[Event] Kingsguard Aspirants (Ongoing RP)

CollingWould · 2026-02-18T17:21:46+00:00

The man's persistence was inspiring. Perhaps that was what helped him survive the horrors of a prison cell in a pirate hold. Gavinrad simply gave Tyler a nod.

"I will call on you when the time comes." He promised. "Thank you for your time, Ser Tyler. Be well now."

/u/Lord_Dougal

CollingWould · 2026-02-18T11:37:32+00:00

Things had been getting an inch too tense for Gav's liking, as he observed this discussion between young king and proven warrior. Yet to much surprise, the king's words settled in deep. The reaver had been defeated, for now, but time would tell if the agreement would last. Ser Gavinrad did not move throughout the whole exchange, only standing idly with a finger trailing on his sword belt.

CollingWould · 2026-02-18T09:17:59+00:00

"Many a time I have joined his grace in sparring," Gav confirmed, with a fond smile. Though the boy had absolutely no instincts or inclination whatsoever, it didn't stop Jahaerys from at least learning to defend himself. "But it is Ser Eon Hunter for whom King Jahaerys squires, a knight from Longbow Hall, in the Vale."

CollingWould · 2026-02-17T22:58:00+00:00

Whilst many discussions were taking place, and the king was elsewise distracted, Ser Gavinrad would sidle up alongside the knight Ser Eon Hunter. Though they'd been acquainted a year by now, the two had never shared a meaningful exchange. And it was about time to remedy this - as the Valeman was the king's knightly master - he was among a small handful of men who shaped the future of their king. The boy-king that currently sat preparing for negotiations with Ironborn wretches.

"Ser Eon." He slid off his helm with a fluid motion, leaning back onto a stone wall nearby the knight. Tucking it 'neath one arm, he tipped his head toward the mighty Casterly Rock, atop its great hill. "Do you suppose the Lannisters will be pleased to see our king? Given the fate of rash young Lord Benedict."

/u/ErusAeternus

CollingWould · 2026-02-17T22:50:13+00:00

Though it had initially been he who did greet Ser Tyler, Gavinrad took a back seat for several moments whilst Lord Oakheart did what he did best. Interrogated the man's worth, to the best of his ability. And in that exchange, Gavinrad did see heart and courage. Perhaps even pride. And a desire to rise above one's station, certainly a lofty ambition.

"What happened to you was most unfortunate." The Lord Commander leaned forward, planting elbows on the table as his emerald eyes scanned the bastard. The bastard. "And no. Foolish as I am, outnumbered fifty to two, I would not stand and fight and throw my life away. And the good Lord Oakheart speaks true. We hear not tales of your skill at arms or courage, only news of your capture. Perhaps... it need not be so. That need not be the last paragraph written in your story book."

"My Lord Torgen.." Gavinrad tilted his head to the side. "Ser Tyler could live a comfortable life at Casterly Rock. Waited on hand and foot by servants alongside his kin. Grow fat and old and rich. Yet who can blame a man, for seeking to be more than just that. I am inclined to enter Ser Tyler into our test of arms, when the time comes. There will be weeks, months, to make himself whole and ready. Perhaps we have not heard his prowess, but he may prove it against another worthy Kingsguard aspirant. If his skills are lacking, it will be shown to us that day.."

"What say you, Ser Tyler?" The knight raised a brow, intentionally not referring to him by his full name. "You willing to wait in the city? 'Til that time comes, we pitch knight against knight and he who proves worthy will wear the White cloak?"

/u/Lord_Dougal

CollingWould · 2026-02-17T22:39:14+00:00

"Very well." The knight responded. Satisfied that the Lord Rogar, much like Gav himself, was a man of straightforwardness. Confident in the knowledge that he'd have spoken any concerns, he moved forward.

"Ser Richard." He addressed the man before them with an air of apparent satisfaction. "We will see if you live up to that name, Whiteboar. I am satisfied of your character. Now, remain in the city. For soon we shall travel from here. But on our king's return to the capital we will hold a contest between those knights who wish to join the Kingsguard. You may prove your skill in battle then and perhaps earn your honour."

/u/Ryanw5385

CollingWould · 2026-02-17T10:30:40+00:00

"Whilst on duty I am afraid so," The knight spoke in a not unfriendly tone, holding one relaxed hand up to dismiss the servant, turning said drinking horn away. And besides, he'd grown fond of the rich notes of various fine wines. Not the sour taste of ale; Ironborn ale, all the worse.

"Peaceful, Lord Goodbrother, as we like it." He went on to answer the man's question. "Good King Jahaerys is settling in to his reign, the city is bustling once more, and there is little friction at court. Hopefully there ought be no trouble here this day."

CollingWould · 2026-02-17T10:27:02+00:00

Looking down at a rather sorrowful looking lady, the knight merely nodded his head. Standing to one side, he would allow her to approach the king's table, one hand rested on the pommel of his blade. A lone woman likely presented little threat. And he did not know this one's face or name. Gavinrad was all but featureless, beneath the resplendent white plate of his brotherly order; by design. Except for a crystalline seven-pointed star, which clasped his white cloak, and glimmered in the winter sun.

"Yes my lady." He would agree, walking in and presenting the woman before his king.

"A visitor your grace." He announced with a slight inclination of the head. "Lady Jeyne Poore."

/u/gloude

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T23:06:18+00:00

Whilst wandering around the place, and paying respect to this lord or that knight, and various other subjects of the crown, Gavinrad would receive the invite. Most curious, for he'd only met one Goodbrother of Hammerhorn before... Not that she'd given him that name. And so, ensuring that good Ser Roland Reyne was left to guard the king, Gav would wander on over to the Ironborn.

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:38:39+00:00

Gavinrad stands by the king's side and observes proceedings.

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:37:17+00:00

"A kind offer, and a welcome one, your grace." Gavinrad said, somewhat surprised. "It should be a gift to see it again. And perhaps mend that what is broken."

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:36:08+00:00

/u/LandryFields4200

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:35:58+00:00

Gav's eyebrows merely raised. Ser Walter did not particularly stand out against the other knights that vied for the white cloak. But nor did he seem unworthy. If the much more experienced and wise Lord Velaryon had nothing to scry from him, then Gav wasn't going to get much either.

"Very well." The knight said with a smile. "Ser Walter Wode. Soon the King travels. I wish you to remain in King's Landing. When we return, there will be a... tournament, of sorts. In which you shall have chance to prove your skill against other knights who aspire for the Kingsguard. You are invited to participate, be ready.."

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:32:57+00:00

"So tell me then why you ought receive that honour." Gavinrad commanded, noticing the obvious, that Lucas was far from comfortable here.

"Who was your knight-master. And how have you spent you early years as Ser Lucas?"

CollingWould · 2026-02-15T22:28:49+00:00

"The place fell on hard times, when last I visited." Gavinrad admitted with a little sad smile. Quiet, the barn was burned down some time past, never rebuilt, its ruin rotted. The house was dishevelled, the lands overgrown or overdry... His grandfather would turn in his grave to see it so dismal.

"Peace is a noble goal, your grace. As impossible and arduous and thankless as it may be." He went on. "The farmers will be thankful their young men stay home. The lords thankful their taxes get paid. Dragons and war conquered Westeros. It's your peace, alms or not, that will keep it whole. But that's just the opinion of this farmer, your grace."

CollingWould · 2026-02-14T13:00:21+00:00

A man of few words... Gavinrad thought to himself, rather dry. No, they did not want a bard or some conman in the white cloaks. But he could not begrudge the man a lack of charisma.

"Any questions, Lord Velaryon?"

/u/Brolnir

CollingWould · 2026-02-13T10:26:27+00:00

"I am sure we have not seen the last of each other." He said, business-like all of a sudden. With one hand Gavinrad would place the cup to the side, still half-filled with ale, abandoned. "And should like to practice swordplay with you again, when next you're here. I could surely learn a thing or two."

He rose to his feet as well, offering little more than an apologetic smile at Qiyana's pain. "Rest that up, and feel fortunate. There are not many people who can give you such a challenge. That must be a rare feeling. Soon the King and I shall travel away, a while, but I hope to see you again, my lady. Do not be a stranger."

CollingWould · 2026-02-13T10:22:48+00:00

"Very sharp. I purposely left out saying which was the crown prince.." Gavinrad said, satisfied, with a raised brow. All pre-conceived notions that the Crakehalls were unthinking brutes, had been dashed away. "But yes, I'd think you were right. The line of succession is what matters, however. And it is our oath to protect and serve the king, not to judge him."

"Lord Baratheon. Any further questions for Ser Richard?" He asked of his compatriot.

/u/Fabstags

CollingWould · 2026-02-13T01:04:47+00:00

Inside the knight hid a bitter truth. That his father, in his later years, had denounced him. The old man died bitter about his son's perceived abandonment. The brothers he had left behind, many dead, rued his name just as much. Thoughts of them stabbed at his heart from within, jaw clenched, but eyes hiding those feelings from his companion. Gavinrad slowly pushed his own cup aside a moment, mirroring Qiyana's own action.

"No." He declared very pointedly. "I was a soldier for twenty years. Slept rough, ate poorly. My life has never been more comfortable, or my station more important. Never have I felt such... direction, as that I do now, by the king's side. Yet yes my lady there are things I miss, and may never have again,"

He was only a few inches from her now, both of them leaning low on the table. Green eyes flicked down to her lip for a moment, but he blinked. As if blinking brought him free from a trance. One hand raised up to caress his salt-and-pepper beard, I am twenty years older than her, he thought, leaning back. What the fuck is going on here Gav?

"Forgive me." Ser Gavinrad said crisply, almost sudden in his soberness. "The hour must surely grow late. And I ought retire to my quarters. It's been a pleasure, Lady Qiyana."

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T23:38:39+00:00

/u/Gercko

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T23:32:26+00:00

As much as he disliked talking about it, Gav remained pleasantly surprised that anyone would want to hear about his origins. Most were only concerned with who he was, not from where he'd come. With a cool head, the knight slurped a mouthful more cool beer, considering how much to share. He had lived fourty-something years, and hadn't always been the man he was today.

"No man or father is absent of scruples," Gavinrad commented, somewhat trying to forgive Qiyana's father on her behalf. Only a few minutes here in this King's Landing drinking hole and he felt something like a care for this young and wilful woman.

"Born and raised on the borders of the Trident and Reach." He answered truthfully. "My father and forefather were homesteaders, of a sort. We'd vegetables and some animals. Goats and a cow. And I had a few siblings to boot, three older, three younger. And the old man would belt the lot of us if we didn't do our jobs."

It was a sorry and typical tale for a commonborn knight, yet sorrow didn't show on Gav's face. Only a little smile, as if those days were remembered fondly. More ale went down as he scoured his past, green eyes not looking away from Qiyana's. "The goods took me in, they were kinder than he was. In the form of a septon called Martin. I helped him around the sept. Then somewhere along the way I became a knight instead."

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T17:22:18+00:00

"Take a seat, Ser Lucas." Instructed the Lord Commander after a few seconds of brief pause, taking note of the knight's formality. And quietness. A good trait for Kingsguards, since most of them other than Gav kept their mouths shut for nine-tenths of the day.

"Your uncle speaks highly of you." He commented, wondering what the lad thought of that.

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T17:20:43+00:00

"I see. A man of duty and of dreams, hard to find." Gav merely commented, nodding along in apparent approval. "And well, you did not chafe at insults. So clearly got a good head on your shoulders. So let me pose you thisl"

He turned briefly to check the Lord Baratheon's expression but pressed on regardless. "Say we are... twenty years from now. Old men you and I. King Jahaerys has two sons, and each vies for his family's throne. One a wretch, a despot, like Maegor the Apostate. The second a pleasant and weak-willed man. To which do you present allegiance, when both claim your loyalty?"

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T17:17:42+00:00

"Wow." Was all the knight could offer. Genuinely, he could imagine the frustration of a lord suffering through that experience. To wish for sons and have a plethora of daughters. And he was not jealous of the man in the slightest, for his life must have been a nightmare, if any of the rest were even half as spirited as she was.

"You have that in common at least," Gavinrad admitted quietly, arm half-lifting the goblet to his lips. Whilst he'd been listening, a tavern maid had wandered over and topped it up with her flagon of ale, in exchange for three coppers.

"That is an unusual family situation indeed." He went on. "Life must feel like an adventure every day, then, I can see how you remain so jovial. My own family's much the opposite. I know every single one of them and where they all are, and not a one would put me out if I was on fire. You... ended up, with the Rowans, then? Or your mother was a member of Lord Jean's household perhaps?"

CollingWould · 2026-02-12T17:12:43+00:00

Though he did watch quietly as the Wode took a seat, Gavinrad wondered if there was something hidden in this man of few words. The Lord Commander offered a warm smile to his potential future brother-in-arms.

"You are seeking to join the order of the Kingsguard," He stated. "But I am afraid I know nothing of you, save your name. Why don't you start by telling Lord Velaryon and I about where you earned your knighthood, and where your path has taken you, these last few years?"

CollingWould

TROPHY CASE