The Tourney at Harrenhal: Early Days

[Adamat]

"It's wonderful!" Lysa stated, her smile widening when she caught a grin forming on the normally stoic Stannis' face. "The whole of the realm's chivalry appear to be present. I love everything about this - all the colors, the merriment, the food...but don't tell Cat that, she always gets so fussy whenever she catches me taking so much as an extra honeycake or two after supper," She said with a wink. "What do you think the King is like? To be perfectly honest, I've never seen him once all these years, not even when Father took us to the capital. But I expect he's a handsome sort, he must be to father Prince Rhaegar." Lysa added with a carefree laugh. She might've had eyes for nobody other than her father's ward these last few years, but that didn't make her totally blind to the good looks of other men, especially not the Dragon Prince who was equally famed for his good looks, musical talent and skill with a lance.

Hoster, for his part, dug into his grouse with a sudden burst of vigor, rather than acknowledge his daughter's words. Handsome? Yes, King Aerys had been that once. Sane, too, and intelligent. But those days were long behind them all now, as his relationship with the lords of the realm and his own Hand Tywin Lannister grew stormy for no readily apparent reason beyond an oncoming bout of Targaryen madness, and after that mess with the overconfident and treacherous Darklyns at Duskendale he finally completely disappeared from public view - until this tourney, of course. The Lord of Riverrun was hoping against hope that he'd see something left of the proud and clever king he knew, but he'd already admitted to himself that that was unlikely after he shut himself up in the Red Keep for four years, and at this point was beginning to seriously entertain the idea of a Baratheon-Tully match between his ward and second daughter to protect himself in case Aerys'...'condition' had only worsened over the last four years.

"Royals are supposed to look above average," Stannis answered after a moment of thinking. "Appearance is quite important to show your station, and yes, I suppose Rhaegar does look the part." Stannis leaned in closer, making sure no passers-by could hear what he said. "Supposedly, the King went mad, though. The classical Targaryen coinflip between madness and greatness, have you heard of it? They say Aerys sees threats everywhere, and reacts to them as if every matter is one of life and death." He sighed. "A most uncomfortable way to spend your days, I suppose. Luckily, my own Targaryen blood has been diluted to a point where I don't have to worry about such matters."

[Jokern]

"It is good to see you too, Myles." she said with a smile. "I have been good, little has changed at Maidenpool. You know our cousin Lord Mathos is not much at home, often traveling. But when he is home, we all have it rough, then a dances and feasts are given in his honour and his great pleasure. You know the people love him for it. Don't excuse yourself for the Prince, I am glad for you, in the retinue for the Prince! How many of us can say that!" she laughed; all those high born people were so full of themselves, but whenever one of higher rank came along, they all wanted their favour, one way or anther. "I am sure Lord Mathos would love to be in his party."
Florianne stood next to them. "Hi Myles!" she said and looked with great anticipation to him.
"You still remember your little cousin Florianne, do you?" Rosemund asked. In the last year she had grown from an awkward boy-ish child into a maiden.
"Do you like my dress? It is my own design."

"It's good to hear that much hasn't changed at Maidenpool, especially cousin Lord Mathos. How I miss those feasts, but I guess I can't complain. It is an experience in itself to be counted among the prince's confidants, I'll give you that, and it's something I wouldn't trade for the world. Prince Rhaegar is an amazing man."

Myles turned to Florianne, smiling at her.

"Of course I do, how could I forget my own flesh and blood? We used to play so much when we were young, now we're all grown up and are spread out over Seven Kingdoms. It's a very nice dress, Florianne, though I am not an expert on dresses."

Ser Baelor, who had concluded his discussion with Lord Redwyne amicably over a goblet or three of wine, elected to get some fresh air to clear his mind. Alcohol did him little good, it seemed, especially a vintage so sweet that one forgot they were, in fact, imbibing alcohol, and not the nectar of the Seven themselves! Accompanied by but a few retainers, Hightower found himself far away from his own sigil, though spotted one remarkably similar - a tower upon black and red, the arms of Grafton. Thoroughly bored and at the inane celebrations, he decided to approach, the Hightower banner clearly sewn across his breast.

Lady Gwyneth Grafton had been enjoying the pastime before the beginning of the tourney discussing the latest gossip with her cousins and retainers' daughters. The opening ceremony, with the king appointing Jaime Lannister to the Kingsguard, and subsequently sending him back to King's Landing dominated most of the conversation. Some thought it was recognition of the young Lannister's abilities against the Kingswood Brotherhood, others argued it was a slight against the Hand of the King, yet another sign of Aerys' growing jealousy for his capable friend and vassal. All agreed, however, that not letting the knight participate in the tourney and prove his newly earned cloak was a shame. In the middle of the conversation, a knight entered the tent and bowed to Gwyneth.

"My lady, there is a man outside who wishes to enter. He claims to be Ser Baelor Hightower."

Lady Grafton gave the knight a smile and a nod.

"Thank you, Ser Florian, he may enter."

The knight bowed and quickly left, letting Ser Baelor enter in his stead. Gwyneth made a courteous bow to heir to Lord Hightower. He was older than her, though still with a handsome complexion. However, one could not help but notice the slightly reddish hue of the nose, suggesting at least a few cups of wine.

"Ser Baelor, welcome to the humble abode of House Grafton at Harrenhal. I am Lady Gwyneth Grafton, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How has the tourney treated you so far."

Lewyn bowed deeply towards the prince, offering a soft word of thanks. Doran, ever the lord, followed suit. "For all the care given to my dear sister in her condition, I doubt that she needs even our presence." The accompanying smile did not possess the same vigour as the words were to suggest. "A most pleasant image you will strike in the tilts, I have not doubt​."

"You give me too much credit, Prince Doran, I only do what any husband would do for his wife."

At the mention of the tilts, Rhaegar's gaze turned to the tourney grounds. Frankly, he had never had much interest in jousting and dueling like other men his age did. Yet it had been clear that a warrior was what demanded of him, and so he had picked up sword, lance and shield. Time and again, he had showed the realm his martial prowess, but the cheering crowds had never satiated his soul as much as an ancient book or conducting a song on his harp did. Even now, he had his doubts about participating, but in the end he would do it. Rhaegar turned back to Doran with a light smile.

"Then I will have to give an impressive performance then. I can't disappoint my wife and my brothers-in-law, so pray that the Warrior gives me strength these coming days. Is not Prince Oberyn participating, though?"

[Gandalfus]

Lady Gwyneth Grafton had been enjoying the pastime before the beginning of the tourney discussing the latest gossip with her cousins and retainers' daughters. The opening ceremony, with the king appointing Jaime Lannister to the Kingsguard, and subsequently sending him back to King's Landing dominated most of the conversation. Some thought it was recognition of the young Lannister's abilities against the Kingswood Brotherhood, others argued it was a slight against the Hand of the King, yet another sign of Aerys' growing jealousy for his capable friend and vassal. All agreed, however, that not letting the knight participate in the tourney and prove his newly earned cloak was a shame. In the middle of the conversation, a knight entered the tent and bowed to Gwyneth.

"My lady, there is a man outside who wishes to enter. He claims to be Ser Baelor Hightower."

Lady Grafton gave the knight a smile and a nod.

"Thank you, Ser Florian, he may enter."

The knight bowed and quickly left, letting Ser Baelor enter in his stead. Gwyneth made a courteous bow to heir to Lord Hightower. He was older than her, though still with a handsome complexion. However, one could not help but notice the slightly reddish hue of the nose, suggesting at least a few cups of wine.

"Ser Baelor, welcome to the humble abode of House Grafton at Harrenhal. I am Lady Gwyneth Grafton, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How has the tourney treated you so far."

Baelor had not heard that Lord Grafton was not a lord at all, but rather a lady; Hightower recovered from this pleasant surprise quickly, executing a gracious bow before closing the distance between them, gently pressing his lips onto the outstretched hand.

"Lady Grafton, it is my honour." Baelor flashed a courteous grin, face still fair and youthful despite having reached his thirtieth year. "I must confess I am eager for the lists to begin. Westeros has never seen a finer array of knights, wouldn't you agree, my lady?"

[Alexandrine]

Quietly does Walter ponder upon the offer made by Lord Mooton. An alliance with their Riverlord neighbor could have its perks... plus the Mootons were a notable and powerful house within the Bay of Crabs. Their neighboring presence would help with defensive and favorable trade pacts. In fact, Whent had hoped to find a worthy husband for his daughter within the Riverlands, just as he sought suitable marriages for his sons as well. Calmly does Lord Whent nod.

This is most suitable to me, Lord Mooton. A union between you and my maiden daughter will be a match made by the Seven indeed.

"Splendid!" Lord Mathos said. "This is a great day for both our houses. Are you planning to announce the union at the tourney? I will never wear any maidens favour, but hers." He was silent for a second. "When do we have the chance to meet each other?" He never thought he would link himself without even seeing the maid! What a folly; Gods pray she did not have the face of a horse.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lord Whent glances behind him, noticing a group of knights sworn to his household, escorting both his wife and daughter from Harrenhal.

You may see her presently, Lord Mooton.

He extends his hand, letting Dana take it and brought her up to see the Lord Mooton in person.

My dearest Dana, meet your betrothed. This is Myles Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool.

Quietly, Dana curtsies Lord Mooton. She was a beautiful young lady, but nervous to the core in meeting all these lords. Walter smiles at his daughter.

​Tell me Lord Mooton, do you have any eligible ladies for my sons among your household?

[Barry Goldwater]

And a pleasure to meet you as well, my lady. Brandon replied with an ivory grin. If you don't mind my saying. He began. Your father did you a disservice, my lady. You're beauty is thrice that of what he discribed. Brandon sheathed his blade gracefully, as if he'd been sharpening it for the purpose of putting it away. But where are my manners, my lady. He countied, reaching out his hand toward hers and placing a gentle kiss upon it. Tell me, what brings a delicate flower to this part of the grounds, they reek of stable. His gray eyes peered into hers, they were rough - with a fire behind them, but not harsh or cold.

"Merely to pass the time with my betrothed, if he is not otherwise occupied of course." Catelyn replied with a smile. "It occurred to me that although we are to spend the rest of our days together, I don't know the first thing about you, save your name of course. And that you are apparently handsome, though it seems my father truly has a talent for understatement, as what he told me about your looks doesn't measure up to the reality either." So far, so good. She meant what she said - Hoster had not described Brandon as ugly or tried to change the topic and start rambling on about how he 'probably' had a great personality when she asked, but the words he used hadn't given her too much hope for a genuinely good-looking Northman either - and he seemed to be a nice and courteous enough sort, hardly the semi-Wildling savage prejudiced Southrons tended to think of when they heard the word 'Northman'.

"Royals are supposed to look above average," Stannis answered after a moment of thinking. "Appearance is quite important to show your station, and yes, I suppose Rhaegar does look the part." Stannis leaned in closer, making sure no passers-by could hear what he said. "Supposedly, the King went mad, though. The classical Targaryen coinflip between madness and greatness, have you heard of it? They say Aerys sees threats everywhere, and reacts to them as if every matter is one of life and death." He sighed. "A most uncomfortable way to spend your days, I suppose. Luckily, my own Targaryen blood has been diluted to a point where I don't have to worry about such matters."

Those words quickly wiped the smile off of Lysa's face, to be replaced with a look of serious interest. She was always more of a gossip than Catelyn, though she wasn't entirely careless about it either. "I've heard of 'the coinflip', yes. And I once heard Father say that this tourney is the first time King Aerys has left the Red Keep in four years. Him cooping himself up in there for so long makes a lot more sense if he's afraid of threats around every corner." The young lady whispered back. "Is this because of that time his business in Duskendale went sour, do you think? Father mentioned that he was usually charming and wise before that, even if he was becoming grouchier." A gross understatement, to be sure, but then the Maester at Riverrun had been careful not to tell Lysa or Edmure of what happened to the Darklyns beyond 'they all died' and focused more on the heroics of Barristan Selmy over the reasons for the Defiance in the first place.

[Pericles of Athens]

I'm grateful for the company, particularly such fine company. He laughed roughly at the mention of them not knowing one another. A name is a start, at the least, my lady. Brandon replied, his grin remained. Though I agree, we could stand to know one another better. He pondered a short moment. Grant me your favor in the competitions to come and I will answer any two questions you would have of me.

[Alexandrine]

"It's good to hear that much hasn't changed at Maidenpool, especially cousin Lord Mathos. How I miss those feasts, but I guess I can't complain. It is an experience in itself to be counted among the prince's confidants, I'll give you that, and it's something I wouldn't trade for the world. Prince Rhaegar is an amazing man."

Myles turned to Florianne, smiling at her.

"Of course I do, how could I forget my own flesh and blood? We used to play so much when we were young, now we're all grown up and are spread out over Seven Kingdoms. It's a very nice dress, Florianne, though I am not an expert on dresses."

Rosamund looked to Rhaegar, whom she spied from far away. "He is indeed." according to the tales, half of Kings Landing was in love with Rhaegar. And not only the gentle part. "About that.. Lord Mathos is trying to find a position for Florianne were she can finalise her education and find a good husband. Naturally the court of Lord Tully came to mind, perhaps Lady Catelyn or Lysa has a position for her. But.. I was thinking maybe you can put in a good word for her, a position among the ladies of the Prince's wife would be the greatest honour. A future Queen."

Lord Whent glances behind him, noticing a group of knights sworn to his household, escorting both his wife and daughter from Harrenhal.

You may see her presently, Lord Mooton.

He extends his hand, letting Dana take it and brought her up to see the Lord Mooton in person.

My dearest Dana, meet your betrothed. This is Myles Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool.

Quietly, Dana curtsies Lord Mooton. She was a beautiful young lady, but nervous to the core in meeting all these lords. Walter smiles at his daughter.

​Tell me Lord Mooton, do you have any eligible ladies for my sons among your household?

Mathos was utterly pleased to see his young, beautiful wife. She was pretty enough and seemed to be gentle and sweet. Exactly how he liked it. He himself was handsome - he knew it and in that manner sure that she would be content with him too. "You are the Maiden reborn, my Lady." he said and kissed her hand. "It is my pleasure and honour to one day call you my Lady wife."

"I.. have a cousin. A young girl. Lady Florianne. she is what? Thirteen or fourteen namedays old. Good-hearted, recently flowered." He never paid much attention to her. She was too young for that. And of course, there was this other maid, a baseborn girl. But nothing for a powerful house like Whent. So he said nothing about her.

[Iron Aquilifer]

"You give me too much credit, Prince Doran, I only do what any husband would do for his wife."

At the mention of the tilts, Rhaegar's gaze turned to the tourney grounds. Frankly, he had never had much interest in jousting and dueling like other men his age did. Yet it had been clear that a warrior was what demanded of him, and so he had picked up sword, lance and shield. Time and again, he had showed the realm his martial prowess, but the cheering crowds had never satiated his soul as much as an ancient book or conducting a song on his harp did. Even now, he had his doubts about participating, but in the end he would do it. Rhaegar turned back to Doran with a light smile.

"Then I will have to give an impressive performance then. I can't disappoint my wife and my brothers-in-law, so pray that the Warrior gives me strength these coming days. Is not Prince Oberyn participating, though?"

​Doran shook his head, calmly denying to meet Prince Lewyn's glance. "Alas my brother's hot blood keeps him restless. Too long away from Sunspear and he will give me another niece." A chuckle followed suit, though the prince did not give any effort to it. "Not that the inn wenches from here to Nightsong will be safer for it."

[Jokern]

Baelor had not heard that Lord Grafton was not a lord at all, but rather a lady; Hightower recovered from this pleasant surprise quickly, executing a gracious bow before closing the distance between them, gently pressing his lips onto the outstretched hand.

"Lady Grafton, it is my honour." Baelor flashed a courteous grin, face still fair and youthful despite having reached his thirtieth year. "I must confess I am eager for the lists to begin. Westeros has never seen a finer array of knights, wouldn't you agree, my lady?"

"Of course, good Ser, I am just as eager to watch the finest men of this age display their prowess to the realm. The last tourney with the same grandness must have been Lannisport five years ago, when Ser Arthur Dayne defeated Prince Rhaegar in celebration of the birth of Prince Viserys. A fantastic show of martial ability from both, I must add."

It had been the year after her father's passing when she attended the tourney at Lannisport, spurred on by her relatives that tried to rule over the young girl that she had been back then, especially uncle Gyles. Her mourning had not ended yet and Gwyneth had been an emotional wreck on the road to the western city. Once there, her heart had slowly been mended by the tilts of the Lannister sons, the Sword of the Morning and the Prince of Dragonstone. It was a cherished memory for her.

"Will we be seeing you out there as well, Ser Baelor? You will have quite the mountain to climb. The prince in particular is currently a favorite among the crowd from what I hear, though Brandon Stark, Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy are also quite popular."

Rosamund looked to Rhaegar, whom she spied from far away. "He is indeed." according to the tales, half of Kings Landing was in love with Rhaegar. And not only the gentle part. "About that.. Lord Mathos is trying to find a position for Florianne were she can finalise her education and find a good husband. Naturally the court of Lord Tully came to mind, perhaps Lady Catelyn or Lysa has a position for her. But.. I was thinking maybe you can put in a good word for her, a position among the ladies of the Prince's wife would be the greatest honour. A future Queen."

Myles laughed a little. Being so close to the crown prince had its benefits, but a lot of people were always trying to curry your favor for their own gain. Even family, the Mooton knight thought.

"I see, and that's why you come to me. Don't worry, I'll put in a good word with the prince for my dear cousin's sake. Don't expect too much though, his Grace the king is very picky with who is allowed in the presence of his family, but if the recommendation comes from his own son I'm sure it will be fine."

​Doran shook his head, calmly denying to meet Prince Lewyn's glance. "Alas my brother's hot blood keeps him restless. Too long away from Sunspear and he will give me another niece." A chuckle followed suit, though the prince did not give any effort to it. "Not that the inn wenches from here to Nightsong will be safer for it."

Rhaegar chuckled as well. Prince Oberyn had made quite a name for himself as a womanizer and a fighter, so it was no surprise that the Dornish prince had left.

"Oh I'm sure, as long as he doesn't get too much into trouble. I hear he killed a lord in a duel with a poisoned spear after sleeping with the man's wife, and I'd rather avoid that when my royal father is around. The topic of poison can be upsetting, to say the least."

[Alexandrine]

Myles laughed a little. Being so close to the crown prince had its benefits, but a lot of people were always trying to curry your favor for their own gain. Even family, the Mooton knight thought.

"I see, and that's why you come to me. Don't worry, I'll put in a good word with the prince for my dear cousin's sake. Don't expect too much though, his Grace the king is very picky with who is allowed in the presence of his family, but if the recommendation comes from his own son I'm sure it will be fine."

"Thank you, Myles" Rosamund said. "She will be useful for them. If they chose it accept it." Rosamund herself was already twenty-three and unwed. She would be sad to see her almost ten years younger cousin go, but it has to be done. She could still remember the day that little Florianne came to Maidenpool court to live there after her father had died. She thought of her as a sister, and sometimes some kind of a daughter. But Roseamund knew it would be te be the best option for her cousin and their family. Influence and a great marriage were gained at the great courts in the land. They themselves were but minor Lords hand had to fight to gain a place in the world.

Young Florianne put on her great eyes and clinged onto the hand of her cousin Myles. "Please, Myles. You must try! Kyra Saltpans says that if nothing else is arranged, that I am chosen to travel with Lady Catelyn Tully to her new husband Brandon Stark! You mustn't let that happen! They have ice in their veins! It is very cold there; it even snows in summer, the Maester said."

Rosamund shook her head smiling, young fool, one day she had to stop believing everything that Kyra Saltpans, the stewards' daughter said.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Mathos was utterly pleased to see his young, beautiful wife. She was pretty enough and seemed to be gentle and sweet. Exactly how he liked it. He himself was handsome - he knew it and in that manner sure that she would be content with him too. "You are the Maiden reborn, my Lady." he said and kissed her hand. "It is my pleasure and honour to one day call you my Lady wife."

"I.. have a cousin. A young girl. Lady Florianne. she is what? Thirteen or fourteen namedays old. Good-hearted, recently flowered." He never paid much attention to her. She was too young for that. And of course, there was this other maid, a baseborn girl. But nothing for a powerful house like Whent. So he said nothing about her.

Florianne you say, my Lord Mooton?

Lord Whent glances at his sons, Duncan, Roger, Triston and Manfryd. He ponders for a moment, glancing at Duncan and Triston as the most capable of his heirs.

Why not a double marriage then, Myles. My daughter, Dana, to your Lordship and either my son Duncan or Triston to wed your cousin, Florianne. What say you?

[Alexandrine]

Florianne you say, my Lord Mooton?

Lord Whent glances at his sons, Duncan, Roger, Triston and Manfryd. He ponders for a moment, glancing at Duncan and Triston as the most capable of his heirs.

Why not a double marriage then, Myles. My daughter, Dana, to your Lordship and either my son Duncan or Triston to wed your cousin, Florianne. What say you?

Lord Mathos shrugged, he wanted his cousin to marry a powerful lord, so why not a Whent? She would be mistress of Harrenhall, the greatest castle in Westeros and a close neighbour. She has to play her part now. "I agree, it would bind our lineages only further. On the condition that she is wed to your heir, Duncan. So I am certain that she will be comfortable and well provided for, for the rest of her life. I am however, planning to let her being educated at another court. Hopefully in the Red keep or at Riverrun. The marriage can take place as soon as possible, in a double ceremony, however, their union cannot be consummated before her sixteenth name day."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Hoster Tully is my in-law and his chlldren are my relatives. Send her to Riverrun and she will be turned into a true lady of the Riverlands, my Lord Mooton.

Lord Whent hoped the suggestion would of sound advice. King's Landing was a vipers den, especially for the maiden ladies of the realm. All remembered the tales of Aegon IV, Maegor the Cruel and other lustful kings, princes and nobles. He would not want such factors to deprive his son of a maiden.

I shall agree to this arrangement, Lord Mooton. Our houses shall be joined together with my daughter to become a part of your household and your cousin to join mine.

[Alexandrine]

Hoster Tully is my in-law and his chlldren are my relatives. Send her to Riverrun and she will be turned into a true lady of the Riverlands, my Lord Mooton.

Lord Whent hoped the suggestion would of sound advice. King's Landing was a vipers den, especially for the maiden ladies of the realm. All remembered the tales of Aegon IV, Maegor the Cruel and other lustful kings, princes and nobles. He would not want such factors to deprive his son of a maiden.

I shall agree to this arrangement, Lord Mooton. Our houses shall be joined together with my daughter to become a part of your household and your cousin to join mine.

"Very well. I will talk to lord Tully about the education of my cousin. As they are your family, they are also her new family now. It would the most fitting that she would go to Riverrun now. Thank you, my lord. We will have a great future ahead. And before you know it, We will give you a grandchild or two."

[Iron Aquilifer]

Rhaegar chuckled as well. Prince Oberyn had made quite a name for himself as a womanizer and a fighter, so it was no surprise that the Dornish prince had left.

"Oh I'm sure, as long as he doesn't get too much into trouble. I hear he killed a lord in a duel with a poisoned spear after sleeping with the man's wife, and I'd rather avoid that when my royal father is around. The topic of poison can be upsetting, to say the least."

Doran smiled, as if to dispel such a notion. "An unfortunate matter that was. I made the necessary offers to the Bloodroyals, but in dorne family is held more treasured than condolences. Alas, a young man is wont to prove themselves. Not that it makes it any easier for us who must bear the burden of setting amends." The dornishman shook his head softly. "But he is away now, to face a problem to naught but his own self. A better result than other options I can only hope."