Bounds of Ambition 7

Ambitious_GM> The year is 276 after Aegon's Conquest...
<Ambitious_GM> The vast stables of Granite Hold are busy as preparations are made ahead of Lord Gavel's travels to Lannisport.
<Ambitious_GM> The Black Watch gathers, some arriving from last-minute visits to the smithy, others hauling in provisions gear for the journey.
<Ambitious_GM> Anrei, firstborn daughter to the Lord of Granite Hold, already kicks her heels to bring her mount to a trot, taunting the Black Watch.
<Ambitious_GM> Mercenaries use the fields to race, wrestle, and spar, wasting no opportunities to maintain their fighting prowess - and to show it off to the village girls.
* Averden_Gavel rolls up the outline for the baggage train. He turns, says a word to Gannon, the master at arms of the castle, before handing him an itinerary for the duration of the trip.
<Ambitious_GM> At this time, the Black Watch retrieves their horses, and lines up along the Tumble Road.
* Averden_Gavel hobbles up to his daughter's flank. "Anrei, dear. If you tire of the ride, you're always welcome to join us in the wheelhouse."
<Ambitious_GM> She shakes her head, jerking the reins to ride off the path into the fields.
<Averden_Gavel> The Lord of Gavel sighs. "Youth," he says beneath his breath, and makes his way back to his men.
<Averden_Gavel> "Cousin," he calls to Kastlan.
* Kastlan Saddling his horse and packing up his last minute essentials, Kastlan is taken out of the flow of his duties. "Yes?" he exasperates.
<Ambitious_GM> Giving his Lord and his Liege cousin some space, Ser Landon mounts his courser, and rides away from the stables.
<Averden_Gavel> "I wish you good riding, Kastlan. Would that I might join you, but it would be a cruelty for whatever poor creature I might ride."
<Ambitious_GM> Rodrigo rides into the mercenary camp, and dismounts his prized Dornish steed. He approaches Varraro.
<Kastlan> lel
<Kastlan> "Your sense of humor surpasses your corpulence, cos."
* Averden_Gavel laughs. "When we make camp in the evening, visit me in the wheelhouse. There is aught I must tell you."
* Kaspar and Mose preparing the wagon for the journey.
* Vararro and his 4 best are lined up on their horses outside of the keep, waiting for the main group to exit the walls, so that we can get underway.
<Ambitious_GM> "Everyone's in place," Rodrigo begins. "A Riverland lordling has already accepted an escort through Hosgavel's lands," he says with a smile.
* Kastlan gives a brief blank stare then nods.
<Vararro> "Well done Rodrigo, make sure to get their names. Just in case follow up visits are necessary."
* Averden_Gavel gives Kastlan's horse a pat on the mane before stepping away and addressing the Black Watchmen.
<Ambitious_GM> "Boys already know to strike up conversation. We'll be information brokers by the end of this," he pats Varraro on the back before turning back for the camp.
<Averden_Gavel> "As always, have a good eye on Anrei," he says, "If Andras feels inclined to ride on the journey at any point, have at least two men with him at all times."
<Ambitious_GM> "As you command, Lord."
<Ambitious_GM> Jumping over a felled tree stump and onto the road, Anrei brings her mare to a side-trot. "Are we going yet, father?"
* Averden_Gavel "Shortly, my child, shortly. We'll be on the road long enough that we can afford a delay. I must needs see that Vararro's men are ready."
<Ambitious_GM> Kicking the horse to full gallop, Anrei races down the road ahead of everyone else.
<Ambitious_GM> "My Lord," Ser Landon bows his head as he rides past Averden to keep pace with Anrei.
* Averden_Gavel nods to Ser Landon, smiling under his beard at his daughter's antics.
<Averden_Gavel> He makes for Vararro, but stops along the way beside the smith's part of the train.
<Averden_Gavel> "Have you all your wares in order, then, Master Smith?" he asks, still grinning warmly.
<Ambitious_GM> Young Erik grunts, hauling tools on the wagon.
<Ambitious_GM> When he notices Averden, he bows awkwardly.
* Averden_Gavel nods, merrily returning the bow.
<Kaspar> "It's going well, mi lord."
<Averden_Gavel> "Good, that's good. You'll fetch a fair coin with your art, Kaspar. But you and the boy be sure to enjoy the festivities!"
<Ambitious_GM> "Oh, aye ser... that is, Lord. M'lord.... My Lord," the boy struggles.
* Averden_Gavel produces some silver pieces from his coinpurse, and places a hand on Erik's shoulder. "Take these and enjoy some of the sights, lad. A tourney such as this shall not be seen again for some good time."
* Averden_Gavel hands Erik five silver stags.
<Ambitious_GM> His eyes go wide at the gesture.
<Kaspar> "Thank the lord, Mose".
<Ambitious_GM> "I will, my Lord! Thank you!"
* Averden_Gavel pats the boy on the head, and then turns to the smith. "And some for your continuing labors, Kaspar. I am, as are we all, grateful for your service."
* Averden_Gavel gives Kaspar ten silver stags.
<Kaspar> "Thank you, m' lord. I am sure the boy and I will plenty to do."
<Averden_Gavel> "Aye, aye. Have a care on the road." With that, Lord Gavel parts with the smith, and heads to Vararro.
<Kaspar> "Lad, we gonna hurry up with the wagon." He joins Mose to continue packing the wagon.
* Maester_Kaladin ([email protected]) has joined
<Ambitious_GM> "You sure we'll be needin' all this, Master Kaspar?" Erik says with a grunt.
<Kaspar> "To be fair, lad. This is just incase if the our Lords or Knights need any 'small' work done."
<Ambitious_GM> He nods, closing a crate, and running a lock through.
* Averden_Gavel passes under the gate, waving Vararro over.
* Vararro heels his horse away from his men towards the beckoning lord.
<Vararro> "Milord?"
<Averden_Gavel> "Good Vararro, what word from your men on the roads?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Lose weight."
<Vararro> "A Riverlands lordling has decided to hire some of my men on for personal protection. That's the only news thus far. Though my second is encouraging the men to be 'personable' to the travelers. As I figure you'd like to know who comes and goes."
<Averden_Gavel> "I would indeed, Vararro. Good work. Make sure a list is kept of their names. I wish you good riding, and I shall see you on the hour of the moon."
<Vararro> "Of course milord."
<Ambitious_GM> Slowly, the travelling train advances onto the road. Anrei and Ser Landon ride well ahead, a nervous two riders of the Black Watch close behind.
<Ambitious_GM> Villagers line up along the Tumble Road to wave good-bye and wish the favor of the Seven upon those participating in the already-legendary tourney to come.
* Averden_Gavel rests back in his favored seat in the wheelhouse, wiping his face with a piece of cloth. "Look at that," he says, peering outside. "Let us hope we bring these people dignity in the games."
<Averden_Gavel> "Dignity in the games," he looks to the others in the wheelhouse, "and respect, through our deeds in the weeks and the years to come."
<Ambitious_GM> The afternoon rolls through without eventuality, the rolling hills north of the Tumblestones, and the river itself keeping you company all the way. It is tranquil country, with gentle breezes, and the occasional crossing of wildlife across the waterway.
<Ambitious_GM> As the sun's light begins to touch the western mountains, a camp is sighted just off the road ahead, on the river's bank.
<Ambitious_GM> The Black Watch riders advance ahead.
<Ambitious_GM> As the train comes to a stop, Anrei pulls alongside the wheelhouse.
* Averden_Gavel leans out, looking in the direction of the river.
<Ambitious_GM> "Red and blue banners."
<Ambitious_GM> "Red mountains on a blue field, adds Ser Landon coming up behind her."
<Kastlan> "On the way to the tourney no doubt. Those aren't Dulver colors."
<Maester_Kaladin> "That must be House Tullison, the Bannermen of the Riverlands," Kaladin says, perking up. .
<Averden_Gavel> "Tullison? Then these might be the ones Vararro's men were escorting."
<Vararro> "I don't think those had made it this far yet Lord Gavel."
<Maester_Kaladin> "It would seem logical to think that Lord Tullison, an eager young man, is on his way to the tourney for his own quest seeking glory and recognition."
* Averden_Gavel , hearing all of this, nods. "Then, might we send a man to greet the young Lord? Perhaps we might share the grounds to camp."
<Ambitious_GM> The riders return, stopping on the other side of the wheelhouse. "Lord Tullison's complements, my Lord."
* Maester_Kaladin leans to Averden, whispering, "I may note that House Tullison's own Mountain Reach is the nearest holding to Market Town. As you recall, of all the Lords vying for control of Market Town, Lord Dustan Tullison should be considered no different."
<Averden_Gavel> Lord Gavel considers this carefully for a moment. "Send a man back and ask if Lord Tullison would care to share this riverbank and sup with us."
<Ambitious_GM> With a bow, the riders ride off once more.
* Averden_Gavel turns to Kaladin. "To appraise him myself would do us much good."
<Maester_Kaladin> "Agreed, I'm interested."
<Ambitious_GM> Returning shortly after, your men are joined by another man. Wind-tossed brown hair and wide blue eyes, the youthful rider in simple comfortable clothes dismounts and approaches the wheelhouse with the energy of a child at play.
<Ambitious_GM> "I wouldn't allow such distancing formalities, Lord Gavel. Would not allow it!" He leans into the wheelhouse's opening slightly. "Allow me to invite you myself! Please, join us," he asks with a warm smile on his face.
* Averden_Gavel smiles wide at the lordling, extending a hand in welcome. "Lord Tullison, I presume? I can assure you, it would be our pleasure to feast with you. Pray, let me just carry my old bones out of this wooden behemoth."
<Ambitious_GM> "Please," he says extending his arm in aid.
<Ambitious_GM> Anticipating what's to come, Ser Landon signals for the Hosgavel men to prepare to make camp.
<Averden_Gavel> "Ahh, thank you, young Lord!" He says, hoisting himself out with the Riverlord's assistance. "I'm not so infirm yet -- though I am not far off!"
* Averden_Gavel heartily laughs at himself.
<Ambitious_GM> "Not so, my Lord. Not so! You are strong, and full of life. Pray, gather your family and join us. We have just started a mighty fire!"
<Averden_Gavel> "Of course, of course," says Lord Gavel, whipping up his cane. "Anrei! Andras! Aerea! Come, we shall sup with our friends from over the Caps!"
<Ambitious_GM> The Gavel children gather, Anrei's mare is held in place by Lord Tullison while she dismounts, the two exchanging a smile before introductions.
* Kastlan walks over after observing the exchange. "What did he want?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "It seems he wants dinner! You know Lord Gavel would never object," Kaladin chuckles to Kastlan
* Kastlan lets out a sigh, "That's Averden for you. House Tullison are they?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "Indeed, Lord Dunstan Tullison," replies Kaladin.
* Averden_Gavel gestures to Anrei. "This is my eldest, Anrei. There is my boy, Andras, and here is Aerea. Around here somewhere ought to be Lord Hosgavel..."
* Averden_Gavel peers over at the wheelhouse. "Ah, there he is. Kastlan, Cos, come here and greet Lord Tullison!"
* Kastlan crosses arms "I've never heard of the House Tullison. I suppose I need to venture out of Argent Keep more often." he chuckles
<Ambitious_GM> "An honor to meet you, Lady Anrei," he bows, kissing her hand. After a moment he turns to Andras and gives him a firm shake with a smile just forming on his lips. Aerea receives a similar greeting to her eldest sister, before Dunstan turns to the approaching Kastlan.
* Kastlan clears throat "Lord Hosgavel." he says as he extends his hand in greeting. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord... Tullison, is it?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Tullison, of course. I'll do my best to make sure the name is better remembered by the end of this tourney!" he says with a firm sportsman's grip.
* Kastlan smiles "But of course."
<Ambitious_GM> "Will I have the pleasure of seeing your colors on the lists?" he asks.
<Kastlan> "Indeed you will. Last time I enlisted in the tourney, I was about your age. I may have lost my edge, but I am eager like yourself nonetheless."
<Averden_Gavel> "Lord Hosgavel here shall be in the tilts, as shall one of finest knights," says Lord Gavel. He places a hand on both his cousin's shoulder and Lord Tullison's. "But ah, would that I were as young and spry as you two anymore! I'll be eager to see how you all fare."
<Ambitious_GM> "Good man!" he cries out, patting Kastlan firmly on the upper arm. "Good man!"
* Averden_Gavel bids Hosgavel to gather his family, and parts with Tullison for the river bank, leaving instructions for his party to treat kindly with the Rivermen.
* Kastlan goes back into the camp briskly to fetch up Marsilla, Kyal and Brinna.
<Ambitious_GM> The camp is joined, and under Tullison's insistence, even Kaspar and Vararro are invited to take part of the evening's meal. The Lord of Mountain Reach eagerly wanting to converse and get to know everyone who catches his attention.
<Vararro> "I appreciate the invitation to join you Lord Tullison. Not many would willing sup with a sellsword like myself."
<Ambitious_GM> "Minds closed to the world around them, my good man."
<Vararro> "As you say milord."
<Ambitious_GM> "What a life, if must be. Adventure the world over! An exciting life, no doubt. Alas," he says lamenting, "duty binds us to our lot in life."
<Vararro> "There is a certain freedom to be sure, but in your case you trade that off for stability. A roof overhead and a hot meal every night. Not so bad eh?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Perhaps not. Thanks be to your Liege for presenting such an opportunity to break up the monotony!"
<Averden_Gavel> "Ah, to know the world is indeed sublime. But there may yet be satisfaction found in shepherding those who want for shelter and comfort; for the warm embrace of your guiding lordship." He drinks deep of his Arbor Gold. "To bring justice and security for those in my charge -- that is where I find joy."
<Ambitious_GM> "You are a man of experience, and the wisdom that comes with it, Lord Gavel."
* Kastlan chuckles to himself after drinking his wine. "To know the world is "sublime"? breaks into light steady laughter.
<Ambitious_GM> "And you, smith. You are a man of great skill, I am told."
<Kaspar> "I have my moments." He lets out a grin.
<Ambitious_GM> "It is a sad thing to admit, but my late father's blade underwent years of neglect. I intend to reforge it," he says, his intense blue eyes implying the question.
<Kaspar> "Well, I don't have the proper tools in my little wagon here. But after this tourney, the lad and I could take a look at it at our forge."
* Now talking on #BoundsofAmbition
<Ambitious_GM> He laughs. "Well, of course. Besides, the heirloom remains in Mountain Reach."
<Ambitious_GM> "Shall we travel together across the Stone Crossing, Lord Gavel? If we part at dawnbreak, we will reach Ashemark by day's end."
<Averden_Gavel> "Lord Tullison, I speak for all of us in saying that we would be happy to join you on the rode for the time being." Averden beams at the invitation. "The food has been wonderful, and the company doubly so."
<Ambitious_GM> "Then it is settled! We will share the road, the company and the adventure!," he says, smiling at the Gavel children.
<Kastlan> "Kyal's always been on for adventure." Kastlan says as he tussles Kyal's hair.
<Ambitious_GM> By nightfall, a certain effect has cultivated between Lord Tullison and the younger members of the retinue. When all retire for the night, the Lord of Mountain Reach says his good-byes. As the last man by the fire, he puts it out, and settles in until morning.
* Averden_Gavel retires to the wheelhouse, bringing Lord Hosgavel and Maester Kaladin along with him. After a time, Hosgavel and the Maester exit, and the lamps are dimmed for the night.
* Maester_Kaladin sleeps alone. In his servant tent.
* Kaspar sleeps in the wagon.
* Kastlan retires to his pavilion with his wife and children.