[D5 EE] First impressions

[Kevan Lyras]

Ser Kevan is sitting in one of the more quite corners of the inn, waiting, observing the other customers of the inn.
After all, it is only right to meet this Ser Benedict in person. Got to know how I am serving...

He takes a sip from the beer mug in front of him.

I wonder what Lady Isobel thinks about this arrangement. She wont be happy I did not inform her, but how should I have done that?

He leans back in his chair and keeps an eye on the inn's entrance

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben enters the huntsman, his right hand kneeding tension in his neck. His face while happy has the look of a man carrying many burdens. He greets the many familiar faces from what has now jokingly become known as 'The Tullison great hall'. He orders a glass of rum, before sitting with a thud. One battle down. One to go.

[Kevan Lyras]

"
Ser Benedict? Cheers!"
, he lifts his mug toward the knight.

"
It is time to congratulate after all I hear. But, to be honest, you do not look like the happy, carefree groom I expected, when I asked to meet you. Is everything alright?"

[Benedict Marsten]

He smiles at Kevan. "
I have come from informing Lady Isobel of the situation. Though she seems to have taken it well. Which worries me even more."
He takes a swallow of his drink.

"
And after this I have to deal with a one eyed gentlemen who hates me and my Lord for numerous reasons."
He begins to laugh. "
I guess I should be grateful I have things to look forward to."


He looks to Kevin with a playful smirk. "
And what dos the man who a day ago indicated I spent to much tim e at the Painted World to lead a melee team, want to do with me, Ser?"
He finishes his drink with another swallow.

[Kevan Lyras]

"
Hah! I think we can put these rumours to rest, since you have to consumate the marriage!"
Kevan laughes
"
But I do hope you do not misunderstand my good natured teasing as anything else. The speeches for melee teams are mainly self promotion and entertainment for the spectators"

He empties his mug and orders a round of rum.

"
I just want to get to know you. With the marriage you become Lord protector of House Marsten, as far as I understand and with that, I am at your service just like for the rest of the Marsten household...as long as I am convinced that all your actions aim to benefit House Marsten and you are not following any other agendas.."


The last point was spoken with intensity, though it is clear that Kevan is not indicating anything on Ben, but is rather demonstrating his own position...

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben sighs. Another interrogation. Does no one in House Marsten have faith in Corrine's decision making ability. "
Ser the only agenda I have is keeping My lady an her people safe. I have fought along side house Marsten in the past. Commanded men in the ongoing Blackwood/Bracken feud. And currently advised Lord Dunstan in guidance of House Tullison."
He seems a bit annoyed. How.many more times will I give this speech. Maybe I should have it written down and just hand it out.

He laughs quietly at his thought. "
I do apologize Ser Kevan, if I seem a touch bothered, but you are one of many who want to weigh my merit. I do understand everyone's concern, but it becomes tiresome repeating ones self."

[Kevan Lyras]

"
I am sorry if my comment made the impression of an interrogation. I fully trust Lady Corinne in her decision making. But you understand that this decision affets all of House Marsten."

After a short pause:
"
I think we started off on the wrong foot. All I wanted from this meeting is to get to know you better and offer you my support, should it be needed. Apologies if I appeared to be indicating anything else..."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben rubs his hand over his face. "
Please forgive me, Ser. I should not have let my manners slip so. I am grateful that House Marsten has such loyal men as yourself."
His smile is genuine and his eyes apologetic. "
You rode exceptionally well to day. Ser Jorah is good warrior."

[Kevan Lyras]

"
I can only return that compliment! Maybe we even face each other on the Tourney Grounds tomorrow."

His face is showing relief, that things got turned around.
"
May I ask: How did Lady Isobel react? I have to confess, she asked me to watch after her daughter during the Tourney and report to her, something I have not done.."

[Benedict Marsten]

He smiles. "
If we do meet please set me softly on the ground, I am grateful to have made it to the final sixteen."


He raises an eyebrow. "
She reacted quite well, surprisingly. I don't know whether to be happy or wary. As for the watching I can give you assurance on my end nothing has occurred outside proper noble protocol."
Ben laughs.

[Kevan Lyras]

"
To be honest, I do not expect to be a member of the elite eight, with all the Kingsguard members and jousting experts. Have you seen that Derrock Swan's matches? An old man, but he rides his horse like we was born on it...He would be my pick for the Tourney winner. What do you think?"


"
Well she should be happy with her daughter's choice now. Haha, I would not want to know if it were any different..."
he replies to Ben's last comment and joins the laughter

"
I guess you will also support us in our planned campaign against the clansmen, after the Tourny?"


___
[OOC: No real goal here, so just throwing up topics for a bit talking and getting to know Ben, may improve disposition towards Ben afterwards]

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben relaxed a bit, glad to talk on something other than his problems. "
If I were a betting man it would be on Swan, but my gold comes from the battering of my own body so I value it to much to gamble it."
He gives Kevan a knowing smile as he rubs his shield shoulder.

"
Of course I will do all in my power to thwart the clans. I fought them before when I served house Marsten. Won my spurs against them."
He looks off with nostalgia for a moment.

"
You are kin to the Marstens correct?"

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