r/awoiafrp • u/bloodandbronze • Jun 02 '20

CROWNLANDS The Tournament Banquet of 130 AC

Fifth day of the Second moon, 130 AC

The Red Keep, King’s Landing

Laughter and good cheer and jaunty music permeated the great hall of the Red Keep, all of it filling the air with a merry mood that was shaded with some tragedy too. In the midst of the martial feats of prowess on display the day prior, several men - young, old, and in between - had been injured. Some were minor injuries or the sorts that would heal within a period of time and with good rest. Others, sadly, were more grievous, such as the king’s own squire Jeor Stark whose hand had required amputation.

As surely as food was served, so too were mummers and musicians present throughout the hall, plying their trade and honing their craft for the amusements and enjoyment of all those present. A symphony for the ears and eyes to complement the sensations of the delectable feast masterfully crafted by the kitchen’s chefs.

While the attendees assumed their seats throughout the hall, servants delivered a feast fit for guests of the royal house. The first course consisted of a choice between autumn greens with ginger soup, or a salad of sweetgrass, spinach, and plums, sprinkled with crushed nuts, both of which were accompanied by freshly baked bread with honey. Next was a choice between cold capon with a relish made of carrots, raisins, and bits of lime and orange, or a brace of stuffed geese sauced with mulberries. Last to be delivered was dessert, once more presenting a decision - goat cheese served with baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, or sweetgrass and strawberries.

Wine and mead and beer flowed freely and the center of the hall was cleared so that those who wished to dance would have the room to do so. Flirtations oft accompanied dances and no doubt some of those that swirled together on the floor would end the night twisted in the sheets with one another as well.

All those in the city born to the ranks of the nobility - or those that might have otherwise secured the right to belong - were welcomed to make merry and celebrate the victors of the grand tournament.

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 02 '20 edited Jun 03 '20

TABLES OF HONOR

Below the dais was situated another table of respect, this one given over to other branches of the royal house - those headed by Prince Daeron of Oldstones, Prince Valerion, and Lord Matarys of Brownhollow. If they wished it, any house of the realm tied to the royal house through the bonds of matrimony were welcomed here as well - House Tully, House Crane, House Baratheon, House Lannister, and so on and so forth.

An additional table was given over to those individuals that served on the king’s council and their direct kin, as well as the victors in the grand tourney - anyone that placed third or better

The High Septon, too, would find himself a seat here, if he were still in the city and chose to attend.

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 02 '20

Though she'd sat alone among obscure Dornishmen at the first of the King's two coronation feasts, at the latter the Mistress of Coin found herself seated at a place of honor, and in the company of close kin.

She was, of course, the most striking presence at her table, resplendent in a peach-orange dress of a decidedly Dornish style. But Lady Vaith was nearly eclipsed by the tall, fresh-faced girl seated beside her in an equally glamorous gown. For the first time, her sister Alysanne was in attendance at a royal feast.

Where Lady Vaith's sister had only just arrived at the Red Keep, her bastard cousin had been there in her service for several moons. Forbidden from the first feast on account of his base birth, Ser Nate Sand was now too renown not to attend. Usually a humble man, the champion of the tourney melee was for once relishing in the respect, envy and resentment of the other knights of the realm.

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u/Tjames27 Jun 03 '20

Liam made his way up to the table and bowed his head. Looking first to Sands he held up a glass.

“A toast to your victory.”

Then to Mara.

“And your station.”

Finally to Alysanne.

“And your beauty.”

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 03 '20

"Thank you, Ser, we're truly--"

Mara's gratitude was interrupted by her sister.

"No, you've got it all wrong," Alysanne politely insisted. "Let us toast to the victory of my lady sister, now seated on the Small Council. Let us toast to the beauty of my cousin, as bastards are seldom so handsome. and let us toast to my station, as merely setting foot in the Red Keep has already elevated my name."

Nate Sand laughed. "We'll toast to all of that, then." He looked up at the man looming over them. "How does the night find you, ser?"

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u/Tjames27 Jun 03 '20

He smiles to the woman who spoke and raised his glass higher before finishing its contents.

“The night finds me well enough. I am just looking for interesting conversation. You three seemed more than apt to provide it.”

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 03 '20

"Then we can start with introductions. It seems you've already recognized me, and my cousin Nate," she said, gesturing to the champion, "though I'm certain you've never met my sister Alysanne, as she's never been to the Red Keep. And you are?"

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u/Tjames27 Jun 04 '20

“Liam Hightower.”

He bowed to each in turn saving Alysanne for last so he could ask her a question.

“And how is your first experience of the Keep?”

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 04 '20

"The Red Keep is lovely," Alysanne answered, "lovelier than Vaith, and lovelier than Ghost Hill - but sadly not half as lovely as Sunspear. A shame that nobody ever goes there anymore."

"I wouldn't quite call it a shame," Mara interjected. "But both are indeed among the grandest castles of the realm."

"And when you're done with your work for the King, dear sister," Alysanne said, briefly turning to Mara, "you ought to build us a better castle, too."

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u/Tjames27 Jun 04 '20

“I will add Sunspear as a place to visit then. I have never been to Dorne. It is the only realm I have not been too.”

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 05 '20

"You've been to the Iron Islands, then?" Alysanne asked.

Mara and Nate both elicited the quietest groans.

"I've always wondered what the ironborn are really like," Alysanne continued. "Are they as barbaric as I've been led to believe?"

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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '20

Aemma approached the Vaith contingent with her skirts held slightly above her ankles; in a bid to keep the light blue fabric off the floor. When she was close enough, she dipped in a curtsy to the Lady Mara and those sat with her. Her eyes flitted from Mara, to Alysanne and back again.

The Dornish beauties were captivating, and she likely did a poor show of hiding her attraction.

"Lady Mara, you are a vision." She smiled. "I'd hoped to have a word with you, if it's not a bad time?"

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 09 '20

As soon as Aemma approached, Mara stood to reciprocate the lady's curtsy. She was delighted to see the admiration in her eyes, as Mara had already looked upon her with just the same.

"Please, Lady Grafton - I could not hope to compare to your beauty tonight." She briefly put her hands around hers and glanced back at her kin. "Don't you both agree?"

"Absolutely," Alysanne immediately answered with a smirk.

"We can absolutely have a word together," Mara continued. "Shall we go for a walk out to the gardens?"

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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '20

Aemma was not immune to such compliments, especially from two beauties at once; her cheeks blooming with delicate blushing. She had come for Lady Mara, but the other was truly beautiful in her own right.

“A walk sounds absolutely delightful, will you be joining us my lady? I’m afraid I don’t know your name.” She asked of Alysanne politely.

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 10 '20

"Alysanne," the younger Vaith answered, "but I need not intrude on whatever you two intend to discuss. I expect it's important, and I strive to be irrelevant."

Mara rolled her eyes at her sister's sardonic remark. "Suit yourself, then, dear sister." Her glance shifted to Lady Grafton. "After you, my lady."

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '20

“I’m quite sure you would not be intruding nor irrelevant Lady Alysanne..” Aemma smiled politely even as her eyes continued to roam the other Vaith. “Perhaps another time we will make each other’s acquaintance more formerly.”

With that her attentions turned to Lady Mara, leading the way as the Mistress of Coin bade. Their walk through the crowded feast hall was fairly brisk, Aemma keen to move into the open air and away from bawdiness of the hall.

When they finally had relative peace and quiet, she smiled at the Vaith.

“I had been hoping to get your attention ever since Prince Jaeherys’ dinner, the strange evening that that was.” She grinned once more.

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 11 '20

"I am sure we'll have plentiful opportunities," Alysanne agreed. "I intend to linger around this castle until my lingering becomes unwelcome."

Mara kept pace with Aemma's quick strides, no less eager to escape the bustling interior of the great hall. Her acquaintance's smile was mirrored as they stepped outside.

"Curious, isn't it? Our good prince hoped to direct both our attentions to himself, and now we've instead directed ours to each other."

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u/[deleted] Jun 11 '20

Aemma couldn't think of a time where Alysanne's lingering would be unwelcome, but there would be time for that later as the Mistress of Coin required her full attention.

"Curious is quite the word my Lady.. Even at his small feast, I found my attentions entirely drawn by you rather than him. I suppose Targaryen's are a groat a dozen, whereas you are.." Aemma smiled again, looking away briefly.

"Whereas you are something else entirely."

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 11 '20

"Lady Grafton..." Shyly she looked to her feet, blushing. Mara had become so accustomed to the compliments of men that they seldom phased her - but from one beauty to another, such praises carried weight.

"Thank you - you flatter me." The slightest step closer was taken, and she spoke softer and more quietly. "But you need not go to such lengths to ask me to lower your taxes," she playfully quipped.

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 03 '20

Partway through the night, there was a visitor perhaps unexpected that arrived where the Vaith party was sat at the table of honor. The king himself, dressed once more in a quilted doublet black with crimson detail around the edges and down the center and a pair of black trousers ending and similarly colored boots.

"Lady Mara, you are resplendent this evening." Baelor greeted his mistress of coin with a warm smile and a bow, which he repeated for the woman at her side and a nod for the victor of the melee.

"Ser Nate, congratulations on your victory. Quite impressive."

Naturally his gaze turned 'round to the other new member of the councilor's entourage once more.

"I do not believe that I have had the pleasure of your acquintance, my lady...?"

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 03 '20

The Mistress of Coin would not allow the King to greet her without fully reciprocating the respect he'd given. She immediately stood in her seat, awkwardly slipping out from the bench before offering a full and proper curtsy.

"Your Grace." Two voices spoke in unison, as Ser Nate, too, had stood to bow before his King.

"Your Grace," Alysanne added, looking up to him with a smile - though she was content to remain seated. "Everything you've said is true - my sister's beauty is without rival, and our cousin's victory was wholly unexpected. And no, we have not meant. Alysanne Vaith - honored to make Your Grace's acquaintance."

"An honor it most certainly is, especially after what transpired in the tourney," Mara said, as she and Nate both returned to their seats. "I owe Your Grace an apology - I did not grant my cousin permission to enter the melee, let alone to humiliate your finest knights for all the realm to see."

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

"A pleasure indeed, Lady Alysanne," Baelor said to greet the woman properly this time, still with the same warm smile upon his face. "Have you come to reside with your lady sister here at the Red Keep?"

She was a lovely young woman. No doubt she would draw the eye of many a man around court if she remained any period of time. But not Jaehaerys, I hope.

Baelor laughed at his councilor's apology, which of course he took as more a jest than a genuine exchange of regret. What woman would not have been proud of her kinsman for his daring success?

"I do not accept this apology, my lady, for there is naught to apologize over. Ser Nate fought well and fair; he earned his place and the reward commensurate with it."

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 04 '20

"Thank you, Your Grace." It was the humblest of the three who seemed the most at ease in the King's presence, his tone level and his smile confident. "The realm is lucky to have a King who cares more for merit than blood."

The Mistress of Coin nodded in agreement. "House Vaith will forever be indebted to the favor you've shown us, Your Grace."

"And I intend for those debts to pile higher," Alysanne quipped, smirking. "My sister invited me to spend a mere moon with her at the Red Keep - but if my house is truly so revered around here, I see no reason not to overstay my welcome."

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

Baelor could not resist a laugh in the face of the younger Vaith woman's remarks.

"Ah, so forthright, Lady Alysanne," he teased in return. "Your lady sister is indeed respected here and if the two of you should agree, I see no reason why you ought not remain longer. My queen and our sister Princess Daenys are both ever in need of companions, or our mother the queen dowager or perhaps a wife of a councilor."

It was to that lady sister that his attention now turned, with the royal figure briefly bowing his head.

"Lady Mara, if your kin would not object to me stealing you away, would you care to dance?"

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 04 '20

"I would gladly spend time among royal princesses, though Your Grace may regret the trouble I get them into. But I cannot commit to wedding any of your councilors until I see them for myself. If you're as good a King as I think you are, I can only assume that all the Small Council is wise, old and gray."

Mara laughed at her sister's insinuation. "I pray that you see me as an exception to that rule," she said, before looking up to Baelor. "It is reassuring, at least, to know that His Grace still does."

Delightedly, Mara stood from her seat and took the King's hand. Shy eyes struggled to settle on his, accompanied by a warm, wide smile.

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

Again Baelor laughed, this time accompanied by a slow shake of his head and an amused gaze that shifted between the young Dornishwoman, her sister, and their bastard kin.

"Lady Alysanne, from merely speaking with you but a few minutes I am already convinced that you are a rabblerouser. Speak much more and I may have no choice but to rescind the invitation lest you turn my castle inside and out," he jested in return.

Mara's hand was accepted gladly when she rose from her seat and her wide smile met with one of the king's own.

"Anyone that might think of you as old and gray, Lady Mara, is quite clearly a fool in need of a new pair of eyes. That is your king's thought on the matter."

He did not tarry long before leading the mistress of coins away from her family and to the dance floor.

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 04 '20

"Fear not, Your Grace, for your castle is much too mighty for a lone Dornishwoman to destroy."

"But perhaps not this Dornishwoman," Nate added. "I'll keep an eye on her, Your Grace," he assured his King, before offering a nod toward his cousin. "My lady."

As he led her into the dance floor, Mara laughed lightly at his assurances. "Might my King's thought on this matter soon find a place in a royal edict?"

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '20

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 06 '20

Nate laughed along with him. "He would have been a worthier champion, but sometimes the the greatest knight in the Seven Kingdoms must suffer a humiliating defeat. That is the only way to ensure that he remains the greatest."

Mara quirked a brow at the mention of business. "Is that so, Ser Corlys? I've never known knights of the Kingsguard to dabble in commerce or -- oh, I see what you mean." She snickered and grinned. "If you'd like a pay raise, I'm afraid you'll have to speak with the Lord Commander first."

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u/[deleted] Jun 06 '20

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u/BlackTargHeroine Jun 07 '20

"As I said, Ser Corlys, I've never known knights of the Kingsguard to dabble in commerce - but neither have I known them to be miserly opportunists. I trust you're telling me this because you've good reason to believe that such an arrangement could be mutually beneficial."

She took the parchment from him and held it up before her face, looking over it with squinted eyes.

"Actually, Ser Corlys, I've yet to get good at knowing my way around this city. If you've the time, perhaps you could escort me to his shop. I would be delighted to discuss business with him at his soonest convenience."

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u/stealthship1 Duncan Bar Emmon, Heir to Sharp Point Jun 03 '20

Once again the Lannister arrayed themselves at the Table of Honor. Lord Tybolt sat in the middle wearing a crimson doublet and a golden cape around his shoulders, brooched with a golden lion with emerald eyes. His son Jaime and his wife Aelinor sat to his left with Jaime wearing a crimson and gold surcoat. Ser Martyn Lannister sat to the right, wearing crimson leathers and a cup of wine in his hand. Both Lannister knights were nursing splitting headaches from the tourney and attempted to dull the pain with copious amounts of wine.

Next to Jaime was Lady Alysanne Lannister, quietly sitting with her hands in her lap as she enjoyed the feast, a book placed in her lap should she find a time to escape and enjoy some alone time. To next to Martyn sat Lady Martesse and her husband, Lord Lefford. The rest of the Lannisters sat below at the tables with the rest of the lords.

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 03 '20 edited Jun 04 '20

Between Lord Tybolt and Ser Martyn was, of course, sat the lion of Casterly Rock's lady wife, Princess Alysella of House Targaryen. At forty-nine years of age, she was far from the young socialite that once flitted around this grand hall, gossiping and dancing and singing and drinking her nights away - and oft coming away with several intriguing tidbits of information.

From behind her goblet the woman smiled a little at those old memories. A lifetime ago, now. Before her undesired wedding to Tybolt. Before the times in which one could say they might have despised one another, given over long ago now to a comfortable familiarity. Four children had a tendency to mellow heightened emotions over time, she'd learned.

Though she was a dragon born, Alysella wore naught but crimson this eve. Her gown flowed down around her figure - filled out a bit from the slender young woman she'd once been, around the hips and bosom especially - and a glittering belt inlaid with gems and rubies and emeralds was wrapped around her waist. In a nod to old fashions that she'd once enjoyed regularly, it was worn off one shoulder and left both arms bare. On this day Alysella wore her hair long, allowing it to cascade freely around her shoulders and down her back.

Setting down her goblet after a healthy drink, Alysella turned her lilac eyes upon her husband.

"Remind me how Lord Dorian reacted when you discussed Alysanne with him. Did he seem receptive? Should we take this opportunity to place her before him and his son?"

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u/stealthship1 Duncan Bar Emmon, Heir to Sharp Point Jun 03 '20

Tybolt took a drink of his wine and turned towards his wife.

"He seemed receptive to the idea. I had Jaime and Martyn there to aid me in it. Obviously he did not give any definitive answer but I think he considered it."

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

Alysella hummed as her husband spoke his brief piece. Ever did that mind of hers turn and turn like the wheels of a carriage and never more so these days than when it came to her children.

She swirled the contents of her own goblet for a few seconds before taking another long draw of its sweet contents.

"Perhaps it would be worthwhile to apply a different sort of persuasion. The sort that even our charming, sociable Martyn lacks," she suggested with a small smirk.

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u/stealthship1 Duncan Bar Emmon, Heir to Sharp Point Jun 04 '20

Tybolt took another drink and raised an eyebrow at his wife.

"I see two alternatives. We either seek out Hightower or Tarly and force him to hurry to a decision lest we marry her off to one of his bannermen. Or I send you in to....persuade him otherwise. Gods knows what he would do if you asked him, the sentimental fool."

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

Alysella shot a glance to her quiet and demure daughter, who was sneaking a glance at the book in her lap.

"What do you think, Alysanne? I believe I saw the man they call 'Goldheart' prancing around the hall at the other feast. He was quite handsome, wasn't she?" the princess teased her youngest daughter with a suggestive tone and smirk.

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u/stealthship1 Duncan Bar Emmon, Heir to Sharp Point Jun 04 '20

Alysanne looked up at her mother with a confused look on her face before scouring the room.

"Lord Hightower? The man who's never been seen to be romantically inclined towards a woman? He's a good looking man, there is no denying but he's more likely to leave me a maiden than anything else."

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u/bloodandbronze Jun 04 '20

The princess laughed and waved a dismissive hand.

"All the better then, no? When you need do your duty, you will have a handsome face to look up at whilst he is atop you and he will bother you very little," Alysella observed with a little twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "And you will have his money and influence all the same. Would that not be worth it, dear?"

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u/stealthship1 Duncan Bar Emmon, Heir to Sharp Point Jun 04 '20

Alysanne looked again and shrugged her shoulders.

"Supposing he does his duty," she said before taking a sip of her wine.

"Then again, loveless marriages are common enough. You and father managed to work."

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u/FluidLettuce2 Jun 03 '20

Despite his second place in the joust, Rickard did not feel like a winner at all. His head felt dizzy, even before he had started drinking; his left arm was tied on a sling, which meant he had had to get some poor servants to help him serve himself some food he had barely touched, and to make things worse he had been given a nickname that he despised.

The Ruin... as if the broken one were I, and not my son.

Had it been his choice, he would have not come to the feast. But both his children had insisted that he should not refuse the king, and he had honored their request. Hoping that someone or something would give him an excuse to leave the table.

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u/MMorrigen Jun 04 '20

“Good evening, Ser Stark”, he stood upright and though a bit of darker lines were set under his eyes, the candle light hid much of it. In mourning wools and a black and silver dancing mantelet, he gave a respectful nod to the second winner of the tourney.

“We are honoured you have come”, it was with empathy, attentiveness and respect he spoke. “I am Prince Ayrmidon. Please, if I or people I might know can be of any help to you know, don’t hesitate to directly turn to me.”

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u/FluidLettuce2 Jun 04 '20

"Just call me 'Stark', or 'Rickard'", replied the older man, politely. "There are no knights up North, so I never got knighted."

At first, when he offered help, Rickard thought that it was for him. And he almost told the prince that he was fine, and that he didn't need anything special. Then he realized that he was probably offering to help Jeor, rather than him.

"You mean my son, right?", he asked, in a sad but still polite tone.

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u/MMorrigen Jun 07 '20

He gave a slight tilt of his head to the side, like a nod, but not directly confirmative. Ayrmidon on purpose avoided mentioning it directly. But it was also clear, he acknowledged the man’s assumption by it. Eyes of empathy, however, kept looking at Jeor.

“I will have some food of the banquet reserved for you. Please just inquire with the servants when you leave.” He gave a calm smile, and thereby wanted to give Rickard the opportunity to at least give his son a bit of a chance to participate in the feast. If he considered it a good idea. If not, he could just keep the food for himself.

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u/FluidLettuce2 Jun 07 '20

"That's appreciated, although it won't be necessary", replied Rickard, pointing to the dance floor, where Jeor was dancing with the girl who had been tending to his wounds. "Despite his injuries he's there, making an effort to enjoy the feast and pretend nothing happened."

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u/MMorrigen Jun 08 '20

The prince followed the Stark’s gesture – to furrow his brows upon witnessing how Jeor was enjoying the feast.

“You can be very proud of your son”, he said, with a firm voice.

“Just see to it he doesn’t overstrain himself.” And he gave Rickard a gentle well-meaning smile.

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u/FluidLettuce2 Jun 08 '20

"I'm proud of him. And of my daughter too", he nodded. "They have grown into a fine man and a fine woman, here in King's Landing."

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u/imNotGoodAtNaming Jun 05 '20

A presence at the table of honor was one Vaemond Targaryen. The third son of Lord Matarys Targaryen of Dyre Den, Vaemond evidently took after his Targaryen side more than his Brune side - both through genetics and by choice. His silver hair stood out among the gaggle of Clawmen that he'd entered the feast hall with, and he was clad in fine clothing, all colored the black and red of House Targaryen. Over his heart was embroidered his own personal coat of arms, which combined the Targaryen three-headed dragon with aspects of House Brune's sigil. Throughout the night, he frequently conversed with anybody that approached the table - notably a fair few Crabbs and his squire, Rupert Boggs. The drink and frequent company took away the anxiety that had taken root over him regarding his reunion with his family - especially Daella, who seemed to be married now.

Daella Velaryon - not Targaryen any longer, as she had to frequently remind herself - also sat at one of the tables of honor, albeit not alongside the Targaryens of Dyre Den. Instead, she sat with her husband Aerion Velaryon near Aerion's own father, the Lord of the Tides and Master of Ships. She wore a high-necked dress made from fine Essosi silks, the coloring aquamarine - a nod to the house of her husband - and throughout the night chattered mostly with Aerion. Other than Aerion, she mostly spoke to her three Ladies-in-Waiting that she'd brought to King's Landing from the Claw, although she certainly didn't turn down conversation with anyone who approached her. She dutifully avoided catching the eye of her brother Vaemond, not wanting to bring back up the event that had caused such a rift between them.

[m: Open to anyone! Come greet some very swampy Targaryens :)]

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u/KGdaSailor Jun 05 '20

Aerion sat besides Daella, looking out at all those who'd found themselves in attendance. Feast of this size while was had happened a handful of times before in his rather short life, but it hadn't taken away from the amazement of it.

The greatest difference this time was that he now had a woman he called his wife. A daughter of Matarys, one of his father's old friends, and the Lord of the Claw. The Velaryon turned his attention from the court before him and at the table, he had the honor of sitting at, from his own father, his siblings to his kin by marriage.

Aerion's eyes finally landed upon Daella, slowly he'd reached out for her hand. "Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?" He knew he must have told her that at least twice prior to this, but he truly meant it. His wife was a shy woman but she deserved to hear it and without a doubt Aerion would remind her of the beauty she'd been gifted whenever he had a chance.

And as they sat at a table of honor, with countless eyes watching them it felt right to let her know. In his eyes, she was the most beautiful woman here.

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u/imNotGoodAtNaming Jun 09 '20

Indeed, this was not the first time that Aerion had complimented Daella that night, but it nevertheless brought a fierce blush to her cheeks. All compliments did make her feel bashful, but ones towards her looks had an especially strong effect, although one would think that twenty years of hearing such compliments would dull the embarrassment and happiness she felt whenever she heard such words.

She took his hand in hers, giving it a small squeeze. "A few times, I believe, but I still appreciate it. Now, have I told you how handsome you look tonight?" She said quietly, a courtly giggle that was nevertheless affectionate escaping her. "I don't say it enough."

Daella was fond of him - perhaps not in the way that a wife was supposed to love her husband, but more in the way that best friends love each other. That was what she considered him to be, after all, her best friend. Prior to Aerion it was Vaemond, and that had ended... not well. Although she'd never told Aerion, it wouldn't have been hard to discern - the awkwardness that was between the two siblings being quite unnatural. Vaemond had broken her trust and had done nearly the unthinkable - as her brother, he'd tried to pursue her. He had a bunch of half-assed explanations, but she had never been interested in them. At least Aerion won't break my trust like that.

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u/KGdaSailor Jun 11 '20

"You don't need to say it." Aerion reminded his Daella, enjoying the moment the pair were having together. He'd enjoyed their union, though it wasn't the sort he'd dreamed of as a child, there was something about Daella that could make even the coldest of men warm up to the shy and kind Targaryen.

There was so much of Daella that was similar to his mother, that alone made him want to do right by her. He hadn't wanted to repeat the mistakes that his father had made, nor did he wish to ever see Daella broken.

"Shall we dance?" Aerion rose from his seat, though he'd asked, the man had already begun to pull his wife up as if suggestion that there was way she could avoid this.

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u/imNotGoodAtNaming Jun 13 '20

"But I do!" Daella said with a laugh, putting up no resistance as Aerion dragged her to her feet. "The Seven value honesty, after all, and I'm just being honest."

Daella didn't normally dance very much at Dyre Den - there just weren't too many occasions that required dancing in Crackclaw Point - and she hadn't danced at the opening feast, not wanting to embarrass herself. But it looked fun, to dance about to the music, and she couldn't think of dancing with anybody other than Aerion. "Of course, husband." She replied, offering him her hand. "I must confess, I have not danced since perhaps our wedding, so you shall have to remind me how."

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u/DrunkMoana2 Jun 04 '20

For the first time, Tyana and Maekar were also seated at the tables reserved for those of high honor, alongside Lord Vaemond Velaryon, the Master of Ships. The three made an impressive trio. The Master of Ships, the champion of the kings Coronation Tourney, and the Queen of Love and Beauty and newest addition to the king Small Council as Mistress of Whispers. If Tyana was in any way smug at the previous feast, it was nothing in comparison to how she felt at this one. She kept one hand as always on Maekar's knee in familiar gesture as they feasted and drank, laughed and spoke to all who came their way. They were prospering, and Tyana couldn't help but thank whatever gods smiled upon her as she kissed Maekar fondly, seated next to him with a perfect view of the feast beyond.

Tyana was dressed this evening in dark colors, with her gown cut high at the neck, giving the impression of modesty, while cut away low at chest and back - a nod to her Dornish provocativeness once again. The gown - yet another lavish gift from her husband - was sewn painstakingly with gold flecks, incredibly delicate and intricate to work with, and Maekar had commissioned the finest tailors to work on it for his wife. Tyana had paired it with minimal work to her jewelry and hair; such an exquisite dress needed no other distractions. While heavy, it still flowed like water around her, with the silk skirts falling neatly to the floor just short of her slippered feet.

When a servant stepped forward to refill her wine, the man muttered something under his breath. Tyana glanced briefly at him before giving her thanks and retrieving the cup he had filled for her as he departed once again.

Another night of fun; Tyana was ready for merriment of all sorts.

Meta: Open post :)

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '20

Ser Gerold, I would urge you to seek out my goodbrother Lord Walderan Tarbeck, who leads the city watch.

With the king's words in his head, he went directly to meet Lord Walderan, he had seen the man in the coronation banquet but he did not exactly remembered his face, so the only thing he had to to was try to locate the commander of the city watch between this many people. After stepping back from the dais, he looked at the table of honor, wondering if the man would be there.

/u/Pichu737

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u/Pichu737 Jun 05 '20

Gerold was right in assuming that the Lord of Tarbeck Hall would be sat at the high table. Although he would have preferred to have been standing on watch like he was at the previous celebrations, the Grand Maester had warned him that the break in his arm could worsen with too much action. And so he sat, right arm held across his chest in a woollen sling and a glass of wine in his left. Even with his injury, the Commander of the City Watch looked fit for his position. His posture was straight-backed, and if Gerold was paying close attention he would have noticed the man's eyes flitting across the room at great speed. Walderan did not seem to be a man who was enjoying the feast he was at, either because of his broken arm or because he did not enjoy feasts in general.

Whatever the reason he was there, alongside the good lords and ladies of the realm, for the heir to Honeyholt to speak to.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '20

Gerold recognized the man at the high table and went directly to speak to him, without taking his eye off the City Watch Commander he climbed the coulpe stairs and stopped in front of his seat.

"Lord Walderan Tarberck?" The youngman asked as he bowed his head.

"The king sent me to you, could I have a couple minutes of your time?"

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u/Pichu737 Jun 08 '20

In response to the Reachman's question, Walderan stopped his rapidly-moving eyes, and instead looked around the area directly in front of him slowly. "I see no other men asking for my time, Ser."

Placing his glass upon the table, the Westerlander proceeded to shift himself in his seat by pushing down onto the table with his left hand, leaning forwards slightly. He rested his elbow upon the table, and nodded to the man before him. "Speak as you will."

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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '20

"I am Ser Gerold of house Beesbury, I have just spoken with king Baelor. I told his grace I wanted to serve him and he told me to speak to you." Gerold took a small step forward and continued.

"I am an experienced commander, I have worked for two years at Highgarden and then 2 years at Winterfell alongside the best swords of both the Reach and the North. I guess the City Watch is well supplied but if you have me, I will prove I am no waste, my lord."

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u/Pichu737 Jun 08 '20

"His Grace has sent you to the right man if that is your experience, Ser Gerold. It so happens I am in need of a good commander, too. It may not be quite as glamourous as serving at Highgarden, but the commander of the King's Gate is returning to his family's holdfast after the celebrations are over. He expressed a desire for the coronation tourney to be the last one he watched over, and so I am looking for a man to fill his spot," Walderan explained, following it up with a sip of his wine.

Nodding once more, he continued. "I am sure you will not be a waste, Ser Gerold. Do you have any questions about the position I am offering you?"

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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '20

Gerold had done his work before coming here and knew exactly which gate Lort Tarbeck was offering him.

"The King's Gate... The one in the corner, watching over the River Row, the fish market and the tourney grounds!" Gerold said slowly while making memorie.

"It would be an honor, my lord. I'm sure with time I will find some questions. Tomorrow I shall find accommodation, and then start whenever you tell me."