Re: [Day 4, EN] We drank we fought we made our ancestors pro

[Ser Jorah Holt]

Ser Jorah's hand strayed towards his ever present sword as Athelstan spoke. This one could be trouble he thought, but thankfully he left without further incident. He certainly had an axe to grind against Lord Tullison and perhaps others.

Ben approaches Dunstans table skipping the regular pleasantries he normally exchanges with the regulars. "
My lord I am glad that ended without incident."
He bows to Dunstan seeming a bit nervous. "
If I may speak with you in private for a moment?"


At spotting Ser Jorah he nods. "
Well fought today, Ser."

"
Thank you and you as well. The Riverlands are making a good showing so far in this tourney."

"
Ben! Of course, let's step outside. Pardon me Ser, we will be right back."
he says and stands up, apologizing to Ser Jorah.

"
Not at all. Needs of your house must."


As they left, he joined in conversation with a few Tully men until they returned.

[Benedict Marsten]

A palpable relief flows through Ben. "
Cuz there is no man with a heart as large as yours. Your support warms my own."
He clasps Dunstan on the shoulder. "
Your help may very well be needed, but I would understand if you not wish to do so after I reveal what it is?"

[Dunstan Tullison]

''Do tell cuz'' Dunstan said, absolutely believing Ben would never ask him to do something outrageous

[Benedict Marsten]

All or nothing.Ben speaks nervously in a hushed tone. "
You know of Lady Corrine Marsten and her ... situation?"
Not waiting for Dunstan's reply he pushes on. "
She is the woman!"
He squeezes Dunstan's shoulder. "
Like a great hunter she has pierced my heart in one shot, with her beauty, kind heart and soft words."
He releases his hold on Dunstan. His eyes cast down, waiting for a reprimand or scolding for such ridiculousness, but hoping he knows his cousin better than that.

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
Cor.. You and Corrine?!"
"
Dunstan grabs Ben's arm, "
That is perfect! She told me she gave you her favor today during the joust but I didn't think it went that far. Oh, pardon me being loud Ben, but I am very happy, that is perfect."
Dunstan repets what he already said once.

"
For a moment there I thought you are going to ask Father-knows-what he sights, "
but yes, you have my full support of course."
What is our next step?"

[Dyana Marsten]

Lady Dyana Marsten walks into the inn, clad in a leather jerkin and with her left hand resolutely resting upon the pommel of a sheathed sword. She walks slowly towards one of the tables, not paying much heed to the men turning eyes her way, and sits down carefully. She doesn't acknowledge any of the conversations taking place, either by not paying attention or not wanting to, and purchases herself a mug which she sips just a little at a time.

[Benedict Marsten]

Bens eyes go wide at the loudness of Dunstan. "
We must keep this quiet. You are the first person to know."
He pauses scanning for anyone in the street who may be listening. "
With you releasing me from service comes the greatest dilemma we face, Lady Isobel. I believe she may have a dislike for me and I am not quite to her standards, I am sure."
He looks pleadingly to Dunstan. "
As a Lord you maybe able to sway her impression of me or at the least support us when we go before her."
Exhaling he looks squarely at his cousin. "
If you were to do this, I would owe you a great debt my cousin, my Lord."

[Dunstan Tullison]

'' ah Lady Isobel.. I heard she is quite difficult to deal with at times. But yes, I will support you and Corrine'' Dunstan says.

Thinking a bit he adds '' Gwyn said Lady Isobel took se Jon Cobb to a liking mayheaps we could invite him to soften her heart.''

Now for his ow trouble

''About kinslayer Ben well, he offered a whole gold coin to the folks inside to find out about secrets of my own. And well, i do have one.. the Alyard girl, Marei,, she and i are together Ben. Been keepin it secret for a long time but now i fear if anything could happen to her.. '' Dunstan confesses to a friend

[Benedict Marsten]

A light goes on in Bens mind. He smiles warmly. The smile is replaced by concern. "
Perhaps we should send her back to Mountains Reach? She well be well out of harm there in the Rock. The rumor itself will not be much hurt, but anyone wishing to harm you, such as Athlestan, may take advantage of this information."

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan nods, it was exatcly for this kind of advice he valued Ben and confessed to him.

"
Aye, that will be for the best probably. I will send her away with a guard on the morrow. Thank you, I knew I could count on you."
Dunstan says sincerely.

"
Let's go back inside, have a few drinks. I promise to keep my mouth shut"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
I will make the arrangements my Lord so that there is no farther trail leading to you. I suggest you say your good byes this evening"
A quick flash of grief.Dammit Gwyn what have I got you into. You have him to yourself. Win him over! The grief is quickly replaced by cheer. "
Yes a drink! But not to many. I have to tilt tomorrow. By the way you did great today!"
He smacks his back as they reenter the Inn.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Ah thank you! Wise thinking Ben"
he leans in and whispers "
Or should I say Lord Marsten."
and gives him a playful smack on the shoulder.

"
And thank you, I saw your tilt against the Bracken too, mighty fine riding! I'll make sure to come and see you tomorrow."


With that Dunstan steps inside and greets Ser Jorah, "
Pardon us Ser. To apologize I'd buy the next round."


There was a new face too, and it seemed familiar to Dunstan. It was like he knew the woman clad in leather and carrying a sword from somewhere.

"
My Lady"
he said, "
Care to join us?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth steps into the Drunken huntsman for the first time. Even at a time and place like this, it's business for me. He looks across the room at all the people relaxing and having fun. Don't be jealous. You remember what Ser Jon said, and he was right. You're probably the luckiest person in the room right now. Remember that.

Finding Ser Jorah, Daveth joins him with a smile. "
Ser Jorah. A good day to celebrate, I feel."
noticing Lord Tullyson's arrival, he smiles, which widens when he notices his uncle's absence. "
Lord Tullison. A pleasure to meet you again. You must be proud of the accomplishments of you and yours today."
his eyes then boggle slightly as he finally looks beyond the tunic and recognises the man next to him. "
Ser Benedict! You're a Tullison!"
he then clearly realises the inanity of what he just said and colours slightly. "
Sorry. Please ignore my momentary stupidity. But it's good to see you again."
he says, with a smile.

[size=85:2qcn8ybz]Edit: removed Edwin, replaced by Loreia.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan turns around, spotting a familiar face behind him.

"
Daveth!"
he greeted him, "
I did not take you for the type to skulk around the Inns at night! Oh, i'm only jesting do sit down with us. I am buying today, what shall it be, wine or ale?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben smiles realising he must have never mentioned it in there meeting. "
Aye, I am."
He looks to Dunstan and smiles as if sharing some inside joke. "
Good to see you Master Daveth."

[Loreia]

Loreia walks in with Daveth. "
Daveth prefers wine, don't you, Daveth? Somethin' with a sharp taste, Lord Dunstan, keeps him from drinkin' to dullin' of the senses!"
she jests. She asks with a knowing grin, "
to what do your friends and neighbors owe the occasion, milord?"


*Whether the whole thing is a jab, or just the second half about why he prefers wine is up to Daveth's player.*

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Far be it from me to turn down generosity. Thank you, Lord Tullison. It is as Loreia says, I'll have the wine. And you are quite right. I seldom find the time. But today seemed like a good day to celebrate, so I made the time."
he says with a smile.

(OOC: Re: the wine. I like it. Probably a case of 'many a true word were said in jest', as well. This *is* Daveth, after all...)

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan turns to the tavern girl, calls her by her name and orders some wine which she brings to his table soon enough.

"
Fine day to celebrate indeed, your very own Ser Jorah did marvelously in the joust! Half of the folk here think he is to be in the Kingsguard, he rode that well"
Dunstan brings Daveth up on the latest rumors.

"
How are you today? It was a day filled with many good things but bad ones followed as well - the kinslayer in particular. What do you make of it?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth smiles at that. "
Well, it would be a great blow to my house for him to go - I rely on him greatly, but really, if the opportunity did arise, I'd be the first to try and push him out the door. It would be selfish to deny the kingdom the service of such a skilled and loyal knight."
he lifts his mug at Ser Jorah in salute.

"
A good and bad day, indeed."
he shakes his head. "
It is a dark affair, to be sure. The one I feel most sorry for is Yoren. I know him as an intelligent and caring man, who wanted the best for his family. When he woke up yesterday, he had a brother and a half-brother. When he wakes up tomorrow, he'll have naught but a kinslayer. I sincerely pray that no-one else has to go through the pain he's suffering right now. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."


Even Ser Theomore?

...You know, I think I found the limits of my revenge. Yes. That fate, I would not wish on even him. Daveth feels slightly relieved by this realisation, but can't quite understand why before the conversation brings his attention back to reality.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan cheers along Daveth,

"
As things stand, I had to tell Lord Tully my House will not be continuing with the deal we struck up earlier. Yoren might be different but the Kinslayer most definitely struck that deal out as soon as he raised hand on his own that morning. That does leave me saddened as it seems like it was going in a right direction."
Dunstan says between sips of ale.

"
New alliances need to be sought now, new friend and allies! What of your need for recognition of Castle Greenwald you spoke of earlier. Now would be the time to go into the details of that matter if you don't mind."

[Loreia]

"
I'll leave you both to it at that,"
Loreia replies. Not a crease on her face from empathy or agreement. I'm afraid I can't say the same, Daveth. "
As for me, I see a new friend of my own waitin' in the corner. Call if you need anythin'."


With that, she approaches the leather-clad woman sitting at a lonely table.

*Initiating conversation in my next post!*

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth nods in understanding and sympathy at the failed deal. "
The ripples of such an act go far and deep, doing far more damage than just the lethal blow. Not for nothing do all gods abhor it."

"
New alliances need to be sought now, new friend and allies! What of your need for recognition of Castle Greenwald you spoke of earlier. Now would be the time to go into the details of that matter if you don't mind."

"
Of course!"
Daveth says with a smile at the request for further information. "
The matter is simple enough at its core. My father was granted castle Grenward for his heroism in fighting the faith militant rebels, as Lord Ollier [sic] Darry, the previous owner, was among the rebel dead. However, because this was done in the middle of a war, the paperwork wasn't done, and it was accomplished by lordly fiat.

"
The key worry is that house Darry still exists. They're weak, and still keeping quiet after their kinsman's betrayal of the crown, but that just means they're potentially desperate and willing to do ... unfortunate things. Such as challenging our right to Castle Grenward, since there's no shortage of paperwork still claiming that it belongs to them. Our objective is simply to secure our home, lands, and people against this threat.

"
As I said, Lord Tully has already recognised the legitimacy of our claim, and has agreed to move boundary stones and the like, but he said that we needed the support of other lords to also formally recognise our holdings in order to ratify the agreement."
he shrugs. "
That's all there is to it. No need of any expenditure beyond the time taken to update your maps and records. And we end up secure in our home."
a small smile. "
From that threat, anyway."

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan bites his lower lip and thinks for a bit. He was not that pious but still, they fought the Faith in that war. However Faith Militant was past, he thought, and hopefully supporting this won't lower High Septon's opinion of us.
Ironborn deal tough him not to rush too quickly into agreeing as he has a tendency to do, so he felt a few more questions are in line.

"
I see. And where are the Darrys now? Do they enjoy support of any Riverlander Houses?"

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana raises her mug feebly in the air in response to Dunstan's call. "
I'd join you now, my lord, but I have to finish this drink before adding more to your table."
She smiles warmly. "
I'll depart from the company of only my own thoughts when I hit the bottom of this mug. The next one, perhaps."

[Benedict Marsten]

Dyana raises her mug feebly in the air in response to Dunstan's call. "
I'd join you now, my lord, but I have to finish this drink before adding more to your table."
She smiles warmly. "
I'll depart from the company of only my own thoughts when I hit the bottom of this mug. The next one, perhaps."

Upon hearing a familiar voice Ben is brought out of his absent minded reverie. He follows he voice to its origins. Dyana! "
My Lord please excuse me."
He nods to Dunstan.

Turning to the departing Ladies. "
May I join you? And make introduction if you have not met."

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