Re: [Day 6: ME-LE] Bartheld Party Thread! (Open)

[Athelstan]

"
Yes of course you cheap bastard, I will pay with my hard earn money you are bringing me after all"
chuckling at the face Ser Benedict will have as he pays from the extra money he got him to pay, and feeling a light tug.

"
Now, now Athelstan it's the least we can do, after all you are inviting him, not the other way around"
smiling at him

Athelstan just slumps "
Fine! I'm not saying I won't pay Elize, I'm saying it's with my 'hard' earn money that is all"


She giggles "
I know what you mean, but it is not polite to talk to Ser Benedict like that, I have yet much to teach you"


Athelstan nods to her "
Alright fine, I apologize for my rudeness Ser Benedict, and it would be an honor to have your company for breakfast and who ever you bring with you"
knowing full well who he is bringing.

"
Yes he is rather good rider Yoren"
surprise for a moment at Yoren's appearance when did he got here, and who invited you to, never mind... just flow with it

Lady Elize boes slightly to Yoren "
Lord Yoren"
looking at Athelstan waiting for an explanation.

"
Yoren is my brother and most possible to be heir of House Longshore, if he doesn't keep making it impossible for himself and the rest of us to put up with his insufferable never ending long and complicated speeches"
she giggles at this.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Another couple arrives, arm-in-arm. While the man is finely dressed, bearing a mask of a white raven of remarkable quality, the lady at his side catches the eye far more readily.

Said man is dressed in a doublet, bleached as white as it could go, to match the feathers, but streaked through with threads of vibrant red and blue, the contrast subtly drawing the eye, and the patterns implying swift motion. While pleased with the effect of his attire, Daveth does feel somewhat self-conscious. Not just for wearing attention-seeking clothes for once, but because the mouth hole of his mask was big enough to eat through, it did nowhere near enough to conceal quite how widely he was still grinning, any momentary control over his expression lapsing as soon as he stopped paying attention.

She glances to her companion with an eager smile, and her eyes race through the many delights scattered throughout the party. "
Where should we start, then?"

Daveth looks around at the options. Dancing? Yes, but not first. I'm not drunk enough to do it well. The puppets? Ehh. Maybe later. Ah. "
The mummers."
he says, confidently. "
I'm sure, with house Bartheld's reputation, they'll be quite the sight to see."
He lifts a glass of wine off a servant's tray, turns to offer it to Dyana, only to find she's already been served by another servant. Mentally shrugging, he starts sipping it, instead.

[Benedict Marsten]

Facing Yoren still he continues. "
Thank you, but I believe this oddity is the better horseman."
He indicates Athlestan. "
I only hope he sails as well as he rides."


"
My lady his crudness is not offensive to me. My youth was spent aboard ships so his forwardness is not unwelcome."

[Yoren longshore]

"
Impossible to compare the two. A rider needs controll of his steed and of himself, a sailor however needs a completely different skillset. He needs knowledge of the winds and of the seas. He must be able to Navigate too. Measuring speed is also a good tool. However in addition he must have a good crew, or nothing will be done. Well organised and completely trusting. Sailing is not a job for a single man, but a task the entire crew works together on."

[Jon Cobb]

"
Thank you Ser, it was a pity that you had to forfeit your match! Yes, yes, the boasting, I hope I have not offended you, to me these type of events are mostly entertainment for the masses and my words were chosen accordingly."

And hopefully he forgets you took a shot at the fighers from the stepstones...

"
No need to look so worried, Ser Kevan, I'm not a man who's easily offended. If I were, I'd probably be dead by now!"
Jon laughs. "
Though ridiculing the sacrifices of men who fought and died in the Stepstones was a low blow, unworthy of a true knight!"
he adds with a steely glare...and then bursts out laughing again. "
I'm sorry, Ser Kevan, but you should have seen your expression just now!"

"
As for my skills with a blade, I'd like to say I am capable, though I surprised myself with my success in the joust, so I cannot expect to have equal success in the melee. I tried to recruit our young companion here"
gesturing at Loreia, "
and she suggested to ask you to join us. I would be honored to have such a ferocious beast on our side"
directing equally to Jon's costume and the tales he heard about his heroic actions at a certain bridge...

"
Ah, base flattery, how I love thee! You are a diplomat as well as a warrior, Ser. No doubt you are indeed, or will soon become, a great leader of men,"
Jon answers with a crooked smile. "
Well, I've been wanting to see Loreia fight ever since I ran into her, so your offer is a timely one. I accept the invitation to join your team in the melee, Ser Kevan."


"
Now tell me, how are you enjoying Bartheld hospitality so far?"

The silver hawks decide to take a break from dancing and go find themselves some refreshments, with a familiar voice calling for Athelstan when he found his chance to interrupt them "
Ser Benedict, how are you doing tonight?"
knowing the outfit long before the man wore it, so he knew who was behind the mask.

Even as he continues the pleasantries with Ser Kevan, Jon's eyes continue to follow the two silver hawks from across the room.

I need to get over there and speak to her. Maybe it's not her after all? If I can get her to dance, I'll know for sure, he thinks, clinging to the vain hope that there could be more than one magnificent silver bird at the ball tonight.

Another couple arrives, arm-in-arm. While the man is finely dressed, bearing a mask of a white raven of remarkable quality, the lady at his side catches the eye far more readily.

Dyana stands a few inches taller than her partner, dressed in a low cut gown of ivory samite and cloth-of-silver. A tight-laced bodice is partially covered with an ornate, nearly glittering dove-grey Myrish lace, and long silvery sleeves descend from bared shoulders. The sleeves feat neatly and tightly around the skin, outlining her arms until half the length of her hands.

Her mask is even more impressive. The argent semblance of an eagle covers the top half of her face, the cunning eyeholes of the mask showing the woman's own green eyes beneath, and the beak covering her nose and lowering slightly. Her full rose lips and chin are in full view, and a mane of feathers protude from the top of the mask and around her face, covering most of the back of her head as if it were her hair.

A brooch is set upon the left side of her dress, between her breast and shoulder. It is the shape of a fierce-looking eagle with emerald eyes, much like her own mask, though it is golden rather than silvery. Clutched in its claws are a sword and two batons with cloisonné garnet inlays.

Jon's attention is still fixed on Ladyhawke when he hears the harried herald announce the arrival of another couple. Glancing quicky toward the entrance, he finds his breath catching in his throat.

Another silver raptor? Seven above, is this some kind of sick joke? But, she's certainly tall, and those shoulders... Then Jon's eyes catch a slight gleam of gold on the left side of her dress, and a secret smile forms on his lips. Oh-ho-ho! I don't know who you are, my runty little friend, but that there is an invitation to a duel for a lady's hand, whether you know it or not. Very well, Lady Dyana, your challenge is accepted.

[Dyana Marsten]

Daveth looks around at the options. Dancing? Yes, but not first. I'm not drunk enough to do it well. The puppets? Ehh. Maybe later. Ah. "
The mummers."
he says, confidently. "
I'm sure, with house Bartheld's reputation, they'll be quite the sight to see."
He lifts a glass of wine off a servant's tray, turns to offer it to Dyana, only to find she's already been served by another servant. Mentally shrugging, he starts sipping it, instead.

"
The mummers?"
Dyana's concealed face turns towards the musicians, and her grin widens. "
The mummers! How delightful. Come on,"
she says, sipping some wine and lightly tugging him towards the attraction, "
let's see the famed Bartheld mummers in action. I quite agree."


As they go, her eyes keep scanning the ball, looking for the other guests. For who, exactly, if anyone, is unknown.

[Jon Cobb]

So Spake Harlan Herald
The guests continue to pour in, filling the Bartheld encampment with laughter and song, dancing and drinking, and - of course - amorous encounters and vicious gossip. Unperturbed, Harlan remains at his post, announcing each guest or party of guests as they arrive.

"
Verily, my lords and ladies, there must be a fox's den somewhere nearby, for here we have another, shaggier, beast of that persuasion, come to savor the joys House Bartheld bestows! Be welcome to our revels, Florys...nay...Florian the Fox!"


"
How now, sers and madams, here is a sight to lift the spirits! The Ladyhawke must now compete with a Silver Eagle and her...pet? A White Raven he is, and surely his presence portends the coming of spring, however slight and sickly a specimen he may be!"

[Athelstan]

Elize looks a bit confused, but pretend through follow with a smile to hid behind.

"
Not as odd as you might think Ser Benedict, we are just not renown for our riding skills, but I would lie if I say I'm not one of the best riders of House Longshore by far, but I'm also a good sailor, and very lucky to make it to the final 8"
very proud of his achievement.

Elize nods to Yoren's comment "
I understand now what you meant Athelstan, but he does make sense, riding and sailing is two different things"
looking at Athelstan "
Maybe if you were favored by the right lady your luck might be have been good enough to see you to the final four"
she winks at him, Athelstan smiles.

"
Every little bit of help would have matter, but he is one of the favorites for a reason"


[ooc]Nice... Dance Off![/ooc]

Athelstan and Elize are taken by surprise at the announcement

[Dyana Marsten]

"
the Silver Eagle and her...pet? A White Raven he is, and surely his presence portends the coming of spring, however slight and sickly a specimen he may be!"

Dyana's eyes dart playfully, and immediately, to Daveth, and an odd sound comes out from her nose when she botches an attempt at suppressing a giggle.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Dyana is probably the only one close enough to hear Daveth's slight sigh. "
You get used to it."
he says, dryly.

As they make their way over to the mummers, Daveth becomes aware of Dyana's searching. "
Looking for the rest of your family? If you tell me what they're wearing, I can keep my eyes open for them, too."

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana nods to Daveth. "
Yes, I figure Corrine will be here, probably with Ser Benedict and his sister, too. And Gwyneth, of course. Though... I wouldn't know what they are dressed as! I suppose I'll have to hunt them down carefully."
She says with a smile.

"
And don't worry about what they say. You don't look like my pet, 'tis only a jest. In fact, the only pet I've ever had is... well, somewhat bigger than you. A lot bigger."
She grins openly at him, and her attention diverts to the mummers they are approaching. "
Oh, this sounds lovely already!"

[Athelstan]

"
Well if you excuse us, gentlemen"
Elize looking at both Yoren and Ben "
I have been challenged by an eagle to dance and her frail raven pet"
very serious tone

Athelstan fails to see the seriousness of dancing it's not like a duel with your life on the line "
I guess this is important then"


Elize nods "
Would you fight someone that comes and tells you he is the better sailor?"
and she is reward by Athelstan understanding of her words

Drowned God what crazy shit do greenlander women take serious, but I guess this is their dueling grounds...

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
And don't worry about what they say. You don't look like my pet, 'tis only a jest. In fact, the only pet I've ever had is... well, somewhat bigger than you. A lot bigger."
She grins openly at him, and her attention diverts to the mummers they are approaching. "
Oh, this sounds lovely already!"

Daveth starts idly looking around for the other Marstens as he asks, a slight frown hidden under his mask. "
So, what kind of pet was it?"
in the tone of someone who rather suspects they're walking straight into a trap, but has decided to forge ahead regardless.

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana turns to him, almost in surprise. Mock surprise? "
Oh? The pet? He's not a was. He's an is. He is here, to tell the truth."
She blinks, then after a moment corrects herself. "
Oh but, not, here here, in the party. He's in Riverrun, at the pavilions. Breaker, my stallion."
At the mention of her horse's name, she smirks involuntarily. "
Not everyone considers a horse a pet, really, but I love him as much as anyone can love an animal. Maybe more than that. He was my father's."

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon arrives in an ivory-white half-mask (a popular color this evening) shaped like some kind of feline - the snout broader than a shadowcat, or anything else seen this side of the Narrow sea. pieces of yellow glass are mounted in the eye-holes, obscuring the distinctive amethyst shade of his eyes, and giving them a more beastly aspect. From the top and sides of the mask, a mane of tawny-white fur forms a hood, covering his somewhat more silvery hair. He wears a shirt and trousers of slightly paler fabric, with more tawny-white fur at the wrists and ankles. The trousers sport a long, thin tail, with a tuft of fur hanging mere inches from the floor.

At his side is....

[OOC: at his side is Gwyn, who shall be describing her own costume.]

[Athelstan]

The silver hawks take to the dance floor once again having fun and doing their best dancing together, looking more like they have danced before several times rather than their first.

[url=Dance][/url]: 4d6k4+1 14
[ooc]+1 is Assist from NPC to Dance[/ooc]

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Ah."
Father is missing, presumed dead. Do *not* discuss the father now. This is a cheery time. he then chuckles. "
Okay, now you've got me wondering how the staff would react if Breaker were here. Do you think the announcer would just calmly announce them as a horse, like he's done with the other guests? 'Here now, ladies and gentlemen, here's a fine sample of a stallion, fit for any race!' Maybe the servants would offer him food straight from the tray? Or do you think they'd offer a feed bag, probably in the same tone of voice that they'd offer to top up your glass?"
he chuckles again, and shakes his head as his tone turns more thoughtful.

"
I, too, have a horse, Hoskagon. Never really thought of them as a pet, though. More like a trusted and useful servant, I suppose. Still, I can understand why you would. Animals are like people in that regard. Most relationships are what I would describe as 'normal' - the standard mix of benefit and cost, to some ratio. Others are special, in some way or other. And in those cases, it doesn't matter whether they're family, or even human. You treasure it."


'Dogs keep the promises that men make'. I heard that from somewhere. Loreia, maybe?

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Impossible to compare the two. A rider needs controll of his steed and of himself, a sailor however needs a completely different skillset. He needs knowledge of the winds and of the seas. He must be able to Navigate too. Measuring speed is also a good tool. However in addition he must have a good crew, or nothing will be done. Well organised and completely trusting. Sailing is not a job for a single man, but a task the entire crew works together on."

Ben looks at Yorens as he gives his information dump. "
I was merely pointing out the strangeness of a seafaring people to be so good riding. Not comparing them. I know the intricacies of sailing my father is a captain. I am sorry for the confusion."

"
Well if you excuse us, gentlemen"
Elize looking at both Yoren and Ben "
I have been challenged by an eagle to dance and his frail raven pet"
very serious tone

Athelstan fails to see the seriousness of dancing it's not like a duel with your life on the line "
I guess this is important then"


Elize nods "
Would you fight someone that comes and tells you he is the better sailor?"
and she is reward by Athelstan understanding of her words

Drowned God what crazy shit do greenlander women take serious, but I guess this is their dueling grounds...

Ben nods again to Athlestsan and bows to Lady Elize. "
Of course good luck to you both."

[Loreia]

"
Well, I've been wanting to see Loreia fight ever since I ran into her, so your offer is a timely one. I accept the invitation to join your team in the melee, Ser Kevan."

Loreia's voice is full of mirth when she replies. "
Oh, I'll be showin' everyone what I can do, everywhere I go. I'll see you on the field, then - you me and Jorah, 'longside the fearsome whitewalker. There must be some way to get you a mask to match your ensemble, Ser Kevan."

'Dogs keep the promises that men make'.

*If you can explain what this saying means in our private house thread, I might keep it and use it!*

[Kevan Lyras]

"
No need to look so worried, Ser Kevan, I'm not a man who's easily offended. If I were, I'd probably be dead by now!"
Jon laughs. "
Though ridiculing the sacrifices of men who fought and died in the Stepstones was a low blow, unworthy of a true knight!"
he adds with a steely glare...and then bursts out laughing again. "
I'm sorry, Ser Kevan, but you should have seen your expression just now!"

Kevan's face shows a concerned look initially, but when Jon bursts out laughing, he quickly joins in. "
You got me there for a second!"

A lot more cheerful than I thought, this old warhorse...

"
Ah, base flattery, how I love thee! You are a diplomat as well as a warrior, Ser. No doubt you are indeed, or will soon become, a great leader of men,"
Jon answers with a crooked smile. "
Well, I've been wanting to see Loreia fight ever since I ran into her, so your offer is a timely one. I accept the invitation to join your team in the melee, Ser Kevan."

"
Hah! So far I find myself following orders more often than giving them, but who knows... I am honored Ser! I am curious in that regard too. I am sure she will defeat quite a few opponents, who are eager to get women out of the competition. He turns toward Loreia replying to her quip about his costume "
Well, my costume might seem to be patchwork - because it is - but a full mask on my face is the last thing I want. That would only hinder me from enjoying the delicious food that is served here"
as if to prove his point he takes two small boar meat skewers from the plate of a passing servant and bites into one of them.

"
Now tell me, how are you enjoying Bartheld hospitality so far?"

"
It is a great party, thank you. I have not yet had the chance to attend one of these famous events, until today that is and I hope it wont be the last!"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Baelon arrives in an ivory-white half-mask (a popular color this evening) shaped like some kind of feline - the snout broader than a shadowcat, or anything else seen this side of the Narrow sea. pieces of yellow glass are mounted in the eye-holes, obscuring the distinctive amethyst shade of his eyes, and giving them a more beastly aspect. From the top and sides of the mask, a mane of tawny-white fur forms a hood, covering his somewhat more silvery hair. He wears a shirt and trousers of slightly paler fabric, with more tawny-white fur at the wrists and ankles. The trousers sport a long, thin tail, with a tuft of fur hanging mere inches from the floor.

At his side is....

...a woman who's appearance must cause a moment of shock rippling in those watching. At first casual glance, she could almost be naked...the color of her garb is a little too close to the shade of her skin for comfort. A second glance shows that while the clothing is somewhat revealing, it's not outright indecent. It had begun its existence as a titillating Dornish outfit that came in two pieces, a bodice and vest, and a short skirt that sat snugly on the hips, leaving the midriff bare. When Gwyn heard about the masked ball though, she made some...adjustments. The short sleeves came off, and fur and feathers were sewed along the seams, making it look as if it was made of primitively crafted leather. Baubles of bone and yet more feathers dangled from her wrists and ankles, and into the deep neckline.

She'd spent most of her hair dye to turn her blonde hair nearly black, then painted her face around her eyes with black paste made from soot and grease. Over that, she placed her mask, carved from wood to resemble the top half of a skull's face. She carried a long wooden pole, decorated with tassels of feather and bone and a fake 'spearpoint' at the tip.

It seemed the Horseclans had braved to send a khaleesi across the Narrow Sea and invade Westeros!

"
Something about dressing this way really does make one want to run people down and stab them,"
she murmured to Baelon, grinning. "
And I almost never want to do that when dressed normally. Almost."

[Baelon Drakeson]

He whispers back to her.
"
Then perhaps men convicted of violent crimes should be compelled to dress in Westerosi women's clothes to dampen their aggression. I think I would pay good coin to see the Kinslayer paraded through town in a bodice and skirts... I also wouldn't mind getting a closer look at you in that outfit in my tent later."


Tearing his attention away from his ravishingly beautiful betrothed by force of will alone, he scans the crowd for familiar...

"
Do you have any idea what anyone is wearing? It's going to be difficult to find anyone."

[Jon Cobb]

Jon

"
It is a great party, thank you. I have not yet had the chance to attend one of these famous events, until today that is and I hope it wont be the last!"

"
Make sure I get out of the melee with my honor intact, and I guarantee you a lifetime's invitations to Bartheld revelry!"
Jon answers jokingly. "
Though in all seriousness, if young Davain has his way, this is likely to be the last feast that will measure up to the standards set by his grandfather. That boy has no appreciation for a good party."


So Spake Herald Harlan
"
Noble sers, guard your fair ladies well, for House Bartheld's revel is afflicted by savagery from the mysterious East! A fearsome White Lion and a Horse Witch from the Haunted Lands of Essos join us this night!"

[Baelon Drakeson]

White Lion and Horse Witch... Edmund used different words, but I guess that's close enough.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ellie daintily finished her second lemon cake. Her eyes locked on her brother and the ironborn. Snapping out of her stare she quickly looks around to make sure no one is watching before licking her lips clean.

"
Do you think the kinslayer is a captain, My Lady?"
She looks up to Corrine with a curious face.

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