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Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2007 0:22:52 GMT -5
A small but well appointed stone keep overlooking meadows and fields which give way to forest, Stoatheart is the ancestral home of House Varner. It's banner flaps lightly in the breeze atop the gatehouse.
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Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2007 0:46:08 GMT -5
Francis was in the training yard, watching as some Varner men-at-arms practiced with sword, axe, mace and spear. A tingling at his neck warned him that someone was behind him, and Francis whirled in time to see Lord Jarrad, his long sword across his shoulder coming up behind him.
"Well tet, milord." Francis said, offering a quick bow. Jarrad responded with a quiet, "Well met brother." The two stood side by side for a moment, and they watched the training. Francis had to admit that in black ringmail and with the sun reflecting the blade, Lord Jarrad cut an imposing picture of a warrior.
"You know if it comes to hard times, being second born will mean nothing, and mother's grace won't save you." Lord Jarrad said, louder than necessary. Some men stopped training to look on. "You'd best know how to fight Francis, if you're to call yourself a Varner." Yet another one of his brother's attempts to embarrass him. Those the gods would destroy they first make proud, but as for men, they preferred their targets weak and wriggling in shame. Francis knew he could not give in.
"I'm as much of a Varner, and a fighting man, as you." Francis said, his voice steady, but not really feeling it. Lord Jarrad, and some of the other men laughed.
"Than prove it." Jarrad stepped into the center of the grounds, a ring of men soon surrounded them.
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Post by The Flint on Oct 31, 2007 20:49:09 GMT -5
Two of the men-at-arms reached out to help Jarrad up, as Francis stood at the ready, unsure of what his brother would make of defeat. Finally is brother, groggy, stood, and scowled at Francis.
"mayhaps you're fighter enough." Lord Jarrad said. "Perhaps we'll give it another try, and next time I won't hold back."
Francis had to remember not to hold his breath. "I'll do my best as well brother." He said simply, before turning heel and leaving.
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Post by melon on Nov 1, 2007 0:00:56 GMT -5
Lord Robert Hightower come riding in with 10 Knights, "I am here to see Lord Varner and his mother. Tell them Lord Robert Hightower is here to see them." Robert declares the first man he saw that looked as if he wielded any power.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 1, 2007 0:13:33 GMT -5
After a short while, the portcullis was raised, and Lord Hightower is admitted. His men and their horses are feed and watered as they need, and after a few more moments, a man shows Lord Robert to the hall, where Lord Varner and his esteemed mother Lady Ilisebeth sit on the dais. Off in the corner, near the rear of the hall, Francis is watching quietly.
"Lord Robert, well met," said Lady Varner, "You've made excellent time to Stoatheart, you must not have stopped at Oldtown first."
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Post by melon on Nov 1, 2007 0:16:26 GMT -5
"No I came directly from Highgarden. Rest of my men are riding back for Oldtown though but I came to collect you personally. Also I came here to speak to Lord Varner." Robert bows to the older man, "M'Lord."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 1, 2007 0:44:18 GMT -5
"Lord Robert, a much more pleasant meeting than our first." Lord Jarrad said, gesturing pointedly to his lack of chains. "My mother says that you and she exchanged words at Highgarden, and the mourning for Lord Barret produced a conciliatory effect, is that right?"
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Post by melon on Nov 1, 2007 0:50:38 GMT -5
"Yes I have come here to say sorry about the words I spoke out against you I was in the heat of the moment. Can you accept my apologize Lord Varner."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 1, 2007 13:24:32 GMT -5
"Of course Lord Robert. I will admit that I was also very uncouth towards you. I suppose it was frustrating to hear my fellow Reachlord making decisions based on emotions and hearsay. If you have time, I'd love to show you the ruined fields and orchards these so called refugees left me with. I find myself wondering what we will do if the harvest is not at its very best this year. Your apology is accepted. Please, let us act as if it had never happened."
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Post by melon on Nov 1, 2007 21:40:38 GMT -5
"Excellent but I am sorry I can not stay Lord Varner I must return to me lovely city it has been to long since I went back and I greatly want to see it again." Robert turns to Lady Varner, "M'Lady are you ready to come with me."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 1, 2007 21:44:37 GMT -5
Lady Varner nodded, turning towards Lord Varner, "Lord Jarrad, Lord Robert was kind enough to offer me a tour of Oldtown and its many sites. I shall be back in a little while."
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Post by melon on Nov 1, 2007 21:52:07 GMT -5
"Well then if you are ready it is time for us to depart." Robert bows to Jarrad then offers Lady Varner his arm.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 1, 2007 22:29:22 GMT -5
The two leave for Old town
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Post by The Flint on Nov 3, 2007 22:10:43 GMT -5
Francis and his small honor guard return to Stoatheart, which remains at high alert. He greets Maester Timlon and several lords bannerman, while Flea pulls off his boots.
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Post by melon on Nov 3, 2007 22:14:48 GMT -5
Garlan Rowan looking worse for wear rides into Stoatheart he asks if we may speak to Lord Francis after he is shown to a bathing facilities.
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Hope you all are well and happy.