A Tournament In Westeros [IC]

[Nordican]

OOC and Signups.

The sun rose at King's Landing as a tournament was prepared. Flags and banners covered the grounds so much that in places they seemed to outnumber the individuals milling about their business. Such business was quite varied. Some came to fight, others to watch. Some came to scheme while others foiled. But above all they came to the capitol to increase their honor, glory and wealth and not necessarily in that order.

A large blue and white pavilion was set up surrounded by two other larger brothers and a smattering of medium and smaller tents. The lodgings housed knights, and retainers and other hanger-ons and the occasional common folk lucky enough to serve at the tournament. Most of the Lords and Ladies had found residence at the Red Keep as befitting their status and birth.

Devlan Whitearm however wasn't focused on the structures and going ons of knights and lords as the tournament neared it's start. A petite creature with long dark blonde hair had captured the hedge knights attention for the moment as he sharped his sword at a stomp he'd found by the main area where most of the smiths and armorers had been brought in to make last minute adjustments to armor and weaponry. Devlan ignored them all and just watched as the girl carried water and bandages towards the tent where the Silent Sisters were quartered at for the tournament. Injuries and death were never far off in tournies and the sisters not far beyond that.

The hedge knight could never quite get around the thought of enforcing silence upon oneself. What was the gift of light without the gift of speech.

'A dreary horrible thing indeed' he thought while he returned to his work and soon forgot all about the cute young girl. He had jousts and melees to win. Women could come after he thought with a wry smile.

-------------

Lord Liam Stonefell walked through the tournament proper with six retainers. The lord was well into his fiftieth year and the wrinkles and balding grey hair showed it. He was a slightly rotund man but he could swing his mace with a strong arc that it could smack a giant's teeth out or at least he liked to make people believe.

The Stonefells haled from the Reach but Liam had never been one to settle down. He loved traveling through the Seven Kingdoms and enjoyed meeting grand children who had settled far out from his castle at Belum or more aptly called the 'Greens' for it's fertile lands that helped feed House Tyrell. Continuing on Lord Liam arrived at his tent where his son Kenem Stonefell was being fitted for his armor. At eighteen years Kenem looked very much the spitting image of his father thirty odd years ago. A jaw that hadn't gone weak and stark blue eyes not crowded by wrinkles and weariness. His son also shared the same sandy blonde widow's peak that Liam had in his youth but they were quite different men now. A proud father and a proud son though neither without their faults.

The two conversed about the day's jousting to come and Liam could tell Kenem couldn't wait to get on a horse and match his skill at arms against any opponent this great day.

 

[Diablo1552]

Around twelve knights all from Casterly Rock, were riding on magnificent warhorses through the Lion Gate of Kings Landing with their squires and one young lad of about 14 who was carrying the banner of house Lannister with its glorious golden lion and backdrop of crimson. At the head of the knights rode Sir Lucius Lannister in his beautiful steel armour bearing the Lannister Lion on the chest with roses running down the back of the armour.

Sir Lucius heard someone shout his name so he turned around, and there he saw Cersei, Lucius dismounted and greeted Cersei "It's always a pleasure to see you my queen" and with that Sir Lucius went down on one knee and kissed the queens hand.

Cersei walked with Lucius as he found a stable for his horse and Cersei offered him a room in the red keep, Sir Lucius graciously accepted saying "It would be an honour my queen, but right now im going to head for a tavern, it has been a long ride and what i need now is a good drink and maybe a woman, so i bid your farewell my queen." and with that Sir Lucius went looking for a tavern.

 

[heartofcourage]

At the archery yard, a commotion was brewing. Surrounded by young pages and squires, a young woman had taken up her bow, the string pulled taught and arrow quivering slightly as she made her final adjustments. A squire, full of bravado, had come across her practicing and believed that any man was better than her, challenged her to a competition. The young men taunted her, shouting things as a means to distract her. Little did they know she wasn’t listening.

Alyce Hill was an oddity in Westeros. Many called her a woman that wished she was a man or a confused wretch. She really wasn’t either. Wearing the clothes of a man was a means of escape from an uncertain future. She was a bastard child, no prospects besides those that serving the House of Yew gave her. She had simply taken her future into her own hands. Hands that had been trained to be deadly with a bow and skilled with a sword. When she had taken her leave of Yew for the tournament, many shouted to her that if she didn’t win, she shouldn’t bother coming back.

Taking a deep, calming breath, she flexed her fingers and released the bowstring. The string flew past her cheek, a brush of air following as the arrow took flight, embedding itself in the middle of the target, besting the pompous young man‘s best entry by inches. She looked at the squire with a grin on her face, her palm extended for the wager he had promised. When he looked as if he didn’t wish to pay, she slung her bow over her shoulder and glared.

“Lesson one, when you make a bet, you should be prepared to pay. That is, unless you wish to be in my debt.” That statement had the coin pressed into her hand in an instant. “I thank you. Until tomorrow, gentlemen.” She said to the crowd as she pushed her way through.

She was gaining stares as she walked through the tournament grounds dressed in the red and white colors of Yew. She paid them no mind, her mind focused on the jousts that were to begin that afternoon.

 

[lil_geek]

Lady Talis

It was the opening day of the Tourney and the Hall of the Wards was in an uproar. Not that a confined area that housed a dozen noble maidens was ever peaceful. No matter how charming the ladies may appear to the outside world once the great oak doors closed, claws came out, petty jealousies reared their heads and spiteful acts of vengeance were taken. It was common for prized possessions to be stolen, favorite gowns to be destroyed and one unlucky girl awoke to find her beautiful ebony locks had been cut, leaving her shorn like ewe in spring. To the laughter of the other ladies, it will be years before the poor girl can be seen without a hat.

Lady Talis Driston tried to keep her distance from the childish and malicious acts of the wards living within the hall of the Red Keep. Initially, the hint of scandal about her past had kept the others at bay because no lady wanted her reputation ruined by association. But after a few months, when the rumors died down and fresh scandals had occurred, interest in Lady Talis stirred and questions were asked.

Talis had no desire to talk about the events that led her to a wardship in the hands of the Lannisters. She told herself and others, that the past was the past and she had no wish to discuss it but the truth was the pain was still too raw to be trotted out for the entertainment of callus little girls. The loss of her parents was a difficult grief to face but when coupled with a kidnapping attempt and death of loyal retainers in her defense, Talis found denial was easier than acceptance. Unhappily, there was little comfort to be found by focusing on the future.

As the last of her family and the heiress of her father’s holdings, her future was entirely in the hands of House Lannister. Body and goods, she was theirs to dispose of as saw fit. It was one thing to know that your parents may marry you to whoever they wish. That is the way of the world and there is comfort in knowing their choice would be tempered by affection. To have your fate decided by someone who cares nothing about you can make the future seem bleak and the loss of control was frustrating.

She ignored the turmoil around her as she dressed for the tourney. She kept her expression serene and her movements graceful, on the surface she was the picture of dignity and beauty. Her long strawberry-blonde curls were artfully held in place by silvery-blue ribbons, her supple curves were accented by a fine blue gown the same shade as her deep blue eyes and delicate silver bangles hung from her ears and around her neck. She knew she looked beautiful and the fact concerned her. She had yet to decide if her looks were an asset or a liability – would they help her find a decent husband who would care for the Driston Holding?

Finally, with the sound of a silver bell, all the ladies in the hall filed out and made their way to the pavilions. The tournament would be beginning soon and no one wanted to miss the opening event. Many of the ladies had familiy at court and one by one broke off to join them but Talis was alone and her place was with Queen Cersei and King Robert.

 

[Nordican]

Devlan had just come in at the end of Alyce's little demonstration. His sharp eyes marveled at the display and he had to laugh at some squire being showed up by a young woman. Long ago Devlan had learned that woman didn't often lay down a challenge of martial skill without the strength to back it up. True most times it was just blind courage when a maiden tried to beat away a bandit who wanted to rob her of more than just food and coin but some definitely proved the exception to the rule. This one in particular all in her red and white definitely appeared to be one of them.

Eventually Devlan increased his pace a tad and strode up behind Alyce as she walked the grounds.

"You handle a bow well m'lady of Yew. Shame I'm not entered in for archery this tournament. Going up against your aim would have been an interesting challenge for once." Devlan said in a cocksure attitude as he walked beside her with a wry smile on his face as they moved through the grounds.

-------------

The tavern Sir Lucius Lannister entered into was a buzz with activity. Freeriders, retainers and common folk crowded the busy place near the tournament grounds where people were enjoying a beer before the day's game set in. Most gave the man a quick glance and a polite nod given the easily recognizable traits of Lannister blood and symbols and a portly bald man rushed forward cleaning a large mud.

"Ah Ser Lucius. Welcome to the Last Call. I'm afraid at the moment there is little seating room but I'd be welcome to get you a mug full of our best drought." The man said quickly knowing Lannisters never wanted for gold for good service.

--------------

After seeing his son off as the time continued to dwindle between now and the time of the tournament Lord Stonewell moved forward through the pavilions as he neared the stands where the King and Queen would sit along with many of the highest nobles.

He saw a line of nobles and ladies moving along from the city itself and spotted one amongst them he was familiar. The great large man moved forward at a near waddle as he smiled broadly to Lady Talis

"Lady Talis. So great to see you. Your beauty always warms a old man's heart." Liam said as he started walking with Talis. When he had met the young ward of the court years ago he had felt sorry for her. No family and with only a few friends at court. Liam was many years her senior and no matter that he would have liked to marry her to Kenem but for Lannisters needing support from higher houses than the Stonefells. But Liam always looked to be friendly with her. His wife was ten years dead himself and his sons were fast approaching the time that most would leave him save Lysander who was currently still at home at Belum.

'I'm getting sentimental in my old age.' Liam thought but it didn't remove the broad smile from his lips.

"I hope you are well child." Liam said as he escorted Lady Talis to the stands.

 

[tcost]

'My lord Stonewell; my lady Talis," Ian said courteously as he saw the older man approach with the teenage heiress by his side. He sketched a quick bow as well, exactly the proper degree of deference to their stations.

Would she stop and speak with him for a moment? Not likely; more likely the old man would, for he was both his own man, with his own course to chart as he would, and, as best Ian could tell, one of the kinder hearts among the lords of the Seven Kingdoms.

The gossips would have it that Lady Talis' fate would be determined by the Lannisters, and as she was eighteen that destiny was very apt to become manifest soon. Yet Lord Renly told Ian that it would be King Robert who made the real decision about Talis's disposition.

In no way could she possibly be wedded to a bastard like Ian. Not unless that bastard had the proper plan, and the wit and the daring to carry it out.

 

[Nordican]

Liam smiled wildly when he saw the young lad. While Liam knew the general belief that bastards were held in contempt for their birth and it's mannerisms the Lord had never been one to lay the fault of a sword at the sword and not at it's master.

It was a stupid foolish thing though on the same account Lord Stonewell had sired a few bastards himself that were not publicly acknowledged by him on any account It was a secret he intended to take with him to the grave but it did make it hard for him to not wish to be friendly to Robert's bastard.

"Ah Ian Waters. They put you in charge of the lists did they." Stonewell said with a grin that wasn't quite as friendly as the one he had given Talis.

"Well I'll be sure to apply prepare for any wagers I make with Lord." Liam chuckled a bit knowing that the bastard and the King's youngest brother were closer than the King ever intended to be. Rightly so sometimes not everyone is meant to be at the same table.

 

[Diablo1552]

Sir Lucius soon found a tavern near the tournament grounds, he quickly realised that the tavern was close to overflowing with retainers, freeriders and smallfolk.

"Yes that would be good." Sir Lucius said to the bald man. within no time at all in front of Sir Lucius appeared a mug full of drought.

Sir Lucius finished the drought in one go and turned to the bald man and happily said "that is indeed a fine drought here have a few silvers" with that Sir Lucius pressed a few silvers into the man's hand.

"I must really be going now, i need to prepare for the tournament, thank you for your great service" Sir Lucius said as he turned around and exited the tavern.

"Now where has that squire of mine gotten to" Lucius said to himself when he exited the tavern, Sir Lucius then went to try and find his squire.

 

[heartofcourage]

She was being followed. She’d known that from the moment she left the archery grounds. With a sigh, she placed her hand on the hilt of the sword about her waist, awaiting one of the stupid young squires to make their move. She’d learned to be vigilant since there were very few men in this country that would honorably stand by while they were bested by a woman.

The sound of the man hurrying in his approach caught her off guard. He was certainly too tall to be a squire. Glancing over her shoulder, Alyce was surprised to find a knight had followed her through the crowd, even taking the time to talk to her. She glanced at him briefly, taking in his armor and his appearance before she flicked her gaze back forward.

“An interesting challenge because of my skill or because I’m a woman?” She asked as she suddenly stopped and planted her hands on her hips, staring at him with a bemused look on her face. “So sure of yourself, m‘lord. I must ask though, why a knight from Florent has followed me?”

As a strong wind picked up, she brushed her long white blonde hair from her face. The ribbon she’d used to bind her plait flashing silver and red in the sunlight. It was the one act of open rebellion she dared in this crowd of Lords and Ladies. She knew her heritage was of Reyne and while she couldn’t show it openly, she did keep a small part with her.

A flash of silver in the sunlight caught her eye and she turned to watch Ser Lucius Lannister exit the tavern from across the way. She cursed her luck. She had entered the melee under an assumed name but now seeing these knights and Lords with armor and weapons better than her own, she found herself at a marked disadvantage. She would have to rethink her plans.

Turning back to the knight before her, she waited for his answer.

 

[lil_geek]

"Lady Talis. So great to see you. Your beauty always warms a old man's heart."

“As always, my lord, you are too generous with your compliments but your kind words are appreciated.” The warm words from a family friend were welcome enough to bring a blush of pink to her cheeks and a genuine smile to her lips.

"I hope you are well child." Liam said as he escorted Lady Talis to the stands.

“Of course, Lord Stonefell. The comfort here is beyond anything imagined at home.” Talis wanted to say more but stopped herself. It would be so easy to speak of her life at Red Keep, all the luxury of a palace, and all the freedom of prison. And, she was nothing more than a prisoner with a life-sentence handing over her head. Ever cautious, she knew it would be too hard to keep her comments from sounding like complaints and it would be dangerous to allow sentiments like that to reach the Queen’s ear. They said not a word uttered at court was unheard by the beautiful Lannister Queen. Whether it was true or not, Talis was too cautious to put it to the test.

She counted no one as friend, and she knew Stonefell could never be her ally. He had his own interests to preserve and family to protect. Talis couldn’t depend on him to protect her from the future or defend her interests. Nonetheless, she took a pleasant degree of comfort in the older man’s company. Determined to make the most of it she wrapped her arm around his and allowed him to escort her to the stands.

The daughter of a wealthy but minor house, Lady Talis never felt truly comfortable in the presence of the King and Queen, even the Lannisters made her uneasy. She kept her discomfort cloaked behind a façade of grace and poise as she walked at Lord Stonefell’s side while polite conversation came with practiced ease.

“And Greens, my lord? All goes for you well at home?”

A polite interruption of their conversation came from a black haired young man Lady Talis recognized as the King’s bastard, Ian Waters.

“My lord Stonewell; my lady Talis,” said the young man, greeting the nobles with a quick bow.

"Ah Ian Waters. They put you in charge of the lists did they." the grinning Stormwell replied

"Well I'll be sure to apply prepare for any wagers I make with Lord."

Talis recognized the young man with courteous nod and polite smile that were just a fraction less formal and bit more friendly than strictly required. Although she had seen him in the Red Keep there was never a formal introduction between them, she knew who he was.

She had heard gossip about him; no man in King’s Landing ever escaped the tongues of the maids in the Ward Hall. The talk of him was never anything particularly offensive or even very enlightening. It was simply a great deal of idle speculation on the part of bored young women. It was said, that for a bastard, he stood high in his royal father’s favor. In a land where few illegitimate offspring received any acknowledgement from their fathers, that was a considerable honor. While the circumstances of his birth made it unlikely he was held in esteem by the Lannisters, Talis was too wary to risk offending someone who had the ear of King Robert.

Casting first a glance to Lord Stonefell, Talis then turned her attention to Ian and spoke with care, "Greetings, sir. Are the events ready to begin?”

 

[Diablo1552]

As Sir Lucius exited the tavern he spotted a woman with a sword and a bow looking his way, for some reason her traits looked very familiar to Sir Lucius but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Sir Lucius quickly found his squire, his squire had set up a tent for him to prepare in.

"Nicely done, do you know who is fighting in the tournament yet?" Sir Lucius asked his squire.

"Thank you sir, no im sorry sir but i do not know." His squire replied

"Ok, well make sure my horse and my lance are ready for the tournament" Sir Lucius said to his squire as he left the tent to go and wait for the announcement to begin.

 

[Nordican]

Lord Stonefell smiled curtly for a moment and then bowed before the two. He was old but he could still find the words that Lady Talis did not speak for fear of who may be listening.

'Damn Spider as his web. I'd like to slice out that enuch's tongue and show him what the people of the Seven Kingdoms cared about his talents.'

For the moment though he just kept a good humored look about himself as the two younger people spoke near him as the procession continued towards the stands. He let them talk and debated moving aside to let the youngsters have a moment. Lady Talis deserved some distraction from her unfortunate lot in life but still it would probably look unseemly of him leaving her with Ian, even with his elevated post.

--------

"Ser Lucius Lannister!" A man with black hair and a short cropped beard announced. Striding forward in green and silver armor the Lannister knight recognized Sir Gregory Devirn. The Devirn's were a minor House and bannerman to the Tyrells but Gregory had none the less established himself well in combat at tournaments.

"I'd hoped to find you amongst the lists today." The other knight stated with a wide cocky grin. The man had a few retainers with him though for the moment the men seemed to find other things to distract themselves with.

"You know I've yet to dismount a Lannister this year and I had high hopes I'd get the chance to go up against your cousin the Kingslayer but I'm sure you'll give me a good challenge hah." Gregory said as he looked up slightly at the taller man but if he was cowed by Lucius' height there was no show of such.

-------------------------

Devlan gave her a grin when she put her hands on her hips and looked him over before making her question simply and bluntly. For a moment as he put together his response he just caught sight of the little flash of silver and red amongst her light blonde hair.

"Can't it be both. I only knew few men who can shoot as well as you. And only one of them is prettier m'lady." He said, his eyes clouded with mischief now that he had found something to occupy himself with.

"But I forget myself." He said with a simple bow of his head before his eyes returned to look at hers.

"I am Sir Devlan Whitearm, sworn sword to Sir Avis Florrent." He said as he stood before her and missed seeing Sir Lucius behind him.

"And knights be bold else we'd lose our battles and have no way into women's hearts save our ability to kill people." He joked dryly and the corner of his lip pulled up in a smirk.

 

[heartofcourage]

She felt the corner of her mouth tilt into a charming smile at his wry sense of humor. It was refreshing to find a man that didn’t either wish to possess her or beat her into submission. Even the young squires at this tournament saw her as an easy target. She hoped the lesson she’d taught one would spread to the others.

“Ser Devlan Whitearm.” She repeated as the name range a bell. “I know of your father, Vanin. His skill in archery is legendary. I’m surprised the Lannisters’ didn’t snap you up with such a pedigree.” She gave him a bow of her own, her clear blue eyes meeting his as if he were her equal. “My name is Alyce Hill. I serve the house of Yew.”

A call was given through the crowd that the start of the tournament was near. Men and women of all different rank began to make their way towards the main pavilion. Alyce looked towards the blue and white canvas of the pavilion and then back at the man before her.

“I would hate to meet these blood thirsty women you have to impress by killing others.” She teased him as she laughed and bade the knight to follow her as she made her way towards the pavilion. “I would think a simple chivalrous victory would suffice, perhaps in a joust. You are jousting, are you not, Ser Devlan?”

She’d tried jousting once when she was still young and headstrong. She hadn’t the strength to unseat her opponent and had almost lost her life when a lance snapped and pierced through her armor and into her left shoulder. Hovering between life and death for nearly a week had been enough to deter her from the sport for good.

 

[Diablo1552]

"Ah Sir Gregory Devirn, its always a pleasure to see your grin, just so i can wipe it off you face" Sir Lucius said with a massive smile on his face.

"Walk with me to the main pavilion my fellow knight, i assume you would also want to see who else is participating in this tournament" and with that Sir Lucius and Sir Gregory made their way towards the main pavillion.

 

[Nordican]

Sir Gregory laughed heartily at that. "It is always good to know your opponent before you're rushing head long to smash a lance into his chest hahaha." Then he followed Sir Lucius over to the main pavilion though the lists had not been presented at the moment.

"I trust your family is doing well. Lannister fortunes have done well these last few years." Sir Gregory commented with thinly hidden jealousy. As a knight from a lower house his hopes of wealth and fortune were far as compared to what Lannister's could achieve. Jokes aside he would enjoy knowing Lucius off his horse, not so much for beating Lucius but more for the prestige in dismounting a Lannister of Casterly Rock.

--------------

Devlan kept just a bare smirk on his face as he noticed her eyes stay locked on his when she bowed. So she was a bastard girl out to make nobles weep as their sons failed in tournaments against this interesting sampling of femininity wrapped in the war gear of a man.

Still he enjoyed her little quip about blood thirsty women. Devlan had known a few woman who liked to get a little rough. He gave her a grin. "Yes lady Hill. Though I prefer the melee above a joust. Jousting is so much more performance and theater than true combat." Devlan said as he followed her to the main pavilion.

 

[Diablo1552]

"Ha my thoughts exactly" Sir Lucius replied knowing that there was probably nothing that Sir Gregory wanted more at this moment in time than to unhorse him in the tournament.

"Apart from the death of my wife last year my family is doing very well" Sir Lucius lost his smile as he mentioned his wife, he had loved her with all his being.

 

[heartofcourage]

“Lady Hill?” She asked, looking at him with one eyebrow cocked in question. “Now I know I’m dealing with a silver tongued rouge. What house in this land would ever give that title to someone like me?” She asked with a laugh as they entered the pavilion.

Her eyes swept over the crowd, taking in the colors and ranks of the families present in a brief moment. It seemed everyone from far and wide were here for a chance at glory. It made her nervous for a scant moment to think that she was competing against some of the best around.

“Ah, the melee. A wonderful event to show brute strength and skill.“ She flashed this young knight a smile as she found an empty spot to stand near the arena fence. “Perhaps I’ll meet you in the melee arena? I’d find it a great accomplishment to best a strong knight such as you in armed combat.”

A teasing smile on her face, she turned her gaze back towards the pavilion, watching the movement of the nobles as they took their seats. Queen Cersei and King Robert were in a place of honor and at their side a Lady with strawberry-blonde hair. She recognized the look on the girl’s face, one of regret, longing, and sadness. She supposed her own face would look just like hers if she hadn’t taken the path in her life that she did.

 

[tcost]

Talis recognized the young man with courteous nod and polite smile that were just a fraction less formal and bit more friendly than strictly required. Although she had seen him in the Red Keep there was never a formal introduction between them, she knew who he was.

She had heard gossip about him; no man in King’s Landing ever escaped the tongues of the maids in the Ward Hall. The talk of him was never anything particularly offensive or even very enlightening. It was simply a great deal of idle speculation on the part of bored young women. It was said, that for a bastard, he stood high in his royal father’s favor. In a land where few illegitimate offspring received any acknowledgement from their fathers, that was a considerable honor. While the circumstances of his birth made it unlikely he was held in esteem by the Lannisters, Talis was too wary to risk offending someone who had the ear of King Robert.

Casting first a glance to Lord Stonefell, Talis then turned her attention to Ian and spoke with care, "Greetings, sir. Are the events ready to begin?”

The very question made Ian smile, and for a split second the facade was gone. The charisma of this boy's royal father could be glimpsed in that roguish grin. "These things rarely start on time," he returned, turning fractionally to face Tanis directly. "I imagine about an hour from now we'll see horses charging at the tilt. Maybe someone should offer odds on when we do start; that could be fun."

He paused for just a moment, but neither lord nor lady seemed in a hurry to depart, so he took the chance to make a bit more conversation. That was something that came easy to him. "I noticed that you will be seated with the King and Queen," he continued, obviously still speaking with Tanis. "You will be able to see all the knights and other entrants as they pay their respects to the crowned heads. Perhaps you will be better able to pick the best contenders from among those ranks."

He took a quarter-step closer, watching her eyes carefully for any reaction to this. "And they will all see you, too. I will be surprised if none of them ask for your favor. Were I an entrant, I am sure that it would be you that I approached on that score, my lady."

Could she tell that this was not idle flattery on his part? And would it be good or bad if she could tell? He was only a pawn, but this was the most daring move he had yet made in the Game of Thrones.

 

[Nordican]

With Alyce Hill near a fencing around the jousting area within sight of the royal stands.

Devlan grinned at Alyce Hill. He could definitely be a silver tongued rogue when it suited him. He was a Knight of Westeros and he defended the weak and sought favor with Lords and Ladies but it didn't keep him from recalling his earlier routes as a simple troublemaker while his father was off rising to prominence and fame.

At the comment that she would beat him he did have to smile. He may have appreciate the girl's skill with a bow but he had little doubt in a battle of strength he would prove her better.

'Of course there are always different ways to prove who is strongest.' Devlan thought with a grin at her teasing smile before he saw her return he gaze to some of the lords and lordlings assembling. He saw the large beast of their king in all his glory. The impressive crown settled above his thick black hair and the great beard that covered up near half of his face. Devlan couldn't help but feel the power just lurking in their king. The Victor of the Trident and King of the Seven Kingdoms. Then there was Queen Cercei Lannister along with Prince Joffery, along with his younger syblings Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella. Their golden hair shook in the light of the rising suns as the nobles continued to settle in. Devlan had to hand it to his King. The man had no shortage for heirs unlike occasional other lords so Baratheon name would likely rule the Seven Kingdoms for a great many years to come.

Devlan knew soon enough his father or his liege lord may make a match for himself as an act to please his father and the son and Devlan found the idea of a marriage match suitable though not his first choice. But he knew his duty and would not besmirch his father's honor, well not publicly of course. He heard heavy footstep and turned to see Sir Hanit, one of Sir Avis's other knights.

"Who is this wench that she comforts around in a man's vestments." The larger hulking brute in service to the Florrents asked as he looked over Alyce Hill.

Devlan kept looking forward for the moment before he turned back with an easy grin on his face. Sir Hanit was already in his armor for the melee. A timid pale faced squire with House Dolrae's spear on his chest waited behind him with his master's mace and shield.

--------------

Near the main pavilion at the lists.

Sir Gregory may have wished to beat Sir Lucius handily in a joust but at that moment his feature betrayed a note of empathy. He had not wished to wipe off the Lannister smile by bringing up such a wound. "My apologies Sir Lucius. I had not heard. My condolences." Sir Gregory's wife was five years his seniors and had yet to have any live children but he loved her greatly and knew that to have her gone would have taken a great amount of the light out of his world.

"May the Seven watch over her. And you in the tournament." The knight said before looking over at the listings as they were being posted. He spotted his own coat of arms up with some northern banner beside it.

"Ah Sir Hadick. Been a while since I've shown a Northernor why the Southernors are better. I shall look for you on the field Sir Lucius." Sir Gregory said before giving his fellow knight a hardy pat on the back before moving off with his retainers to get his gear together.

The lists presented said that Sir Lucius would face Sir Lennerd Opal, hedge knight in service to House Tyrell.

--------------

Near the stands and seats of the royal party.

For the sake of the boy's suave manner Lord Stonewell remained silent thoguh there was just the bare sign of a smile on his lips as he turned to Lady Talis. The two did not need him here taking up more space than the two of them combined. "I shall see you at your seat Lady Talis."

The old lord said before narrowing his eyes slightly at Ian as if to warn him off from any truly uncouth behavior unbecoming of even a royal bastard such as himself. Then the large man waddled forward and took up his own seat near the King and Queen.

As he settled into his chair the old man grumbled and turned trying to make sure he was comfortable. The chair was meant for a smaller man and not one of his generous girth and so eventually he managed to settle in as two knights mounted for the first joust.

A knight in silvery armor with green and black accents mounted his black horse and raised up his lance while his opposite in slate steel armor and red clothes under his armor rolled his head slightly before closing his visor. The tournament was about to truly begin.

 

[heartofcourage]

Alyce watched as the knight’s suited up for the joust, their silver armor gleaming in the light. The tension of the coming tournament was a very real thing, but beneath it she could feel something rather sinister in the air. Shaking it off, Alyce heard a deep voice sound behind her at Devlan, asking who she was. Turning, she took in the hulking man in armor and she noticed how Devlan kept quite.

“A friend of yours, Ser Devlan? Fancy me running into two silver tongued knights at the same tournament.” She asked, trying not to sound offended at the question that the man had asked. “I am Alyce Hill of Yew and you are, Ser?”

She glanced at the young squire that held his master’s things and she smiled. “I believe I’ve already made the acquaintance of you’re young squire. He got a fantastic show of archery early.”

 

[Diablo1552]

"Ha i think it is you who may need the help of the seven in this tournament" Sir Lucius said as his smile returned.

Lucius turned to see the listings, turned out he was to face Sir Lennerd Opal, Lucius had heard of Sir Lennerd but only that he was full of confidence but didn't have any where near enough skill to back up his confidence, "My first joust shall be an easy one then" Sir Lucius said to Sir Gregory.

Sir Gregory then departed to get his gear together so Sir Lucius returned to his tent where he found his squire waiting with his white warhorse and his lance. Sir Lucius climbed onto his horse and grabbed his lance from his squire. Sir Lucius then went to wait for his joust to begin seeing how he was already in his armour (Sir Lucius rarely went anywhere without wearing his armour, to him his armour was like a second skin)

 

[lil_geek]

"I noticed that you will be seated with the King and Queen," Ian continued, obviously still speaking with Tanis. "You will be able to see all the knights and other entrants as they pay their respects to the crowned heads. Perhaps you will be better able to pick the best contenders from among those ranks."

“This is the first tournament I will attend; I doubt I will know what to look for in a likely victor.” Lady Talis replied with self-effacing courtesy or perhaps some truth. Like most girls she had watched the men of her household practice and train the yard. Although training was hard work and pride was the significant prize she doubted anything she witnessed at home was much like the competition at court tournaments. Here, futures were made and lives ruined, and prizes ranged far beyond the right of boasting. Under those conditions she doubted even the rules were faithfully followed by all.

As Ian Waters spoke again, he took a small step closer to Lady Talis. To her watchful eye, he moved within the bounds of impropriety. She paused, her body suddenly still. Her first impulse was to pull away before he was noticed but she knew that such an action would only draw unwanted attention. But she couldn’t stay where she was, that too might draw attention. She did not want to set sharp tongues wagging in her direction again. Nor did she want to insult or offend him; he seemed like a pleasant young man, charming.

She gracefully shifted away from him in equal measure to his approach. With lightness almost too faint to perceive her fingers tightened on Lord Stonefell’s arm to steady her balance. She still smiled at Ian; there was nothing in her demeanor to indicate dislike or disapproval. She could say nothing, only hope that he understood.

"And they will all see you, too. I will be surprised if none of them ask for your favor. Were I an entrant, I am sure that it would be you that I approached on that score, my lady."

A delicate pink blush rose to her cheeks, “Your flattering words are kind but it is unlikely that anyone will offer me anything. I think it is well known that I cannot accept anything that does not come to me through the grace, and with the permission, of House Lannister. They have been very generous with their hospitality, particularly our Queen.” Her smile faltered as she continued to speak, “Their concern is only for my well-being, and of course, my future happiness.”

As practiced as Talis was becoming at hiding her true feeling, as adept as she was at socially accepted lies, she had failed to make those final words ring true. The realization that she had spoken unwisely put a crack in poised façade. She would have taken back those words if it had been possible.

"I shall see you at your seat Lady Talis," Lord Stonefell said before waddling off to his seat.

A momentary sense of abandonment washed over Talis as the familiar old man left. He was a link to the happiness of her past life and she was sorry to see him go.

“It must be time for me to join the others.” Although her face remained beautifully calm, she played uneasily with the rings on her fingers. "I hope this afternoon brings you the success you desire." With a nod she turned to take her seat.

 

[tcost]

Iam watched, his heart in his mouth, as Lady Talis displayed the depth of character he had suspected she had, not only through her words, but her facial expressions and her body language. He departed from his usual practice and let a little more of his own personal feelings out onto his own face in return. To his mind, doing that was much more forward than having moved fractionally closer to the lady.

When she moved back, his heart beat the more strongly, warning him that he had transgressed. A tiny change could be seen at the corners of his eyes and mouth, the slightest downturn as he registered that he had, in her eyes at least, done slightly wrong.

When that pinkness entered her face, Ian's heart sang! His words had reached her, and she knew that he hadn't simply been mouthing polite pleasantries. But then she spoke of her protection under the sheltering wing of House Lannister, and his joy was short-lived.

"Sometime I should like to discuss that subject with you more privately, my lady," he dared say, even as she turned away. "For today, I cannot imagine any success I would more gladly obtain."

He hoped -- and indeed he supposed -- that she could tell that he was sincere in that statement, even if she simply continued away without another word to him.

 

[Nordican]

Devlan and Alyce.

"Alyce Hill may I present Sir Hanit. Slow of brain, fast with a mace and lacking in the social norms of etiquette the morning I'm afraid." Devlan said though he regretted the words even as they left his mouth. Sir Hanit was a brother in arms and they both served Sir Avis but Devlan couldn't but want to come to the aide of Alyce. Well perhaps not come to her aide so much as try to calm down the situation though he wondered if that was even possible.

The young squire behind the hulking knight lowered his eyes and red crept up over his cheeks.

"Shut your trap Whitearm." Hanit said as he looked at Alyce and there was no hiding the hunger in his eyes. "I'll show you a proper sword to hold in your hand Hill. Only a fool of a woman would come here to fight in the melee. I'll enjoy putting you in your place and then taking you out past the pavilion tonight and showing you that sword that's a proper fit for your sheath."

Devlan's eyes narrowed and his hand slowly reached for his dirk as his fingers flexed. But before anything further occurred a knight road up in the Florrent colors. Delvan and Hanit turned to see Sir Avis in all his glory. His hair was trimmed sharp a mere half inch over his stalwart face. He had a close cropped beard and piercing green eyes. He looked displeased with both his knights and both stood straighter.

"Get moving the lot of you. The lists are up and you're here squabbling like children. You're fighting Sir Gevol Hanit. Move to it. You too Whitearm." Avis said and Devlan bowed his head slightly and ground his teeth at hearing his last named used. He felt shamed over the use.

"You'll be fighting Sir Alfran Loch, Sir Armory's son." Delvan nodded slowly. "You'd know that if you could keep your head away from girls and ladies and act like a knight." Avis said with a little snear and growl before he was gone.

Hanit stared daggers at Devlan and then looked to Alyce. He gave the bastard girl a cruel grin and a wink before he shoved his squire along and headed for his horse. Devlan raised up his head and looked to Alyce and then wondered off without another word. He moved quickly not wanting to linger before he headed for his tent and was soon suited up in his armor. It was a dark steely affair with intricate white desgins carved into the right arm and part of the chest. His father's own design. Devlan accepted his helmet without another word and then brushed from the tent and headed for his horse.

----------

A man in a simple dark green doublet approached Alyce. "Miss Hill the first round of the melee will end after the first round of jousting." The older man said with a simple bow of his head. "I must say you're not what I thought you'd be. Most of the rumors circulating make you out to be taller." He said as he held a small list and gave her a king smile before he moved on looking for other combatants to appraise.

------------

Near the royal stands.

"Waters!" A old but stern voice cut through the air. "Stop staring at noble rumps and get on with your job." A bald man with a dirty brown beard said. His face was turned to anger but it was likely from the strain of so much activity from the tournament.

"Go help Twanic and inform knights and those fighting and the melee of where to attend." Bellin Grousin was one of the main men in charge of keeping the great tournament ready and by the redness of his face and the sweat on his brow you could tell he had been working hard and was losing all that remained of his sanity moment by moment

-----------

Lord Stonewell smiled to Lady Talis when she took a seat next to him. The knights were just about to race down when he leaned in and offered her a whisper.

"I did not mean to abandon you in such a fashion. Young Waters's words seemed likely to please your ears. It warms and old man's heart to see a soft smile from a young girl when he has no daughters of his own." The old lord said with a slight glint to his eyes as he smiled warmly.

Then the knights were off racing down the lines. Their horses' feet dug into the dirt and sent it up in rabid explosions as lances were lowered and the moment of a strike continued to get closer.

--------------

Sir Lucius and his horse were ushered over to the jousting area. He could see the Royal stands and his beautiful cousin and her husband and children easily enough as he was brought forth. Attendants and servants milled about even as the first set of knights raced forward.

Sir Lennerd Opal road up beside him. His own visor was drawn down already but he nodded to his opponent as he sat atop his own white steed as he watched the knights move.

 

[Diablo1552]

Sir Lucius was ushered over to the jousting area, he spotted the royal stand where he saw the beautiful queen and next to her the strong and confident man that the seven kingdom's called their king and the dazzling blond hair of Cersei's children.

Sir Lennerd Opal rode up by the side of Sir Lucius, Sir Lucius reached down to his squire who was standing obediently by the side of his horse and took his helmet with a prancing lion on each cheek and he replied to Sir Lennerd's nod with a polite nod of his own.

Sir Lucius could not wait for this pathetic joust to begin so that he could face some real opponents, and more importantly the melee, even though Sir Lucius did have quite alot of talent when it came to the joust he never truly enjoyed it. There were only two things that Sir Lucius truly enjoyed and that was a woman in his bed and the adrenaline that came with a true battle, but due to the peace that the kingdom was currently having the closest he could come to a real battle was the melee.