The Dun Fort

[Deleted]

"Ah, after the hunt," Alla said tactfully. "It will be good for Lord Arryn to have trustworthy and capable men with him."

[House Dustin]

Roland nodded, "I hope that is what I can be. So, what will you do here?"

[Deleted]

"Enjoy the town, help Aranya raise those brats," Alla smiled. "Train with Aranya, I expect. My skills aren't as high as I'd like them, and she's one of the best. You should spar with her too, before you leave."

[House Dustin]

"I will if the lady wishes it. Do you have any pointers for the melee on the morrow? Would that I show as well in it as I have the joust."

[Deleted]

"You can hardly take pointers from me," Alla laughed. "If I remember correctly, you fared much better than I did in the previous melee at the King's tournament. I am sure you will do well though, ser. You have already shown you have the blood of a Royce. Perhaps in time you will hold your own against the likes of Lord Jon Royce himself!"

[Deleted]

Aranya laughed and admitted defeat as she and Vance rode into the inner portcullis.

[House Dustin]

Roland laughed, "Lord Jon Royce! That would be a feat-- I shall strive to attain such a skill at arms. He really laid his foes to waste in the King's Landing Melee." Roland's mirth diminished, "The world is not like Tedmyn's Down, where I knew war and a simple life. Soon I shall return to the Vale, and once again take up arms for blood rather than sport. I wonder..." Roland trailed off as he realized he'd maybe said more than he'd intended.

[Deleted]

"You wonder...?" Alla prompted.

[House Dustin]

Roland presented a smile with a touch of embarrasment at the corners of his mouth. "I wonder if the Vale will feel the same? I am not the man I was when I left, will I yearn for some of those things I've found outside?"

[Deleted]

"I'm sure the Vale won't be what it once was to you. You were just a humble knight ranging in the mountains; now you're a Captain with the Vale Watch and you'll ride under Lord Quinn and Lord Rhodri. It will be hard work, but new work as well. I think you will enjoy it."

She smiled. "Look, I just saw Aranya and Ser Vance return. Don't they look chalky." Her mouth twitched. "You should duel with her before you leave. It will help you learn."

[House Dustin]

Roland looked over, confused by what Alla had said, before he understood. "Hm. I'd guess there's an interesting story describing how that state came about," Roland suggested, hand on his chin in a gesture of mock thoughtfulness. He held the pose for a moment and then said, "I have heard that my cousin is quite skilled in arms. I would learn whatever she has to teach me."

OOC: Have Aranya suggest that we train in the tourney thread, where Roland's asked if there's anything to do before he leaves.

[Deleted]

"It's not hard to guess, Ser Roland," Alla said dryly. "But yes, you would learn something if you asked her, I think."

Aranya was walking towards their table.

[House Dustin]

"Well, here she comes now." Roland smiled at his cousin, "Hello, Aranya. The food is excellent, thank you. How does the evening find you?"

[Deleted]

"Well enough," Aranya said. "Did I hear something about sparring?"

[House Dustin]

"Yes," Roland said. "Lady Alla here believes you might be able teach me a thing or two."