The Training Yard

[Ser Kyle Payne]

They stepped off the training grounds, and Kyle helped Benjen lean against a tree, "Do you like the feeling of your blade cutting through another man?"

[Marie]

"Aye, when the cause is right or the bloodlust is upon me. It's a feeling like none other. Strenght, power...challenge. I'll wager you know what I mean."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle shakes his head, neither joy nor sorrow showing on his face, "No. It is not a good feeling. Do you not feel remorse for the lives that you take? The people that have fallen before you simply because they could not defend themselves? I do. They had people waiting for them, more often than not. Fathers. Mothers. Lovers. Siblings. All of those people will never be able to see their loved one again because of a blade." He leans in so his face is little more than six inches from Benjen's, "Who will miss you when you're gone?"

[Marie]

"The Queen and my mother, perhaps a few of the crannogmen. No-one else. I don't care, though. I am not sentimental," Benjen said with a shrug. "I've killed a few men but not hordes and of course I am aware they have kin to miss them but you can't afford to be sentimental about these things. It's kill or be killed, in war, and I'd not want to die so some other man could live."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle backed off, hanging his head, "Good. You are at least still human." He looked up. "Maybe I could talk to one of the other lords or ladies here, look for a job. It is clear that King Daeron wants nothing to do with me, so I will avoid the royal family if at all possible."

[Marie]

"The king is not interested in things that do not concern him directly. However, there must be someone who would be glad for your service. Trouble is, half the people at Court have royal blood now."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle nodded, "I know that. I only meant people in the direct regency, such as King Daeron, Queen Joanna, Queen Morgan, or Prince Maekar. I will most likely speak with Lady Wylde, as well as Lady Dayne." He looked off into space, deep in thought, "I did hear that one of Lady Dayne's men was slaughtered in a joust recently."

[Marie]

"Aye, there you go then. The two ladies you speak of have excellent reputations though I personally have not spoken with them despite their close connections to my own mistress. My recommendation would mean nothing else I'd gladly give it, but I'll wager the Queen herself would be pleased to speak on your behalf if you need it."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

A smile worked its way onto Kyle's face, "It wouldn't hurt."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

Kyle stood and waved goodbye to Benjen, "I have to go the gardens. I need a little time to think. Thank you for the sparring, though." He walked away, replacing the practice spear as he went along.