Ser Benfry Smith and Lady Aranya Royce

[Deleted]

"Will you take on my son as your squire? He is ten years old, an athletic and strong boy, already beginning to learn the arts of warfare, very eager too."

[wookie]

"Squire? I do not go much in for warfare and tourneys milady. My blade is sworn to protect the King, not seek glory for myself. He would see more of the realm with another man. I will of course take him if you wish it though from what I hear, I can teach him the sword no better than his mother" he smiled, eyes crinkling

[Deleted]

Aranya grinned at the compliment. "Always the gallant one, you are. I think I should spar against you one day, to see if my blade is still as sharp."

Her eyes grew warm. "Thank you, my lord. It's not warfare alone I want him to learn, but how to be a knight. That is something I cannot teach him, and which you are best equipped to. You are by far the most honorable knight in the Seven Kingdoms."

[wookie]

Benfry laughed warmly "I doubt that my lady, but I try not to let the nobility get too cloying" he grinned

[Deleted]

"I doubt they will," Aranya said, winking. "You are sensible and grounded, and have integrity bred into the bone. I sometimes forget men like you still exist.

"Shall I send for Brynden?" She disappeared for a few minutes, sending her steward to find the boy. After a while, she returned with a skinny ten-year old with messy red hair, bold dark eyes and dirt on his cheeks. The scruffy little Lord of Duskendale straightened his tunic slightly and entered after his mother, looking around.

"Brynden, this is Lord Commander Benfrey Smith, the Regent of the realm and commander of the Kingsguard," Aranya said. "You are his squire, and must serve him with intelligence, honesty, and loyalty."

Brynden's eyes were on the white knight, and he listened to his mother's instructions a little absently - he appeared to know the rules of squiring. Benfry thought the boy looked interested and a little awed.

Brynden bowed to the Lord Commander. "I am honored that you would take me on, my lord, and promise to serve you well," he said politely. Before he could stop himself he added, "And I'm already learning the sword!"

Aranya rolled her eyes.

[wookie]

Benfry got on to one knee, to bring his head level with the young lad's and said softly
"A pleasure to meet you, Brynden. I'm sure you will grow into a mighty warrior, if your family's heritage is anything to go by" he said with a small smile

[Deleted]

Brynden's eyes were busy taking in the white armor and cloak, but he said, "I know. I will be the best."

His mother lightly hit the back off his head. "Box his ears if you like. He thinks to much of himself," she snorted. "But in any case, I will leave him with you now, and send his things later. Thank you once again, my lord. I am glad we met."

[wookie]

"Confidence is good in a knight, Brynden. Arrogance is not. I will teach you the difference" he said with a smile.

He got to his feet once more and nodded to Lady Aranya "It was good to meet you milady. I hope your eastern adventures are behind you for now. The Crownlands have been all the poorer for your absence"

[Deleted]

Aranya twinkled at him. "I am back home for good now, my lord. And I hope I can contribute in some little way to the crownlands. Shall I tell you something, just between you and me? Lady Aerie and I are going to breed horses." Aranya looked excited.

Brynden had the sense not to say anything and bowed his head to Ser Benfry.

[wookie]

Benfry quirked an eyebrow "Indeed? Well, good luck with that endeavour Lady Royce" he said in a tone of polite dismissal, before he took Brynden away and showed him where the Lord Commander's gear was kept and to introduce him to the King's Men guarding the tower so that he could be recognised and gain entry in future.

[Deleted]

Aranya said her good byes and left with a smile.

Brynden absorbed the information eagerly, and introduced himself cheerfully to the King's Men.

[Deleted]

/////////

Brynden opened the door to find his mother there, but this time it was not a surprise. She was Mistress of Laws, and lived in the Red Keep for most of the time now.

"How's Black Snow?" he asked immediately.

"Very well," Aranya answered, ruffling his hair and smiling. "She's at Greycopse with Lady Aerie..."

"Greycopse?" Brynden asked in dismay. "You sent my horse to Greycopse?"

"Brynden, you're not to have her while you live in King's Landing anyway," Aranya said sternly. "If you are responsible, I might give you Winterfrost. Now, where is Ser Benfry?"

Brynden perked up a little, and then went to find Benfry.

[wookie]

Benfry comes in being dragged by the hand by Brynden, looking a little exasperated.
"What's this all about Bryn...oh! Lady Aranya!" he looks surprised

[Deleted]

"Forgive if I am disturbing you, my lord," Aranya said. "Do you think we could talk for just five minutes?"

Brynden adjusted Ser Benfry's white cloak, which had somehow gotten caught in his belt, and then stepped away to tend to the fire.

[wookie]

Benfry took a seat
"Of course. I take it this is a personal matter and not something for the Small Council?"