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

[Jon Cobb]

"
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"
.*

Jon laughs again at Loreia's guarded response. "
A guardsman indeed! Lord Tomas' secrets are well defended with women such as you by his side."


"
Alright, for my first choice I want to hear about Garret Snow. In return, I'll tell you about Davain Bartheld, who claims to be the legal heir of my old friend Brom. Davain is hard working, disciplined and responsible. He's also moralistic, judgemental and a tremendous bore."


"
He wants to become lord of House Bartheld, so that he may reform the house in his own image. Failing that, he would probably be happy if he could spend the rest of his life hammering away at that forge of his."


"
He needs to learn how to relax and enjoy himself, so that he can gain an appreciation for the open-handed hospitality that is the foundation of House Bartheld's standing. If he fails to do so, there's a good chance he'll destroy his family before the changes he wishes to make can bring any good with them."


"
Your turn,"
Jon says with a grin and takes a swig of ale.

OOC: Jon is certainly working for House Bartheld and is making no effort to conceal it.

[Loreia]

"
Alright, for my first choice I want to hear about Garret Snow. In return, I'll tell you about Davain Bartheld, who claims to be the legal heir of my old friend Brom. Davain is hard working, disciplined and responsible. He's also moralistic, judgmental and a tremendous bore."

Loreia suppresses a giggle.

"
He wants to become lord of House Bartheld, so that he may reform the house in his own image. Failing that, he would probably be happy if he could spend the rest of his life hammering away at that forge of his."


"
He needs to learn how to relax and enjoy himself, so that he can gain an appreciation for the open-handed hospitality that is the foundation of House Bartheld's standing. If he fails to do so, there's a good chance he'll destroy his family before the changes he wishes to make can bring any good with them."


"
Your turn,"
Jon says with a grin and takes a swig of ale.

"
Alright."
Jon's word choice is disarming, and Loreia is beginning to anticipate answers that entertain. "
With Garret, it's sort of the opposite, just a bit. He treats his horse like it's a dragon, leads the cavalry like he's a 'dragon' of King's Landing, and gets his beddings with barely more than a knock and, or, a few honeyed words, least that's how it's been in the lands 'round Castle Grenward. That's just for him being him, though. He wants everyone to know who he is. For the Warrior to shine down on him and put his name on everyone's tongue."


"
He can keep himself in check here at the tourney, but we watch him anyway. He needs drop all that and become a proper lordling. He needs to be ready to take his father's place on the seat of our house, because it's sure not goin' to his brother."


"
There, an answer for an answer, Ser Cobb."
Loreia takes another drink as well. Because why not.

*+1 llama if you get the reference*

[Jon Cobb]

"
Alright."
Jon's word choice is disarming, and Loreia is beginning to anticipate answers that entertain. "
With Garret, it's sort of the opposite, just a bit. He treats his horse like it's a dragon, leads the cavalry like he's a 'dragon' of King's Landing, and gets his beddings with barely more than a knock and, or, a few honeyed words, least that's how it's been in the lands 'round Castle Grenward. That's just for him being him, though. He wants everyone to know who he is. For the Warrior to shine down on him and put his name on everyone's tongue."


"
He can keep himself in check here at the tourney, but we watch him anyway. He needs drop all that and become a proper lordling. He needs to be ready to take his father's place on the seat of our house, because it's sure not goin' to his brother."


"
There, an answer for an answer, Ser Cobb."
Loreia takes another drink as well. Because why not.

"
Sounds like most young men I've ever met. No doubt he'll come around once life punches him in the face a few times! I can't wait to hear why Daveth couldn't be lord, though."


"
Well now, who shall I tell you of next... Oh, I know! You have two brothers, different as night and day. Well, House Bartheld has Davain and his uncle Ser Fendrel. Uncle Fendrel is a clever, clever man, who never met a party he didn't like. He's got plenty of book learning too, though most of what he says he's read goes right over my poor head."


"
Ser Fendrel wants things to remain as they were when Brom was lord, and in order to ensure that, he too wants to become Lord Bartheld."


"
Ser Fendrel needs allies who understand that sometimes tradition must be ignored to preserve what has been achieved. If such allies were to make themselves known, he would certainly repay them in kind should they ever need his aid."


"
Your turn again,"
Jon says and gulps down some more ale.

*+1 llama if you get the reference*

OOC: Sorry, me no get reference. No llamas for me.

[Kevan Lyras]

The inn is bustling as the number of visitors is still suprisingly high, when Kevan enters. His coat still dusty from travelling, he finds an empty chair and motions for the serving girl.

"
Fetch me a beer, please"
he tells her, before leaning back in his chair and looks around the inn, glad to be off the road, finally.



[OOC: I have just received the "
go"
from reader as he approved my character. As it is Friday and we are moving from "
day 2"
to "
day 3"
today, I thought I just introduce myself late in "
day 2"
, having just arrived at the tourney. Maybe this leads to a few exchanges with other PCs who are sill active today before we move to "
day 3"
, otherwise, this ensures that I have a whole "
day 3"
to act in]

[Loreia]

"
Sounds like most young men I've ever met. No doubt he'll come around once life punches him in the face a few times! I can't wait to hear why Daveth couldn't be lord, though."


"
Well now, who shall I tell you of next... Oh, I know! You have two brothers, different as night and day. Well, House Bartheld has Davain and his uncle Ser Fendrel. Uncle Fendrel is a clever, clever man, who never met a party he didn't like. He's got plenty of book learning too, though most of what he says he's read goes right over my poor head."


"
Ser Fendrel wants things to remain as they were when Brom was lord, and in order to ensure that, he too wants to become Lord Bartheld."


"
Ser Fendrel needs allies who understand that sometimes tradition must be ignored to preserve what has been achieved. If such allies were to make themselves known, he would certainly repay them in kind should they ever need his aid."


"
Your turn again,"
Jon says and gulps down some more ale.

Loreia lets her turn hang in the air for a moment, and leans on her elbows. "
Daveth. He wants our house to embrace Westerosi politics. Not an easy mission, 'specially when the biggest hurdle is his own father. Sorry for gettin' sappy, but what he needs is to find peace with him. Barring that, simply accept that his feelings of kinship with Lord Tomas will never be returned."


"
Hilariously enough,"
she continues, to lighten the mood a little, "
neither of them wants to claim the head of our house. Daveth 'can't' because he ought not to. The people need a man who can lead, and the smart one can always remain at his side to offer counsel. What do you think, Jon? Which of Tomas' sons would you push into the lord's chair?"


*I'd like to note that this conversation between Jon Cobb and Loreia is closed.*

[Jon Cobb]

Loreia lets her turn hang in the air for a moment, and leans on her elbows. "
Daveth. He wants our house to embrace Westerosi politics. Not an easy mission, 'specially when the biggest hurdle is his own father. Sorry for gettin' sappy, but what he needs is to find peace with him. Barring that, simply accept that his feelings of kinship with Lord Tomas will never be returned."


"
Hilariously enough,"
she continues, to lighten the mood a little, "
neither of them wants to claim the head of our house. Daveth 'can't' because he ought not to. The people need a man who can lead, and the smart one can always remain at his side to offer counsel. What do you think, Jon? Which of Tomas' sons would you push into the lord's chair?"


*I'd like to note that this conversation between Jon Cobb and Loreia is closed.*

"
Well that's rich - a house where there are two possible heirs and neither wants the job! That's probably a first in Westeros. Sounds like the best thing would be if you could mate them with one another and hope for an heir with both their best qualities!"
Jon laughs uproariously at his own joke.

"
But seriously - the way you've described them, I wouldn't put either of them in the lord's chair at the moment. One needs to grow some balls, the other one needs to have his put in a vice. But if they can grow up some, it sounds like your lad Garret is the sort of man who finds leading others easy, but he'll need Daveth beside him every step of the way to keep him from running House Coldbrook into the ditch. There's nothing strange about that - a good leader understands his own weaknesses and when to let others help him. As long as it looks like he's the one making the decisions, everything should be fine."


"
Of course, if your two boys can't or won't work together, then I suppose there's only one way forward - one of them will have to be schooled to be willing and able to lead. As a matter of fact, if Lord Tomas wishes it, I could speak to Ser Fendrel and see if he'll agree to take one of them under his wing for a while, to teach him what it takes to run a noble house. As I said, Ser Fendrel is a very clever man. He's also got a keen grasp of politics and he's a fine swordsman as well. I don't doubt that he could show those boys a thing or two."


"
Now, that leads us to my next question. I think I can hazard a guess as to your answer, but what - in your opinion - does House Coldbrook as a whole need most at the moment?"

[Loreia]

"
As a matter of fact, if Lord Tomas wishes it, I could speak to Ser Fendrel and see if he'll agree to take one of them under his wing for a while, to teach him what it takes to run a noble house. As I said, Ser Fendrel is a very clever man. He's also got a keen grasp of politics and he's a fine swordsman as well. I don't doubt that he could show those boys a thing or two."

"
I'll...pass on your offer."

"
Now, that leads us to my next question. I think I can hazard a guess as to your answer, but what - in your opinion - does House Coldbrook as a whole need most at the moment?"

"
Relations with a certain house have been shaken, and what we need are friends who can see that they are restored, smoothly."
She folds her arms. "
I think you could be one, but it's not my trust that matters. If you'd speak with Daveth, convince him you and the Barthelds are far removed from said relations, maybe we could come to an understandin'?"


[url=Empathy vs Ser Cobb - D2 LE, Drunken Huntsman][/url]: 4d6k3 10
*Determining if Jon Cobb or the Barthelds are in league with the Tullisons or Theomore, that he is aware of. Probable failure detected.*

[Jon Cobb]

"
I'll...pass on your offer."

"
You do as you please of course. If you change your mind, let me know - House Bartheld's doors are always open."

"
Relations with a certain house have been shaken, and what we need are friends who can see that they are restored, smoothly."
She folds her arms. "
I think you could be one, but it's not my trust that matters. If you'd speak with Daveth, convince him you and the Barthelds are far removed from said relations, maybe we could come to an understandin'?"

"
Forgive me for being direct, Loreia, but you're going to have to be clearer about who House Coldbrook is having trouble with, and the reason why, or it'll be difficult for me to promise any sort of help. Also, does Daveth know that you're seeking help behind his back?"

[url=Empathy vs Ser Cobb - D2 LE, Drunken Huntsman][/url]: 4d6k3 10
*Determining if Jon Cobb or the Barthelds are in league with the Tullisons or Theomore, that he is aware of. Probable failure detected.*

OOC: No failure. Jon seems genuinely unaware of the quarrel you're talking about.

[Loreia]

"
Forgive me for being direct, Loreia, but you're going to have to be clearer about who House Coldbrook is having trouble with, and the reason why, or it'll be difficult for me to promise any sort of help. Also, does Daveth know that you're seeking help behind his back?"

She pauses. "
No. He knows I have once before. That's why I'd rather send you to him, he wouldn't just believe, unless you were there with him."


"
The problem is with House Tullison. Theomore ran down Joren Coldbrook, our trueborn heir, in the tourney at the Twins. Joren entered without anyone's knowledge, and died in the maester's tent. To make matters worse, his nephew and lord, Dunstan, was away from the event and doesn't know what happened. The lords are havin' a meet tomorrow to settle it. Whether or not it goes as planned, or sours, we need support."


"
Seven hells, I don't know why I'm even tellin' you all this. Forgive me, I thought you might be able to do somethin', or influence your house to take part in easin' the tension. But I'm just wastin' your time."
She takes another drink and stares at her cup. "
I might as well be tellin' it all to the barkeep, if only I could."

[Jon Cobb]

"
No. He knows I have once before. That's why I'd rather send you to him, he wouldn't just believe, unless you were there with him."


"
The problem is with House Tullison. Theomore ran down Joren Coldbrook, our trueborn heir, in the tourney at the Twins. Joren entered without anyone's knowledge, and died in the maester's tent. To make matters worse, his nephew and lord, Dunstan, was away from the event and doesn't know what happened. The lords are havin' a meet tomorrow to settle it. Whether or not it goes as planned, or sours, we need support."

"
The tourney at the Twins? Oh that's right, I remember now - Theo accidentally killed a young lad who'd entered as a mystery knight. That was Lord Tomas' trueborn son? Well, I can understand that it must've upset him greatly, but surely he's not seeking a feud with the Tullisons over this?"
Jon replies, appearing honestly bemused at the news.

"
Listen, I've known Theomore Tullison since he was squiring for Prince Daemon, and I can't believe that he'd willfully kill a man - or a boy - in a tourney. What possible reason would he have to do that? No, Theo knows how to handle a lance, and he hits what he aims at, but accidents happen to the best of us. Has anyone from House Coldbrook approached him and simply asked him what happened?"


"
As for Dunstan Tullison, I only just met him yesterday, but if he says he knew nothing about the accident then you should take his word for it. I don't think he's even capable of lying and, more importantly, he seems to only want to see the best in everyone he meets. But of course, if you tell him his uncle is a lying murderer without overwhelming evidence to prove it, then that would be a surefire way to make an enemy of him. Dunstan may like everyone he meets, but there's no way he'd take the word of a stranger over a beloved family member!"

"
Seven hells, I don't know why I'm even tellin' you all this. Forgive me, I thought you might be able to do somethin', or influence your house to take part in easin' the tension. But I'm just wastin' your time."
She takes another drink and stares at her cup. "
I might as well be tellin' it all to the barkeep, if only I could."

"
Not at all, dear Loreia. I wasn't aware of the situation until now, but I count some of the Tullisons as my friends, and I hope to be able to do the same with you and others from House Coldbrook. I certainly don't want to see my friends feuding, so of course I'll do what I can to help ease tensions,"
Jon says in a comforting tone.

"
I would also be happy to speak to Ser Fendrel about what House Bartheld could do in a more official capacity to help the Coldbrooks and the Tullisons come to an understanding. Ser Fendrel is a very experienced diplomat, so I don't doubt but that he'll have some good ideas. However, with Ser Fendrel there will be a price for his aid. As I said, he is in need of allies who would be willing to back his claim to become lord of House Bartheld. For now, the support of individual members of House Coldbrook - including you - would be enough."


"
So that is what I have to offer you - my help, such as it is, in defusing the situation, and the help of House Bartheld, in return for your promise to publicly support Ser Fendrel when the time comes to decide the future lord of House Bartheld. If you can sweet talk Daveth and Garret into doing the same, then I have no doubt that Ser Fendrel will be most grateful for that,"
Jon finishes with a knowing smile.

[Loreia]

"
Fendrel does seem like the right man, if its' true what you say 'bout the future of their house dependin' on who becomes the head."


"
I don't believe I'm the one to do any convincin', but..."
she pauses. "
Oh, nevermind. Ser Fendrel has my moral support. On my head be it."

[Jon Cobb]

Jon smiles broadly at Loreia's reply. "
I thank you for this, Loreia - you'll not regret it. If you have need of anything in return, come and see me whenever it suits you."


"
Now, there is but one story left which I have yet to hear - who is Loreia Merrgal? How came she to be a soldier? What does she like? What does she hate? Does she have family? And, most importantly, does she dance?"
Jon asks with a devilish grin...

OOC: Are you up for an intrigue to improve our dispositions?

[Loreia]

OOC: Sure, why not

Intrigue: Initiative(12)
Goal: Raise Disposition, Jon Cobb
Disposition: Indifferent
Defense: 8
Composure: 12
Frustration: 0

"
Jon Cobb is an odd one, likes to speak to people like they aren't in the room with him,"
she teases. "
Must be great for boostin' confidence, when askin' a woman for her life story."


[url=Intrigue Initiate][/url]: 3d6 12
Well hey, look at that.

[Jon Cobb]

[url=Intrigue Initiative][/url]: 4d6k3 13
Objective: Improve Loreia's disposition
Disposition: Amiable, DR 3, Per +1
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 12

Action: [url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6k5+1 18
Influence: 8 (4 x 3 DoS = 12 Influence - 4 DR =

"
Well, Jon Cobb doesn't associate with just anyone you know, so of course Jon Cobb needs to know your life story to find out if you're worthy of remaining in his august presence!"
Jon replies with a mischievous grin.

[Loreia]

Intrigue: Exchange 1
Goal: Raise Disposition, Jon Cobb
Disposition: Indifferent
Defense: 8
Composure: 8/12
Frustration: 1

Action: Persuasion vs Jon Cobb: Poor

Loreia smiles warmly. "
I'm glad you think I'm not just anyone."


"
I didn't care about fightin' at first. I wanted to stick to horses, but it only amazes me today how young girls will behave when they notice one among them isn't like they are. After tryin' to fit in, while also brushin' manes and shovelin' shit, I realized I fit in really well - lucky me. Some things you just don't know you'll enjoy till you try. What 'bout you? How'd you learn to fight?"

[Jon Cobb]

Exchange 2
Initiative: 13
Objective: Improve Loreia's disposition
Disposition: Amiable, DR 3, Per +1
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 12

Action: [url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6k5+1 21
Influence: 8 (4 x 3 DoS = 12 Influence - 4 DR =

"
Flea Bottom. I was always a big lad, so my old man had me helping him roll drunks in alleys since I was about...ten? One night, one of the drunks fought back, so I picked up a broken chair leg that was laying about and whacked him over his fool head. Killed him stone dead. That's when I knew that I could be dangerous. A few years later, when I finally got tired of the old man beating me for shits-and-giggles, I hit back hard. He left home the next morning and we never saw him again. Not long after, I heard Prince Daemon was going to war, so I found me a mercenary company and signed up. They taught me how to do more than swing a club, and they must've gotten something right, because I'm still here and they're all dead."
Jon's expression is oddly dispassionate as he tells his story, betraying neither regret nor bitterness.

"
So, you learned to fight by beating up mean girls in a stable? Am I hearing things right or is it the ale that's getting to me?"
Jon continues, once more in a gently joking tone.

[Loreia]

"
I'm sorry. You've had it rough growin' up, then. I've only heard lazy description of King's Landing's low places, but among them, the only mention was Flea Bottom,"
she replies, her lip curling for a sour frown. "
Nasty place."

"
So, you learned to fight by beating up mean girls in a stable? Am I hearing things right or is it the ale that's getting to me?"
Jon continues, once more in a gently joking tone.

"
I learned by proper practice - while also tendin' to the stables - at a proper age, with said 'mean girls',"
she corrects, before giggling, "
and then I became friends with them! It seems so silly now. I wonder how they're doin'..."


"
I left a few years later. Bear Island was holdin' out against winter raids by the Iron Islands. A few houses had gone rogue, so I heard, and while they were bein' dealt with directly, the Wardens of the North gathered reinforcements 'gainst the raidin' parties and dispatched them. When I saw them fightin', I knew I owed them. We all did. So, I went back with them, and Castle Grenward happened to be where they were headed.."


Yield offer: Loreia raises to Amiable, Jon raises to Friendly

[Jon Cobb]

"
I'm sorry. You've had it rough growin' up, then. I've only heard lazy description of King's Landing's low places, but among them, the only mention was Flea Bottom,"
she replies, her lip curling for a sour frown. "
Nasty place."

"
No need to apologize, dear Loreia. It was a long time ago, and if it wasn't for Flea Bottom, I probably wouldn't be where I am today, y'know? The important thing is to savor every day you get instead of dwelling on the past - take life by the scruff of its neck and squeeze all the pleasure you can get out of it!"

"
I learned by proper practice - while also tendin' to the stables - at a proper age, with said 'mean girls',"
she corrects, before giggling, "
and then I became friends with them! It seems so silly now. I wonder how they're doin'..."


"
I left a few years later. Bear Island was holdin' out against winter raids by the Iron Islands. A few houses had gone rogue, so I heard, and while they were bein' dealt with directly, the Wardens of the North gathered reinforcements 'gainst the raidin' parties and dispatched them. When I saw them fightin', I knew I owed them. We all did. So, I went back with them, and Castle Grenward happened to be where they were headed.."

"
Ah, so not so different from me then - except for the heroic stand against all the armies of the Triarchy, of course!"
Jon replies with a rumbling laugh. "
I like you, Loreia Merrgal - Hells, I can even learn to like that mangy dog of yours - but you still haven't answered the most important question: do...you..dance?!"


Yield counter-offer: I'll go to Friendly if you will. Could be the start of a beautiful friendship... :;
):

OOC: I'm assuming Badger is under the table somewhere, ready to protect his mistress from groping hands...

[Loreia]

*Loreia's a wary woman, but for this occasion, we will move the dog inside!*

"
The important thing is to savor every day you get instead of dwelling on the past - take life by the scruff of its neck and squeeze all the pleasure you can get out of it!"

Loreia is put off by the imagery. "
That's one way to put it."

"
I like you, Loreia Merrgal - Hells, I can even learn to like that mangy dog of yours - but you still haven't answered the most important question: do...you..dance?!"

"
I was going to answer! And the answer is no, I don't. Sorry, I wish I did. But you don't mean to skip all the other questions, do you?"


"
Besides, my dog's not mangy! Are you, boy?"
The familiar tone of voice and the gesture of her hands clapping on her knees is all it takes for her dog to perk up and try to reach her face, standing on its hind legs with its paws on the seat of her chair. She ruffles his fur in his favorite spots and in return gets a lick or two on her face(he's large enough that she doesn't have to pick him up). "
You're just a big ol' badger, yes you are!"


After she's done with his pet session, Badger remains sitting up when he'd otherwise been lying down, alert in case his master should decide to give him more attention.

Yield: terms accepted!

[Jon Cobb]

"
I was going to answer! And the answer is no, I don't. Sorry, I wish I did. But you don't mean to skip all the other questions, do you?"

"
Well that just won't do at all! Jon Cobb couldn't possibly be friends with someone who can't dance, so I'll just have to teach you, won't I? Come along, there's no time like the present, and this tune is excellent for beginners. We can talk while we dance!"


Not taking no for an answer, Jon leads Loreia to a small open space in the taproom, where several couples are already dancing to a lively jig, and soon has both of them wobbling merrily around the dance floor.

OOC: I think it's about time to wrap this up. Hope you don't mind me "
forcing"
a dance on Loreia. As for further questions, I'm thinking we can continue getting acquainted IC or OOC as the game progresses.

[Loreia]

"
Wha-whoa, slow down, Ser Jon!"
she protests as he takes one of her gloved hands in his. Thankfully, she doesn't offer much resistance, lest she or both of them stumble "
Well alright then, just one."


"
I wasn't entirely truthful. I used to...practice with martial trainin' dummies,"
she confesses, just barely above a hiss, pink from embarrassment. "
But I swear, if you say a word to even one page, we're goin' to have words."


It's the sort of idle threat someone makes believing the risk of betrayal is negligible, but it doesn't stop her from paying attention to his response. And, despite the limit she sets for the dancing, Jon should be able to convince her to try something on the intermediary level. Badger curls up under the table, with nothing to do and allowing no one else to come near him.

OOC:I don't have a problem with that. Do you have a preference, or did you want to hand-wave it in with OOC notes containing what we each learn from each other's answers to those questions?

[Jon Cobb]

Let's go with OOC notes. Much as I like writing IC posts, it does take longer, and I'm a bit swamped ATM.

Jon's remaining questions are:
What does Loreia like, i.e. what's she do for kicks?
What does Loreia hate? Perhaps not literally hate, unless she'd feel comfortable disclosing such to a relatively recent acquaintance.
Does she have family? Could include particular friends, lovers and such if she's willing to disclose.

Pick one - then throw a question my way and I'll field it.

[Loreia]

Jon Cobb
You find out that she loves animals, and had a favorite horse at the stables in the hamlet she grew up in. It died after successful foaling, and the offspring would be middle-aged at 10 years, if it still lives. On occasion, she has taken great satisfaction in riding on a horse galloping at great speeds. She enjoys spending time with Daveth, the clever younger son of Lord Coldbrook, who taught her basic understanding of Westerosi culture and politics, generic book learning, and literacy. She likes exemplary tales of knights facing challenging odds, so the telling of Jon's rise from Flea Bottom whipping boy to sung hero and favored knight is a treat to hear from the man himself.
- On that note, she asks Jon to share of whom he has a personal understanding among the family of House Bartheld, since he serves them, after prompting him for a return answer about what he likes or something he likes to do.

[Jon Cobb]

Loreia Merrgal
Jon admits to being a terribly shallow soul, who likes feasting with friends, spending money, and meeting pretty ladies (in no particular order). He also loves to hear and tell stories - preferably light-hearted or slightly scurrilous ones, but a well-told tragic love tale has been known to melt his heart. Oh, and he delights in dancing, but you already knew that.

Among the Barthelds, the former Lord Brom is the one he knows best. They've been fast friends for over fifteen years, since they were both held captive in Lys. Jon is careful to point out that he doesn't serve the Barthelds per se - he's still a sellsword - but for the duration of the tourney, he's in Ser Fendrel's personal service. He has quite a bit in common with Fendrel, but their relationship is still a professional one - they're not friends. Ysme Bartheld is Fendrel's niece - a fearless young woman who has no respect for the expectations of society. Jon likes her, but she's quite the wild child, so it's hard to know if the feeling's mutual. Loreia should meet her though - Ysme would find her fascinating.

- So, what does Loreia hate? Or at least - what/who are her pet peeves?

[Loreia]

Jon Cobb
She supposes that she might be able to grab the first man she sees walking out of the Painted World and get the same generic answers from them, apart from the stories. Brothels are successful businesses for that very reason. Surely Jon must have a more personal object of preference, so she prods him playfully on this point. Flowers? The sea? Interior decorating? Browbeating his years of wisdom into the younger generation?

He learns that her dislikes include: Overbearing self-worth, and flaunting oneself deliberately for praise and adoration. A particular example comes to mind from last year's tourney, a nonspecific NC tried to impress her with his title and his ability to fight. What matters is that she spurned his challenge and his attention. And, well, maesters. They're a weird bunch, are they not? Makes you wonder what they're up to before they are dispatched to serve noble houses, isolated in that tower they call the Citadel. Finally, on a more serious note, the notion of taking what doesn't belong to one, when motivated by greed, and said object is earned or the owner's to give at their discretion. She doesn't hint or otherwise state that there are people she hates.

-She admits to hearing about the trueborn daughter, Ysme, by the rumor mill in last year's tourney. She never hoped to meet highborn women who chose not to fit into the customs of the Seven Kingdoms, not until after being able to claim acquaintance by association with Jon(and later, by association with Gwyneth, after hearing about her half-sister).

-What about Jon? What does he dislike? She is more interested in hearing about his other family, if there was anyone besides his father. Did he have any close friends he relied on living in Flea Bottom? Since he enjoys meeting pretty ladies, how does he feel about meeting their parents? With no implications toward present company, of course.

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