|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 18:36:13 GMT -5
Oswyn waited patiently near the edge of the Kingswood for the arrival of Queen Rose and her company, his own escort of Baratheon guardsmen nearby. He removed a block of basswood and a carving knife from his pockets and began to whittle in the shade of a tree. It was a talent that he had picked up in his youth in the Stormlands, lazy days spent carving wooden figures which would typically be presented to his mother or grandmother with immense pride. The carving knife sliced easily into the block as rhythmic pare cuts sent curled wood shavings tumbling to the grass below, the basswood having been chosen for its softness and relative lack of grain. He was unsure what shape the block would take yet, but that one of the enjoyments of the pastime. As he worked at a relaxed pace, Oswyn would occasionally pause to observe those that passed and look for Her Grace.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 19:25:07 GMT -5
Rose rode out accompanied by Lord Commander Stark, and twenty men following.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 19:40:42 GMT -5
Oswyn returned the wood and carving knife to his pockets, mounting his palfrey with a broad smile.
"Your Grace." he said with a bow his head. "Lord Commander." he added, with respect. "I am happy to see you out and about. Tis a fine day for a ride is it not?"
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 19:42:41 GMT -5
Rose looked over her shoulder, "Indeed... I hope every one enjoys them self."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 19:52:46 GMT -5
"If Her Grace is pleased, how could her leal servants be any less so?" he asked, leading his horse down the Kingsroad into the woods.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 19:57:29 GMT -5
Rose smiled, wistfully, "I wish my own happiness could inspire my subjects."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 20:05:27 GMT -5
"Who says it does not?" he inquired, the fresh air of the woods a welcome relief from the stink of the city. It felt more like home to him here than anywhere else ever had. "You are the face of the realm and the people take their lead from you. Smile and they will smile right along."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 20:06:46 GMT -5
Rose looked at Oswyn, and frowned slowly. She seemed to study his reaction. "You are not frowning. And I have smiled at Rickon a thousand times but he has never smiled back once."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 20:15:26 GMT -5
Oswyn laughed at that.
"I speak of the smallfolk, Your Grace." he explained. "Nobles by and large are a far more stubborn and dour lot, yet it is our role to keep the smile upon your face."
He leaned towards her then, with a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, you could always command Ser Rickon to smile back. I must admit I am curious to see it as well."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 20:17:12 GMT -5
"If I were to give such an order it would lead to people telling me I give frivolous commands." She sighed. "I do not need that."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 20:27:15 GMT -5
"Seeing a Northerner smile would hardly be frivolous." he jested. "I am certain you would be making history."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 20:30:21 GMT -5
Rose smiled warmly, "I have seen a northerner smile."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 20:36:01 GMT -5
"Who would that be?" he asked, raising a curious eyebrow as color spread to the queen's cheeks. He wondered how any northerner could smile at the current political climate.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Oct 16, 2013 20:52:26 GMT -5
"Edric Stark. He is quite taken with my wit." Rose replied. "Some people have no taste."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Oswyn Baratheon on Oct 16, 2013 20:58:23 GMT -5
"Yes, your grandfather mentioned you were quite taken with the lad." he remarked, giving no indication to his feelings either way. "Said you were fond of the pup he brought you."
|
|
Hope you all are well and happy.