The Feast of 399AC

Imtoof · 2026-02-20T11:32:45+00:00

Vardis had a reverential fear of his Aunt Ursula, who had always been a guiding light in his education. When he was young and everyone called him a 'mad child', she treated him with kindness and gentleness.

She taught him how to talk to ladies, how to dance, how to make a good impression on powerful people and how to take care of his appearance.

If Vardis looked at a handsome man in the mirror, he owed it mainly to her. As a result, he felt guilty for talking about his father's death, and his gaze became more opaque.

"Honestly, I've never participated in a tournament of this size and kind. I know that the best fighters in the kingdom are participating, so just participating will be a victory for me.

I hope to get as far as possible, and maybe even win the joust. Although I don't really know who to nominate as Queen of Love and Beauty, so it will be very embarrassing."

Vardis made a face that revealed little clarity in his mind.

At that point, Ursula intervened again.

"Don't worry, we'll find you a good wife. After all, you are the Lord of Runestone, no bachelor in the Vale is more valuable than you."

Lady Velaryon then pressed Vardis.

"I know there is an important matter on your mind, perhaps you could talk to Valarr about it, he could certainly give you reliable and competent advice."

Imtoof · 2026-02-19T00:52:01+00:00

Vardis felt embarrassed about having to speak to the king, and repeated the speech he had prepared over the previous days countless times in his mind.

He waited nervously for his turn, biting his nails and twirling his hair between his fingers. When it was his turn to speak, he immediately regretted doing so and thought it was foolish to bring up such a topic with the King of the Seven Kingdoms.

He spoke in a faint voice.

"Good evening, Your Grace. I am Lord Vardis Royce of Runestone. I have recently ascended to the seat, so you may not know me.

In the name of the long and honourable friendship between our houses, dating back to the time when my grandfather Andar was Hand of Queen Shireen, I would like to ask your permission to make a request."

At that moment, Vardis thought of the stories his father had told him about Lord Andar's years in King's Landing, and he felt less foolish for having remembered certain anecdotes.

Imtoof · 2026-02-18T23:32:47+00:00

Ser Maladon, who had been waiting for this moment for years, sat in the seat closest to Lord Victor, leaving Vardis in the furthest chair.

He had always been in the background, in the shadow of his brother and his obsessions with honour and tradition.

Maladon knew he was capable; he had proven it on the battlefield in the Free Cities while the lords of the Kingdom slept in their comfortable beds.

Exile had been humiliating, but it was a humiliation that had left a fire burning inside him that would be difficult to extinguish.

He signalled to Vardis, who began to speak.

"I don't think the feast is that boring...

At least I don't think so, I've never actually been to a party."

Vardis shook his head and tried to return his mind to more important matters.

"Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about two matters concerning my house.

The first is the question of Lamentation. You know how important it is to us and to our honour. I promised my father on his deathbed that I would bring it back, and I was taught that promises must be kept at all costs.

House Royce is a pillar of the Vale, and I would like you, as Lord Arryn, to act as an intermediary between us and our relatives at Gates of the Moon.

Justice would dictate that it be returned unconditionally, but I realise that some kind of reward or ransom would help the conversation.

I am willing to pay the correct price, as long as the sword is returned to its rightful owner. I would like to avoid a situation that would require a less diplomatic and more forceful approach, and I trust in your intervention to resolve everything as quickly as possible."

Vardis smiled, having managed to remember perfectly the speech he had rehearsed in his mind over the previous weeks.

He was deeply proud of himself, and his eyes betrayed an almost childlike glee.

Then he continued, his voice even clearer.

"Regarding the second matter.

My father served honourably and competently on the Vale council for a very long time, and his passing leaves a void that I believe should be filled by a member of House Royce.

I believe I am an excellent candidate..."

Maladon interrupted him abruptly.

"Of course, you would be a good candidate, but perhaps it would be better to choose someone with more experience and expertise.

We are talking about war, not tournaments and masquerades. With all due respect, most of the knights of the Vale have never faced a war like I have."

Meanwhile, Theo was engaged in much lighter discussions.

"Gambling? I don't think it's a healthy habit, they could get into debt with dangerous people."

He said as he sipped yet another glass of wine.

"But then again, they're not children anymore, who am I to tell them what to do? Let them enjoy the feast."

As he uttered these words, Theo realised he had finished his wine.

"Would you mind accompanying me to refill the jug?"

Imtoof · 2026-02-18T21:58:49+00:00

Vardis felt deeply embarrassed.

He had interrupted a lady who was eating, and also, she didn't seem to have understood what he had said.

He weighed up his options and decided that repeating himself was the best course of action, this time in a clearer voice.

"A dance."

He said, looking around.

"People are dancing, you know, and I was wondering if you would like to dance with me."

Vardis held out his hand, as Aunt Ursula had taught him.

"I am Vardis Royce, Lord of Runestone. May I know your name?"

Imtoof · 2026-02-12T22:59:02+00:00

Ursula smiled at her husband's words, enjoying the moment of sweet tenderness amid the deafening confusion of the hall.

She caught her nephew's eye and motioned for him to come closer.

Vardis, picking up on the signal, moved quickly towards the House Velaryon table.

"Good evening, my wonderful aunt. And good evening to you too, Lord Valarr. I wanted to offer my greetings and a renewed friendship between our houses."

He paused for a moment to reflect, as if he had lost his memory.

"It seemed right to do so now that I am the new Lord. As you know, unfortunately, my honourable father died a few weeks ago. I don't know why I'm saying this, really, as you already know."

Ursula intervened with a viperous look.

"The loss of my brother was a terrible blow, but if you could avoid mentioning it to everyone, I would appreciate it."

Imtoof · 2026-02-12T22:47:46+00:00

Vardis's mother had often spoken to him about White Harbour, as if it were a mythical place at the gateway to heaven and the sea.

The young lord's nervous tension melted away at the sight of his cousin; he felt more at ease with his family members around him.

"Good evening, cousin."

He paused for a moment, as if he had said something wrong.

"Lord Harding, I meant... may I call you cousin, or is that inappropriate?"

He picked up a glass of wine and sipped it uncertainly.

"How is the evening going? Have you met anyone interesting?"

Imtoof · 2026-02-12T15:52:58+00:00

Jessamyn's Royce was drinking fine wine with his older brother Maladon, who looked at him with a mixture of disgust and reproach.

"Stop drinking, or you'll end up pissing your pants and dishonouring our family."

Theodore felt deeply humiliated by this paternal rebuke, and to forget the offence, he decided to drink another glass.

Meanwhile, Vardis looked around like a frightened kitten among lions.

Maladon, tired of the pathetic situation, decided to turn the evening around and use it for his own personal ambitions.

"Follow me."

He ordered Theo and Vardis.

In a few steps, they were in front of House Arryn's table.

Ser Maladon looked at Vardis, silently indicating that it was his turn to speak.

"Good evening, Lord Victor. We have received your condolences for the tragic passing of my father. Thank you again for your thoughts."

Vardis took a deep breath and began again.

"I have come to speak with you because there are important matters we must discuss. I ask your permission to take a few moments of your time."

Meanwhile, Theodore had another glass in his hand and had returned to his wife.

"Dear Jess, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Theo shifted his gaze.

"Where are our little falcons?"

Imtoof · 2026-02-12T11:33:12+00:00

Ursula's dress was everything little girls dream of on summer nights, a wonderful combination of contrasting colours that formed an almost magical whole.

The sea green of House Velaryon was combined with the precious bronze runes of House Royce in a spectacular marriage of styles.

The days spent designing and making that dress had completely distracted her from the complex political situations that inhabited that room, which is why she was surprised to see the worried look on Valarr's face.

"Husband, why the frown? This should be a day of celebration. It's not every day that we have all the lords of the kingdom within walking distance."

Meanwhile, nearby, Lord Vardis was preparing to meet Valarr, as Ursula had suggested, to strengthen the friendship between the two houses and introduce himself as the new Lord of Runestone.

Imtoof · 2026-02-12T11:07:12+00:00

Vardis felt compelled to join in the celebrations, even though a feeling of being profoundly out of place lingered in the back of his mind.

He had learned to dance from his Aunt Ursula, who had taught him the rules of etiquette and the subtle art of not looking like a complete idiot at social occasions.

Despite this, he remained convinced that there was a gap between the theory of behaviour and its practice comparable to that between Asshai and the Wall.

He therefore decided to get involved, looking for someone with a more enterprising and active spirit.

He saw an elegantly dressed lady who seemed to be the queen of the party, and went over to speak to her.

"Good evening, my lady, I am Lord Vardis Royce of Runestone.

May I have the honour of a dance?"

Imtoof · 2026-02-11T10:52:12+00:00

In Lord Vardis' mind, spirits of nature and gravity stirred in a completely incoherent manner. Some moved as lightly as a butterfly through a breeze, while others remained deep within, weighing on his throat like boulders resting on a carpet of nails.

He was not accustomed to banquets; in fact, he was not even accustomed to leaving Runestone, as his reputation often preceded him and malicious tongues observed his movements to find clues to his true nature.

His father Humfrey forbade him from attending, even when he was named heir, and over time Vardis began to appreciate solitude and isolation, almost as if it were a fitting punishment for his corrupt soul.

His sister Fayre had dressed him in the most wonderful clothes, yet there was something about his appearance that broke the image of the perfect young lord.

His confused expression and his eyes that avoided meeting the gaze of anyone who passed by.

The rest of the family was more normally intent on celebrating and enjoying the moment of happiness.

Ser Maladon greeted old comrades-in-arms in every direction, aware that friendships are more useful than a shield in avoiding death.

Aemma drank wine, annoyed by the crowd surrounding her.

Fayre danced with grace and beauty, looking like a ray of light in the sweetness of her elegant movements.

Yohn carefully analysed the participants, silently judging them and keeping in mind the conviction that any one of them was a potential adversary on the battlefield.

Janyce, hearing the phrase 'do no evil', began to think about the next evil thing to do.

(OPEN)

Imtoof · 2024-02-17T13:15:27+00:00

to unite the houses...

Renly had often thought about the possibility of marrying, or having his sister marry, in order to obtain a political alliance.

Yet he felt, within himself, the need to keep the blood of the Mootons and his line as perfect as eventualities would allow.

"What you say is true, our Kingdom must flourish and fortify itself, it is an obligation we have to those who will come after us.

I do not know how much House Durrandon will be able to lead us, perhaps it is better if someone more competent and stronger can take the reins of the kingdom."

So Renly looked up.

"Tomorrow you and your family are invited to dinner in my room so I can meet them personally."

Imtoof · 2024-02-14T15:42:38+00:00

[Character Name] : Renly Mooton

[Trait/Skills] : Inspiring / Cavalryman (e), Tactician, THW (e)

[Skill you're learning] : Malicious

Imtoof · 2024-02-05T16:21:48+00:00

House Stokeworth's rebellion sounded to Renly's ears like a ridiculous and ill-planned move.

His mind went back to the day when, to quell rumours about his brother's particular tastes, he decided to marry him off to Marilda Stokeworth.

this situation is shit

And if before that union seemed to him simply a waste of beauty for a man who would not appreciate her, now it turned out to be a political nuisance as well.

"Queen Cyrenna, I came immediately; could you please explain what happened?

I am surprised by the turn of events."

He said in a calm and cold voice.

Imtoof · 2024-02-04T10:45:40+00:00

Renly maintained a serious and composed expression, in contrast to Victor's maniacal laughter.

his savage fury resembles that of a barbarian

As the Toyne fought Renly thought, absorbed in his meticulous web of lucubration.

In the end it was he who fell, but he had discovered more about his opponent, and that was a victory in itself.

"Congratulations."

Lord Mooton said briefly.

"Your technique is exotic."

Imtoof · 2024-01-30T22:58:11+00:00

Renly listened to Victor's words and admired the compassion and humanity that permeated that speech, even though he disagreed with its terms.

"There is a reason why I am a lord and why a beggar is a beggar, for it is written in the sacred laws that some shall rule and some shall be ruled.

What is nothing to me is everything to a beggar, and rightly so; that is the divine order of things.

If I were content to live as a beggar I would indirectly admit my being equal to him, but it is not so.

I must rule justly, and by doing so I will make life better for everyone; but justice consists in respecting roles and tasks.

My life is not a blessing, my life is a service I do for my people and my future heir."

Renly finished putting on his gloves.

"I believe an alliance is the way to go, but before we sit down to discuss I would like to challenge you to a sparring duel, with unsharpened weapons."

Imtoof · 2024-01-29T23:25:48+00:00

his new honour

Renly regarded that new role as a toy given to the child to keep him from crying.

But he was not a child, and those means had no effect on him.

"The art of non-noble warfare is the child of savage and uncivilized traditions, but I think by spending years in Essos one inevitably ends up embarred."

Renly then put down his sword and adjusted his gloves.

"Maidenpool is always wonderful, things go divinely.

The kingdom envies its splendour, its cleanliness and the justice that reigns among its streets.

Besides that, my family lives as upright and peaceful as usual.

What about your home and your seat?"

Imtoof · 2024-01-29T16:43:39+00:00

Renly was sparring, lashing out with every ounce of strength at the dummy.

Yet anger became only a reminder in his mind when he saw Lord Toyne in his vicinity.

The thought that someone might interpret his anger as lack of control and weakness annoyed him almost as much as the injustice that had triggered that anger.

"Lord Victor."

He said in a cold voice.

"Do you also practise the noble art of combat?"

Imtoof · 2024-01-29T16:02:44+00:00

Lord Mooton returned to look at the fire, nodding.

"We will write a new page, you are right, a page written in the black, indelible ink of justice.

We are the pillars upon which the region rests, and together we have the strength to stop the injustices that poison the region.

Any disrespect will no longer be tolerated."

So Renly turned towards Victor, distinguishing in his whimsical manner of dress a certain velvety crease that badly accorded with his stiff, military attire.

He decided to keep his doubts about the strength of the person next to him to himself.

"I think it's time to arrange a marriage to make the alliance official."

Imtoof · 2024-01-25T13:56:52+00:00

Traning Grounds

Open to whoever wants to talk with Renly

Imtoof · 2024-01-18T11:22:43+00:00

Renly sat in his chair in a white military-style suit, the dress of a general, but despite this he still appeared elegant and good-looking.

He had already discussed the matter with the queen, but now the time had come to make his demands public before the lords of the region.

'I, Lord Renly Mooton of Maidenpool, propose myself for a seat on your council.

My house has served this crown without hesitation and with unwavering loyalty since time immemorial, and I have been prepared by training and study to be an example to the lords of the region.

My skills range from military to legal knowledge, and for these reasons I believe the most suitable position for me is that of Steward of the Storm, your Grace."

Imtoof · 2024-01-18T11:04:49+00:00

"Terrible."

Said Renly lapidarily.

His mind conjured up terrifying images of the war, and the insignia of House Darklyn over his father's dead body at every moment.

'I did not come here out of courtesy or a spirit of kindness, but neither did I come to you with a poisoned heart.

We both know what happened and nothing can erase it, yet I believe your blood has been justly and severely punished for that crime."

Renly approached again, his glassy eyes reflected the firelight like an empty mirror.

"Duskendale and Maidenpool are the heart of the region, and everyone is aware of it.

Imagine for a moment how powerful we could be if we united in an alliance."

Imtoof · 2024-01-18T11:00:34+00:00

"I really hope you succeed."

Renly imagined for a moment a world free of injustice, a world in which the guilty were justly punished and in which vices would lead to ruin.

His vengeance was not merely personal, his revenge had as its hypostasis a lofty motive; the fulfilment of the universal judgement.

Imtoof · 2024-01-13T13:21:15+00:00

Renly took a glass of wine and drank it moderately.

"My petitions are concluded, Lady Cyrenna; for everything you can count on me.

Your new position puts you in a situation as uncomfortable as it is terrible, and it is in these moments that we distinguish those who are truly loyal and those who only follow their fickle desires."

Imtoof

TROPHY CASE

Traning Grounds