[D5, LM] Watching Arrows Fly (Closed-ish)

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben arrives at the tourney ground and hurries for the bleachers, full of excitement and joy. He had picked up on Corrine's hints to come the archer contest. After two passes up and down the rows, he was sure he had not missed her. Maybe she had a pressing matter come up. With a saddened demeanor he finds a vacant area up high in the stands. He was now not in the mood to deal with the crowds. Adjusting his sword belt he settles back on the bench.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

When the White Hart Hunter is announced, and they stride onto the field, Ben can see the dark-clad figure scan the crowd, then fix on a point near... no... not near. Was that archer looking at him? He did not get to look more closely, as the Hunter readied to take their first shots.

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Ser Benedict Blackthorne."


Baelon strides up the bleachers and takes a seat next to the Tullison knight.

"
We need to talk. Let me start me start by saying that a young lady of my house has shared certain information with me. You know of what I speak.
You don't like me, and frankly I don't really care one way or the other about you;
however for the sake of that young lady I am willing to bury the hatchet.
First I must ask you a few questions. If you answer well, I will wholeheartedly support your... endeavor. If not, I will fight against it with all the many tools at my disposal."


He looks the other man in the eye.

"
The first question - can you swallow your pride to make a valuable alliance, or will you make an enemy of one who has offered peace and support?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben is broken from his moment with the dark-clad figure. Could that be. "
Pardon Ser Baelon."
He shakes his head slightly as Baelon explains what he knows. Then frowns at the remainder of what is said.

"
Ser Baelon. Let me first apologize. My dislike for you has no true foundation, but rumors, Ellie told me so. For I am close to more than one Marsten lady and did not approve of rumors spread about you and she."
He looks at Baelon squarely. "
Consider the hatchet buried and my pride checked."
His words hold no malice.

As the participants begin releasing arrows. He stands as the dark-clad figures arrows find their mark. "
Yes!"

he shouts. Then looking to Baelon he apologizes. "
I'm sorry, I believe that is a friend of mine."
He smiles, hoping the figure will look back again. "
I do take this seriously Ser, but this is a great victory for ... him."
If it is who I think it may be. I just can not tell for sure.

[url=Awareness to identify White Hart Hunter][/url]: 3d6 8

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Good, that is good... I too am close to more than one Marsten lady, and those rumors were quite hard on us both."

Though probably not for the reasons you would think.

"
No need to apologize. If one does not care about a friend's achievements, they cannot truly be called a friend."


He scrutinizes the dark-clad figure, but at this distance cannot make out who it is.

"
A second question. Should your endeavor succeed, you would be thrust into a world where dark and obscure
forces seek any advantage. A wrong word, a wrong action could cost a House everything. Are you prepared for that?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben nods. "
Let me say that I even now regret how the outcome of my tilt with Wyll Bracken went because I know it will only further the Blackwood/Bracken feud. I am aware of these things, but do not admit to know all. I am no stranger to the workings of House politics. I have of lately been working with Lord Tullison."
He looks directly at Baelon. "
A good ruler surrounds himself with those who can help them where they may have failings."
Then he looks back to his friend, and sighs. "
Probably not the answer you are looking for."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
On the contrary, few rulers can do without the counsel of learned advisors."


He rubs his jaw, thinking about something.

"
Andal custom would put you above your lady wife, as it would supplant King's named heir in favor of his son.
Where do you stand on these issues?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben smiles and chuckles slightly. "
A Lordship was never what I sought. I would gladly rule beside my Lady. They are after all her people and fathers house. As for what I believe is the heart of your question..."
He glances past Baelon to see the butts being hauled back farther. I do not know what he wishes to hear, but he will get the truth. "
I hail from a House descended from the first men and strong in the Old Gods but accepting of the Seven. From my vantage I have seen flaws in the Andal ways as surely our King has."
He eyes stare out blankly over the tourney ground as if in thought. "
Besides I believe women may have a mental fortitude we men seldom possess and truth be told they may be behind more of mens actions then we know."
He snaps from his stare to give Baelon an insightful smile.

"
This probably flies in the face of your earlier statement of 'A wrong word, a wrong action could cost a House everything."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Again, on the contrary... there are strong allies waiting for House Marsten to declare it's support... support that Corrine, Gwyn, and I have already shown with our actions. However, the House as a whole - or rather Lady Isobel, who still holds the reigns of power - leans towards another, shall we say, envious faction;
a faction more aligned with out-of-date Andal customs and would impose them on a family that could not be less Andal."


It is clear that Baelon is not talking about the Marsten family, as they are of old Andal stock.

"
This is crucial - I cannot support you if you are not willing to declare support - publicly, when the time comes - for the faction of a certain other female heir."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben looks off in thought. "
If and when the time comes I will openly support this Lady as I support, my lady."
Yes dragon, I know of which family you speak. All this veiled speech would set Dunstan spinning.


He brings his eyes to bare on Baelon. "
Though I did not ask for your support it is much appreciated."
His smile warms. "
As you know the Lady holding the reins will not take kindly to what is coming for either of us. Are there any further reassurances you need?"

[Baelon Drakeson]

OOC: Given recent developments, I'm going to leave that question unanswered for now, pending what happens at the breakfast.
In the meantime, Athelstan, feel free to make your entrance... no need to delay that further.

[Athelstan]

Athelstan arrives at the tourney grounds to take measure of greenlanders archery, since it is now a skill he won't be pursuing any time soon laughable... you were already bad at it, now there is no chance in hell you will pull this off smiling to himself and looking through the bleachers he finds the familiar face of the man that bested him and Ser Ben... Tullisons hypocrites that hide behind devotion and stupidity of their Lord which is the biggest one. moving through the bleachers making his way towards Baelon and Ben.

"
Good Morning, Ser Baelon, can I call you Bae?"
in a nonchalant conversational tone and nodding to Ser Ben acknowledging his presence "
Ser Benedict, good jousting performance."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben nods back to Athlestan. "
Aye as was yours. I believe your horsemanship is the envy of many."
His words are level and neutral.

[Athelstan]

"
Doubt it Ser Benedict, I am no knight and most probably think me lucky, but thank you for your words, wish you luck with your opponent today"
Athelstan looks intently into Ben's eyes like trying to see into his soul and with a wolfish smile I know you can barely hold your sword in your scabbard and your tone is flat for a reason, well trained dog.

"
Are you rooting for someone Ser Benedict or you enjoy watching archery contests?"
amusement in his tone "
There is nothing wrong, I can't really participate my self for obvious reasons, or is archery not a 'knightly thing'?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Wow. Now I know how Baelon felt when dealing with me. Was I so ... I must apologize. "
It appears we have both drawn lords not friendly to our families."
His tone more cordial. Alright asshole I am willing to meet you in the middle.

"
I have no horse in this race. I was looking to meet someone. And here I have met two someones. As for participation I little skill with bow, but you are somewhat correct and archer is an armored knights worst enemy, next to the sea."
He gives Athlestan a smile.

[Athelstan]

"
Well we are to different types of warriors, I excel at the see and we don't mind archery"
rubbing his eye patch not that I will be pursuing such avenue anytime soon, or playing Finger Dance"
he shudders at the thought looking at his hands"
interesting, so who is this someone "
So who was that someone you were waiting, for obviously you weren't waiting for a dragon and a sea wyrm to show up in your shores"
looking through the audience and contestants "
You greenlanders have strange customs, hiding behind words instead of being straight forward, but I guess it's natural that we collide, like the sea on the shores"
.

He is a well trained dog with courtesy, greenlanders hide behind masks, are they so weak or afraid...weak and laughable no wonder you fear us and we see you as prey.

"
A mystery archer?"
rubbs his chin "
Hope that man does well, but to many mystery men competing in the events. My sister would have enjoyed this kind of things."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
The shield of words is definitely tiring. Especially for those of us who were taught to speak freely."
Despite himself he laughs.Does he think just because I can play the game I must be one of the many drones. "
You are not the only one familiar with the sea. House Blackthorne controls a fleet in the Bite. I was raised partially on my fathers ship. We may not reave, but we have seen battle on the sea."
Damn he is an insistent fuck.

He looks back to the grounds watching the second volley. Wincing at the White Hart Hunters wide shot. Then smiling as he pulls through. "
If I had not been sent to House Marsten to squire I would have become a Captain. Instead I wear heavy armor and ride horses and became close friends with the Marstens, hence who I was hoping to find instead of you two..."
He Looks to Baelon knowingly. That support could start any time.

(OOC: You can post if you want Athelstan, but I will be waiting for Baelon to catch up. Cause depending on whether he interprets your first post as "
shit"
or "
baby"
, this conversation may not have happened. )

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Tell me kinslayer, are all Ironborn so unoriginal in their taunts, or is it just you that lacks wit?"


Baelon glares at Athelstan

"
Do yo have business with us, or have you grown so unfond of your remaining eye that you seek to taste my steel again?"


OOC: As neither danish nor the slang 'bae' for 'baby' exist in Westeros, I choose to take it as a mocking twist on Baelon calling him 'Ath' before the trial.

[Athelstan]

"
It is your right to gloat on your victory, tho if we fight again circumstances might not be the same"
Athelstan nods, not even feeling insulted Ah finally someone you can talk to, I think he believes to insult me, poor greenlander...

"
Was just exchanging courtesies, no taut at all, if I ware to taunt you, you would probably feel insulted"
with a wolfish smile "
I wonder Ser Baelon, when the dragons collide and bear their fangs against one another, are we going to call them all kinslayers and revile them as such, or are we to celebrate the victors? I'm ironborn I know a war brewing when I see one, it is our trade after all"
looking to the distance and shrugging "
We are of different cultures, Ser Baelon, but I bear you no ill will for carrying your duty, you acquitted yourself well, and I'm fond of my eye, but next we meet I won't have chains to restrain my moves"
stretching his hand to Ser Baelon in sincerity "
I came only to say I bear you no ill will, or wish to harm you for doing your job"

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
Very well, you have said your piece. You may go now. You may harbor no ill will towards me, but I believe you had murderous intent when you started sparring. I believe your punishment should have been death, or to join the Night's Watch. 'Those who touch pitch may be defiled', as they say, so I would have nothing more to do with you."


He pointedly ignores the proffered hand.

[Athelstan]

Oh, are you not the pompous dragon that is nothing but a lesser wyrm and a tool, fine I will show you a taunt so you can tell the difference asshole.

"
You forget yourself bastard, I'm not your servant for you to dismiss me"
with a big smile "
That was a taunt, but the truth as well, as I do recall that was your praise for doing your job"
as small pause "
Bastard, Ser Baelon, don't forget you may be a knight, but one mistake is all that is going to take for you to be cast aside"
laughing as he walks away and waving them both goodbye

"
We will never understand each other, you unwilling to change and me not wasting my breath to explain why things happened as they did. I would find my self screaming at a wall, nay at least the walls have ears, more like at the sea and just waste breath"
gaining some distance and turning around.

"
When the dragons fight, pick wisely or you may find yourself being given those choices and called kinslayer if you lose. Correction, you would have to be Targaryen not a bastard for that, you are a fine tool though"
laughing wholeheartedly walking away "
something else more interesting has caught my attention as he gets closer to take a better look at the participants, since they don't wear helmets to cover their faces, all you need is the right angle to see who they are or a facial feature.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

The White Hart Hunter notices Athelstan staring, as the targets are dragged backwards for Round 3, and they feel an icy finger trail up their spine as, by chance, their eyes meet. They look down, fidgeting with the scarf covering their nose &
mouth, ensuring it is securely in place, then turns their attention to the targets again.

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon quiets his voice, not whispering, but low enough that none but Ser Benedict can hear it.
"
I think I would have done the world a favor if there had been an 'accident' during the trial by combat... that man is a rabid dog, and he will bite someone sooner or later."


He raises his voice again to a normal conversational level.
"
To answer your earlier question, no, I do not need any more assurances. I do have one final question for you, though.
If you are participating in the melee would you fight by my side, on my team?"

[Athelstan]

Athelstan stops and turns with curiosity in his face "
I have no problems with that, you have my axe at your disposal for the melee Ser, use it well"
now his mind wonders will he kill me then or will he use me as fodder...?

I have seen those eyes before...
[url=Cunning (Memory)][/url]: 3d6k3 10

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
I wasn't speaking to you, Kinslayer. If we see each other in the melee, it will be as enemies, not as allies."


OOC: sorry, I thought that Athelstan had walked away to get a better view. We are pretty far back from the field, so even with the right angle you wouldn't be able to see much detail from here.

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