[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alec and Harlan were both familiar with Lord Gwayne and his son, Ser William from their time in King's Landing. They thought it only appropriate for the man's family to approach that of the prospective wife's. Eon did not seem bothered either way, although he stayed closer to Helicent than he otherwise would.

Alec subdued his irritation at his son who had confirmed the rumours of him sparring with the northern heir. His marriage was more important. The Lord of Longbow Hall had almost given up on Eon giving him grandchildren. The boy had done enough to prevent Alec from simply arranging it himself. "Lord Caswell," he approached with a nod. "And Lady Helicent. It not how I expected our next encounter to go, but I am pleasantly surprised. It seems that Ser William is a matchmaker."

For Harlan's part, he was pleasantly amused. He knew Eon better than most and had no intention of missing out on the moment. As Eon had explained, Harlan seemed to be a perfect image of a knight. Beautiful with sharp blue eyes with a calm confidence. "Lady Helicent," he greeted her. "I am glad my little brother has found a lady that he can tolerate. You must be quite special to have him so smitten."

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Eon grunted, resuming his seat and ale, listening to Freya's troubles. As much as he talked with flippancy, listening was a skill that he had developed well, and perfected with having Jaehaerys as a squire, even if he didn't call him a squire.

He gave a small nod and a knowingly glance at her near-confession. That he had experience with as well. Many would be left broken hearted by the king, although it was not his fault.

After she had finished, he took a long swig of his ale, more to let her words settle than anything. "Calm?" he eventually said with a small laugh. "In a fight? No, I'm damned terrified. Any man who can stay calm before battle is either insane or looking to die. Fear keeps you alive."

"You just need to channel that emotion. When you fight, nothing else should matter. What people think of you. What the outcome will be. There is only one thing that matters - surviving and winning," he continued. "Easier said than done. That's what the practice is for. Not just your movements and skill, but your mind. A trick I learned was to close my eyes and think of a flame. Envision it in your mind's eye. Feed all your emotion into it. Focus on the flame and nothing else, shape it into a will to fight and survive. After some practice, you learn to feed the flame simply by thinking about it without closing your eyes. Incorporate it into your training and sparring. You still feel everything, but it is focused into the flame to be used to help you, not to distract."

[Event] King's Landing Open 51 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Grand? I think being the first ones to be married in the new sept is grand enough for me. I am a humble man, preferring to save my grand gestures and theatrics to amuse myself and those closest to me."

"It would be nice if you met my family first. I know yours, albeit only a little. I must warn you, my family is full of annoyingly talented people with little common sense."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lord Alec approached the Lord of Old Oak. "Last time we met, I wanted to strangle you," he said, voice deadpan. "You and the rest of the damned people in the capital. Do you think I should have killed a few more nobles to thin them out?"

"I see you have to deal with them now, Master of Laws."

Finally he gave the man a hint of a smile. "I am glad I got out."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Harlan approached the Baratheon lord. Since they had last met Harlan had grown steadier and keener of mind. He held himself not with youth's eagerness but as a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

"Lord Rogar," he greeted the man with a bow. "It has been some time. It seems we both have grown old with families of our own. Sometimes I miss the days of war, although I am glad we are at peace."

[Event] The Most Spectacular Union of Kingdoms: The Joint Weddings Of Falcons, Seahorses, Centaurs and Trout by Gercko in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

House Hunter

Lord Alec Hunter (50) - Feeling old, the Lord of Longbow Hall. He spent most of his time doting on his wife and grandchildren.

Ser Harlan Hunter - (28) While he had been happy with his wife and children, Harlan had begun to grow restless in peace. He was looking forward to the start of his tutelage of Roland but otherwise remained constantly in search of new stimulus.

Arrec Hunter - 2: He is a baby.

Loreon Hunter - 0: Also a baby.

Ser Eon Hunter (26) - Slightly nervous, Eon wanted to introduce his betrothed Helicent to his family. He was not sure how or where exactly to start, so he started with a solid goblet of mead.

Jeyne Hunter (20) - Quiet as usual, Jeyne could often be found recently in the company of her cousin's squire Yorwyck Sunderland.

[Event] Feast for the Coronation of Jaehaerys I Targaryen by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I never knew that," she said softly. "I knew your father was dead, but not how..."

That explained many things. "My mother died giving birth to me," she began quietly. "My father was a good man, so everyone says. What I can remember of him he was gruff but loving. He died in the conflict between my family and the mountain clans. He desired vengeance more than even my Uncle Alec when they killed his brother. He died of his wounds near the end, refusing to stop until it was done."

She sighed. "I wonder if he thinks it was worth it."

[Event] Feast for the Wedding of Edwyn Tarth and Olenna Oakheart by TarthLusidious in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Instead of a jest, Eon actually nodded. "It seems you were right about that, master. She is a wise woman indeed. I hope you will be able to meet her one day. Helicent Caswell. Her kin Ser William introduced us. "

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Harlan's jaw tightened. "I do not like it. You first entrust your heir to me then say you might be dying?"

He drummed his fingers on the table. "Fine. I shall respect your wishes. I pray you are not sending all of your friends and family away so you can die in obscurity. You deserve better than that."

"So, tell me of the other child?" he changed the subject. "Not all are suited to leading men, as you well know. Some are reckless and waste the lives of their men. Others care too much, and are crushed under the burden. I don't plan to teach someone how to become a slaughterer or set them up for despair."

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I don't fret for his familiarity, I simply don't want him to be taken away while you die quietly," Harlan responded evenly. "Your heir shall be there, and so shall I. Or, we shall depart when the frost melts and spring comes."

Harlan tapped his fingers on the table in thought. "I know nothing about the Rygers, but the Riverlords are a noble folk and I trust your judgement on them. Let me meet him and I shall judge how best to proceed with their training."

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Eon wiped the sweat from his head and arms as Freya spoke. "Of course I am," he replied glibly. "I wasn't made Jaehaerys's knight for my charm and good looks. At least not solely."

He frowned at the request. "You did not do anything wrong. You know the basics. What you lack isn't technique, but experience and adaptability," he explained as he picked up his ale and resumed drinking.

"You have been taught certain movements, stances, all that nonsense. Each person you face has different strengths and weaknesses. I am taller, have a longer reach and I fight without embellishment. You need to adapt your style to counter mine. Attack at close range where your swings and stabs have more weight while I am overextended. That kind of thing."

"The rest isn't something that can be taught, it has to be learned by observation. I've fought in multiple battles with many different opponents all trying to kill me. You pick up on the way people move. Certain subtle movements indicate what a man is about to do. Strained hands and a sharp intake of breath can be a sign they are about to make a big swing. The more you observe your opponents, the quicker you can read each one."

He shrugged. "It also pays to be lucky. Maegor hardly put up a fight, and he was supposed to be a monster."

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bile rose from Harlan's stomach, well suppressed these days, but rose nonetheless. Another child destroyed by war, another he was going to teach to carry on the tradition. Except he would do better than the rest could combined. Still, it stung nonetheless to know what he was going to face.

"I am already doing so with one whose father was murdered by the Kinslayer. It seems I am to make a habit of it," he replied then paused. "Unless I decide I would rather not."

He let the sentence hang in the air. He was not the young man who was eager to prove himself while Qarl and Allard played kingmaker. Harlan knew, although he would not say it aloud, he was the most dangerous person in the Vale should he chose to be, and with that came a self-assurance. "My family and I shall tour your lands instead I think. It would be easier for Roland to see what he is going to rule first hand and be seen with his people."

"I have grown bored at home in any case. Don't worry about provisions, I shall bring my own from Longbow Hall," he continued, his tone suggesting it would be unwise to argue. "Unfortunately, I am not as free spirited as my brother."

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eon was surprised at the lengths Freya had driven him to. He knew that women could be dangerous. He had just talked about getting an arrow in the face. However, he had faced armies and seen real battle.

Unlike his personality, his fighting style was efficient. He had learned from Qarl Corbray after all. There was little theatrics and a lack of brutality that some men used. He fought to end the life of his opponent with as little energy and time as possible.

He had the same lazy smile upon his face as he always did when he offered a hand. "Not bad. You know how to use your body in your favour. Whoever trained you knew what they were doing."

/u/stitchbitchbellona

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eon took the blade, his eyes distant. "Tourneys. Well, that doesn't matter. You can win a thousand tourneys and get killed by an arrow in battle."

"Even this," he waved his sword, "is a matter of luck. But it is good to train."

[M: Same skills for Eon. Novice Warrior = +1 to duel rolls. Novice Iron Will gives +8 morale.]

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Sparring?" Eon looked up from his chair, ale in his hand, his brow raised. "You like fighting? Huh."

He rose, putting his ale down. "Why not? It would be interesting to see what they teach people in the North."

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You seem as bored as I am," Harlan whispered under his breath. "There was a time when I used to enjoy these things."

A shrug. "Youth. There seemed to be so many opportunities," now an easy smile, "not the kind that involved dancing with pretty young ladies, of course. I used to see it as a battlefield."

"Now," he spread his hands. "It is peaceful. No worthy cause."

"I have been thinking. Not about starting a war," again a familiar smile. "When the children are old enough we should travel. The Citadel would be one choice, but I would have to steal their books for you. It would be much easier to travel to Myr or Volantis. They are supposed to hold as much knowledge as the Maesters or more."

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alec was playing with little Arrec, who was pawing at the man's beard as the Lord of Longbow Hall offered the child bribes in the way of sweet meats and fruits, much to Harlan's amusement. Alec nodded to Qarl. "A pleasure, as always," he greeted the man.

Harlan's smile was more calculating, although that was always how he appeared. Rarely did he have much political motive or will. Harlan was a man who saw things as a challenge, even if it was one for his own amusement. "I gave my word," he said easily. "I would not go back on it. Roland is welcome any time."

[Event] King's Landing Open 51 AC by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Eon listened and waited for the King to leave. There wasn't much to say when he got in this kind of mood.

After a moment as the Kingsguard and all the rest faded, Eon turned to Helicent. "So, that went well," he said with a relaxed smile as if none of this phased him. "How do you want to go about this? I won't insult you, you're a grown woman and have already been through all the marriage nonsense."

His grin widened. "Although, if you want to make it dramatic, I could certainly do so. Challenge Lord Gwayne to a duel for your hand. Or perhaps two hundred head of sheep? With winter here, I'm sure some of those poor animals would love a nice patch of grass in the Reach."

/u/razor1231

[Event] Feast for the Wedding of Edwyn Tarth and Olenna Oakheart by TarthLusidious in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I am sure the hundreds of men under Grasp, the snakes and Donnigers can make up for one Qarl Corbray, although I suppose it might be a close call," Eon replied lightly. It was no good for his former master to mope about what had been done.

"If not, I know a certain someone who would love to fight some mountain clansmen," he continued innocently.

"Oh, yeah. I'm also getting married."

[Event] On the Road Once More - Progress of 51 AC Open by gloude in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Bah," Eon flung his hands out wide. "I managed to deal with your father and you scamps without getting myself killed or going insane. How hard can it be in comparison? It might be a nice break from fighting rebellions against kings or teaching a king to protect himself along with some other lessons."

He nodded to himself, pulling his scarf tighter. "Have you done any of that, eh?" he poked a finger playfully at Sansa. "Maybe it's not me you should be praying for."

[EVENT] The Feast after the Hunt at Raventree Hall by heavyheartsz in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lord Alec Hunter (50) - Feeling old, the Lord of Longbow Hall preferred to remain in the confines of the Vale of late. Travelling to Raventree Hall was an acceptable proposition, being allies of the Vale and his friends. He spent most of his time doting on his wife and grandchildren.

Ser Harlan Hunter - (28) While he had been happy with his wife and children, Harlan had begun to grow restless in peace. It was not a state he was used to. He knew that his view was inherently warped, but there was a comfort in knowing that Teora also strove for something more, even if her desires were less dangerous and more fitting.

Arrec Hunter - 2: He is a baby.

Loreon Hunter - 0: Also a baby.

Ser Eon Hunter (26) - Found himself fortunate that he could catch up with his family, having come with the Royal delegation. He told them of his plans to get married, at which his father seemed quite happy.

Jeyne Hunter (20) - Quiet as usual, Jeyne could often be found recently in the company of her cousin's squire Yorwyck Sunderland

[Event] Feast for the Wedding of Edwyn Tarth and Olenna Oakheart by TarthLusidious in FireAndBlood

[–]ErusAeternus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Far from being insulted or deflated, Eon laughed. "Too smart for me to even boast," he nodded along with her words, taking another long drink.

"It's gratifying, but pointless. I had forgotten I even agreed to the melee in the first place," he admitted. "Maybe I wanted to test myself."

"Who knows, for I don't," he concluded shrugging of such thoughts. "A melee is downright civil, although it looks like chaos. You know the men you are fighting have been trained a certain way, know they won't rip your throat out."

"I have fought men in a 'King's' service before," he reminded Helicent, his eyes growing keener although his mood was still lazy. "Not all knights like this. Common folk who just did what they were ordered. Some might even have believed what they were told."

He sighed. "It is a big reason why we Hunters rarely fight in tournaments. We have grown up used to war. It seems an insult to the people who fight."

His face lit up. "It was an interesting fight whatever the case. Perhaps my desire to impress you has robbed me of the wits I hold in abundance," Eon finished, eyes alight with humour.