Re: [Day 2, LE] Another night at the Inn (Open)

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben waves a cheerful goodbye to Nathan. "
Good evening Nathan."


He then turns to Jon, a bit surprised that he wanted to know more of him. "
My mother is sister to Lady Moraine Tullison, so Lord Dunstan is my cousin. And yes I have recently sworn my sword to him."
Ben looks to his worn clothing noting his lack of livery. "
I guess I should purchase some new livery with House Tullison."
He chuckles at that and finishes off his second beer. "
So Ser Jon what House has attained your distinguished services. That way I will know what livery to look for in the melee and stay clear of that dreaded maul."
Another laugh escapes Ben.

At Loreia greeting Ben nods in return not sure the woman's Name.

[Loreia]

"
Thank you, Loreia was it? Fell free to come and sit with us, I will not make you stand up and leave like you did to Ben and me before! I am only jesting, please do sit."

"
Gladly, milord,"
she replies, feeling the subtle sting through the lord's veneer of humor. She seizes the spot left behind by the man who just left and cracks a modest grin. "
I ought apologize though. The three of you were getting along so well yestereve, and I just couldn't wait my turn."


But "
three"
was an exaggeration.

[Jon Cobb]

He then turns to Jon, a bit surprised that he wanted to know more of him. "
My mother is sister to Lady Moraine Tullison, so Lord Dunstan is my cousin. And yes I have recently sworn my sword to him."
Ben looks to his worn clothing noting his lack of livery. "
I guess I should purchase some new livery with House Tullison."
He chuckles at that and finishes off his second beer. "
So Ser Jon what House has attained your distinguished services. That way I will know what livery to look for in the melee and stay clear of that dreaded maul."
Another laugh escapes Ben.

"
What, this old thing?"
Jon replies, hefting the silvered maul into the air with a grin. "
There's no need to fear the maul, Ser Benedict. These days I use it mostly as a walking staff, and to remind the occasional street ruffian of his place. I'll be wielding something much more practical when it comes to the melee. As for my colors, they will be my own and those of House Bartheld, who have retained my services for the tourney."


"
And on the subject of tourneys - I heard you did well in the pageant today. Have you ridden in many tournaments?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
What, this old thing?"
Jon replies, hefting the silvered maul into the air with a grin. "
There's no need to fear the maul, Ser Benedict. These days I use it mostly as a walking staff, and to remind the occasional street ruffian of his place. I'll be wielding something much more practical when it comes to the melee. As for my colors, they will be my own and those of House Bartheld, who have retained my services for the tourney."


"
And on the subject of tourneys - I heard you did well in the pageant today. Have you ridden in many tournaments?"

Ben looks admiringly at the maul. "
I managed to not make a fool of myself or House Tullison."
Ben's gives a look of levity. "
I have rode in a few minor tourneys, never on this scale. I don't recall any exploits of yours on horseback. Will you be riding?"

[Jon Cobb]

Ben looks admiringly at the maul. "
I managed to not make a fool of myself or House Tullison."
Ben's gives a look of levity. "
I have rode in a few minor tourneys, never on this scale. I don't recall any exploits of yours on horseback. Will you be riding?"

"
Hah, that I will, though I may indeed make a fool of myself for doing so. You're quite correct, Ser Benedict;
I can manage a horse and lance well enough, but any claim to fame I may have didn't come from the back of a horse - there wasn't much call for cavalry in the Stepstones! Did you see any action down there, by the way?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben laughs loudly but not offensively, his hand smacking the table. "
Aye, Ser Jon I would have probably been there, but I could not tear myself from my mothers skirts."
He straightens himself trying to look as old as Jon thought him. "
No great battles for me. Pirates in the Bite, clansmen in the Vale and skirmishers in the Riverlands. Have your days since seen much peace?"

[Jon Cobb]

"
Ah, forgive me for mistaking your age, Ser Benedict, but it's an easy thing to do when a man's...uhm...wisdom...weighs so heavily on his brow,"
Jon answers jokingly.

"
Peace? There's been nothing like the Stepstones, to be sure, but there has been some call for my services - mostly bandit troubles or some border disputes. Not much fighting though - often I just had to show up and parade about a bit until the villain of the day ran off. The only thing like a real war was that Blackwood-Bracken quarrel - I made a pretty penny off that!"
Jon grins, clearly pleased with the memory.

OOC: Yes, Jon is saying that Ben looks old. :;
): And in fact, you've studiously avoided any mention of his age in your public profile, so just how old is Ben really?

[Benedict Marsten]

At the mention of the Blackwood-Bracken quarrel Ben tenses slightly. "
No need to ask for forgiveness. My sister tells me often I look like an old man."
He jokes. Ben relaxes back into his chair sighing. "
That feud was and is a worrisome thing. I guess I am glad someone made something from it."
Ben continues to skirt the intricacies of the quarrel.

OoC: I had left no age because I was still working out dates of events. He's probably early to mid 20's.

[Loreia]

Loreia sips while Ben and Jon discuss glory days, and gives Jon a sideways scrutinizing glance when he mentions gaining wealth from his involvement in the feud.

"
Blackwoods and Brackens,"
she moans, having rehashed the subject of the infighting of Harrenhall's bannermen. "
If we leave them to their own, they'll be at it again before we know it, and the clans'll never get their turn."


"
If that happens, I hope you'll back the same horse as us, Ser Cobb, if the Starks bother getting involved again. Whether they would, I wouldn't hold my breath."
She raises her cup for another swig.

[Jon Cobb]

At the mention of the Blackwood-Bracken quarrel Ben tenses slightly. "
No need to ask for forgiveness. My sister tells me often I look like an old man."
He jokes. Ben relaxes back into his chair sighing. "
That feud was and is a worrisome thing. I guess I am glad someone made something from it."
Ben continues to skirt the intricacies of the quarrel.

"
Making money off other people's wars is what a sellsword does, Ser Benedict, and I'm afraid that the opportunity was too good to pass up. But I sense that for you things are more personal - did you lose someone close to you in the fighting?"
Jon's tone is suddenly more serious, and his question seems sincere.

"
Blackwoods and Brackens,"
she moans, having rehashed the subject of the infighting of Harrenhall's bannermen. "
If we leave them to their own, they'll be at it again before we know it, and the clans'll never get their turn."


"
If that happens, I hope you'll back the same horse as us, Ser Cobb, if the Starks bother getting involved again. Whether they would, I wouldn't hold my breath."
She raises her cup for another swig.

"
House Coldbrook, eh?"
Jon responds, giving the tall woman a curious look. "
I seem to recall seeing some of your banners on the Blackwood side - correct? And I'm afraid I didn't quite catch your name before. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Making money off other people's wars is what a sellsword does, Ser Benedict, and I'm afraid that the opportunity was too good to pass up. But I sense that for you things are more personal - did you lose someone close to you in the fighting?"
Jon's tone is suddenly more serious, and his question seems sincere.

Ben does his best to appear stoic. "
That depends on your definition of close. Each dead Blackwood, which was few, was kin, but the peasants I trained stood at my side with spears and pitchforks and most died at my side, ill-equipped and too grey or too green. Not one penny made by any dead or living. I mean no offense to you Ser Jon. Everyone has a part to play. Some peoples parts leave their hands unsoiled."

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan looks at Ben and nods with respect.

"
True. My Lord father fought the Brackens and died for it. We"
he points at Ben "
saw what kind of men Brackens are on our way here. If one has to fight it's not for money."
Dunstan stops to think a bit, pondering should he say something, opening his mouth and than closing it, deciding to stay silent.

[Jon Cobb]

Ben does his best to appear stoic. "
That depends on your definition of close. Each dead Blackwood, which was few, was kin, but the peasants I trained stood at my side with spears and pitchforks and most died at my side, ill-equipped and too grey or too green. Not one penny made by any dead or living. I mean no offense to you Ser Jon. Everyone has a part to play. Some peoples parts leave their hands unsoiled."

"
I see you are a caring man Ser Benedict, and it does you credit. But if you aspire to lead men into battle, then you will have to harden your heart to loss - if you take the deaths of men under your command too personally, it will first destroy your ability to command, and then destroy you as a man. I know, because I've seen it happen,"
Jon replies with obvious sympathy.

Dunstan looks at Ben and nods with respect.

"
True. My Lord father fought the Brackens and died for it. We"
he points at Ben "
saw what kind of men Brackens are on our way here. If one has to fight it's not for money."
Dunstan stops to think a bit, pondering should he say something, opening his mouth and than closing it, deciding to stay silent.

"
My condolences on your loss, Lord Dunstan, but your father was the lord of a noble house, and only his conscience or the orders of his liege could have forced him to fight. Since I know that the Tullys didn't order anyone to fight, I must surmise your father rode to war willingly, and no doubt he understood the risks. As for which side displayed the geater villainy, I can show you half a dozen hamlets in Bracken lands where the smallfolk will curse the Blackwood name as readily as you do the Brackens, and for much the same reasons."
Jon pauses to let his words sink in before continuing.

"
War is not a game, Lord Dunstan, and if the thought of fighting for money offends you, consider this - is it more right that Ser Benedict's peasant boys died because two great noble families insist on perpetuating a feud over hundreds or thousands of years? How many more of those boys must die before the honor of their noble lords is satisfied?"
Jon transfixes Dunstan with a steely glare and then, suddenly, relaxes and grins apologetically. "
And now I have ruined the mood. My apologies to all of you - how about I stand everyone to another round of ale, courtesy of House Bartheld?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Aye, one more than I am done. It will be hard to guard My Lord when I am seeing two of him."
Ben laughs.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan laughs at Ben's joke.

"
Aye, I think it is time to lay down. My Lady Mother would be as furious as a dragon if she knew how much ale I drank on this tourney!"
Dunstan says, not joking.

[Loreia]

"
House Coldbrook, eh?"
Jon responds, giving the tall woman a curious look. "
I seem to recall seeing some of your banners on the Blackwood side - correct? And I'm afraid I didn't quite catch your name before. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

Loreia sits back in heir chair while the men fire off veiled shots, introducing herself only after Cobb orders the next round. "
Loreia Merrgal,"
she nods to Cobb. "
I'm only repeatin' what a few bannermen from House Stark had to say 'bout our liege lords and the odds of another feud happenin';
they were quite forthright. House Coldbrook did fight for the Blackwoods, but I was only a girl still. And, I was nowhere near Grenward or the Neck while it raged. I've seen how each likes to pass the time when the other's in shouting distance, though."

[Benedict Marsten]

Dunstan laughs at Ben's joke.

"
Aye, I think it is time to lay down. My Lady Mother would be as furious as a dragon if she knew how much ale I drank on this tourney!"
Dunstan says, not joking.

"
If you are ready to retire my Lord,"
Ben turns to Dunstan. "
then we shall leave at your word. Ser Jon it has truly been a pleasure. Loreia I hope next time we meet we may be able to speak more."

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Think so, my eyes are closing."
Dunstan says and stands up, shaking hands with the present company and saying his goodbyes.


/Dunstan leaves.

[Jon Cobb]

Loreia sits back in heir chair while the men fire off veiled shots, introducing herself only after Cobb orders the next round. "
Loreia Merrgal,"
she nods to Cobb. "
I'm only repeatin' what a few bannermen from House Stark had to say 'bout our liege lords and the odds of another feud happenin';
they were quite forthright. House Coldbrook did fight for the Blackwoods, but I was only a girl still. And, I was nowhere near Grenward or the Neck while it raged. I've seen how each likes to pass the time when the other's in shouting distance, though."

"
Well, looks like it's just me and you then, Loreia,"
Jon says as the Tullisons take their leave. "
Loreia - that's a very pretty name, by the way,"
he continues, throwing the tall young woman an appreciative glance. "
May I ask in what capacity you serve House Coldbrook? You've the look and sound of a warrior about you, unless I'm very much mistaken."

[Loreia]

"
Loreia - that's a very pretty name, by the way,"
he continues, throwing the tall young woman an appreciative glance.

"
Thank you."
Her response, though tentative, is sincere.

"
May I ask in what capacity you serve House Coldbrook? You've the look and sound of a warrior about you, unless I'm very much mistaken."

"
You aren't,"
she answers. The specific query or assumption of whether a soldier was a real fighter is best answered austerely from one to another, lest the allusion of pride or boasting cast doubt on the jester. It is a silent rule Loreia learned a few short months after joining the guard at Castle Grenward. "
I serve as a guardsman, and a good one if I'm sayin' so, but I didn't learn to fight with recruit training. I sort of played it by ear, when Bear Island was still my home."

[Jon Cobb]

"
You aren't,"
she answers. The specific query or assumption of whether a soldier was a real fighter is best answered austerely from one to another, lest the allusion of pride or boasting cast doubt on the jester. It is a silent rule Loreia learned a few short months after joining the guard at Castle Grenward. "
I serve as a guardsman, and a good one if I'm sayin' so, but I didn't learn to fight with recruit training. I sort of played it by ear, when Bear Island was still my home."

"
A guardsman? Then I take it you spend a good deal of time with Lord Tomas and his family? We don't often get to meet northmen down here in the Riverlands - can you tell me what sort of men they are?"
Jon asks, seeming genuinely curious.

"
And when you've told all you feel comfortable telling, I have one further request of you - tell me about Loreia Merrgal. Who is she and how did a girl from Bear Island end up this far south?"

[Loreia]

"
Well she's no 'girl',"
she replies, throwing back a gulp of ale to punctuate the statement, and adds modestly, "
But, just a fighter. We'll get to her in a minute."


"
What can I say,"
she says thoughtfully. "
Lord Tomas is a...severe man. A man of honor. Hmm...if a show of force is an option in any situation, he'll consider it at the least. That's all I'm saying, His Lordship or Captain Orell might tan my hide if I keep goin'."


"
Garret takes after his father as a leader. I'll admit he has a charm, but he's a bit of--"
she hesitates, "
he's respectful, and he means well, but he is a bastard, so take that for what it's worth. In fact, you can tell him I said so, he knows what I think,"
she chuckles to herself.

"
Daveth got his parents' smarts. He's been tryin' to fill in as our healer and stand-in for the Citadel. He's a good lad,"
she comments with noticeable partialty. "
Long-winded, but a talker, and every house has need of its talkers."


*Give me one of those chickens...*

[Jon Cobb]

Jon laughs heartily at Loreia's forthright descriptions of Lord Tomas and his sons. "
They sound like interesting men! But tell me, if you were to hazard a guess - what do you think each of them wants out of life? And if you care to keep satisfying my curiosity - what do you think each of them needs? And one last query, then I want to hear all about you - what does House Coldbrook need most at this time?"

[Benedict Marsten]

/left

[Loreia]

What do you think each of them wants out of life? And if you care to keep satisfying my curiosity - what do you think each of them needs? And one last query, then I want to hear all about you - what does House Coldbrook need most at this time?"

"
Why, you prepared to make an offer?"
she banters. She makes a lazy steeple with her fingers. "
Here, you pick one of them and then you tell me what one of your house's people needs, wants, whatever, but they have to 'match' mine. Then I answer. An heir for an heir let's say, or a house for a house."


Loreia seems to recognize how this might be taken as a game, as she stares at Jon with renewing alertness. Her scant japes are marked and cut off by her visage's abrupt switches back to a mild frown - her resting face.

[url=Awareness(Empathy), which house?][/url]: 4d6k3 14
*Determining whether Loreia catches Cobb lying about which house he's from or about not working for any house. I may roll again for each "
trade"
.*

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