[Day 4, LA] Seeking and Sought (Closed-ish)

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

(OOC - Following is an encounter between Gwyn and Fendrel at an indeterminate period during the late afternoon while the jousts are ongoing, please PM us before joining in )

Gwyn flinched at the sound of an armored body hitting the ground from the field, just on the other side of the seats away from her. It didn't necessarily mean skin was pierced she reminded herself fiercely as she rubbed her cold hands against one another. The shield, the armor, he could have just been unhorsed. That wasn't the image that rose in her mind's eye though, and it forced her to stop and concentrate on breathing for a moment.

What am I doing here? She's not here! I should go to the Blackwood's pavilion.

An hour ago, that same argument had felt false to her. A thing born of cowardice. But now? No, she wasn't just hiding behind guards or tucked away in some corner. She really wasn't here.

Gwyneth wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad.

The prospect of leaving the accursed oceans of blood that were frothing over the tourney field definitely lifted her spirits though.

With hasty step, she started out back towards the pavilions. Just past the seats she had to dodge around a handsome man in armor watching the tilts. Gwyn excused herself as she went past him, then paused and looked back.

Wasn't that...

"
Ser Fendrel Bartheld?"

[Ser Fendrel Bartheld]

Indeed it was. Having finished his own two rounds of jousting, Ser Fendrel was watching the tilts of the other knights, observing them and measuring their strength. Even though he won both his rounds, he was unhorsed in the first round. Fortunately he suffered no injuries that would cumber him in anyway and thus could enjoy the festivities without any ailing pain that seemed to afflict so many of the participants. It was a dangerous sport after all. While rare to see men die, there was always a possibility of breaking a bone or several when dealing with such great force.

Still clad in his dark armour richly adorned with red animal motifs, he wondered who he would face the following day. He was summoned back to reality when he heard a beautiful feminine voice and saw a figure of a blond-haired woman going past him. "
That would be me, in flesh... and armour,"
he smiles and looks in her direction. "
Lady Gwyneth Marsten? I am glad to see you here. Have you come to enjoy the joust?"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn suppressed a shiver, plastering instead a smile onto her face.

"
Actually, I was hoping to find Sofia Blackwood out and about,"
she replied. "
You haven't happened to have seen her, have you? I've been wanting to offer my condolences, and the well wishes of myself and my House since I heard the news, but I haven't had a chance before now."

[Ser Fendrel Bartheld]

"
Alas, I have not seen her anywhere today, but neither have I spent any time outside of the tourney grounds. It is a great tragedy that has befallen her. No woman should endure such thing. Perhaps my lady would allow me to help her in her search? I would be glad to exchange a few words in such an exquisite company."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
Well..."
Gwyn's eyes dropped to take in Fendrel's armor and battle-readiness. "
...I wouldn't want to impose on you after your joust...nor risk you missing it if you haven't already started...but given my family's history with the Blackwoods and the fact that it seems I must venture into their camp to find her, any assistance you can provide would be most welcome."

[Ser Fendrel Bartheld]

"
I take it that my lady has not been watching the jousts. That wounds me deeply,"
he laughs, "
I have already fought today, my lady. I have, in fact, won both my today's rounds. I will gladly offer my support, of whatever nature, needed to help you, my lady."
Ser Fendrel's green eyes evaluate Gwyneth as he speaks. "
Surely however, you do not think the Blackwoods would cause you any harm in any way?"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
No!"
Gwyneth breaks into a laugh that she cuts short quickly. "
No, of course not! I just meant...well, the Marstens fought on the side of the Brackens, and so they may mistrust my motives or deny me entrance is all. And my apologies for my ignorance about the jousts. I really only came to see one...I'm afraid I don't have a stomach for such things."


She offered her hand.

"
Shall we?"

[Ser Fendrel Bartheld]

"
Whose joust did you entertain seeing then, my lady?"
He asks with a smile, and as he says it, it is clear from the way he behaves that there is no offence taken. "
Ah, yes, I have heard about the conflict you speak of. House Bartheld has always strived for impartiality and congeniality and concord between the hostile parties."
He takes up her offer and comments with a charming smile, "
Of course, my lady."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

As they walk along, Gwyn letting Fendrel take a step lead so he can guide the way, she says, "
Lord Dunstan Tullison. He acquitted himself quite well for a man of his years, I think."
With a sidelong glance at Fendrel she added, "
Concord between hostile parties is an interesting goal to claim, for one half of such a bitter dispute as I've heard wracks your House. But then, I suppose concord is always easier to reach for when you're outside of the fray."

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