Bounds of Ambition 3

<Ambitious_GM> The year is 276 after Aegon's Conquest...
<Ambitious_GM> The Argent Keep stands tall, banners in motion with the calm, steady, Westerlands winds. The host under Lord Hosgavel's command maintains camp, men tending to wounds, maintaining weapons and gear. Brigands captured after the skirmish at Durain Forest have been intergrated into the laborious operation of the Hosgavel mines. With word of this action reaching Granite Hold, it is hardly
<Ambitious_GM> surprising that now, just a week later, an outrider arrives with word of Lord Gavel's pending arrival.
<Ambitious_GM> "My Lord," Maester Roland approaches Kastlan, "our... guest has regained consciousness."
<Kastlan> "Is she docile? Coherent?"
<Ambitious_GM> He nods.
<Kastlan> "Lead the way."
<Ambitious_GM> Roland leads his lord into the small room where the freed woman is accomodated. A simple dress has been made available to her, in truth, she looks like any of the maid servants of the household. She looks up at the doorway as you make your entrance.
<Ambitious_GM> "Lord Kastlan Hosgavel, your noble host," Roland says by way of introduction.
<Ambitious_GM> She rises to her feet.
* Kastlan scrutinizes her for a moment. "Leave us, Maester Roland."
<Ambitious_GM> With a nod, he exits the chamber.
* Kastlan shuts door in his wake.
<Ambitious_GM> She takes a step back.
* Kastlan leans next to the door frame, arms crossed.
<Kastlan> "Do you care to explain to me who you are and why you were with those vagabonds in Dulver lands?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Why I was /with/ them?" she hisses.
<Ambitious_GM> "Noble host," she repeats the Maester's words with contempt.
* Kastlan lets out an exasperated sigh. "I meant no offense. I would just like to know who you are and how you came to find yourself in that dire situation."
<Ambitious_GM> She looks up for a moment, the fury in her eyes unwavering. "We were attacked. Taken from the road just after crossing the Tumblestone."
Ambitious_GM> "These are your lands? Perhaps I should be thanking you for allowing these animals to roam free!" she snaps.
* Kastlan begins to lose patience. "I am not your enemy here. One of my allies saved your life and we've nursed you here back to health."
* Kastlan calms down. "Where are you from and who were you with?"
<Ambitious_GM> She takes a deep breath.
<Ambitious_GM> "Market Town. I was traveling with Rorey," she looks down, "a good man."
<Kastlan> "I'm... sorry to hear that." *pauses* "So a woman from a bannerless free town travels through, presumably speaking, my lands and is-or was should I say, trying to go where?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Lannisport."
<Ambitious_GM> "It doesn't matter now. I want to return to Market Town."
* Kastlan clears throat "That can be arranged, but you still haven't divulged to me who you are and what your motives for travelling to Lannisport is."
<Ambitious_GM> "Eva Stone, of Market Town. We had business in Lannisport. Our goods were taken by those animals you allow to roam in your lands, and now I wish to return home."
<Kastlan> "Well "Eva Stone", my liege lord will be here shortly. I can't let you go on a good conscious until he gets here. I do hope you understand, though you and me both already know the answer to that. If you need anything within reason let me know."
<Ambitious_GM> "So I am to be your prisoner."
<Kastlan> "You are my guest. Resist and try to escape, you'll be treated accordingly."
<Ambitious_GM> "I can see now why those brigands feel at home in these lands."
<Kastlan> "Why are you trying to get me to admit to you if those lands are within my realm or not?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Are they not?"
<Kastlan> "Perhaps, perhaps not."
<Ambitious_GM> "You are a westerman. A 'Lord'. The first I encounter as soon as I crossed out of the Riverlands."
<Ambitious_GM> She pauses, a pensive look on her face.
* Kastlan opens the door but pauses "What do you know of House Dulver."
<Ambitious_GM> "Unless, I wasn't the only one lost."
<Ambitious_GM> A look of disgust forms on her face. "Dulver... kin of yours, no doubt."
<Ambitious_GM> "Is that what this is about?"
* Kastlan a short laugh escapes "Kin? You are quite presumptuous, Miss Stone. They are not Kin to the Hosgavels nor the Gavels." Kastlan takes his leave and shuts the door in his wake
<Ambitious_GM> Some commotion outside precedes the entry of a squire in Gavel colors entering the Argent Keep's hall.
<Vararro> After receiving the report from one of his men Vararro orders them to make ready in case this is a reprisal for the previous engagement.
<Ambitious_GM> Lady Marsilla receives the young squire.
<Ambitious_GM> He bows, and begins. "The Lord Averden Gavel of Granite Hold, sends his regards, my Lady. My Lord and his retinue have arrived."
* Maester_Kaladin takes notice of Vararro's movements. Kaladin approaches him. "Worry not, that is the retinue of Lord Gavel."
<Vararro> "Appreciate the heads up Maester. But I'll keep my men on alert nonetheless. Don't like getting caught with my pants down."
<Maester_Kaladin> "Your vigilance is certainly commendable."
* Vararro raises an eyebrow. "Good to hear Maester."
<Ambitious_GM> The purple and maroon cloaks of the Black Watch atract the attention of the peasants who line the road. The robust figure of Lord Averden atop a decorative cart sees them bow in respect as the retinue passes them by.
<Ambitious_GM> Ser Landon finds Lord Hosgavel, and alerts him to Lord Gavel's arrival.
* Averden_Gavel , smiling as his train passes the gathered crowd, puts out the effort to lean out and raise a hand from rest atop his belly to wave at various villagers, as if he knows them by name.
<Averden_Gavel> As the cart passes into the Argent Keep, Lord Gavel readies his cane, and peers out to see who welcomes him.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel waiting at the large door to the Hall with Marsilla, Kyal and Brinna beside him.
<Ambitious_GM> Lady Marsilla awaits in a beautiful emerald-white dress. Kyal looks awe-struck as his eyes dart through the men of the Black Watch. Brinna, looking impatient tugs at her mother's dress.
<Averden_Gavel> The cart comes to a stop. With the aid of a man of the Black Watch, almost playing up the state of his infirmity, he gently makes the step off the cart.
<Averden_Gavel> Landed, Averden Gavel moves forth, cane first, followed by foot, followed by foot, waddling along at something almost approaching a stride. He veritably beams at the sight of the Hosgavel household.
<Averden_Gavel> "Ah!" he shouts, stretching his arms out to Kastlan. "Ahaha! Hail, Cos. How fare you?"
<Ambitious_GM> Brinna takes a step behind her mother, hiding behind her dress.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel extends arm and grabs his cousin's forearm. "Seen worst seasons." he says while smiling. "And how are do you do?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Your noble liege," one of the Braavosi mercenaries teases Vararro.
<Vararro> "Yours as well. He is the one paying us ha."
* Kaspar takes a peek at the courtyard from his tent.
<Ambitious_GM> "Who is that?" asks Erik of his master.
* Kaspar says to Erik "Lad, it's our Lord Averden."
<Averden_Gavel> The Lord Gavel's portly figure, firm as if he hid a solid melon beneath his garb, prevents him from reaching far enough to wrap his arms around Kastlan. Unfazed, Averden contents himself with his arms at Kastlan's shoulders. "I am well, I am well -- eager to attend to affairs here. I gather you've already received the raven from Casterly Rock. We have aught to do before then."
<Kaspar> "You know the nice man that buys our stock, pays for the forge, and let's us stay in his lands."
<Ambitious_GM> Erik shrugs. "I know that one," he points to one of the Black Watch.
* Averden_Gavel turns his attention to Kastlan's family. "Lady Marsilla! You are as splendid as the day you were wed. You and Kastlan both grace me with this reception!"
<Kaspar> "Who's he, lad? A friend?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Lord Averden! What a joy to see you again!" she approaches warmly, her hands outstretched to meet Gavel's.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel A bit impatient but trying to remain polite "We do have some matters at hand we need to attend to sooner rather than later. Come, kinsman. Partake in bread and salt."
* Averden_Gavel happily takes his cousin's wife's hands together, and smiles. "A moment, Kastlan, a moment. Much though I wish to make good on this trip, I have not seen your kin in moons."
<Ambitious_GM> Erik shakes his head, "Don't you remember Master Kaspar? The guard on his sword," he points to the weapon, "The first one I did on my own."
<Averden_Gavel> Spying something lurking behind the Lady's dress, Lord Gavel releases his grasp of Marsilla. With a struggle, he takes a knee, desperately supporting himself on his cane. He specifically makes a point to groan as he bends his left knee, and he peers behind her. "Who is that I spy, clinging at their mother's tail? Be brave, little one!"
<Ambitious_GM> Brinna shyly pokes her head out.
<Kaspar> "Oh right, lad. It's a fine blade."
<Averden_Gavel> Warmly, he extends a hand. "Come, Brinna. Let me see for myself how you've grown! Come, Kyal, you too, let's get a look at the both of you!"
<Ambitious_GM> Kyal hops forward, proudly. Brinna takes some of her brother's courage as she, too emerges.
<Averden_Gavel> "Look at the two of you!" Averden laughs. "Like stalks of Summer reed, you are! What a sight. I had to leave on such short notice, else I'd have brought gifts for you all. But we'll be at the Rock ere long -- I'll bring toys back from the tourney for you both."
* Averden_Gavel looks to Kastlan. "Aye, Cos, let us go," he says. He nods his head to Marsilla and the children, and then motions for Maester Kaladin and Ser Allen to join him and Kastlan.
* Maester_Kaladin respectfully nods and follows.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Please." Kastlan opens the door and ushers in his guests.
* Ser_Allen follows along
<Averden_Gavel> "Now, Cos -- am I to understand you have a guest?"
<Ambitious_GM> The Argent Keep's hall is tall and well-lit. Servants scurry about making hurried preparations for sure-to-come meals and needed accomodations.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel sighs "Indeed. A woman on the brink of being desecrated. As my message read, Vararro saved her from the fate." Kastlan stops walking and waits with his cousin while the others head into the dining hall. "I don't trust her, Averden. There's something she's not telling us. I've shaken the tree to see what falls out, but haven't gotten much. In this day and age, I suspect she could be a spy, or an opportunist of some sort. Whether allegiance to Lord Dulver or Lord Tywin Lannister, I don't know."
* Averden_Gavel ponders this response, nodding along. "I would see her for myself. Tell me of the rest along the way... you had something of a row, I am told. With the bandits?"
* Kastlan_Hosgavel continues walking into the dining hall "Yes. A bit of a skirmish with a couple hundred vagabonds or so. Minimal casualties, few wounded. You have one of your best scouts who accompanied Vararro missing regrettably, but all the others are accounted for."
<Averden_Gavel> "A couple--" Averden stops, and cocks his head in thought for a moment, before beginning again in a low voice. "A couple hundred, Kastlan? A couple hundred highwaymen does not some vagabonds make - that's an army. What of their commanders?"
 Kastlan takes seat with Averden at the grand table, talking quietly amongst the rabble of friends and family catching up. "My thoughts exactly. I believe they are either being funded by the Dulvers, or they were part of his own retinue."
<Averden_Gavel> "Let's keep going," says Lord Gavel. "And the ones leading these men? What of them?"
* Kastlan turns the corner of one of the halls, slowly approaching the room with Lord Gavel. "At work in the mines along with the rest of the couple dozen or so survivors. Under close watch, mind you."
* Averden_Gavel nods along. "I want them brought out from the mines, and I want to see what kit they carried when they were brought to heel. Maester Kaladin, I would like you to make the necessary preparations to entreat with them, as you did with the last lot."
Maester_Kaladin> "Of course, my Lord. It would be my pleasure."
<Kastlan> "Very well."
<Ambitious_GM> YOU ARRIVE AT THE DOOR.
<Averden_Gavel> "Good," the Lord Gavel pats each of his men on the shoulder. "Now, tell me," he speaks softly, "who is our guest?"
<Kastlan> "A supposed "Eva Stone" of Market Town. Travelling from there to Lannisport on "business."
* Averden_Gavel nods along.
<Averden_Gavel> "She was with others?"
<Kastlan> "Against her will, yes. Supposedly."
<Kastlan> "I just don't trust her, Averden. Plain and simple."
<Averden_Gavel> "I mean before that, Kastlan. She wasn't traveling alone, surely?"
<Kastlan> "With merchants of Market Town. She did mention a man named "Rorey."
* Averden_Gavel hums at this, ponderously.
<Averden_Gavel> Then, without warning,
* Averden_Gavel shouts, loud enough that it may pass through the door, "What the fuck do you think this is, you insolent swine?! This woman ought as well have been ravished by some filth and you treat with her as any common thief?! Lord Hosgavel, I am ashamed of this egregious failure of your senses! You ought to be to be disgusted with your actions!"
* Kastlan taken aback "By the Seven, what are you on about? She is hiding something, I have the safety of our houses in mind here!"
<Averden_Gavel> "Have you truly no shame, boy? This is a merchant, not a fucking brigand. I'll speak with her myself! Pray you have not already embarrassed your family name. Open the door!"
* Kastlan red in the face and clinching fists. Puts hand on the knob. Whispering "I hope you know what you're doing and aren't blinded by phantom chivalry unnecessary to this predicament." He then turns the knob and ushers Averden in.
* Averden_Gavel sidles into the room, leaning on his cane. His scowl instantly turns to a smile, full of mirth, as he greets Eva Stone.
<Ambitious_GM> Eva is on her feet, her back to the wall.
<Averden_Gavel> "Lady Eva, I presume?" he says, bowing his head. "I am Averden, Bannerlord to this land's master. I must prostrate myself before you, to beg your forgiveness for this wretched treatment. From what I am told you have suffered greatly for a fortnight past."
<Ambitious_GM> "So I have," she answers cautiously, her body language easing up a bit.
<Averden_Gavel> "Lady Eva -- I want to assure you, my banner's misguided suspicion comes from a place of reason, though it is nevertheless unjust. Still, I have no reason to doubt one such as you. To my eyes and ears you are a victim of this whole wretched affair, and I would like to make right the wrongs which have been laid upon you. Those vulgar and immoral souls who besought you and your companions
<Averden_Gavel> -- they have, to my understanding, been dealt a swift justice, one and all. Come the next moon the last of them shall be rounded up and made to face their crimes. But as for you, I wish to make sure you do not return to Market Town without something to show for it -- for the loss you suffered, of goods and of friends."
<Ambitious_GM> She takes a step forward, "And what is it your had in mind, Lord?"
<Averden_Gavel> "Well, let us see -- we can start by you telling me what worth in goods you lost."
<Ambitious_GM> She raises an eyebrow. "We require no charity, Lord. My father wouldn't take lightly to such an offer."
* Averden_Gavel raises his brow. "Your father? Well, I would nevertheless insist, but if it is such a slight, then may I make an alternative proposal instead?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Safe-passage is all I could ask for, and..." she looks down, "If I could presume to ask, some clothes."
<Averden_Gavel> "Of course," Averden nods. "Nevertheless -- this road you chose, from Market Town to Lannisport... you were bold to make the journey, but I must confess that past my lands it is a perilous path. What befell you pains me greatly, worse than any wound. Lannisport is a mighty place for profit, indeed. And you may yet attempt the journey once more, I imagine." He paces the floor, his cane
<Averden_Gavel> clicking on the masonry. "However: before you return empty-handed, before you try and make the trek again, may I propose you, or perhaps your associates, consider trade in my lands? We are not so fine a city as Lannisport, but we are not poor. And we have a superb wealth of craftsmen and raw goods."
Ambitious_GM> "This I can relay to my father for consideration."
<Averden_Gavel> "That would indeed be appreciated. I shall see to it on the morrow that you are sent home, accompanied by some of my best men. But if I may ask, Lady Eva, who is this father with whom I might find myself doing business?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Esra Stone, a man of honor, and beloved by the people of Market Town."
Averden_Gavel> "I see, I see!" Lord Gavel bows. "Lady Eva, I thank you for your goodly patience and for this consideration. I'm sure my cousin will welcome you at his table, after a word. You have every right to sup with us. I will speak with my counsel and arrange for the morning's travel."
* Averden_Gavel makes a final bow, and then leaves the room.
<Ambitious_GM> "Thank you, Lord Gavel," she says with a curteous bow.
* Averden_Gavel closes the door behind himself, and sighs.
* Averden_Gavel pats his cousin's shoulder, and gives him a knowing wink.
<Averden_Gavel> "Let us walk."
* Maester_Kaladin follows Lord Gavel eagerly.
* Ser_Allen follows his Lord
* Kastlan_Hosgavel giving him a blank stare. "Let's."
<Averden_Gavel> As soon as they are beyond the hallway of the door, Averden leans towards his Maester. "What do you have for me?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "My Lord, excuse me for eavesdropping, but I do believe I know the familial history of our guest here."
<Averden_Gavel> "Do you?" echoes Lord Gavel.
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<Ambitious_GM> Ouside the Keep, the men of the Black Watch settle in, and the peasants begin to disperse.
<Ambitious_GM> One of them approaches Kaspar's stall.
<Kaspar> "Afternoon, Sir."
<Ambitious_GM> "Afternoon, Smith," he approaches, removing his gauntlets.
<Kaspar> "How may I be of assistance today?"
<Ambitious_GM> "The links, here," he runs his finger across the knuckle pieces of the gauntlets, "they are worn, and require replacement. Can you do this kind of work?"
<Kaspar> "Of course, Ser. Let take a look." He takes a look at the damage. "Yep, I could do this. Assuming there's no other problems, I can fix these in about... Oh, 4 days."
<Ambitious_GM> "Four days," he repeats.
<Ambitious_GM> "And what will I owe for your labor, Smith?"
<Kaspar> "We are looking at 50 Silver stags for these repairs."
<Ambitious_GM> "Very well," he reaches into his cloak.
<Ambitious_GM> "Thirty now, and the other 20 at completion, then."
<Kaspar> "Of course, nice Ser. Thank you."
<Ambitious_GM> He nods, and returns to his duties.
* Kaspar starts progress on the gauntlet repairs. He and Erik are chatting away, but making decent progress.
<Ambitious_GM> "Say, Vararro," a mercenary approaches. "Some of the boys and I were thinking..."
<Ambitious_GM> "Being as there's all these hills and forests and such, and travelers on roads like we saw, maybe we could supplement our income somewhat."
<Vararro> "How so Rodrigo?"
<Ambitious_GM> "Seems these 'sers' and 'lords' have trouble keeping the peace, yes?"
<Vararro> "It does. That's presumably why we're being paid, and if you're suggesting what I think you are, it only takes one slip up. Someone notices something. Someone follows someone. And we're fucked."
<Ambitious_GM> "You've seen how clumsy they are, in their metal suits."
<Vararro> "Aye. But you forget they have some boys skilled at tracking and stealth. I was forced to work with them. If they set them to the task, I'm not sure we'd get away clean. Besides we are here to make money AND lay low."
<Ambitious_GM> "It's just anxiety to be back in the fight, is all," he sighs.
<Ambitious_GM> "No war on, makes men like us worry for what comes next."
<Vararro> "Like you said. The lords nowadays have issue with keeping the peace. We'll find plenty of fights I have a feeling."
<Ambitious_GM> "Maybe we can earn coin escorting the road traffic?"
<Ambitious_GM> "The boys still can't shake off the rush of that last scrap," he says with a laugh.
<Vararro> "Now THAT sounds like an opportunity Rodrigo. We should be able to add to our coin quite nicely that way. The roads ARE unsafe after all!" Vararro echoes the laughter.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel ([email protected]) has joined
<Ambitious_GM> "Villagers keep talkin' about a great event. Expecting all kinds of traveling men going West."
<Ambitious_GM> "Back to that pretty port city where we arrived."
<Vararro> "Some Lord having a party more than the like."
<Ambitious_GM> "Busy roads means busy brigands. Busy brigands..." he lets the sentence trail off.
<Vararro> "That's where we come in. Offering protection at cost!" Vararro chuckles once more.
<Ambitious_GM> "We'll need to get acquainted with the roads around here. Maybe your lordly friend can give you a hand with that."
<Vararro> "I'm sure I can acquire some maps."
<Ambitious_GM> He smiles, looking back at the camp. "I'll tell the boys."
<Vararro> "Sounds Rodrigo. I'm going to go see about those maps."
* Vararro begins heading toward the keep in search of Maester Kaladin.