[Day 8, LA] Of fools and carrion [Closed]

[Loreia]

Clunk. Kling. Metal crashes on wood, arms of various design clink and clash. Knights cheer and jeer as squires - some of them theirs, some with wagered on - fight to first blood in the wide melee ring of the tourney grounds. Loreia looks on and smiles as she notices one of the squires of House Coldbrook, none of which who serve ser Jorah, using a technique she had taught him. She cheers for him as the bout she's watching ends and he places just below second.

The victor of that same group is an Ironborn whelp. She briefly makes eye contact with Yoren, and to her it seems he's taken that as a sign that she wishes to talk with him. What now, black sheep? I told you, I don't care about your fire god. She grins and says none of this of course, but regardless, she makes no move to bow or greet him properly.

[Yoren longshore]

"
A lot more interesting than the main melee is my opinion, which ones will turn into the next swordmaster? Which one will wear a white cloak? Most will be forgotten in the tomes of history, but some may get a mention, revered for decades for their skill."

Yoren coughs briefly to ensure Loreias attention, a little put off by the lack of greeting.
"
Will you look for a place in history? Maybe next to one of these squires?"

Coughing again, vying for time, trying to find the right angle.
"
I've been working on a project of mine... More than a project in fact... Never mind, you'd probably not be interested..."

Looking a little flustered he trails off.
"
I've been talking to Daveth and I need a few northerners to assist with their knowledge. I know of your skills, and I asked specifically for you, and Daveth said that you could be interested in joining us... I've seen your love for animals, that's all."
Yoren ends lamely, a bad end for an even worse pitch.

[Loreia]

Loreia is quite taken aback by the implications, however unintended, by Yoren's blundering words. "
Love of... I don't much care for those rumors sneered an' snickered about my people, lord Yoren, and as a matter of fact, I didn't think you'd be the type to pursue such distasteful 'projects'."


*If Yoren was too bashful to explain before, surely his pride will force him to clear things up!*

[Yoren longshore]

Yoren stands dumbstruck for a few moments, before realisation strikes:
"
No, you misunderstood. I meant that you love animals, but i think it is purely on the compassionate, emotional plane. I don't believe that you, or any of your people holds carnal relationship with animals."


Composing himself slightly he asks: "
I need trappers and trainers, and going by the discipline of your dog, i suspect that you are at least proficient in the latter category, and probably in the former too. In a pinch we might need fighters too, and i have personal experience with your capabilities in that regard."


"
The plan is to sail in by boat onto the frozen tundra of the west of the territories beyond the wall. Here we'll not wait for longer than what is absolutely necessary. We'll maybe attempt an early trade for one of their hardy dogs, if we come upon anyone, but it's not priority. We'll swiftly move westwards from there until we meet a large river, then we'll head up there and attempt to get samples of animals that may be domesticated for use in your lands, and mayhaps other hardy lands, like our iron isles. we'll head up until we reach Thenn and maybe a little further, all the way looking for animals that may be of use. Then I will have several options, but most likely we will head for hardhome, where I'll put Coldbrook men, and woman aboard an Ibb trading vessel due to Coldbrook lands and that may take the animal species. I'll then make my way back to the western shore, where my ship will be waiting."


Yoren looks up: "
sounds like something that you may be a part of?"

[Loreia]

"
If you'll allow me to recap,"
she says, none too pleased at the notion of a prolonged journey through free folk territory teeming with wildlings of all stripes. "
You want to lead an expedition into the true North, damn near close to Always Winter territory, tradin' with savages an' catchin' animals you'll then have to feed for the rest of the trip, leavin' a ship for our return docked at a wildling stronghold, nevermind if it's guarded."


"
I'll tell you what I can do."
She counts each item with the fingers on one hand. "
I know how to approach animals an' how to train 'em, but I mostly learned that with dogs an' horses. I can observe 'em in the wild to find an advantage in huntin' or trackin'. So I am 'at least' good at those things, yes. And I'm good in a fight, it's true. You'll get the chance to see how good in the melee comin' up."


"
What you'll are need food to match your numbers, supplies to fight the cold, a way to retain the animals you catch for travel, an' food for them as well. I'll assume that if you've managed to convince Daveth or Lord Coldbrook to give you some of our soldiers, you've convinced others to give you some of theirs, so you've got numbers if it comes down to it - which is why I'm even considerin' this,"
she admits, arms crossed. "
You can try tradin' if you like, but wildlings are savage people;
they'd just as likely eat you raw an' take what they want, if they've got the numbers to try."

[Yoren longshore]

*Would you want an intrigue? Or simple rp*

"
Yes, that is the gist of it. Although the ship will be more than willing: I know both Ibb and it's people, they'll ask us to join them."

Yoren gives a slight smile: "
Good thinking, Daveths concern was getting there and leaving. I think that you have come closer to the heart of the issue: the wildlings."

Yoren throws his hands up: "
They are the only thing I can't promise that we'll be safe from. The cold I have planned against by heavy cloaks and northern survival experts. The gales that may leave you stuck for weeks I've planned against with plenty of suplies. The time spent and the carrying capacity are ensured by plenty of Garrons, the ideal horses in such harsh climates, and makes us able to travel about 60 miles in a day."

Yoren makes a circle with his hand, clearly more comfortable with this subject than with asking for participation:
"
This brings us back to the only variable we cannot control completely: The Wildlings. We will mitigate the risk by carrying little of metal. I will ensure that the gold is limited north of the wall, paying upon return and promisory letters wherever possible. We will have to bring some of course.
As for weapons: only one weapon of metal a person, and a backup knife if that's wished the rest will be made of more primitive materials. My men will all wield axes and spears to mitigate the risk of attacks to get our weapons further. This leaves a single thing, and what I wish to receive input on: How many men should be brought? Few enough to not be a threat, but enough to make sure that they will loose more than they gain from attacking. What is your opinion?"

Yoren looks as if he really wants input as he asks, unlike most leaders, who wishes to make decisions themselves.
"
I must admit that I have a secret weapon up my sleeve too, if we get in a pinch..."

[Loreia]

No need for intrigue.

Loreia chafes at the reasoning that bringing too many men would make it possible that the tribes would consider the expedition a threat to their way of life. "
Since you're puttin' a roof on it...forty. I s'pose you'd be ridin' the fence with that number. But, as you said, we'll be goin' up to Thenn, and I'd bet my life that you can only go so far north before people stop weighin' the numbers against their growlin' stomachs. If that's too high, then I wouldn't go lower than thirty."


"
As long as I get some assurance that this isn't a one-way trip, ser, I'm interested in goin'. As far as metal is concerned, I assume I can bring my choice of armor?"

[Yoren longshore]

Yoren nods, "
fourty seems like a reasonable amount to bring... I have a few experts who are needed, but do you know of anyone who may be of use? We will fill our numbers with Longshores soldiers, but I am open for any suggestions on experts..."

After considering the prospects for a moment Yoren nods: "
all armour is fine, but make sure not to wear the metal against the skin... Although given where you come from, I guess you should be telling me that..."

[Loreia]

Yoren nods, "
fourty seems like a reasonable amount to bring... I have a few experts who are needed, but do you know of anyone who may be of use? We will fill our numbers with Longshores soldiers, but I am open for any suggestions on experts..."

After considering the prospects for a moment Yoren nods: "
all armour is fine, but make sure not to wear the metal against the skin... Although given where you come from, I guess you should be telling me that..."

She raises an eyebrow. "
Should I? You must have seen a few winters and survived to be standing here, I assume? You tell me."


"
The Fossoways are horse breeders. They might have skilled animal trainers they can lend, if you think you can find an aurochs or two as payment. For trappin', I s'pose you can speak with Hamish, our house's Master of the Hunt. This thaw might be a cruel winter trick, so I don't think we can spare the man himself, but he might recommend a fellow trapper or two among the people who work with him."

[Yoren longshore]

"
The Fossoways you say? Yes, trainers are needed, much better for the animals to be trained than to be caged, I'll talk to them during the day, thanks. As for Hamish, I trust that Daveth will select the best men he can spare, don't you think?"

Getting away from the railing he asks: "
Can I expect you to join us then?"

[Loreia]

Loreia nods earnestly. "
It'll be a real challenge, but it's encouragin' that youv'e thought it through and prepared. Aye, I'll come. I'll be with the other warriors our house loans you."

[Yoren longshore]

Yoren smiles: "
I'll let you get back to watching the squires beat each other. Hopefully you may teach them something."

Indecisive on how to say goodbye and goes for a hybrid between kissing her hand and shaking it, Needless to say botching both. He hurriedly looks a little ashamed before walking off.
ooc
Barring Loreia wishing to add something should we call it scene?

[Loreia]

She shakes back to help him save face, and actually bows in parting, before turning to watch the squires again. I will be taking orders from him on his expedition, after all...

/scene

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