Hornhill, the Seat of House Tarly

[Iron Aquilifer]

House Tarly

Family Tree

Lord Randyll Tarly, the Red - Lady Selyse Vyrwell - - their surviving child, Talla Tarly, Lady Green - - - her husband, Ser Rodrick Shermer, deceased - - - - their son, Rolland Tarly Edgerran, Ser Granite - his wife, Lady Mullendore - - their surviving child, Imry Tarly - - - his wife, Margaery Peake - - - - their firstborn, a baby Alekyne Tarly Dickon Tarly, the Burning Knight - his first wife, Lady Hunt - - their surviving child, Colin Tarly - his second wife, Lady Caswell - - their firstborn, Falyse Tarly

Talla Tarly

Born: 3,978 Nicknames: The Huntress, Lady Green, Mistress of War Traits: - 2 Survival: With a strong frame and lean muscle from her daily training, the Lady of Hornhill is not of the weak sex. - 2 Battle: Trained by father, brother and father - accomplished warriors themselves - she knows how to line up the armies for war. - 3 Wealth: She has had a lifetime to learn all there is to squeezing out every last coin from her lands in order to further her house. Biography: Born to Lord Randyll Tarly, Talla was the only child her father had who survived to adulthood. Despite this, she was married off at a young age, although she survived both her husband and lord father. With a single child, a son, she remains single, earning a reputation for her uncommon interest in the world of a man: war. With war always just over the horizon, she has had to grow up in a warrior before a mother, and as such, she has come to forget the world of a lady.

Edgerran Tarly

Born: 3,956 Nicknames: Ser Granite Traits: - 2 Battle: Trained in battle, tested in war. - 2 Survival: He is a large man, with lean muscle. - 2 Joust: A warrior fights from horseback. - 3 Duel: A man of war by nature, made elegant by trade, Ser Granite is an imposing sight on the battlefield, as proved by the myriad of slain he reaps. - 2 Capture: Honour some say. Gold, he says. Biography: A tamer version of his younger brother, Edgerran is nonetheless a very cold and distant man. In a loveless marriage with a son who does not seem to be able to reach the standards of the father, Edgerran happily partakes in any past time which takes him away from his failings as a husband, father, man.

Dickon Tarly

Born: 3,958 Nicknames: The Burning Knight, Ser Bone Traits: - 2 Battle: He was a lord's son, and as such was given the same teachings as his older brother - 2 Survival: Where others fell, he continued to stride. Deep scars remind everyone why he is to be feared. - 2 Joust: An avid rider in his youth, Dickon has retained much of this knowledge in adulthood - 2 Capture: He understands the importance of taking prisoners. - 3 Duel: The clash of steel is music to his ear. It is this ritualistic battle which he has trained since youth to win. Biography: Ravaged by flame, Dickon is a fierce looking man with a soul to match. He holds no real respect for his fellow Reachmen, considering them to be too soft for the world in which they live. His only real loyalty is to his brother and ruling niece, and that is only due to the tradition which enforces that. If the gods' looked favourably on the kinslayer, then he may have had a smaller family around him. As it stands, he seeks out the drums, the war, death.

Trade

Home Resource: Fruit Lane One: Gold Lane Two: Taxed

Levy

Points: 8,500 points - 5,500 (base) - 3,000 (edicts) Troops: 7,000 men - 1,500 Light Cavalry - 1,500 Heavy Infantry - 1,000 Polearms - 2,000 Archers - 1,000 Light Infantry

Garrison

200 Heavy Infantry 320 Light Infantry 200 Polearm Infantry 280 Archers

Vassal Levy

(50*0.5*5) Heavy Infantry (125*0.5*5) Light Infantry (66*0.5*5) Polearm Infantry (75*0.5*5) Archers (60*0.5*5) Light Cavalry (17*0.5*5) Heavy Cavalry

Standing Forces

Points: 6,000 Troops: 1,800 men - 6x Reachmen Lancers (The Huntress' Hounds) - 3x Heavy Cavalry (The Huntress' Hounds)

[The Mad Skylord]

The hammering of hooves could be heard on the road, a party of men came into sight. A half dozen knights, with the banner of House Peake cantered towards Horn Hill. It was obvious they had ridden from Starpike without rest, to make the journey to the lands of House Tarly as quickly as possible. The horses were weezing, and the riders looked tired. They had come to treat with the Lady of Horn Hill, led by Ser Yoren Peake.

[Iron Aquilifer]

The hammering of hooves could be heard on the road, a party of men came into sight. A half dozen knights, with the banner of House Peake cantered towards Horn Hill. It was obvious they had ridden from Starpike without rest, to make the journey to the lands of House Tarly as quickly as possible. The horses were weezing, and the riders looked tired. They had come to treat with the Lady of Horn Hill, led by Ser Yoren Peake.

The party is allowed in to Hornhill's courtyard, the guards watching from the battlements and gatehouses. The Red Hunter flies from three score banners, the vibrant blood red stark against the lush summer green.

One of the stewards, a tree of lean muscle and flowing robes approached the envoys, himself flanked by several spear-armed men.

"Our lady awaits on your pleasure, my lords of Starpike."

The company of Peake men are allowed in to the main hall. There, beneath the tapestries retelling the glorious victories of House Tarly, sits a woman slender and regal. Behind her stands courtiers of a dozen backgrounds, and the walls are lined with candles and torch-lit men armed with bow and spear.

The Mistress of War awaits the introduction of the Peake men.

[The Mad Skylord]

Yoren takes three steps forwards and bows deeply in respect. He wore a simple orange tunic, deer skin breeches, boots and a brooch in the shape of a castle, fastening his black cloak. He had left his sword belt with his horse, as a sign of respect and deference. "My Lady Tarly, I have come on behalf of House Peake to beg for your aid. We are neighbors, related by marriage, and House Peake requests, humbly, that you support us in this war." Yoren had sneakily inserted the relation by marriage in, hoping to have House Tarly realize they would be related to the Royal Family, if the Peake's prevailed.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Yoren takes three steps forwards and bows deeply in respect. He wore a simple orange tunic, deer skin breeches, boots and a brooch in the shape of a castle, fastening his black cloak. He had left his sword belt with his horse, as a sign of respect and deference. "My Lady Tarly, I have come on behalf of House Peake to beg for your aid. We are neighbors, related by marriage, and House Peake requests, humbly, that you support us in this war." Yoren had sneakily inserted the relation by marriage in, hoping to have House Tarly realize they would be related to the Royal Family, if the Peake's prevailed.

Lady Talla offers a wane smile. Allowing one of her retainers to open the proceedings, the High Lady of Hornhill interested herself in studying the men sent from Starpike.

"Her ladyship has called forth the banners, what soldiers could be spared have answered the warhorns and taken up their ancestral arms in renewal of their services. Her ladyship has feared that this response has been seen as intention for war. With His Highness's death even the sky must be thrown in to such turmoil as to wake the gods, and mortals can only follow their example. Our Lady Green has decreed that her levies will march to return stability to the realm."

Finished his monologue, the servant turned to face his liege. A subtle nod his que, the man withdrew in favour of another.

"The self-styled Mern Gardener is not to receive the support of the Huntress's lances, as proclaimed by her Ladyship. And yet she is ill-willed to move in favour of Starpike for the presence of Florent and Hightower. Hornhill is a castle of glory, not of bloody sieges. For Hornhill to stand defiant against the southern lords it must have more than a servant's call of duty and tradition."

A silence settled as this second servant withdrew out of the line of sight. After what could only be described as an awkward silence, the lady spoke herself.

"Have your queen come and meet me here. Let her speak honeyed words for my lancers."

[The Mad Skylord]

Yoren looked at the Huntress quietly, studying her. "If that is what you desire, then Mother will come. However, do not forget that the Strength of Starpike is but a few miles from you. You would not be subjected to bloody sieges, we would not allow an ally to be penned inside her own castle. But Mother will come, to speak to you herself."[/b]

[Adamat]

Queen Tyene Gardener's carriage arrived not many days later, guarded by the Queen's personal bodyguard. She had been informed of her duty by her son, and had departed Starpike not long before the armies of Manderly had reached the True Queen's stronghold.

As the carriage came to a halt with a creaking noise, one of the bodyguard opened its door. The Queen, holding her dark green dress high as she got out, looked around the courtyard. The walls were sturdy and high, the clamor of troops preparing for war could be heard from inside the walls.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Queen Tyene Gardener's carriage arrived not many days later, guarded by the Queen's personal bodyguard. She had been informed of her duty by her son, and had departed Starpike not long before the armies of Manderly had reached the True Queen's stronghold.

As the carriage came to a halt with a creaking noise, one of the bodyguard opened its door. The Queen, holding her dark green dress high as she got out, looked around the courtyard. The walls were sturdy and high, the clamor of troops preparing for war could be heard from inside the walls.

The queen is led through the great hall by an honour guard of Hornhill's most respected Knights. At the end, resting on her seat, lady Talla smiled as the Royal member approached her. When she was almost at the base of the throne, the lady of Hornhill lowered herself on to her knees.

"Your Grace."

[Dirty Chai]

A raven arrives from the north, from Highgarden

To the Lady of the Westmarch, Talla of Tarly,

I, the High Steward Osmund of Tyrell, have reclaimed Highgarden for the purpose of beginning an end to this realm divide.
On behalf of Mern of Gardener, who I have chosen to bequeath this traditional throne to, we beseech you to consider joining in hand with my humble House of Tyrell in ending the realm divide.

On a level of blunt honest, I can understand your possible concerns as to a Reach ruled by one Mern Gardener, or your doubts as to the ability of his court and governance.
But I assure you, I can attempt to assuage those concerns and doubts, if you entertain the words we may offer.

We do not demand your allegiance simply because of the practicality of doing so. Consider that when judging our worthiness of your allegiance.
However, we also would warmly remind you that joining with us now will speed the process of unification, and the sooner we unify, the sooner the united Reach can deal with its neighbors.

Respond to us when thouest feels to do so. Dialogue is opened, you need only engage with it.

Written by Osmund of Tyrell, High Steward and Regent of the Reach

[Adamat]

As the Queen approached the throne, she laid eyes on the Lady Green. She remembered seeing the matriarch of Horn Hill at a grand feast some years back, when the situation in the Reach was already tense, but not anything like the current stress the realm was under. After letting Talla show her loyalty to Tyene's cause, the Queen spoke up. "Rise, noble Lady Tarly, so that we may see eye to eye." She stepped closer as her honour guard stepped back, and her personal guard trailed some distance behind her. "I understand that Hornhill understands the needs of the Realm, and acknowledges my rightful claim on the Reach. Know this, however. The greatest questions will never be solved by speeches and votes, but by blood and steel." She looked over the guards present in the Great Hall. "We must be strong, however. As we speak, as the pretenders raise their armies, as Reachman marches on Reachman, our enemies grow stronger. Our lands are ravaged by Dornish raiders, Stormlander nobles and mercenaries from the Westerlands. Our real enemies bide their time like we bicker amongst eachother and waste our forces." She paused, as she approached the throne. "Therefor, it is of utmost importance that we stand strong, so that we may defeat the pretenders quickly, and oust the foreigners from our lands while we still can. Every man, woman and child must do their part in the defense of the Reach and its people." She looked at Lady Tarly again. "The great and noble House of Tarly has the power and resolve to end this war with minimal losses, and place on the throne of the Reach its rightful heir. Should Tarly and Peake march together for the true Gardener, House Tarly and its vassals stand to gain much."

[Iron Aquilifer]

As the Queen approached the throne, she laid eyes on the Lady Green. She remembered seeing the matriarch of Horn Hill at a grand feast some years back, when the situation in the Reach was already tense, but not anything like the current stress the realm was under. After letting Talla show her loyalty to Tyene's cause, the Queen spoke up. "Rise, noble Lady Tarly, so that we may see eye to eye." She stepped closer as her honour guard stepped back, and her personal guard trailed some distance behind her. "I understand that Hornhill understands the needs of the Realm, and acknowledges my rightful claim on the Reach. Know this, however. The greatest questions will never be solved by speeches and votes, but by blood and steel." She looked over the guards present in the Great Hall. "We must be strong, however. As we speak, as the pretenders raise their armies, as Reachman marches on Reachman, our enemies grow stronger. Our lands are ravaged by Dornish raiders, Stormlander nobles and mercenaries from the Westerlands. Our real enemies bide their time like we bicker amongst eachother and waste our forces." She paused, as she approached the throne. "Therefor, it is of utmost importance that we stand strong, so that we may defeat the pretenders quickly, and oust the foreigners from our lands while we still can. Every man, woman and child must do their part in the defense of the Reach and its people." She looked at Lady Tarly again. "The great and noble House of Tarly has the power and resolve to end this war with minimal losses, and place on the throne of the Reach its rightful heir. Should Tarly and Peake march together for the true Gardener, House Tarly and its vassals stand to gain much."

Lady Talla rose and took a step forwards so that she was within arm's reach of the Gardener claimant. "Your Grace, you are as wise as you are fair." She signaled for a servant to approach the two women. "It is with a heart weighed by Hewett's stones that I present Your Royal Nature with this letter." It was the letter dispatched by Lord Tyrell, a man fighting for a man's claim. Such a thing could not be supported by Lady Tarly, no matter if a thousand Reachmen lives were saved. "Of the intent Tyrell holds for Your Grace is evident: Death. He has conspired to place this half-man on your throne, betraying himself for a Dornishman in deed and nature." Waiting until the Queen had dealt with the letter, Talla continued. "He must not continue to fester on the jewels of the crown, Your Grace. Another steward much be placed in order to ensure the sanctity of the throne." She left it unsaid from which House such a man must be selected. A Peake girl had married a Tarly man and their aging father was a dependable man of the times. "But war comes first. Where will Her Grace wish for the Hunters of the Reach to march?" The woman had come herself to take what was hers. There was little doubt left.

[Adamat]

Lady Talla rose and took a step forwards so that she was within arm's reach of the Gardener claimant. "Your Grace, you are as wise as you are fair." She signaled for a servant to approach the two women. "It is with a heart weighed by Hewett's stones that I present Your Royal Nature with this letter." It was the letter dispatched by Lord Tyrell, a man fighting for a man's claim. Such a thing could not be supported by Lady Tarly, no matter if a thousand Reachmen lives were saved. "Of the intent Tyrell holds for Your Grace is evident: Death. He has conspired to place this half-man on your throne, betraying himself for a Dornishman in deed and nature." Waiting until the Queen had dealt with the letter, Talla continued. "He must not continue to fester on the jewels of the crown, Your Grace. Another steward much be placed in order to ensure the sanctity of the throne." She left it unsaid from which House such a man must be selected. A Peake girl had married a Tarly man and their aging father was a dependable man of the times. "But war comes first. Where will Her Grace wish for the Hunters of the Reach to march?" The woman had come herself to take what was hers. There was little doubt left.

The Queen frowned when she read the letter. Tyrell, doing all the work, pulling the strings? She folded the letter, and returned it to the servant. "It is imperative that we take Highgarden," she agreed with Talla. "Tyrell seems to be the one orchestrating Mern's war efforts. My cousin's... Effeminacy might mean we can convince him to lay down his arms and recognise me as ruler, should we manage to remove Tyrell from his current position of power." She listened to the Lady's words, when one of her own guard came closer and whispered, while several of Tarly's knights stirred as well.

"It would seem our enemies will not allow us to leave Horn Hill," she said, confident that Talla had already received the information about the approaching armies from her own men. "We should not let this stronghold fall. I shall dispatch a raven to Starpike, asking for reinforcements. If I am not mistaken, Horn Hill's walls can only hold so many men, though. My suggestion is the following: We meet this host on the field outside the walls, and fight valiantly. Should we be outnumbered too heavily, the army would retreat to inside of the castle walls. We should be able to hold out until help arrives."

[Dirty Chai]

[The army arrives ~6.5 hours from now]

From the north of Horn Hill, passing into their lands was a sizable host of at least several thousand men.
They marched up to a hilled valley just beyond Horn Hill itself, bearing banners of the green hand and the gilded rose.
The camp they setup greatly exceeded their actual numbers, an extra tent for every third man, and the fires they lit in the valley were numerous.

A small party of knights rode up to Horn Hill, but not as enemies.
A flag of Tyrell flew alongside a flag of Gardener.

[Iron Aquilifer]

[The army arrives ~6.5 hours from now]

From the north of Horn Hill, passing into their lands was a sizable host of at least several thousand men.
They marched up to a hilled valley just beyond Horn Hill itself, bearing banners of the green hand and the gilded rose.
The camp they setup greatly exceeded their actual numbers, an extra tent for every third man, and the fires they lit in the valley were numerous.

A small party of knights rode up to Horn Hill, but not as enemies.
A flag of Tyrell flew alongside a flag of Gardener.

With the messenger's arrival, the host of Tarly convulsed. An armed host approaching without prior warning could only have been sent from a hostile force. As such, the serjeants and captains began to gather their men in the hope of forming something resembling a battle-line before Lady Tarly approached them with their orders.

Allowed through under guard, the Tyrell column are presented after a long wait to the close council of Lady Talla.

@Adamat: you can be here if you want or withdraw back to Starpike due to timestamps and suchlike

The Queen frowned when she read the letter. Tyrell, doing all the work, pulling the strings? She folded the letter, and returned it to the servant. "It is imperative that we take Highgarden," she agreed with Talla. "Tyrell seems to be the one orchestrating Mern's war efforts. My cousin's... Effeminacy might mean we can convince him to lay down his arms and recognise me as ruler, should we manage to remove Tyrell from his current position of power." She listened to the Lady's words, when one of her own guard came closer and whispered, while several of Tarly's knights stirred as well.

"It would seem our enemies will not allow us to leave Horn Hill," she said, confident that Talla had already received the information about the approaching armies from her own men. "We should not let this stronghold fall. I shall dispatch a raven to Starpike, asking for reinforcements. If I am not mistaken, Horn Hill's walls can only hold so many men, though. My suggestion is the following: We meet this host on the field outside the walls, and fight valiantly. Should we be outnumbered too heavily, the army would retreat to inside of the castle walls. We should be able to hold out until help arrives."

Lady Talla nodded along before the realisation of her queen's words truly hit her. "Your Grace intends to remain here?" Her face contorted slightly, as if taking a bite of something not distinctively good or bad. "Shall not the way to Starpike be of greater welfare to Your Royal Person than a seat blaring the ram's horn?" She gestured to her attendants. Knowing what was needed, they raced away, to find messengers, horses, armour and swords. "The levies of Hornhill will defy these aggressors, if they do prove themselves as Tyrell by nature or kin. Should blows be laid down upon the oppressor, then this keep shall remain aloft until it becomes unattainable for wealth of time to be bought."

[Adamat]

Lady Talla nodded along before the realisation of her queen's words truly hit her. "Your Grace intends to remain here?" Her face contorted slightly, as if taking a bite of something not distinctively good or bad. "Shall not the way to Starpike be of greater welfare to Your Royal Person than a seat blaring the ram's horn?" She gestured to her attendants. Knowing what was needed, they raced away, to find messengers, horses, armour and swords. "The levies of Hornhill will defy these aggressors, if they do prove themselves as Tyrell by nature or kin. Should blows be laid down upon the oppressor, then this keep shall remain aloft until it becomes unattainable for wealth of time to be bought."

"I shall remain here and hopefully inspire the Tarly banners," she announced. "They say the battlefield is no place for a woman, but do they not say the same about the Throne of the Reach?" She smirked. "Do not worry, I shall not ride in the thick of battle, but merely observe from the walls."

[Dirty Chai]

The leader was young man. His age was not ascertainable from just looking at him, though he could not be older than 25. He stood not particularly tall, but was long-legged and long-armed; agile, sure-footed. He was dressed in mail and leather, though he had pulled the coif from his head to rest at his shoulders like removing a hood, revealing his black hair, inherited from Manderly. A little gilded rose could be seen on his chest, a small sigil showing his origin.

By his side were two much older men, both dark-haired. One was a trained veteran of the Gardener household, Ser Gwayne Footly, and the other a Gardener bastard, Ser Lothar Flowers. Though, it was unlikely Tarly would know their names or origins.

A few knights were allowed to accompany the three into the hall, and the know stood behind them, alert.

As they halted before the hall, looking up at the dais, the youth in front bowed gracefully, his right arm stretching out to the side in formality.
When he straightened back up, he spoke aloud, his pale pronounced face framing dark green eyes.

"Lady Tarly, we appreciate you allowing us an audience in these troubles times. We bring words for you."

He looked not warm though, this young man, and his eyes seemed alert.

[Iron Aquilifer]

The leader was young man. His age was not ascertainable from just looking at him, though he could not be older than 25. He stood not particularly tall, but was long-legged and long-armed; agile, sure-footed. He was dressed in mail and leather, though he had pulled the coif from his head to rest at his shoulders like removing a hood, revealing his black hair, inherited from Manderly. A little gilded rose could be seen on his chest, a small sigil showing his origin.

By his side were two much older men, both dark-haired. One was a trained veteran of the Gardener household, Ser Gwayne Footly, and the other a Gardener bastard, Ser Lothar Flowers. Though, it was unlikely Tarly would know their names or origins.

A few knights were allowed to accompany the three into the hall, and the know stood behind them, alert.

As they halted before the hall, looking up at the dais, the youth in front bowed gracefully, his right arm stretching out to the side in formality.
When he straightened back up, he spoke aloud, his pale pronounced face framing dark green eyes.

"Lady Tarly, we appreciate you allowing us an audience in these troubles times. We bring words for you."

He looked not warm though, this young man, and his eyes seemed alert.

Talla inclined her head, face frozen in what appeared to be an expression of interest, as if inspecting an anthill or crippled fly.

"Well one can do anything with an army for their tail. What is it that begs your deployment to Hornhill? I do hope that there is not news of invasion."

[Dirty Chai]

[OOC: Actually this Tyrell army isn't even supposed to arrive here for another hour (it's 5:25 pm for me now [PST], the army arrives at like 6:30pm PST). But on the other hand, Tarly didn't declare for you until like .. a few hours ago RL, so ...]

Talla inclined her head, face frozen in what appeared to be an expression of interest, as if inspecting an anthill or crippled fly.

"Well one can do anything with an army for their tail. What is it that begs your deployment to Hornhill? I do hope that there is not news of invasion."

The Tyrell furrowed his brow now. He knew he wasn't in a good position here, but he didn't shy from Talla's gaze, instead returning it with a cold, domineering gaze.
How effective it might appear on a young man's unbearded face, let alone in a situation such as this, he could not be sure.

"We march on the rebels in the east, to end the realm divide. The King wishes to make overtures to you, on our way there."

[Iron Aquilifer]

"We march on the rebels in the east, to end the realm divide. The King wishes to make overtures to you, on our way there."

"Is Ser Gardener marching against the Manderly pretenders then?"

Talla gestured towards the men around her.

"What offers has Ser Mern allowed you to offer us?"

[The Mad Skylord]

OOC: This Army arrived at 3pm on the 9th of December. It is still a long time after any battle was fought between Tarly and Tyrell.

The rhythmic stamping of hooves and feet could be heard for miles as the main Host of House Peake arrived at Horn Hill. They flew Peake and Gardener Banners, as they marched towards their allies in the castle. Lord Lorimar Peake had finally caught up with his forces, not long after his son Yoren had attained victory at the Battle of Starpike. He had heard of Lady Tarly's decision to join them and had marched to unite their forces as quickly as possible...