[Day 5, EE] Invite to a bath(Inquire for partticipation)

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan still felt shaken after a ferocious blow he suffered in the joust. Limping on one leg, he arrived to the baths along with four guards and two pages. Two guards stood outside, and two he invited over to join him. When the young Lord slipped inside the steaming hot water, he gasped with pleasure. Dirt, sweet and all the muck started to wash away and he slowly dipped his head in, resting for a moment. Than he thought long and hard, and invited Hendry over. He had one of the guards hand him a pre-written note and said:

"
Go to the Frey encampment and give Lord Forrest Frey this message. Do not let anyone else see you. Take Sam the guard with you, on your way there."
This is of utmost importance."


Hendry was brash at times, but had a quick wit, and would serve better than Rolland who would probably believe anything the first man told him there.

Inside the note stood these words:


"
Dear Lord Frey,

First of all, let me congratulate you on your splendid performance during the joust these last two days. Many can point out numerous flaws in the Kinslayer's personality, but none could deny him the obvious skill he has in riding and fighting. Your own performance was one of bravery, skill and valiance.
Secondly, I would like you to join me in the baths today, so we can discuss certain matters that affect both of our Noble Houses. I am here right now, and will eagerly wait for either your response or your presence, which would honor me immensely.

All the best,

Lord Dunstan Tullison "



OOC: If he can't come, I will make this an open for all thread. Thread is open for Theo and Ben, of course.

[Reader]

Lord Forrest Frey arrives at the appointed time, having swiftly sent a courier to announce his grateful receipt. Lord Tullison chose wisely in sending the quick witted Hendry rather than the shier Roland.

Stripped bare, he looks no less impressive than he does armoured. He looks around thirty, and remains fit from martial training.

He nods in greeting as he slips beneath the water.

"
Lord Tullison, my thanks for the invitation."

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan raised himself up a bit from the hot water and bowed,

"
My Lord Frey"
he said and gestured to Hendry to bring them two goblets of wine. He promptly did that, and Dunstan took a sip.

"
Thank you for accepting. What is a day without a fine bath, some wine and good company to share it with"
he sounds kind enough.

"
You probably know why I invited you over. After all, the smallfolk is relentless when it comes to spreading rumors. It is true the burden of investigating your kinsman Ser Benjen Frey's possible crime fell upon my chest. It is true I spent a considerable amount of time doing just that, House Tullison prides itself as protectors of smallfolk in a way."
Dunstan speaks uneasy, not knowing what sort of relationship this man and Benjen are in.

"
Now, my Lord, I wouldn't be much of an investigator if I didn't talk the ones that know Ser Benjen the best. What do you have to say about the situation? "

[Reader]

"
I have heard tell of your investigation. That savage kinslaying Ironborn accosted me this morning to warn me against snooping Tullisons."


He speaks evenly, not in an accusatory tone, but watches for Lord Dunstan's reaction.

"
Lord Tullison will forgive me if I keep my own counsel on a matter regarding my house, beyond saying that if Ser Benjen is guilty of any crime, may the Seven see fit to punish him."


[Awareness (empathy) TN 12 to read him]

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan remains calm, and sips on his wine

"
Kinslayer did take a certain dislike of me my Lord, ever since I did offer to pay a silver coin to anybody who might witness the mentioned possible crime. He thinks that dishonorable, but I find it necessary, and all that info served was to send me on a trail of clues. If it leads to false information, than whoever provided the info will have a talk with me personally. If it leads to truth, than it serves the purpose of truth, and it is not dishonest."
the young Lord tries to speak as evenly as Lord Frey.

"
Men whose soul is built of foulness and muck, such as Athelstan, seem to have a need of finding similar wickedness in others, mayheaps to feel better about themselves. I would not waste time on him no more. However, my Lord Frey, I am aware of my youth and lack of experience. If my actions offended you, I truly apologize."
Dunstan says while leaning over slightly.

"
I simply wanted to be open with you. There is no need for you to hear about my actions from others, when I do not hide anything my Lord. I also hoped you would tell me your opinion on the character of Ser Benjen, but do understand my Lord's wishes to keep the House matters inside the House"
the lad says politely and adds a faint smile, "
I will also take this opportunity to learn from you, as a young Lord from a more experienced one. More wine?"



[url=Awareness (Empathy)][/url]: 2d6 2
OOC: I will sepnd a DP to increase his disposition by one step if that means he'd tell me some more.

[Reader]

Lord Frey move the water with his mind absent mindedly as he ponders Dunstan's words. He nods at the offer of more wine, but drinks sparingly, accepting the offer mainly from good manners.

He was a straightforward man, and admired Lord Tullison's bold nature.

"
No offence was intended and none is taken. Who can dispute the pursuit of truth as unworthy, even if it leads somewhere unpleasant?"


"
As to your question, I fear it may indeed lead somewhere unpleasant. I say may, I will not prejudge this matter."


"
Ser Benjen is an impulsive man, and a wild man. But he is also my man, and my blood. There will be no public word against him from me."


"
As you have been frank with me, I shall be frank with you. I must defend Ser Benjen, whatever view I take of the evidence that is ultimately presented, else my uncomfortably large family will say I sought to excise a credible rival. I envy you your manageable family line!"


"
However, know this. If I am personally convinced of the case against Ser Benjen, there will be no bad blood between the lords of our houses."


[OOC: destiny point spent and he opens up, admiring your frankness. Not all Freys are Lord Walder Frey!

Lord Forrest Frey moves to amiable, please mark this and the spend on your character sheet]

[Dunstan Tullison]

Dunstan relaxes, knowing Lord Frey did not take his words as an insult. In the same time he wanted justice for Benjen Frey, he did not want to infuriate a Lord of such a powerful House.

"
During the course of this tourney, I got to know a lot of diplomatic nuances and small petty favors one needs how to learn how to master before becoming a successful Lord. I was, maybe still am, an idealist and hoped for some things that are impossible for men of high birth and station."
Dunstan takes a small sip of wine.

"
Marrying smallfolk lasses"
, now, the young Lord put an accent on the fact that he is still unmarried, hoping that Lord Frey's words of numerable family and that fact could maybe come together inside his head, "
being upfront and honest to all, without hesitation. It certainly feels better to talk to a similarly straightforward man, Lord Frey."


Taking a deep breath, Dunstan once again dives straight into the matter

"
Many honorable, true people helped me in the investigation. If the matter reaches Lord Tully, he would certainly grant a trial by combat, and we both know how those end. With blood and death, and the conflict often escalates into more.. petty mess and rivalry - and those can produce much bigger troubles for a noble House than one unruly family member.. Look at Kinslayer, he continues to spread his ville influence even after he lost an eye. One man, countless problems for House Longshore"
Dunstan sights


"
Now, I have gathered a number of witnesses. If I am to present them to you my Lord, you could make a judgment, settle the matters concerning your House without new rivalries, without a possibility for your House to get involved into wider conflicts of interest. The Night's Watch is an honorable institution, and the Wall always need formidable fighting man to guard the realm. I can speak to Lord Tully if he displays protest. I will leave this to you capable hands, I am only trying to avoid the possibility of someone playing us as pieces on cyvasse board, one House's troubles should be it's Lord's problem, and no one else's."


If the Freys got rid of the rot Benjen is, and associate themselves with the us, Dunstan thought, we would have a powerful ally.

OOC: NW is much different in this time period, it was considered an honor to be a black brother.

[Reader]

"
Well spoken Lord Tullison. Let no ill will come between us as men from these events, whatever their resolution."


"
I will defend my blood, as my family expects, but I swear I shall give the evidence a fair hearing."


"
But remember this - Ser Benjen has the right to trial by combat. Indeed, he may also request to take the black. These are Lord Tully's lands - let us honour our liege by allowing him to deliver judgement, as we too deliver judgement in our own lands."


He nods in satisfaction at dealing with the straightforward Tullison lord.

[Dunstan Tullison]

"
I will remmember that Lord Frey. Thank you for this pleasant conversion."
Dunstan says, relieved.

Than, as if something just poped on his minds, he says

"
Many a man could try to use the situation of apparent conflict between me and your House, of course the conflict doesn't exist, but many could believe it does because of this investigation of mine. To ease the minds and sway schemers of such ignoble attempts, may I propose a soultion? Bartheld ball is happening tomorrow, a grand occurance by all means. Could I take one of noble Frey ladies as my dancing companion? That way, we would show others there is no bad blood between me and you, my Lord."


OOC: Sorry if it'' too late for this, I've been burried under wrk and school lately. I can make a new post where Dunstan joins the Frey Lady at the ball if he accepts.

[Reader]

[OOC: /scene and Floreta Frey would be delighted to attend the ball with you.

No doubt your Uncle Theomore remembers her well and can introduce you. ]

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