Cat returns just in time, slipping through to her seat as the pairings are announced. Since she doesn't really know any of the knights, she plans to cheer for them all fairly equally, though a little more for Ser Berion for Valen's sake and not at all for the one night who was so insulting earlier.

OOC: Cat gets a 15 with Awareness (Notice).

15:04, Today: Lady Catelyn Mooton rolled 14 using 6d6, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 6,3,3,1,2,1.  Notice.
15:05, Today: Lady Catelyn Mooton rolled 4 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,3.  Rerolling 2 1's.

Jenny happily observes the jousting, soaking in the glorious atmosphere. "Now Caetlyn, given our position in the household, it's most important that we cheer for Lady Gwendolyn's champion. It's our sacred duty" she said mock-seriously to Caetlyn, teasing Gwendloyn

Lady Catryn was preceded in her arrival by two young pages, boys of ten or eleven, who draped fine linen and cushions over a high-backed guest chair before retreating to a comfortable serving distance. Next came a hard-nosed serving man who nodded deferentially to Lady Gwendolyn and her knights, but also at every shadowed corner of the stands, and every guest who seemed to be hiding themselves from his gaze. He walked to the very front of the stand and scanned the crowd, before looking up to the pavilioned roof; scanning for hidden archers, and grunting at the circling ravens. Satisfied, the serving man left, to report to his mistress. Finally, Lady Catryn arrived in the company of her son Edric and daughter Elinor, bringing with her four handmaidens in addition to the pages already present, who held fine goblets for herself and her son. Two men at arms in House Mallister's livery took up a station at the entrance to the stand, a short call from Lady Catryn's seat, but further from her than House Blackfin's party, in deference to their rank. Each of Catryn's handmaidens were themselves daughters of minor houses, but each showed a strict deference and silence in the company of their mistress, unless called upon for some minor task or reply.

"Thoren my dear, it is so lovely to see you after all these years," Lady Catryn greeted Thoren, with a genuine warmth, "I am so very glad that your niece has granted my little brother her token; it is a fine thing for House Blackfin and House Mallister colours to intermingle in the field; I believe the last time such an event occurred, the waters of Ironman's Bay were littered with vanquished foes," she suggested, flatteringly, though in truth Thoren had been his house's sole representative at Seaguard.

"Lady Gwendolyn," she offered a shallow curtsy, "My thanks for extending an invitation to  join you, I am sure you have not had the pleasure of my daugher's introduction," she gestured to Elinor, a pretty maid of five and ten, immediately positioning the girl as a social barrier between the other Blackfins and herself and Thoren
This message was lightly edited by the player at 10:04, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

While he had been well aware of the Mallister presence here and had noted their approach, from a larger perspective he hadn't expected that the Lady Catryn Mallister, once just Catryn Erensford, would have approached. Even among the emergent possibilities, he presumed that her attention might be more focused on his niece than it would be upon him, though this was a second strategic miscalculation on his part, which he silently chided himself for.

People described Thoren's eyes as cold, occasionally finding their frosty color unsettling, though for those that were close, the ice melted away and the warmth shone through. That was usually an affection he reserved for his kin and few others that had were frequently in his personal ambit, but he was glad that Lanna wasn't there for she'd have seen him thaw here and now for this woman.

"Catryn," he greeted her, rising, with a warmth that he hadn't expected. He used her personal name, but at the same time greeted her as befit her station. He was well aware that between certain people there was such a thing as too much warmth.

"It is good to see you after too many years, and yes, it is good to see these colors together again. My niece has a keen eye for talent, which bodes well for your brother in the coming joust. Not the first time our colors were in the field today, either. Our boys rode well today, and thank the Seven, neither harmed the other. The Warrior guided their lances to good, clean blows."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

Gwen turned her attention toward the Mallisters as they approached, noting the way everyone behaved in relation to the others within the group. The Blackfin heiress stood at the appropriate distance and mentally approved of the Mallisters' precise adherence to propriety. This included the silence of the lesser members of the party and the appropriate approach by station. It wasn't lost on Gwen that Lady Catryn spoke first to Uncle Thoren, which made it very apparent how the near future would proceed. As suited her own position compared to the approaching Lady of the House, Gwen's return curtsy was deeper and held for longer.

The pleasantries were also returned in kind, Gwen's voice warm and welcoming. "You are very welcome, Lady Mallister. And we all hope your nephew recovers swiftly and fully. He demonstrated a great deal of bravery and determination." Gwen gave Catryn a small, hopeful smile that she hoped conveyed her concern for the fallen squire.

"And no, I have not had the pleasure of meeting your daughter." The Blackfin heiress turned her attention toward Elinor. "It will be nice to make your acquaintance."

Gwen gestured toward an area that would give Thoren and Catryn some degree of privacy from Gwen and Elinor. Once they'd taken a seat, Gwen focused on Elinor and smiled at the young woman. "Have you enjoyed the festivities thus far?"

In reply to Thoren Blackfin (msg # 8):

"A fine outcome," Catryn agreed, "though my brother is not so temperate with Edric," she laughed, covering her mouth with an elegant cuff, as if such human emotion was unseemly for her high station.

As the two spoke together there was a subtle shift in Catryn's manner. She did not quite forget herself or her station, but there was a defrosting and a retreating of years, as if haunted by a distant past in a seaside citadel where she was an unpromised handmaiden, rather than the lady of some distant lord.

At his mention of prayer she laughed again, despite herself, a rich and sultry sound, "the mother will have your ears for paying homage to the warrior in her place, for that is as true a prayer to her as any I have heard. But men are men I suppose, and warriors and warriors, and so they thank the warrior for their children's good health.

She considered the bout Thoren had mentioned, drawing from it her own conclusions. “Your Darvil rode well; I remember you preferred a ship’s deck to tilting the quintain, and one presumes it does not come from his mother’s folk," she remarked, her voice straining just a little "so the boy must have some natural or learned talent” .

“He will earn his knighthood soon enough I am sure;” she offered, warmly “war has a way of proving the true steel, where the flames of sport burn too cool.”

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Begins an Intrigue - Round 0
Initiative: 15
ID: 12
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden

---

They paused for a moment in their conversation to take in the action taking place below, her brother putting forward a strong performance. "Another fine outcome for Erenford and Mallister," he said, referring clearly to Ser Derrin's successful ride.

"Our people on both sides are more accustomed to the decks of ships than the backs of horses, it is true. But there are true specimens of Andalish culture and tradition both in stories and in our proximity, including our own Ser Berion," he said, gesturing to the knight of Knollwood's own spectacular showing.

He responded to her speech about war with agreement that was both genuine, and at the same time hiding something else.

"Yes, war is the true forge that shapes the blade against which at least some of us reserve our strength and our health. Those who have seen less of it think they will live forever." He surveyed the field of men out there putting themselves at risk of death and injury for sport as he spoke.

He pivoted quickly, turning agreement to inquiry. "You think there will be war soon, then?"

Thoren knew that there would have been something more to this visit than reminiscence over times long past, though he wished it were otherwise.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Initiative: 13
ID: 10
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Amiable
Goal: To Be Determined

---

This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Fri 11 Mar 2022.

Cathryn’s eyes took in a faraway look Thoren had seen her assume when staring out over the dark seas of Ironman’s bay in a childhood now buried by the intervening years. “War is always coming Thoren,” Catryn sighed a little sadly. “I remember as a girl at Seaguard I would climb the steps of the castle Sept so hopefully, with a heartfelt prayer for spring. But spring brings the Ironborn, and fans the flames of intemperate youth toward violence. I am sure it is the same with your Lords Bracken and Blackwood. Lord Lothar’s heir is near fifteen, just as Edric is, and will be filled with the same desire to prove himself. For all the horrors of famine and frost, winter cools the flames of war for a time.

It no better for older men like my Lord husband either. Winter brings its aches and pains, and summer a false sense of youth and likeliness. Men preserved by the chill of winter are as likely to wither with the first scent of spring. And when they do… well. Your brother must have many a sleepless night over it, having chosen to name his daughter his heir while she has two hale and hearty cousins of her own generation and family name as apparent pretenders to that title. Catryn shook her head at the notion, not in disapproval at Thaddeus’s decision, merely in recognition of the inherent risk of infighting such a dynamic posed.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Read Target - Round 1 - Success
Initiative: 15
ID: 12
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
Lady Catryn Mallister rolled 18 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,5,6,2.  Round 1 Read Target.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

Elinor wore a fine cloak and gloves trimmed in ermine over her violet gown trimmed in white. Her words were warm and courteous, but there was a frostiness in her inflection; an outcrop of ice hinting at a deeper monolith beneath the surface.

"Oh, I am most glad to meet you as well Lady Gwendolyn," Elinor replied dutifully, rising out of a curtsey to meet her eyes squarely "I must admit I have not had the privilege to meet a Blackfin before, and mother says you should not believe rumours about a family before you have had the chance to make their acquaintance."

I admit that I have always found the joust thrilling, but I was most alarmed by the injuries. I know it is perhaps not my place to say, but young men should not put their lives a risk for mere glory, when their families rely on them for many years to come. When so many started riding without shielding their eyes in the finals..." she paused, distressed, "and now I worry for Daveth. I do not know him well, but he is my cousin by blood, and now his very life is in the hands of the gods," she finished, bowing her head in a moment's prayer and placing her fingertips across her silver seven pointed star.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

Gwen nodded at the sentiment concerning Daveth, her face conveying the concern she genuinely felt. "Yes, my thoughts and prayers are with your cousin and we all hope for a swift recovery. Though as I told your mother, I was impressed by his courage in the face of his foe. Unhorsing Valen was no simple feat, and demonstrated his skill in addition to his determination." The Blackfin heiress took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I do sometimes feel as you do about the joust. But then I also think the process is important to produce the men that we trust to fulfill important duties within our households and those of our friends and allies."

She gestured toward the pavilions set up for the knights. "While the man ahorse takes the greatest risk, the squires learn to double- and triple-check every fastening on their knight's armor. The knights themselves demonstrate the courage we hope for from those that will need to ride into battle someday. And between the knights, there has to be trust in the honor of one's opponent. Even the stable hands and other support personnel play their part. So I understand that a tournament like this builds unity and trust, and it helps forge stronger weapons for when they are truly needed." Gwen gestured with an open hand toward Elinor. "Though like you, I do not approve of the way many are being so careless with their eyes. In my estimation that is a risk not worth taking, though it does give us all a measure of the man in the saddle."

Gwen briefly considered the mention of rumors. No doubt there were plenty floating around concerning a house born from a pirate, though that was certainly a long time ago. "As for rumors, my personal opinion concerning rumor and gossip is similar to your mother. Talk is cheap, experience is not. Rumors about families also risk going stale, as most families either evolve over time or occasionally go through periods of more rapid change." She shrugged. "Of course sometimes they are quite accurate, the apple not falling far from the tree and all."

Gwen half-smiled as she considered Elinor's position. "Speaking of rumor, can you tell me a bit about your uncle?" She gestured generally toward where Ser Derrin was preparing for his second round. "I know little enough about him save for rumor and hearsay. But I expect you know him quite well. Or at least better than me."

Jenny stands and curtsies to Elinor. "Lady Elinor, how lovely to meet you."
She closed her eyes and joined in the moment of prayer for Daveth.
"The world would have to change in some very strange ways before men cease to be recklessly brave. I suppose it pleases the Warrior."

"Yes, there is always some conflict looming I suppose. A bit easier when I was a young man at Seaguard, I suppose. Some battle lines are cleaner and easier than others, though even that would be more complicated now," he said.

"It must have been a difficult choice for my brother, that is true. I can only imagine he has a well placed faith in our family not to fall apart over this, and of his shrewd daughter to take the strengths of her kin and see them united." Thoren felt suddenly quite out of his depth, though he did his best to remain aloof and as notably unconcerned as he might be. It was best, he thought to feign ignorance that there might be more to this conversation than idle chatter. He had heard it said that in some contests, you could not lose if you did not play. He wasn't sure if this was one of those.

"I imagine your Lord husband must have similar concerns." Lord Mallister had two sons, and they were not full brothers.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Initiative: 13
Read Target: 14
ID: 10
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Amiable
Goal: To Be Determined

---

In reply to Gwendolyn Blackfin (msg # 14):

"Oh I quite agree, it is good for young men to learn caution, but I worry when they take the wrong lesson from one another," she shook her head in consternation, "as soon as Valen Vance started riding aggressively, every squire followed his lead, and soon injuries began to pile as high as the castle wall. His was the flint that set the tinder to flame. I had half a mind to dress him down for such behaviour, but I see now he has been brought to heel by his Ser Berion, and attends him in the lists." She gave a minute shrug, dismissing the matter.

She considered Gwendolyn's query about her uncle, "Ser Derrin is a fine dancer; he says he owes it to the footwork he learned when mastering the sword. He sings well, but seldom the bawdy songs of the men at arms. When he was a fresh-made knight he was betrothed to the niece of the old Lord Vypren, and sent her missives by horse or raven every week, until the mountain clans raided a village sept while she made pilgrimage. Ser Derrin took fifty volunteers from my father's garrison to help Lord Vypren make his vengeance on the clans, but he will not speak of it lightly." She summarised, with practiced ease.

Gwen smiled at Jenny as she offered her succinct wisdom. "So true, Lady Jenny." The Blackfin heiress gestured toward her friend as Gwen spoke again to Elinor. "Lady Elinor, this is Lady Jenny Goodbrother, who has long been a member of the Blackfin household and is a close friend of mine." She then reversed the order. "And Lady Jenny, Lady Elinor Mallister - niece of Ser Derrin," Gwen normally wouldn't lead with that, but it was rather important to the current conversation, "daughter of Lord and Lady Mallister, and, of course, cousin to the soon-to-be-knighted Daveth Darry." Again, not something she'd normally note, but Gwen wasn't certain how well Jenny knew how tangled the family tree was of the family that had come to visit them during the joust.

After the brief introduction, Gwen returned the conversation to the man who wore her favor. "Ser Derrin sounds like a shining example of what one expects of a chivalrous knight. Hopefully the gods smile upon him during today's competition."

Her gaze drifted over toward the competition, and specifically toward Ser Berion as he rode in his next match. "And yes, I'm certain Ser Berion will speak with his squire at length about what happened today." Gwen would attempt her own investigation, of course, particularly given what she'd heard thus far. The Blackfin heiress inclined her head slightly and raised her right hand in recognition of the victory against Ser Walton when Ser Berion looked back to the stands.

As they waited for the next pair to make their way to the field, Gwen again queried Elinor. "How was your travel to the wedding? I'd heard some guests had issues with bandits, though it sounded as if they were looking for trouble rather than trouble finding them."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

We had no such trouble on the road, from seaguard through Fairmarket" Elinor remarked lightly, "the sight of uncle Derrin and Bertrand in arms, and the Mallister and Erenford banner over our train would turn such ruffian's legs to jelly, I am quite sure.

"Mayhap you speak true, Lady Jenny," Elinor a replied non-commitantly, before raising an eyebrow, to Gwendolyn's handmaiden "though I do find it passing strange to see a daughter of a prominent Ironborn house at Ser Adham's wedding. How is it that you come to be within the Blackfin household?"

Asked of her own house, Catryn retreated a little within herself, her face becoming slightly more controlled and less effusive in it expression, as if she was donning steel. “Edric is a leal son, and loves his brother and father deeply”, Catryn observed of her son, who was distracted by conversation among his peers. “Like his father, he  has a Marcher Lord’s mindset, and sees Seaguard as a stalwart bastion manned by men of proven loyalty, impregnable to any stratagem. He chooses to see things as simpler than they are,” she critiqued, a little sadly.

“My husband’s eldest son and heir, Gerion, has taken to the sea with Prince Harwyn Hoare and Dagon Blacktyde, and plied the southron coasts and farther afield, in Essos, throughout the winter, sending ravens to Seaguard of heroic exploits and adventures in warm seas. Most recently they ambushed slavers in the Stepstones, near Lys, as they begin their return journey. My Lord husband hired minstrels to put these deeds to song and had them recited for the court. Prince Harwyn has sworn that any Ironborn who raids Mallister lands must answer to House Hoare, and it is true that none now dare ply our waters, though other Riverland houses enjoy no such protection, earning Gerion greater praise from his father for the strength of that favour. Her manner invited Thoren into the affairs of high lords and princes with a familiar ease of an established Lady of high standing.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Shield of Reputation - Round 2 - Success - Improve Thoren's disposition.
Initiative: 15
ID: 12
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Friendly (DR 2, Pers +3, Dec -1)
Goal: Service - Oppose the inheritance or rule of Gerion Mallister
Lady Catryn Mallister rolled 13 using 5d6 with rolls of 1,4,3,2,3.  Shield of Reputation.

Thoren's read target is also succesful.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

For those who spend a good portion of their time and focus observing the outcome of the first two rounds of the joust, some few observations can be drawn [Awareness check results]

"A dancer, a singer, and a chivalrous knight. Goodness." Jenny said about Ser Derrin. She smiled at Gwen's approval.

Jenny blushed. "I, um, I am a ward of the Blackfins. Ser Thoren's wife is of the Ironborn, so of course she required a handmaiden from the Isles. That's how I became part of the household. It's... very different in Westeros compared to the Isles, but I like it here."

"I'm sure we'll be kept safe, but the knowledge of the bandits does make me a bit nervous."

Cat gets up after the round and says to anyone nearby who notices, "I'll be right back. Then she scurries off her smaller size helping her disappear behind people and things quickly.

Gwen nodded at Elinor's observations concerning the ease of their travels. "Indeed, banners and significant numbers are like to scare away your typical bandit. As I mentioned, those that had mentioned trouble seemed to be looking for it."

Gwen gestured toward where Ser Naton had retired after his defeat. "Ser Naton seemed to be making sport of appearing weaker than he is and enticing less savory elements to test him." Gwen tipped her head slightly. "At least that was his report to us."

Gwen glanced over at Ser Jasper and then back to Elinor. "Did you overnight in Fairmarket?"

"Hurry back, Caetlyn, you don't want to miss the jousting" Jenny said to her friend.

"Chasing down bandits is a noble endeavor, it keeps the smallfolk safe. I wonder if they'll be hunting down those wolves" she mused, remembering that desperate fight.

"Ser Berrion's doing very well! Ser Derrin too." she said to Lady Gwendolyn.

Elinor's eyes narrowed slightly as Jenny identified her ancestry, "Indeed. My own half-brother Gerion has more than a drop of Ironborn blood as well, so I quite understand that to move between two cultures can be," she paused, "somewhat jarring. The Goodbrothers are well spoken of, though some took part in that fell raiding that became known as the Blooding of Blacktyde. I hear many pay homage to the true gods, which is right and just. Do you count yourself among them?" She asked, innocently.


"The Serberas are known to be filled up to the brim with gallantry and derring-do," Elinor quipped, "and even in defeat, I imagine it would be quite the achievement for Ser Naton to appear weak enough to entice any sort of common bandit. All for the better, for Lord Lothar will no doubt rely on him as his strong right arm in years to come."

Gwen smiled at Jenny's observations. "They are both doing well, yes. If good fortune holds, they will both continue until they meet. I would then have the desire to see my own bannerman fall, which will be a strange feeling. I do enjoy the drama of the later rounds, though, once the chaff has been sifted out and we are left with those worthy to ride a second time."

Her gaze settled back on Elinor as the young Mallister discussed the Ironborn and House Serbera. "Indeed, Ser Naton seems like he will fill that role admirably. Though considering him nothing more than a strong right arm might be shorting him slightly. I suppose time will tell, but I sense something more below the gruff exterior."

Thoren felt a sense of fond pride in a friend that had risen far in station. Her rise had of course been by marriage, one she would not have seen if she had wed him, but nevertheless one that she had risen to the occasion for. Her embrace of her station was clear, indicated by the game it seemed she was playing, dangerous though it was.

"At a young age, seeing things through a simplistic lense can provide a clarity of purpose in a world that is complicated beyond one's experience to properly understand. I remember that well. He's not wrong, though. House Mallister has been a stalwart presence against the Ironborn, in Ironman's Bay and known all along the Sunset coast, though that may be changing it seems if Seagard's strength comes not from itself but from the favors of Hoares."

He paused. "We are generally speaking less concerned about the Ironborn being so far from the sea, but I think those in these parts can understand it easily, as we have our own quarrels across the Red Fork. I know the smallfolk would do well if these tensions were to ease, but too many of the highborn have lost too much to give up these old feuds so easily. Never have the Mallisters nor their men at arms nor their bannermen had great love for the Ironborn. How do people along the Bay perceive this strange alliance?"

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Influence: (Charm/Convince) - 12
Initiative: 13
ID: 13 (10 without the situational bonus)
Composure: 9/9
Disposition: Amiable
Goal: Make a Favorable Arrangement for House Blackfin and his own
15:24, Today: Thoren Blackfin rolled 12 using 4d6 with rolls of 4,4,1,3.  Influence (Persuasion, +1D from Read Target).

My approach didn't match any of the listed techniques, but to give you a clear view of what he's trying to do:
- Show an empathy, understanding, and interest in her situation
- He's also perhaps suggesting an approach
- He's noting that this is a distant concern from House Blackfin's more immediate ones (ergo, not an easy commitment to make where there is no direct alignment of interests)...
-...but that this is something they understand, to suggest that they might still be willing to get involved

---

"Oh!" Jenny said, surprised. "Thank you, I am glad to here we Goodbrothers are well spoken of." She had no idea there was Ironborn blood in Elinor's family. Perhaps I ought to meet this Gerion. "I, um, yes I do pay homage to the Seven. I go to the sept with the other ladies" she said, flustered, and looked to Gwen for support. That actually glossed over Jenny's confused feelings between the Seven and the Drowned God, but that wasn't important now, she was trying to make a good impression on Elinor.

Jenny giggled when speaking to Gwen. "Well, you can always tell whichever of those two that wins that you desired him to win all along. I promise I won't tell" She nodded at Gwen's observation that she enjoyed the drama of the later rounds. "It's terribly exciting, isn't it? There's nothing like this in the Isles. A thrill to any maiden's heart"