Journey from White Harbour to Moat Cailin

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

The men and women who answered the High Septon's call travel on foot toward Moat Cailin. Their supplies are carried in a handful of carts that appear less than sturdy. The road is muddy due to recent rains, and the marchers are as a result dirty and in somewhat poor spirits.

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Ser Leyton marches at the head of the group. He had long since stored his plate along with the group's supplies and was now marching in the much lighter courtly garb he had brought with him. It was now filthy, and he planned to dispose of it once they reached kings landing. For now, however it was the best attire available to him. His hair was in disarray, dirt stained parts of his face, and the beginnings of a beard were covering what the dirt hadn't claimed. Leyton could not remember having been so dirty before, not even during the stepstones campaigns. His sword swung by his side as he set the pace near the front of the group.

(OOC: Anyone wishing to play an NPC is welcome to contribute.)

[Marie]

Setpon Gyles marched alongside Leyton. He wore his septon's robes and carried a staff but his own baggage included armour and a sword. Thoguh the march was long and tiring, he seemed happy to be out on the road engaged in their mission. And though he kept a solemn expression before their people, he had a light in his eyes.

"My dear boy, I thank the Warrior you have become a godly man at so young an age. I myself was, well, hardly the worst sinner in the world, but I was not the godliest man either. I do believe, should we be successful, you would make a fine commander for the Warrior's Sons when age and experience has seasoned you. If that is what you desire, of course. Many men prefer the comfort of a wife and children."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Dec 4, 2013 15:23:39 GMT -5 Marie said:

Setpon Gyles marched alongside Leyton. He wore his septon's robes and carried a staff but his own baggage included armour and a sword. Thoguh the march was long and tiring, he seemed happy to be out on the road engaged in their mission. And though he kept a solemn expression before their people, he had a light in his eyes.

"My dear boy, I thank the Warrior you have become a godly man at so young an age. I myself was, well, hardly the worst sinner in the world, but I was not the godliest man either. I do believe, should we be successful, you would make a fine commander for the Warrior's Sons when age and experience has seasoned you. If that is what you desire, of course. Many men prefer the comfort of a wife and children."

The praise brought a grin to Leyton's face. "Thank you, that is a fine compliment. I would indeed enjoy such a command; what ladies I know, erm, do not bring a concept of comfort to mind. I prefer what I understand, and from my experience it can be...well...difficult to understand female motivations."

[Marie]

Dec 4, 2013 15:40:33 GMT -5 Ser Leyton Hightower said:

The praise brought a grin to Leyton's face. "Thank you, that is a fine compliment. I would indeed enjoy such a command; what ladies I know, erm, do not bring a concept of comfort to mind. I prefer what I understand, and from my experience it can be...well...difficult to understand female motivations."

Gyles laughed softly.

"That it is. Yet their mystery and contradictions are intriguing. I won't deny I have known women, though never since I took my septon's vows. It is much harder to give up the pleasures of the flesh once you have known them. A different sort of sacrifice to never knowing them at all. I cannot tell you which is the best course, Leyton. Only you can decide that. But remember, the vows, once taken, are forever."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"Of course, Septon." Leyton declared solemnly. "Duty must come before all else."

He walked on in silence for several minutes. A hill in the distance was almost upon them by the time he spoke again. "Have you ever been tempted from your duties, Septon? It sounds as if the vows have been...difficult on you."

[Marie]

"Once or twice, aye. In the beginning I questioned my devotion to the Seven. I liked women well enough in my old life. I never denied myself the joy of a woman's embrace before I took my vows. After, though I knew I loved the gods, it was no easy thing to turn aside when a pretty woman looked my way. There was one occasion, I recall it well. A lady came to me seeking comfort after the Stranger took her husband. She wept in my arms and we became friends. More than friends. It was...not easy to say no to her." He smiled, remembering, though there was sadness in his expression too. Yet I knew I must."

He paused, looked straight at Leyton. "You do know that not all septons keep their vows? It is a terrible thing to say, I know, but not everyone is strong. Good intentions are well and good but some men cannot resist themptation."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"That is terrible." Leyton said sadly. "But the gods surely know who they are, and justice will no doubt be served in the end. I am heartened to hear that you are dutiful though. It is important that we all set the best example possible for our fellows." Leyton walked on mulling over the Septon's words with a distant look in his eye.

[Marie]

"Indeed it is. Time has made me more secure in my faith. But you, I think, have always honoured the gods above worldly pleasures. Is that not so?"

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"That is correct." Leyton nodded. "We live to serve."

[Deleted]

Brother Braumin had walked quietly beside the two men, listening to their conversation. He snorted at one point and shook his head.

"Sometimes I think that some of us forget that there are more ways than talking to give those we have sworn to protect comfort from the harsh reality they live in. I am not saying that we should sway from our oaths but you talk like the gods would punish you for your worldly desires, lad" he said and looked at Leyton. "They have far more important things to worry about, I am sure."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Dec 5, 2013 2:04:10 GMT -5 @xxl3gionnair3xx said:

Brother Braumin had walked quietly beside the two men, listening to their conversation. He snorted at one point and shook his head.

"Sometimes I think that some of us forget that there are more ways than talking to give those we have sworn to protect comfort from the harsh reality they live in. I am not saying that we should sway from our oaths but you talk like the gods would punish you for your worldly desires, lad" he said and looked at Leyton. "They have far more important things to worry about, I am sure."

"Like what?" Leyton asked managing to sound both curious and dismissive at the same time. He appraised Braumin with pale grey eyes, slowing his quick pace slightly.

[Erik]

A rider appeared in the distance down the road. He rode near enough to get a rough count of the Faithful, before turning back and disappearing over the horizon again.

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"Halt." Leyton commanded, stopping in his tracks. It did not take the intellect of the crone to appreciate that the rider had been a scout. "Arm yourselves." He instructed those around him, moving with a brisk stride to where he had stored his armor. His eyes scanned about quickly, appraising the terrain, and the Far Reach knight appeared less than happy with what he saw. It was possible of course that the rider came from a benign force, but in these godless lands he anticipated caution being advisable.

[Marie]

The men and the few women quickly armed themselves. Septon Gyles, however, did not immediately reach for his sword and armour.

"Let us not be hasty, my friend," he cautioned. "With the recent situation here in the North. we need to be sure they will let us pass in peace. We still have a way to go before we reach Moat Cailin and they say the crannogmen can make our passage through the Neck extremely uncomfortable."