Raventree Hall

[Ollie]

Ser Dunnock swigs his ale appreciatively, and after savoring the thick, barley taste on his tongue, gives a nod of thanks to his benefactor. "So where from y'come ridin' in, Daeron? Skulking around Pinkmaiden in search of those daughters o' Lord Piper?"

[Horas]

"Oh, a little of that, to be sure," Daeron laughs. "Mostly been down by Willow Wood, though. Lord Ryger was having some bandit troubles, so Kenton and I swore on for a time." Daeron shrugs. "Wasn't too much knightly glory to be had, but a man's gotta have something to do."

[Ollie]

"Aye, somthin' t'do. Why d'ye think I was askin' ye 'bout th' daughters?"

The Bloody Sparrow chortled into his mug as he took another sip. "You thinkin' of entering the tourney, eh?"

[Horas]

"I'm thinking about winning the tourney, yes," Daeron smiles.

As he says the words, the whinying of horses and shouts of greeting from men can be heard from the courtyard. "Those must be Terrence's guests," Daeron says, looking towards the door.

[Ollie]

Dunnock rolled his shoulders. "Mus' be," he muttered, draining the rest of his ale and calling for another. "I rightly saw th' men drilled and prepared. Ain't nothin' I rightly 'ave to do else." The Bloody Sparrow raised his glass to Daeron, "Cheers."

/////

Olander dismounted from his mare and handed the reigns to the stableboy before plucking his black riding gloves from his hands and tucking them securely in his belt. The northmen accompanying came down from their mounts as well, mulling about as they stretched their legs.

"Let's go find your father, shall we Lucas?"

[Horas]

His father was not long in coming. Lord Terrence Blackwood sweeps out into the yard to greet his guests, the raven-feathered cape traditionally worn by the Lord of Raventree Hall billowing out behind him.

"Lord Olander," Terrence offers a warm smile, "It is a distinct honor to have you. Lucas has spoken nothing but praise for you in his letters." Lord Blackwood turns to his son next. "It is good to see you again, Lucas. You have not been giving Lord Reed any trouble, I hope?"

Lucas shakes his head, "Course not, father."

Terrence smiles. "Run along and say hello to your mother and siblings, now. They should be in the solar."

After the younger Blackwood runs off, Terrence turns back to Olander. "You must be tired from your journeys. Can I offer you bread or wine?"

[Ollie]

Olander nodded appreciatively. "A glass of red would be a welcome respite, thank you. I've brought a collection of herbs from the Neck," he soffered, gesturing to the twin bundles attached to the saddle of their pack horse. "Lucas seemed to enjoy them. Though, maybe he was just being polite," Olander said with a smirk.

[Horas]

Terrence chuckles lightly. "My son has many strengths, but unless he has changed a great deal in the last four years, I do not think I would count 'polite' among them."

"My men will take care of your things. We can speak in my study, and I will see about finding you that glass of red." Terrence leads the way into the keep.

[Ollie]

Olander walks abreast with Terrence to his host's solar.

[Horas]

//////////////////////

Over the next few days, more Riverland knights gather at Raventree Hall. On the fourth day after Lord Reed's arrival, Terrence Blackwood and his men set out toward's King's Landing.

[Ollie]

Having become throughly sloshed with Ser Daeron the night of their arrival, The Bloody Sparrow was not informed of exactly who his lord's guests were until the following morning.

Northmen? the ember-haired hedge knight thought, exasperatedly. Not just any northmen, but Lord Olander's northmen? Dunnock was well aware young Master Lucas had gone to Winterfell to foster, but hadn't a clue that it was under his half-brother he was being taught and raised. A pang of guilt and sadness struck the Master-at-Arms to finally learn of his father's expected death, but the feelings were pushed aside to make room for more contemporary woes. Throughout Lord Reed's stay at Raventree Hall, and in their journey to King's Landing, The Bloody Sparrow did his best to make himself scarce around the men from the Neck.