AGOT - Winter is Coming - Solo - Chapter 1 & 2

[Widowmaker]

As you start to give the men there various assignments they nod there head and you can see in there eyes they understand what you are saying.

Brandon stands and pats his legs. "Hmm, which camp do I want to visit first ... until later Karrwin. I will see you at the dinner." He makes off for another part of the tent.

Tyler follows behind Brandon "I will be here before the dinner, My Lord."

Jeremiah looks at you, then at Eon. "No offense my lord, but we Maesters are not spys. We took an oath and I see your assignment at odds with that. Just as if someone asked me what you were planning I would not tell."

He swallows and continues "I know this may sound strange, but the Greyjoys believe in many things, but Maesters are not one of them. I do know a few people, I will contact them. Maybe they will be able to help. With your permission."

Eon is the last standing " I would never argue with the others present, but I have two concerns." He sits in a unoccupied chair. From the time you have known him until now, Eon seems very concerned.

"First I think it is a mistake entering the tournament. The Men of the North rarely fight in such things. It would not look strange if we did not. I would advise you to reconsider, I would not ask such a thing. I would enjoy bashing a few Southern skulls. But there are two many dangers."

"Second, you want me to stay here. Am I being punished, have I disappointed you!" Eon says looking at you sincerely.

 

[Starman]

Jeremiah looks at you, then at Eon. "No offense my lord, but we Maesters are not spys. We took an oath and I see your assignment at odds with that. Just as if someone asked me what you were planning I would not tell."

"I understand your oath Jeremiah. If you are not comfortable doing this I understand. If you could simply ask for news from the Iron Islands I would appreciate it."

"Second, you want me to stay here. Am I being punished, have I disappointed you!" Eon says looking at you sincerely.

"No, Eon! I apologize if I gave you that impression. I trust you more than anyone else when it comes to the safety of our encampment. With the attack on my family, I wanted you here to ensure that all necessary precautions were taken.

"As for the tournament, I understand your concerns. I have them myself. However, I think they would think it strange if we traveled all this way and no one entered the lists. I have no intention of entering myself. I feel that would be disasterous. However, letting some of the men enter will give us a chance to be there observing, talking, and finding out more about what we have gotten ourselves embroiled in."

 

[Widowmaker]

Eon slowly looks around. "I know some men, they are trustworthy and competent Tourney fighters. I ask your leave to seek these men out. They are only a days ride. They will pledge there loyalty to House Stark. They are hedge knights. They have been looking for a house to join, I have asked them to come to the North many a time, but they never could because of expenses."

After your conversation with and his departure. You settle into a warm bath. Lord Caswell and Lord Fossoway made it possible for every Great Lord to have a private tub. Your relaxation is short lived as you must get ready for the Hosting.

Jeremiah, Tyler, Eon, and Brandon have all left to either the Hosting or somewhere else.

You walk to the tourney field by yourself, except the two guards Eon has assigned you. As you enter into the field you can see it has been transformed into a royal feast. There are enough tables to seat 500. Jesters and minsterels play, servants are busy running here and there, and the lords and ladies sit talking and laughing.

A servant wearing the royal tunic greats you. "Lord Stark if you would follow me please." As you make your way to the front you can see the seating has been divided by house. On the far left is House Stark. Brandon and Eon arrive talking. In the middle is that of House Tyrell. You notice Tanya sitted near the front, she talking to one of her ladies. On the right is House Lannister. As you passby you notice Ser Devan, he notices you and nods his head.

You make your way to the head table. The King is seated in the middle. On his right are Lord Caswell, a youth of your age. Not a knight or warrior by nature you can see he is pampered and would be more comfortable at court. Next to him sit Lord Leo Tyrell, the Green Knight. He looks apt and strong. Only a few years older than you, he appears relaxed and happy. He sits next to his wife, from the rumors you have heard she is cunning and dangerous when it comes to games. She is beautiful, but you can see something bothers her. She seems tense and avoids looking at the King.

[sblock] Spot check - 15 (roll) + 4 (skill) = 19 [/sblock]

Behing the King off to the sides sit two tables. On houses the Royal family. You see young Viserys and one of his sisters. He makes eye contact with you and follows you all the way to your seat. At the other table sit members of the Small Council, Kingsguard, and Royal Household.

Seat nexted to the King on the left is Lord Thommas Fossoway. His hair has started to turn a slight grey. He appears adept at either the sword or at games of state. He nods to you as you sit. "I heard there was Wolf from the North. I finally meet the son of the man who stole one of my best Knights" He states looking over at you. At first his stare is enough to make you uncomfortable.

"So who would you wager will win the Tourney? Lord Tyrell has been looking good over the last few tourneys." He looks to you, when he talks to you this time he has a look of calm.

"I have heard that a few of the Lords are starting to make wagers and garner support for there cause. Even this evening a wager was proposed to me." He looks over at you.

 

[Starman]

I wish I had someone I know sitting next to me. "Well, I can't say that I am a gambling man, so I am not planning on placing a wager, myself. Who did you make a wager with?" Karrwin asks.

 

[Widowmaker]

Lord Fossoway looks over at you "I have made wagers with too many Lords to count. Although my bet is on Lord Leo to win, although he might not enter the fight."

"And you, who are you rooting for? Are you entering into the tourney?" Lord Thommas looks over at you.

Around the field various Lords and Ladies start to take there seats. The Hand stands and walks to the front of the stage area. "Lords and Ladies, The King, Lord Caswell, and Lord Fossoway are pleased to announce the start of this years Royal Tournament. There will days and days of events. Tomorrow starts the Lists. But for tonight starts the Hosting!" With that he turns and walks away. You notice the King chuckle just a little and then waves the servants on.

Out of the corner of your eye you see Lord Fossoway turn and shake his head ever so slightly. Soon there is music and entertainment.

 

[Starman]

"I will not be entering the tourney. I am with my father in taking a dim view of tournaments. My men are free to enter if they wish however." Karrwin pauses. Enough small talk. Let the real games begin. "So, tell me, Lord Fossoway, do you really think that there will be a rebellion?"

 

[Widowmaker]

"You play a dangerous game. You sit here at the Kings table with him only a few feet from me. The small council sits only a little further back. But to answer your question, Yes." Before he answers and says the last few words he picks up his goblet. The last bit you can barely hear over the sounds of the crowd and singing.

"I have been told you have an interest in Tanya Redwyne. If so I maybe of some help on that matter." Lord Fossoway states.

 

[Starman]

Karrwin tries not to choke on his drink. How does he know about that? "Uh, I think that I can handle that matter on my own, thank you." The youth takes a moment to regain his composure before continuing. "As for games, I am merely making conversation. The King knows where House Stark stands."

 

[Widowmaker]

"The King knows where no one stands, you see he trusts very few people. And then again since you are from the North you should no the Kings dislikes talk of the rebellion. The King feels that those that talk about it have doubts about him. And those that have doubts don't have loyalty. Those that are not loyal are traitors." He states hard and cold.

"As to your other matter be careful Tanya's father sits on the Small Council. He will not let you marry his daughter without something more than being the second son of a Greater Lord. You will need my help." He says the last bit as sincere as possible.

 

[Starman]

"I thank you for your offer of assistance with my personal life, but I assure you that I can handle that on my own." He takes a sip of his wine. Is this really what these southroners do? Practice playing these games all day? I'm all ready exhausted.

"Being from the north means I'm not well versed in the King's favorite subjects. I think the King makes a mistake not talking about it. Ignoring it does not make it go away. However, I have no wish to offend the King and I won't bring it up again."