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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 17:18:13 GMT -5
"Well, only a king may legitimise a bastard," she told him. "I may be a woman but I sit in place of a king, so I can grant your request as no other can, so long as it pleases me to do so. I would like to see a test if your skill, if I may. Come walk with me to an open space."
She beckoned to him.
"How good are you with a blade?"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 3, 2009 17:23:49 GMT -5
Ned fell into step with the Queen, his walk a cautious stroll. He stretched his hand out in front of him.
"My sword is as much a part of me as my arm. Though I may not be the match of some of the more illustrious warriors, I can surely handle myself when it comes down to it."
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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 17:28:55 GMT -5
"Can you handle yourself against a woman, or are you too gallant to fight a female?"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 3, 2009 17:34:29 GMT -5
Ned opened his mouth to say something, but closed it with a frown.
"Normally I would have some hesitation to be honest, Your Grace. But if they were willing to accept whatever happens, or if they attacked me... then I am open to it."
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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 17:51:18 GMT -5
She smiled at him.
"I am willing to accept the consequences, but you must accept that I am with child and so I cannot engage you as whole-heartedly as might be wished."
She indicated her increasing bulk with a look of resignation.
"So...I am not as fast as I usually am. I hope you will bear that in mind?"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 3, 2009 17:54:10 GMT -5
Ned simply decided not to argue.
"No worries, Your Grace. No harm will come to the child."
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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 18:04:07 GMT -5
"Good. We'll used blunted swords, so you won't have to taste Valyrian Steel."
Rhaenys called for a pair of practice blades and, once the swords were handed to them, she faced Ned.
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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 18:26:56 GMT -5
She hadn't meant to knock Ned out, so Rhaenys ordered her squire to wake him. The boy knelt and shook the knight by the shoulder.
"Wake up, ser!"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 3, 2009 18:32:13 GMT -5
Groggily, Ned sat up. Moving aside the squire, he looked up at the Queen.
"Your Grace... I hadn't expected you to... Well, that's the Targaryens for you, I suppose."
Wobbling to his feet, Ned put an arm out to steady himself. Looking slightly embarrassed, he added
"Eh, Your Grace... If you would not tell anyone of this, I would appreciate it immensely."
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Post by Marie on Jul 3, 2009 19:02:10 GMT -5
"I won't say anything but we were observed," Rhaenys said. "I think you were simply unlucky, ser. I will look forward to seeing more of your skill in futre, though sadly I can't be your opponent for some time. You're hired."
She smiled to mitigate the inevitable sting of his defeat.
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 3, 2009 19:06:09 GMT -5
Ned nodded at the Queen, then looked around. The people would certainly talk, but it wasn't as if he was much admired anyway, being the bastard of a rebellious lord.
"Thank you, Your Grace. Is there something in particular you would have me do?"
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Post by Marie on Jul 4, 2009 8:00:01 GMT -5
"Not yet," she said. "We hardly know one another. Ride beside me when we enter Kings Landing, and as I get to know you better I will think upon what tasks suit you best. What skills do you possess?"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 4, 2009 16:41:02 GMT -5
Ned thought about this for a moment before speaking.
"I had thought my swordarm was my best quality, Your Grace, before... Aside from that though, I've got a fair amount of experience leading in battle. I fought with Ser Arrik Brand and numerous sellswords on Essos for half my life."
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Post by Marie on Jul 4, 2009 17:04:07 GMT -5
"I see. Well, Selwyn might be willing to take you on as one of his captains in time. I've no need of another captain myself at present, though. However...there is one post I've yet to fill, if you are interested?"
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Post by Eddard Storm on Jul 4, 2009 17:09:15 GMT -5
Ned smiled pleasantly.
"That would depend on what it is of course, but very likely I am interested, Your Grace. What is the post in question?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.