Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 17:25:50 GMT -5
Lord Hightower entered the Great Sept. As was his custom, he visited the Warrior first and prayed for strength and courage. But this time he lit a candle for the other six gods too, lingering at the altar of the Maiden in the name of unrequited love, and the altar of the Crone, for wisdom. After them came the Father and Mother, for his parents, then last of all the Smith and the Stranger. And then, when his prayers were done, he headed home. His thoughts were busy with several matters, including the problem of his future marriage, his alliances, and the feast he was holding in the hope of winning a key to Lord Cave's party.
When Gwayne returned home, he saw that the cooks had been working hard to prepare the food. They weren't happy about the extra work, but Gwayne had pressed other members of the household into service in the kitchens and promised everyone extra money if everything came out well. He had one of his guards, who had been a scullion in his youth, turning the spit on which he was roasting a great boar, while others set up the table and chairs for the guests. In the kitchens, he saw pies and tarts being baked, saw fish and fowl being roasted, vegetables cooking. There were delicate sweetmeats, cheeses, soup, all kinds of food. There were a few bottles of Arbor vintages, but as most of the guests were to be chidren, there was water and milk and fruit juice. Gwayne hoped the children would like the food. He'd given instructions that none of the sauces were to be too rich, because the children wouldn't be used to rich food.
Hours passed. Gwayne waited anxiously, dressed soberly since this was no formal occasion. And then they came, A group of children led by two men in the black of the Night's Watch. Gwayne was not surprised to see that many of the children were nervous. He smiled at them in welcome, but this was no time for fine speeches, and it would only bore the children. So he said only "Be welcome to my home. Please take your seats." Normally he would have had the lord's seat at the head of the table, but this time he seated himself in the middle of the table. The black brothers sat opposite and the children took their places around them. Gwayne poured wine and raised his glass in a toast to the Night's Watch and then the feasting began. The table was piled high, but, with hungry children present, it was soon depleted. This was a strange occasion for Gwayne, who was not used to even talking to orphaned children, let alone dining with them. But he listened to their chatter, joined in a little with those sitting close to him, and even told a few stories from his own boyhood in Oldtown and Horn Hill, and spoke to the black brothers as well. He remembered his promise to donate to the orphanage and promised to send the funds soon. He talked to the black brothers about his uncle Hugh, their role caring for the orphans of Kings Laning, and many other matters.
When the children grew tired of eating, many chased each other through the garden, while others begged for stick swords so they could duel one another, and others just sat and talked. Gwayne helped fashion stick swords for some of the boys and taught a few of them how to duel while the servants were starting to clear away the empty plates, and package up the remaining food to go back to Flea Bottom.
Later on. the Black Brothers thanked Gwayne and he sent them on their way with the food parcels and a purse of gold to help feed and clothe the children. He watched them go with a pang of regret. He had actually quite enjoyed playing host outside of a formal situation.
Gwayne gains Expert Charm
When Gwayne returned home, he saw that the cooks had been working hard to prepare the food. They weren't happy about the extra work, but Gwayne had pressed other members of the household into service in the kitchens and promised everyone extra money if everything came out well. He had one of his guards, who had been a scullion in his youth, turning the spit on which he was roasting a great boar, while others set up the table and chairs for the guests. In the kitchens, he saw pies and tarts being baked, saw fish and fowl being roasted, vegetables cooking. There were delicate sweetmeats, cheeses, soup, all kinds of food. There were a few bottles of Arbor vintages, but as most of the guests were to be chidren, there was water and milk and fruit juice. Gwayne hoped the children would like the food. He'd given instructions that none of the sauces were to be too rich, because the children wouldn't be used to rich food.
Hours passed. Gwayne waited anxiously, dressed soberly since this was no formal occasion. And then they came, A group of children led by two men in the black of the Night's Watch. Gwayne was not surprised to see that many of the children were nervous. He smiled at them in welcome, but this was no time for fine speeches, and it would only bore the children. So he said only "Be welcome to my home. Please take your seats." Normally he would have had the lord's seat at the head of the table, but this time he seated himself in the middle of the table. The black brothers sat opposite and the children took their places around them. Gwayne poured wine and raised his glass in a toast to the Night's Watch and then the feasting began. The table was piled high, but, with hungry children present, it was soon depleted. This was a strange occasion for Gwayne, who was not used to even talking to orphaned children, let alone dining with them. But he listened to their chatter, joined in a little with those sitting close to him, and even told a few stories from his own boyhood in Oldtown and Horn Hill, and spoke to the black brothers as well. He remembered his promise to donate to the orphanage and promised to send the funds soon. He talked to the black brothers about his uncle Hugh, their role caring for the orphans of Kings Laning, and many other matters.
When the children grew tired of eating, many chased each other through the garden, while others begged for stick swords so they could duel one another, and others just sat and talked. Gwayne helped fashion stick swords for some of the boys and taught a few of them how to duel while the servants were starting to clear away the empty plates, and package up the remaining food to go back to Flea Bottom.
Later on. the Black Brothers thanked Gwayne and he sent them on their way with the food parcels and a purse of gold to help feed and clothe the children. He watched them go with a pang of regret. He had actually quite enjoyed playing host outside of a formal situation.
Gwayne gains Expert Charm
Hope you all are well and happy.