed to be lurking behind the pomp and circumstance, Berion felt it important that the Blackfins and their retainers were all on the same page.  After all, despite the honeyed words, a single misstep at court could be just as dangerous as on the battlefield...

Thus, he had sent a runner asking for Lady Gwendolyn to join him at her convenience, with instructions to invite her uncle as well, provided he too was available.

OOC: There was a bit of confusion on our part, we thought that the joust was over two days.  This conversation has since been retconned to be taking place in Berion's tent
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

Gwen made her way to the Knollwood quarters without much delay, though she'd obviously freshened up a little from the day's events. Her long, brown hair had been re-braided and hung over her left shoulder, and she wore a simple dress of pale green. Berion knew that her natural stature was well short of his, and whatever footwear was hidden by her hem likely didn't provide her any additional height.

When she saw the knight, her face brightened considerably. She acknowledged him with a subtle lifting of the fingers of her right hand. "Berion, I received your message. I'm not certain if my uncle is planning a brief rest before the rigors of the feast, but I invited him to join without compelling him to do so. I hope you enjoyed the day's activities?"

Wearing little more than a comfortable gambeson and trousers, Berion, much like the Lady Blackfin wasn't particularly dressed to the nines.  That would come later.  Berion wasn't the type to put on airs, though given that the joust was tomorrow, it was probably best that he at least try to put his best foot forward tonight.

"I did indeed Gwen, how about you?"  he replied with a smile.  It was just the two of them right now, so there was no need for formality.  The pair of them had grown up together after all.  Well, more or less at any rate.  There was still a bit of an age difference between the two of them, but it wasn't that significant in the grand scheme of things.  "I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk much since the... events of the hunt, but I figured there was no time like the present to remedy that.  Especially given everything that's going on."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Wed 16 Feb 2022.

Gwen had remained near the doorway, having not been invited further inside. However, when it became plain that this was likely to be a session devoted to chatter both idle and not, she moved further into the Knollwood Quarters. "Indeed, there has been a lot going on. I had hoped to catch up a bit at the feast, but a bit more privacy is likely better, anyway."

She looked to Berion for direction on sitting, standing, wine, or water, but considered some of those idle topics to discuss before the main course. "The ceremony was beautiful, if not so well attended as one might expect. And the words were a bit more conventional than those shared by the lavender-eyed guest from the welcoming feast."

Gwen smirked slightly, apparently slightly amused by something she'd said.

Chuckling, Berion gestured for Gwen to find a seat wherever she wanted as he replied "Noticed that too did you?  I expected most of the peerage to jump at the first opportunity to get out and show off after a long winter, but it seems that circumstances have conspired to prevent quite a number of folks from attending" he added, smirking slightly.  There were plenty of absent well-wishers after all, amongst them, the most prominent names in the Riverlands.  "And yes, the welcoming feast was certainly... memorable, to say the least.  It certainly set tongues to wagging, that's for sure."

Letting out an amused chuff, Berion glanced about the room before his eyes settled on the pitcher and cups standing on the table next to him, seemingly causing the knight to finally remember his manners.  "I must apologize for being so rude as to completely forget to offer immediately, but better late than never I suppose.  Can I get you anything Gwen?  Afraid it's just water for me.  Busy day tomorrow and what have you."

Gwen took a seat in one of the plush chairs that adorned the Knollwood Quarters. She crossed her legs neatly as she settled in, providing a glimpse of the soft, white leather that covered her feet. An amused smirk drew at her lips at the question of what they should drink. "I may be busy on the morrow as well, but not in the same way as you. A bit of Arbor gold if it's an option?"

While awaiting the knight's response Gwen gestured through the open door. "Indeed, I was expecting the passageways to be bustling with energy and so choked with traffic that I'd have to allow extra time to get to the feasts."

She waited for the knight to sit closely so that they could speak quietly enough that they wouldn't be overheard by any eavesdroppers. "Of course there are some rumors as to why. Financial problems are one such rumor. Another is that preferred company played some part. I also do wonder about the lack of Conningtons in attendance. Have you seen many around?"

The heiress half-shrugged. "Of course some of those not in attendance make your job a bit easier on the morrow. The lists will be a fair bit simpler to navigate, I should think. Speaking of, and before I forget, under no circumstances are you to show any favor to my chosen champion should you meet. Regardless of anything else going on here, I won't turn what should be a fair competition into a farce."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Wed 16 Feb 2022.

Fetching Gwen a glass of wine, Berion took a seat next to the woman and listened quietly.  At the mention of the Conningtons, the knight nodded.  "Not a one.  And I haven't seen a single representative of the Brackens aside from us.  Also, you mentioned financial problems?  Whose?"

At the mention of the following day's competition, Berion couldn't help but chuckle softly and grin as he tipped his hand to the woman by way of a concession.  "Gwen, you know I adore you, but trust me when I say, there's nothing you could do that would cause me to do anything less than my best tomorrow.  And besides, I owe Ser Robar a beating."

The heiress accepted the glass with two hands, and took the tiniest of sips. "Thank you." Gwen took a slightly longer pull before setting the drink down on a table that had been situated near her chair. She first addressed the joust. "Glad to hear you will do your best, as should everyone. And Ser Robar has a dark reputation so many will be happy should you unseat him, though not all will be bold enough to outwardly demonstrate their appreciation. Yve Tullison certainly will, though." The left side of Gwen's mouth tilted slightly as she considered the young lady who favored Berion. "Were there any squires today that didn't give their best effort, in your opinion?"

Her volume dropped a bit as she returned to discussion of rumor and hearsay. "As for lack of finances, I have heard a few things. Lord Lyman's poor health is plain for all to see, but his treasury also seems to be in poor health. I've heard more than one comment about it in recent days. His lands are seemingly in need of investment, his debts are mounting, and at a guess he doesn't seem to be sleeping all that well."

The Blackfin heiress paused and pressed her lips together for a moment. "I am trying to ally ourselves with the Lychesters, at least as far as Riverthorn goes. Though I admit to a little concern about what I've heard. And I wonder at all the refusals. I am unsure if those have largely been truly polite to avoid added expense of housing and feeding more, or if there is some strain between this family and others. Or if the lack of Connington presence put some people off, though they'd have had to know in advance."

Gwen narrowed her eyes. "I am a little worried that something sinister is afoot here and we are stuck in the middle of it. And without the Brackens, as you've noted, our allies are few enough though not entirely absent."

"Bastard lamed Bucephalus a month or so back, so even if the man's reputation were pristne, I'd want to see him kissing dirt."  Berion replied with a slight grumble.  At the mention of Yve Tulison, the knight's mouth twisted into a wry smile and he arched an eyebrow in a quizzical manner before continuing. "Speaking of the good Lady Tulison, has my sister bothered to loop you into her plans then, or must I?"

Listening to Gwen's comments about their host's finances, Berion fell silent for a minute. Brow furrowed, his demeanor became rather pensive as he quietly processed the information before finally piping up, his voice low, lest they be overheard.  "Interesting.  And it certainly puts a number of things into perspective.  After all, this marriage certainly came out of the blue, and did you notice how none of her family was present?  It could easily make a man draw any number of conclusions at any rate."

However, mirth quickly returned to the knight's face as he continued.  "As for allying ourselves with the Lychesters, I'd say that we've made a decent enough start with that.  The events of the hunt being what they were that is.  And if things continue, I suspect our houses should become much closer in the near future.  Hopefully at any rate."  At this, Berion exhaled heavily, seemingly steadying himself before adding.  But yes, I agree.  We've certainly stepped into the middle of things.  The politics of the situation aside, I fear we haven't seen the last of that warg and their beasts.  Promise me that you'll carry steel with you going forward?  I don't doubt the sincerity of the Lychester's hospitality mind you, only their ability to see it through."

Gwen nodded at the reasoning for Berion's apparent disgust. "I hope that the lists are arranged to allow you that opportunity, then. And while I am no expert in jousting, be careful with your emotions should you face Ser Robar. He seems the sort to use whatever advantage he can get, and tugging at the strings of your anger could be the route to advantage he will use."

The heiress took another small sip of the Arbor gold, enjoying the fruity flavor without imbibing much of the alcohol. Her voice remained low and quiet. "And yes, I noticed her family was notably absent. It does make one wonder, but Connington is not a house that anyone involved would want to annoy, Lord Bryce being Master of Laws and all. Ser Jasper would have to be complicit, and I'm not inclined to believe he would wish anything ill of one of his wards, so if anything is odd I'm inclined to think he is doing something to help Sylvia. As you say, though, it does make one wonder. Alternatively, the marriage could have included an infusion of needed monies for the host family." Gwen paused and considered. "There are many possibilities at this point, so I suppose the conclusion is to keep your ears and eyes open. Hurried marriages out of the blue also make one wonder what the woman has been doing in private while far away from her family, of course, so I suppose we shall see how quickly the next in the Lychester line appears."

Her face darkened briefly. "Lychester needs money, Connington has some, and Connington and Jasper want a daughter that has not kept her legs closed to have the life they'd always envisioned for her?" She shrugged. "Idle speculation, of course, but some of the pieces fit. Let's not spread this one around, though, Berion. I'd not impugn her honor based on idle speculation. And if that's the secret, I feel better about these plottings not being so sinister."

The brunette smiled at the knight as she returned to the subject that seemed closest to his heart. "As for Yve, I am too young and naïve to give you advice concerning your heart, but please have a care. Your sister outlined your plans, of course, and I believe she is looking out for the best interests of your family. Your tactics generally seem sound, though I suggest that you proceed slowly and make certain you understand the person you are courting. Lady Iris seems a very lively young woman, with an infectious amount of energy and zeal for life. There are many men who are well-mannered, skilled at arms, strong, and handsome. But the key to Iris' heart seems to be the spice that one can add to life. For you, that means the way to separate yourself from the others is on the dance floor. That is your true battleground, Berion, not the lists. Though you obviously want to be competitive with lance as well."

Gwen's comment about Ser Robar drew a barking laugh from the knight, his whole body shaking in obvious amusement. "You sound like me when I'm lecturing one of the boys!  I always tell them that anger and unchecked aggression clouds your judgement and gets you killed.  Seen that more than enough to know better, so don't worry, I'll do my best to keep a level head tomorrow."

Falling silent as the Blackfin heiress laid out potential theories surrounding the wedding, it wasn't until the mention of some sort of exchange that he tapped his nose twice in rapid succession, making his agreement with her theory quite clear.  "I'd be inclined to agree.  But as you say, it's just idle speculation, and besides, even if it is true, what does it matter?  Their families are obviously happy with the arrangement, and thus it is no business of anyone else's."

The talk of Iris brought an extremely faint tinge of red to Berion's cheeks, but he nodded his agreement once more.  "As always, thank you for your sage counsel.  But don't worry, I'm not about to rush headlong into the thick of things without thinking.  Well, certainly not with you and Alyssa around to guide me at any rate" he added with a chuckle.  "But yes, your point is well taken, thank you.  If of course, you're able to find out anything that would help me understand the good lady better, I would appreciate it.  Now of course, I simply need to brush up on my dancing skills.  I wonder if I can make one of the boys practice with me..." Flashing a quick wink to Gwen, Berion fell silent for a moment, obviously lost in thought.  Small wonder, she had given him quite a bit to think about after all.