Regrouping

[Lord Connor Tully]

"That we do," Connor says hesitantly. "Sojen Manderly you say?" Connor waves his men down and swords can be heard being driven back into their sheaths, though Connor simply lowers his.

"What may I ask are you doing in the Riverlands? I was told there were bandits here, I had not thought to run into northmen."

[Deleted]

Sojen raised his arm, and his men became visibly less tense, and relaxed their weapon arms.

He chuckled. "Seeking villains. A group called the God's Eyes. They have been killing and ravaging those who follow the Seven. A very peculiar revenge." He motioned towards his men, to where a wiry woman sat ahorse with one of his own men.

"Even Septas such as she."

[Lord Connor Tully]

"The Gods Eyes is it? I have been hunting them myself for the last few weeks. Have you informed Lord Banefort of your intentions? He has had reports of a skirmish between his own men and what he thought were bandits...do you know anything of this Master Sojen?" Connor still holds his sword, though he speaks in pleasant and friendly tones.

[Deleted]

"Aye." Sojen admits freely. "There was a skirmish, though it had more to do with egos than anything else."

He smiled. "Frey's can be hard to please, but they gave us no quarter, and bent us over their knee. It was quite the embarrassment, but I think we all learned our lessons."

[Lord Connor Tully]

Connors face grew dark and with a flick of his wrist swords are freed from their sheaths all around the northmen. "Then it was no bandits that the Frey men crossed swords with, but you."

The Lord of Riverrun sighs, "There is much confusion here, but I fear I must take you and your men into custody and bring you to the Twins until it is settled. I am sorry Master Sojen, but I was charged with the capture or destruction of you and your men, seeing who you are I would much rather take you alive. Once Lord Banefort sees who you are and hears the truth he will no doubt release you. But for now, I need your weapons, drop them on the ground and move away."

[Deleted]

"Banefort the Addled release us?" Sojen scoffed, though smiling.

"He will most like find us Wildlings and request our heads. We aim to pursue bandits, same as yourselves. Your Frey men already punished us by sending us running with our tails between our legs and killing eight of my men. I see that as the consequence fitting the crime."

He ruffled his hair roguishly and his smile turned wan.

"We are moving off of his lands, and we have raised no steel to you, Ser, nor do we intend to. Lest you bar our passage, that is." His eyes became jet then, his pitch dropping to a baritone.

"Because we will fight back, and some of your men will be killed. And you will have the task of explaining to their wives how their husbands were killed in a skirmish that didn't have to happen." Licking his lips, he continued, unbroken.

"Now, please, allow me to believe there is still some chivalry in this world and allow us to continue unmolested. This is not worth the hassle. Besides," he finished, with a wide grin. "There are bandits about, and all this petty horseplay will only allow them a larger margin of time with which to continue their no-goodery."

[Lord Connor Tully]

Connor's features harden and the grip on his sword tightens. "You will come with me, whether I must kill your men around you or not. Their fate is in your hands Sojen. You are few against many, how do you see it ending for you and your men? This is your last chance Manderly, refuse my good will again and my blade will be put to work," Connor says with a grin.

The rivermen all hold their swords ready should Sojen choose to refuse.

[Deleted]

"How about you do the most beneficial thing for us all?" Sojen says, smirking. "How about a duel? You know, real traditional problem solver." He ruffled his hair again.

"Prove your worth. Any woman can outnumber someone and win. Real men test their mettle in single combat." His eyes sparkled. "I'll even let you choose the weapon."

[Lord Connor Tully]

Connor looks to be thinking it over for a second before he dismounts, greatsword in hand. He hands his reigns to his squire and looks to Sojen.

"A duel then, by the sword. Should you win my men shall return to Riverrun and you shall not be bother by them henceforth. Should I win your men will leave the Riverlands and return to White Harbor. The winner shall give the proper respects to the losers body of course."

[Deleted]

"On one condition." Sojen said, dismounting as well, and nodding to Din.

"May I have your word that all of my belongings be returned to their rightful place? Everything on my person, and my sword as well should I falter?"

[Lord Connor Tully]

Connor nods. "Of course, and I would ask the same of you." Connor dons his half helm and makes ready.

"Whenever you are ready Master Sojen."

[Deleted]

Sojen smiles. "The same." He dons his headpiece and motions for Din to approach. The dark skinned lieutenant carried a long parcel in his arms, covered in cloth.

He handed the parcel to Sojen, who took it smiling. "You seem an honorable fellow, Ser Tully, I hold no grudge for you. You were sent on your duty, and are doing so brilliantly. If you yield, I shall accept that as a gracious win, and the terms will still stand."

He held up his spear for Din, who took it and moved back into formation. Sojen lofted the parcel up, removing the binds on it, and freeing the object beneath.

"Swords then." He said, brandishing the shiny Valryian blade. "This one is a bit on the unconventional side, but it'll do." He brought Ice up and prepared himself.

"Shall we?"

[Lord Connor Tully]

Connor glances at Ice with a look of curiosity, nothing more. "It is Lord Tully to you," Connor says before advancing.