The Kennels of Casterly Rock

[Horas]

The corners of Keath's mouth quirk upwards and his eyes twinkle -- he looks as though he is trying very hard not to burst into uprarious laughter.

"Of course, M'lady. I had forgotten what a peerless warrior you were. At, what... fourteen, fifteen, you've already killed several thousand knights, eh? Maybe a couple of dragons too?"

Kennos' face split into and uncontrollable grin. "My apologies then, M'lady. Thank you so very much for saving my life, I'm not sure what I would have done if you hadn't shown up. But whatever you do, you had best keep your little friend away from me, else she'll... snap me like a twig," Kennos has a hard time forcing out the last five words between his laughter.

"Firestorm indeed," he mutters as he kneels to see whether the kennelmaster was robbed or not.

The other Blackwood guard is staring at Aerie in shock, looking as though he would rather be anywhere other than the kennels of Casterly Rock at the moment.

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Under his breath Xavier replies, "Most nobles are. It was definitely a long sword. And he didn't have time to draw his belt knife. Cruel bugger too, to carve up the dogs." Hill spits again and looks around, following the blood trail with his eyes.

[Bunny-Rabbit]

ooc-its sheathed already.

[Teirney Lannister]

Aerie's mouth took on a severe downwards slant and her eyes narrowed into snake-like slit seeking out the enemy. There had always been the mocking jests and slurs behind her back about the "lady warrior-girl off to slay the dragons." It was a fact of life she had learned to accept, but never had a subordinate insult her in such a manner to her face. For a second, she was at a loss for words before they came bubbling up her throat like hot acid. "I am not fifteen," she hissed glacially, "simply because I am short. And I am sure you have slaughtered many knights with the bade of you insufferable ego, have you not? It is so like you gallant types to see only two adversaries in the world: other knights and mytical dragon creatures, no? Well, you have much you learn, Kennos, especially guarding that tongue of yours. It would be a pity if I would have to have Alyssa demonstarate how well she can truely pull them out, though snapping is her perference. If you doubt her, she will show you."

[Axell Lannister]

Steffen smiles. "A fine speech my lady. Very fine."

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Ignoring the bickering nobles, Xavier looks through the dog cages, "Looks like he didn't hesitate, just killed some dogs and the Kennel Master and ran." Turning slowly in circles Xavier frowned deeply.

"This feels like a diversion." Looking to one of his men he orders, "Hastings go and warn Bardwyn to double the guard every where. This isn't right. Double time it."

Hastings runs toward the keep proper at full speed. Xavier starts following the blood trail from the kennels into the courtyard.

[Horas]

As Aerie grows angrier, Kennos only seems to become more amused.

"Of course, M'lady, of course. I see now that your wisdom is far greater than mine own. I would much prefer to keep my tongue, as well -- I think I'd be considerably less useful to Horas without it. And there are the women of the Riverlands to think of. How they'd mourn if poor Ser Kennos lost his tongue!"

Kennos Keath turns to face Steffen, still in a merry mood.

"Hail, Lord Steffen. If we get any more guests, we may be busier than the feast itself."

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"I can think of at least one person who wouldn't be disappointed if you lost your toungue." Following the blood until it trails off Xavier returns to snarky tones of Kennos' voice.

[Axell Lannister]

Its certainly more interesting. What exactly is going on? *looks amused*

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Xavier looked at Steffen, "Apparantly that man over there," he points at the corpse, "Was murdered. And the culprit cut up some of the dogs too. Its strange and depraved."

[Axell Lannister]

Steffen scratches his chin. "How strange. And curious. Is this all you know?"

[Bunny-Rabbit]

"It is all I know about this murder. Which is what I presume you mean to ask." Xavier looked about the scene again and again still working the details in his head.

[Horas]

A third Blackwood guard arrives, and speaks briefly and quietly to Ser Kennos.

"Well, we're done here," Kennos says, "Enjoy the rest of the party, my lords and ladies."

The first night of feasting is ending, but Kennos returns to the guest quarters set aside for the Blackwoods in Casterly Rock.

[Bunny-Rabbit]

Xavier almost stops him, then decides he prefers it with out the annoying knight. He motions and one of his men follows after Ser Keath to verify his story.

[Teirney Lannister]

Fiera bristled fiercely, her hands curling into tight fists of fury. It was all she could do to keep them at her sides and spare Kennos’ head a pounding. The man has such nerve, to dare speak to her like that. Perhaps she would set Alyssa to slip something in his drink later; it would be a fine spectacle to see him sick up on himself, though Alyssa might not enjoy taking such a blunt order from her. After all, they were friends (despite the fact Alyssa was considerably older) and friends did not command each other about. She was lucky Alyssa did so much for her with so few question when they were out in public—the woman seem to understand Aerie’s desperate need and lonely isolation from both the female and male sphere in which she sat in the middle—, but when they were alone, they stood on a even plane and Alyssa could bully a rock into submission.

Aerie gave a start as Lord Lannister praised her tirade, and grinned sheepishly at him. “I’m afraid I get rather carried away sometime,” she admitted, donning an abashed smile for his benefit. You must excuse my outburst, but the man is trying.” As Kennos slid away, a complacent smile curved the edges of Aerie’s lips as she observed his retreating back. “Yes, dear Kennos, leave without learning a thing…” she hissed with vitriolic pleasure, soft enough so it was inaudible to foreign ears. “I, unlike you, came here to accomplish something. A pity you are such an idiot.” Her eyes gleamed with a triumphant malevolence. Aerie shook off the spasms of loathing that were sluicing down her spine—she really needed to have a talk with her dear brother Warren about him—, she turned to where Alyssa and the guards were speaking in hushed tones, following the trails of blood with thoughtful interest. Alyssa looked uneasy and the guard rather grim. Aerie moved towards them.

Alyssa saw Aerie making her way towards them, her face still tight with wrath, and she shot Xavier an appreciative glance. “Thank you for your insight. You are wise in this sphere. Now the lady is coming this way, so I shall relate the details to her, if you don’t mind. She will want to know, I’m afraid. She likes to feel as if her life is in mortal danger.” Alyssa rolled her eyes hopelessly.

“Thank you, Xavier, for being such a help to us. You will be rewarded by my brother, be assured. But now, we must move on. If you don’t mind; Alyssa?” Alyssa smiled warmly at the guard and moved to Aerie side, the two striding after Lord Lannister and Kennos with heads bowed in heated conversation. Aerie let out a laugh of victory.