Protecting the Shieldmaiden

[Daveth Coldbrook]

[Chronologically, this happens shortly after the return from the King's Justice.]

Daveth stood at the head of Castle Grenward's great hall, on what was effectively a stage.  His parents and brother stood behind and to one side, clearly supportive, but his father recognised that Daveth was better when it came to speeches, as well as having a closer connection to the relevant person, standing before him.  The newly-knighted Ser Loreia Durant.

Beyond her, the hall is filled.  At the front are the Drakesons, invited to attend 'a ceremony in support of Ser Loreia Durant'.  They don't really know the full purpose of the ceremony.  In fact, as far as Daveth was aware, he'd been able to keep the knowledge from spreading further than his direct family and Michael Growne, their weaponsmith, and Garret had only learned that day.

Beyond the Drakesons, the room was filled with Coldbrook retainers - the Company of the Morningstar taking pride of place, so they could see 'one of their own' being honoured.

"Greatness," Daveth begins, and waits for the chatter to quiet down.  "Greatness should be rewarded.  Our entire house was founded on this principle, when the would-be Lord Coldbrook, then nothing more than a common soldier, personally saved Lord Stark's life.  He had no noble blood, no noble patron, no noble lineage.  

"Though his own deeds, he became the man you all follow today.  This was not politics.  This was not patronage.  This was recognising and rewarding greatness.  Of deeds, and of character."

He begins pacing across the raised section, animatedly.  "Today, we carry this grand tradition on.  To honour one of our own, raised from common birth into the ranks of nobility."he swiftly turns back, and raises a hand in emphasis.  "And I know that there are those among you who believe this was done purely out of politics.  And those who know me may suspect that I made some kind of political deal."

He carefully and clearly states the next three words.  "You are wrong.

"There was no deal.  Was there politics?  Certainly.  But that's not why our Loreia became Ser Loreia Durant.  She became a knight though her own brave deeds and strong moral character, following the moral footsteps of our own Ser Jorah, a knight well worthy of his upcoming appointment to the Kingsguard.

"Ser Loreia is now a symbol.  To many, claiming one political allegiance, she is a symbol of support.  To others, claiming another, she is a symbol of hate.  But I tell you now, it is the third group for whom she is the most powerful symbol, and it is that third group that is the most important.

"The young, the innocent, and other women.  Those for whom she is a symbol of hope.  The Warrior's Shieldmaiden, standing betwixt them and harm.  *That*, rather than any political point, is her true calling, her true goal.

"But there are those who place politics above compassion, who would deny the young, the innocent, and those women their guardian!  From this day forth, I tell you true that Ser Loreia will be under ceaseless attack - verbal, physical, and mental, both to her face and, far more likely, behind her back."

Daveth stops pacing in front of Loreia, and clearly begins speaking to her, though still loud enough to be heard by the room.  "Ser Loreia Durant.  I have long believed that you would accomplish this honour, and long dreaded the backlash you will face from those Green with envy at your accomplishments, although I have every confidence you will weather it.

"As such, I have prepared for this day." he nods towards his father.  "With my Lord Father's support.  For your leal service to date, and your continuing service in the future, House Coldbrook offers you a gift, to protect you at least from the physical barbs of jealous men."

He looks behind him.  "Garret?  Would you present the gift, please?" Garret smiles, and nods, and moves to the edge of the stage, and dramatically pulls aside a curtain there, to reveal an incredible suit of armour.  It was in fact the armour they'd gained from their actions during Lord Tully's tournament, put safely in storage until this day.  An extraordinary suit of plate mail, with some very obvious Black symbols on it, but also this:

The newly-designed personal coat of arms of Ser Loreia Durant.

"Armour yourself in your faith, your friends, your family, and this" gesturing towards the armour.  "And stand tall, Ser Loreia Durant, knight of House Coldbrook.  Stand tall and valiant, between the young, the innocent, and the helpless, and those who would do them harm.

"Stand tall ... Shieldmaiden!  Shieldmaiden!  Shieldmaiden!" He begins the chant, punching the air with his right hand for emphasis, and encouraging the room to take up the chant.

There will be times when the whole world will seem against you, dear sister.  But here, at least, I will do my best for you to be accepted.

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon cheers and claps with all the rest, on his a face a broad grin. Something in his eyes, though, hints at something else, though.

[OOC: TN 12 Awareness(Empathy) to learn more]

[Daveth Coldbrook]

[I'm guessing Armour envy.
[url=Protecting Shieldmaiden - Empathy vs Baelon (TN12)][/url]: 3d6 11
Aaand I remain guessing.]

[Loreia]

It was easier for her to be brave and step forward where none expected her, when no one had prepared for her. Even in the great hall of Castle Grenward, Loreia has to stifle the feeling of butterflies in her stomach - and in her mind - from overflowing in front of the crowd gathered expectantly, seated or standing alike. The reasurring smiles from friends among the gathered guests provides the comfort and confidence to beam with pride as Daveth delivers his speech. But what sort of honor he has in store for her has her wondering why she must stand front and center. He has a gift he wants everyone to witness him giving, that much is not lost on her.

"
Gift,"
there it is, I thought as much. As Garret pulls away a curtain, her apprehensive curiosity is satisfied in a way she couldn't have expected. So moved, her reaction is partial laugh subdued by her surprise. A full suit of armor. She'd always dreamed of having the telltale symbols - serving practical purpose of course - of a proper knight, hard-earned and hard-bought. She has a courser, and now she has armor finely crafted and well-suited to her line of work, and her own personal coat of arms. Perhaps she could gain a squire next...

Her eyes aren't on anything besides the armor and emblazon on display, Lord Coldbrook's two sons by sheer proximity, although her gaze would pan toward Daveth if he were further away. Daveth begins speaking again before she has a chance to respectfully examine them both up close, but she manages a passing look at the emblazon. It seems so amazingly appropriate and fitting, she has to fight the urge to hug him. His word to stand keeps her from taking a knee right there, interrupting her again. Overcome by the chanting adulation around her, and for want to express any acknowledgement and show of gratitude, she salutes her future lord. The glossy reflection in her eyes remains the sole clue of what has begun to well up behind her eyes. Thank you, brother. Thank you.

[Amazing post, and great job setting it all up for my reaction!]

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyneth cheers as well, then shouts, "
Shieldmaiden!"
along with the others when the chant starts. Her eyes are bright with reflected happiness for Loreia, and when she glances sidelong at her husband she laughs and leans her head on his shoulder.

"
Don't worry, love,"
she murmurs teasingly, "
We'll get you some nice armor like that too."

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon does not respond to his wife's comment... as if he didn't hear it, though that is unlikely.

[Ser Jorah Holt]

Ser Jorah stood at the back of the hall, applauding as loud if not louder than anybody else in the hall. Despite everything that had changed or was about to change, this was still his home and his family and friends were here.

Still, the political impact of this meant even here in the seat of House Coldbrook, he kept his distance. It was strange to see Lord Baelon and Lady Gwyneth at the front though.

ooc
[url=Awareness Empathy][/url]: 3d6k3 10
doesn't note anything about Lord Baelon.

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