Jenny smiled at Caetlyn. "Best of luck for your champion." she said, friendly. "And remember to smile at him. He'll do better when he feels you are cheering him on" she added, as though she was experienced in tournaments, although she wasn't. She was completely fascinated by the new experience and kept rapt attention on the tournament. She also tried to keep her behavior proper; she didn't want to embarrass herself here.

02:46, Today: Jenny Goodbrother rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,3.  Status.

Cat struggles to remain lady-like while still following Jenny's advice as Valen does so well on his first pass. While her clapping might be a little vigorous, her verbal cheering after his victory only quiets when she sees some eyes settling on her and realizes maybe she should tone it down a little. But that doesn't do anything to lessen the huge smile she has for Valen if he looks her way.

The Blackfin stands are alive with polite applause and commentary from the gathered minor nobility, with several squires competing, and favours granted for the event.

Successful check of 9 or above:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The strongest tilts of the first round appear to come from Edric Mallister and Ofren Kettleblack.

---

Successful check of 18 or above:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Something seems off about the tilt between Daveth and Ayron. The Kettleblack squire appeared to pull his lance away from the centre of Daveth's shield on two of the tilts, resulting in a less powerful blow. Perhaps Daveth managed to gull his oppponent with a ruse, or maneuver his mount, but perhaps not.

---

Bryn watches the tilts with some interest but his main focus seems to be chatting with the people around him, generally in a pleasant mood.

He cheers and claps at each victory though is more enthusiastic about those of Daveth Darry and Darvil Blackfin. With Valen Vance's first victory he is sure to catch his cousin's eye and give her a wink, as if to imply she chose a good champion to bestow her favour upon.

OOC: I don't have any intrigues that come to mind that make sense right now so; 2. be open to be engaged by an NPC who might seek them out.

Jenny giggles gently. "Oh, don't mind them. It's all right to be enthusiastic for your champion, it's a privilege of us being young maidens. I might even faint dramatically later on." she said happily to Caetlyn. "Although I think Dunstan might be happier if I jumped into the competition." she mused.
"Valen's doing very well!" she said warmly to Cat, and joined in cheering for him, and Darvil. "A good day for House Blackfin." With what Darvil had done to help save her from the wolf attack, she was happy to see him succeed.
She suited her action to her words to Caetlyn, and cheered wildly when Dunstan rode, favoring him with a warm smile when he won.

"Come cousin, sit by me," Lady Gwendolyn called to Bryn, "we are too seldom acquainted, and I would not waste the opportunities presented to us by Lord Lyman's tourney." At a gesture she waved for Myranda and Lanna, the two handmaidens waiting upon her person, to retreat a little and create a private audience between Gwen and Bryn.

Lady Gwendolyn initiates an intrigue with Bryn.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 0
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
<Goldenrod>Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 13 using 3d6+1 ((3,4,5)).

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This message was last edited by the GM at 06:07, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Bryn smiles and excuses himself from a conversation with his neighbour, giving Jord a firm and friendly clasp on the shoulder as he stands to move, "Of course, cousin, I have looked forward to spending more time with family."

He politely moves from his position in the stands towards the indicated seat, making friendly eye contact and comments to those he passes.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bryn Blackfin: Round 0
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 8
Goal: yet to be determined
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
18:08, Today: Bryn Blackfin rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,2.  Initiative: Status.

---

Jenny smiles at Bryn. "Lovely to have you with us. I hope you are enjoying the jousting!"

In reply to Bryn Blackfin (msg # 6):

When Bryn and Cat catch each other's eyes she subtly acknowledges his wink the slightest of nods.

Thoren stood in the stands with the others, choosing a vantage point that would both allow him an easy study of the field to view the tournament as well as keeping an eye on his niece, who now seemed to be in conversation with his nephew.

OOC:

Sorry, a little late to the party here.

Awareness (Notice): 13. Found my result above. :)

17:50, Today: Thoren Blackfin rolled 13 using 5d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,1,3,1,4.  Awareness (Notice).

Gwendolyn watched the first tilts of the Squire's tourney unfold, applauding Darvil and Valen's victories over Horas and Forrest decorously, and smiling as Edric Mallister and Dunstan Tullison progressed to the second round.

She turned back to Bryn “Ser Jasper's entourage from Fairmarket brought such a wide variety of folk - Reachmen, Stormlanders, and Lyseni, Smiths, Musicians, Knights and Septons; it is a far deeper cup than we brew at Blackfin Den. How do you find life in the town? She asked, genuinely curious.

She considered Ser Jasper, who sat amidst his own expansive entourage including his son Jon, nephew Konrad, and host of wards. I know little of Ser Jasper's wards, even Saerai Paege, whose family once held Riverthorn. Do you know her well?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 1
R1 Action - Consider - Gain 2B on a future action.
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
<Goldenrod>Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 13 using 3d6+1 ((3,4,5)).

---

This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:10, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

"Fairmarket is a busy place full of all sorts, as you observed. I find it exciting there, with much to do and many opportunities to do business. It is little surprise given its access to the surrounds. It is nice to be out here for a change where there is fresh air and it is much quieter."

Bryn raises an eyebrow at the specific mention of Saerai, "There certainly are quite a number of us warded with Ser Jasper, which is not too bad for someone like me who tries to learn from him. The others, hmmm, not so much."

He rubs his chin briefly, "Saerai and I are friendly enough but I would not say that we are close. She was particularly nice to me when I first arrived, likely she felt empathy for the death of my parents given that she was orphaned herself. She is quite nice if you get the chance to talk with her, though she almost always has the septa with her so conversation can be restricted to somewhat bland topics. I could possibly help if you wanted to know something specific about her."

Tilting his head slightly he enquires, "Perhaps you might visit Fairmarket and see for yourself? I would offer to host you but alas my modest apartments are not quite suitable for a Lady with an entourage such as you are. In any case I suppose that would be difficult at the moment, what with your responsibilities at home. I believe I heard you father was in poor health, I hope nothing too serious."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bryn Blackfin: Round 1
R1 Action: Read Target vs passive Deception. +1D Deception/Persuasion for remainder of intrigue
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 8
Goal: Friendship
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
08:54, Today: Bryn Blackfin rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,5.  Read Target.

---

When Valen unhorses his opponent, Cat starts applauding. She seems about to do much more than her loud clapping, until she sees  Ofren still lying on the ground. She tempers her enthusiasm, letting her clapping fade as she watches with everyone else, wondering if the young squire will be OK. Regardless, she still has a smile for Valen when she looks his direction.

Gwen nodded in agreement with Bryn's description of Fairmarket and his reasons for appreciating it. She appeared to listen closely to her cousin's commentary on Ser Jasper's wards, then smiled thinly at the question concerning her father. "Thank you for asking after father - some days are good, others are not. Regardless, I certainly have the freedom to visit Fairmarket as Lord Thoren is quite capable of running Blackfin Den should my father and I both be unavailable to do so."

The brunette tipped her head slightly, though her hazel eyes remained fixed on her cousin. "I've been impressed by how well you have done in Fairmarket, coz. And I do wonder if you might be up for an additional challenge."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 2
R2 Action - Read Target - Gain +1D on Deception/Persuasion for remainder of intrigue
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 15 using 6d6 drop lowest 3 ((6,6,3,2,2,1)).

---

Jenny smiled up at Thoren. "Ser Thoren! Will you be thrilling us with your exploits later in the tournament?"

She cheered for Valen and Darvil, but saved her greatest emotion for Dunstan. She held her breath and fidgeted nervously during Dunstan's close victory, but erupted in cheers when he triumphed. "Tullison!"

"Between this and Davil's match against Edric, things are getting terribly exciting!" she said to the others.

"Oh dear, your Valen against my Dunstan. It's bad fortune..." she says to Caetlyn, a little worried. She didn't want Caetlyn to be upset, but she certainly didn't want Dunstan to lose.

While young, Cat is already fairly observant and sharp. "The Warrior seems to be guiding my Valen's hand with clarity today. Dunstan would have stood a better chance of reaching the final had he been in the other semifinal. I see why you find Dunstan meeting Valen now to be bad fortune."

In reply to Gwendolyn Blackfin (msg # 16):

Momentarily distracted by the clash of the squires below, Bryn pumps his fist in the air and enthusiastically cries "Yes!" before turning back to Gwen a little sheepishly.

"Sorry coz, I just won a bet I was particularly invested in... A challenge for me you say? Business has been going rather smoothly lately, so colour me interested. What did you have in mind?"

"Riverthorn, coz, is what I have in mind for your next challenge. I am not certain what you know about that place, but I'll fill you in on what I know and why I have you in mind."

The Blackfin heiress gestured in the general direction of the lands in question, though brought her hands back to her lap after the brief upturn of the palm of her right hand. "Riverthorn was essentially lost to plague and then abandoned to the wilds. And, unsurprisingly, it seems that lawlessness has taken root where once a strong and capable family held the lands for the Lychesters. The bandits that have taken root there are now the plague, and they affect both Lychester and Blackfin lands alike."

Gwen quirked an eyebrow. "The family that held those lands for many years is House Paege, which I understand now contains exactly one member. Lord Lyman seemed somewhat at a loss concerning how to move forward with Serai Paege, but I immediately thought of you, coz. Your success at a young age with Fairmarket would make you an ideal candidate to be Lord Protector of Riverthorn and return it to prominence. Lord Lyman has agreed, so long as the Faith can attest to the suitability of resettlement - it has been over five years since reports of plague in Riverthorn, but the crown will likely need assurances that it won't start spreading again. So long as the crown is satisfied that the risk of plague spreading is slight, Riverthorn can be yours, coz."

Gwen paused and smiled slightly as she regarded her cousin, her hazel eyes opened slightly wider than was her norm.

Bryn nods along as Gwen explains, his expression becoming quizzical, then his cheeks redden and he frowns briefly.

"That is not quite a challenge, more like task to last for a lifetime... I have skill with administration true but clearing out bandits is something else entirely."

He goes quiet for a few moments, almost long enough to indicate he is waiting for Gwen to say something before thinking aloud, "Saerai Paege's lord protector. I had not even considered anything like marriage until well after I turn eighteen. It might makes things more easier for me but maybe more complicated."

As if snapping out of his thoughts his eyes refocus on his cousin and the usual smile returns to his face, "So Lord Lyman agreed, does that mean this was your plan rather than his? I suppose I had better be on my best behaviour while I am here."

Gwen watched her cousin as he thought, understanding that she had just dropped quite a load on him. She nodded at his question. "Lord Lychester originally seemed inclined to resettle the lands but possibly ignore the claim that Serai Paege has on Riverthorn. He was looking for someone that is capable of the management of a house and is trustworthy to take over. My idea was specifically you, coz. You're shrewd and calculating, and you won't go riding out to kill some bandits on your own, leaving Serai a young widow."

Gwen smirked. "I envision most of your work to be with your brain and in your sleeping quarters as it would be good if there were a half-dozen Paege children running around Riverthorn before too long. Lord Lychester has offered initial military assistance, and I pledged to provide some from the Blackfins as well. Lord Thoren needs his own challenge, and wiping out these bandits alongside Ser Lyonel would be something I think he'd relish."

The Blackfin heiress gestured generally toward Lychester Castle. "Once the initial scouring has been completed, the knightly line of Paeges will return to service to the Lychesters. You'll have the support of his family as well as ours until you get your feet underneath you, coz. At which point your destiny is your own."

Gwen again smiled. "As for the speed of it all, there will be a bit of time before your own wedding ceremony, coz. Ser Jasper and Lady Serai have yet to be approached. The crown hasn't been notified. The Faith will need to conduct their own investigation into the plague or lack thereof. So far we have the Lychester and Blackfin houses that are in tentative agreement on a good path forward. First step is securing your approval, Bryn."

Puffing his cheeks and slowly blowing air through his lips, Bryn tilts his head in consideration.

"It is a very appealing destiny, I will give you that."

He rubs his left earlobe briefly before clasping his hands together in his lap.

"I doubt Ser Jasper would take too much convincing, it would put him in a good position politically speaking. Lady Saerai though, I remember her saying she would like to devote herself to the Seven. It would be best to approach her away from her septa if possible."

He pauses again, looking up at where Lord Lychester sits in the stands then back at his cousin, "This is pretty big, eh? You have my tentative approval, at least until Lord Lyman calls on me to lay out his expectations. Depending on what they are I might back out. Knowing you, you likely have a contingency plan already."

He grimaces slightly, "In hindsight I should have spoken differently around Ser Lyonel at the feast. Hopefully Daveth wins the joust and then I can smooth things over."

Gwen tilted her head slightly and waved a hand at her cousin's concerns. "One advantage of youth, coz, is that you can more easily be forgiven for a mistake, if you even made one. That said, please do keep in mind your potential future relationship with the Lychesters until things are settled."

The Blackfin heiress glanced over her shoulder briefly, then settled her gaze back on her cousin. "People often profess desire for something when they believe other choices are closed off to them. Saerai cannot retake her ancestral lands alone, and Ser Jasper likely cannot or will not do so for her. I will be happy to speak with her on your behalf, coz, though I'm not going to try to force her to depart the path to faithfulness if that is her one true desire. I may remind her that I understand that many women find both the making of and bearing of children a religious experience."

Gwen pressed her lips together briefly before continuing. "We will need Ser Jasper's agreement first, I think. You will need to let me know if you'd like to be a part of that discussion or if Lord Lyman and I should broker this on your behalf."

Gwen did nod her agreement that there is a contingency plan. "I do have three other back-up plans, of course. But this one seemed best as the primary option and the only one to which Lord Lychester agreed." Her brow scrunched together a bit. "What wager did you make on the squires?"

Cat waves back to Valen when he salutes her. As he rides she grimaces a bit each time he is hit, but then she sees him stay in his saddle and applauds vigorously. At his triumph she jumps up while applauding, clearly thrilled he's into the finals.

Bryn nods at Gwen's comments on minding his relationships and gives a short noise of approval at the intent to respect Saerai's faithfulness before he then shakes his head slightly,

"Talking to Lady Saerai first would be my preference but you are probably right to approach Ser Jasper first. I am happy to be part of the discussion with my mentor but I suspect you may be more likely to succeed without me in the room. It would come down to how you intend to present the idea. I will follow your suggestions for this one."

He acknowledges the contingencies with a nod then smiles at her question, "Ser Ronald Darry thought to take my 5 dragons by wagering a fitted set of full plate and a castle-forged poignard from his father's armoury that his cousin Daveth would not make it to the final four."

He looks over to where he had left his companion Jord then back to Gwen, "As handsome as I might look in shining armour I think Jord might find more use for it. Perhaps I might gift it to Daveth instead should he win the knighthood though I am sure he has ready access to the armoury anyway."

Gwen nodded at her cousin's responses. "Yes, Lady Saerai is in a peculiar position, Bryn. Under normal circumstances a betrothal would be offered to the head of the family. In her case, that is, well, her. However, my understanding is that Ser Jasper has operated in that capacity, and his involvement in Lady Sylvia's nuptials makes me think his involvement would be as significant for Lady Saerai."

She paused and tilted her head slightly. "More, Lord Lyman believes that Ser Jasper has the right of refusal. As we are at his family's seat, well, I prefer to play by his rules here unless we have good reason to do otherwise."

Gwen took a moment to breathe in through her nose. "I don't want to sound like a septa myself, but do be careful with your wagers, Bryn. That amount of coin is significant to some in the realm. I expect the Darrys are well-respected in these parts. And I am a believer that where significant coin is wagered, accusations of impropriety often follow." She did make an understanding upturn of both her hands and matched it with softening of her features and voice. "But I also understand it can make these proceedings more enjoyable for those that are inclined to take some risk. It is fun to win."