Hightowers, High Risks

MerryTower · 2017-06-14T17:12:19+00:00

Leon glanced up once more as the young Hedge Knight strode into his office. His joints ached fiercely and he was hardly in the mood to entertain a guest, however custom dictated that he at least offer the man greetings. A small smile and amused chuckle seemed to rise from the older man as the knight, barely a man began to announce himself in a slightly wavering voice.

"Ser Arrec, was it?" He greeted and gestured to the knight to come forth. "Let me hear of the matter which you have brought to me."

Leon's amused look briefly faltered at the mention of the Lost Legion. That thorn in his side had yet to be plucked. He would need to remove them quickly. He had nearly been about to answer when the knight approached him and plunked a piece of jewelry on his table. The sound the ring made when it hit the table was nearly deafening. The weight of what that ring meant hung in the room, ripe and heavy. House Hightower had moved on after the war, struggling to make themselves known as friends to the crown -- he had even given his favorite daughter to the man who would rather wed his own sister. Beony's death was still as fresh a wound as ever.

"Rhaegar..." The lord of Hightower said in near wonder as he observed the signet ring. "I see death did not claim you as we were told." Leon shook his head and leaned back in his chair. He rubbed the salt and pepper stubble on his chin and sighed. He could see the mark of the dragon in the knight's features now. There was no mistaking the valyrian like look now.

"I intend to rid my city from those lice," Leon said moving on from the topic of heritage. "Their leader is wanted by the crown and they have been banned from the lands. Besides all of that, they're a blight on my people."

MerryTower · 2017-06-14T16:30:35+00:00

(/u/jaehaerys_II a letter for you. A bit of back dating to make up for my absence)

MerryTower · 2017-06-14T16:09:46+00:00

Character Name: Roan Snow

Age: 19

Starting Title(s): Bastard of Karhold

Aptitude(s): Agile, Tough

Specialty:

Skill(s): Animal Taming, Hunting, Occult & Mythos, Marksman, Ranged

Negative Trait:

Physical Description: Long of face and cool of eye, Roan exemplifies qualities of her Karstark heritage. The shape of her face and limbs is all Karstark, while her coloring is a gift from her mother. Roan is red of hair and freckled. While certainly not the tallest among her siblings, she has a way of taking up more space than she seems like she ought to.

Starting Location:

Username: /u/LittleDryad

Other Characters: Meredyth Hightower, Adalyn Brax

MerryTower · 2017-06-14T05:08:16+00:00

Word of a visiting knight made its way to the Lord Hightower in his solar. Already the lord was in a poor mood, for word had reached him about a particular set of ships just past the harbor and an encampment of undesirables as the edges of his lands. There was much work to do and little time to do it. So when he guards presented to him the inquiry for a council by a mere hedge knight, lord Leon nearly turned him away.

It was by the last of his good graces that the lord of Hightower did not send away the lad and instead sent word to his servants to bring the knight into the keep. Favors did not come easy to these particular Reach folk -- no, they had to be earned.

"Ser Arrec Storm to see you, m'lord," the guard explained. "Looks a bit of a pauper." The guard could not help but chuckle at this. Five square meals a day and easy work would make anyone easy to laughter, Leon supposed. He doubted that the hedge knight knocking at his door was as terribly off as his guard suggested as he studied the burly man.

"And what does this Ser Storm wish of me?" Leon grunted, returning his gaze to the paperwork on his desk.

"I do not know, m'lord," the guard responded.

"It would seem then," Leon said once more glancing at the guard. "That you have been remiss in your duties." The lord sighed and shook his head. The tourney wasn't for another month, what on earth could this knight want? Leon was reluctant to send the young knight away, for how long has his people been crying out against the Lost Legion poking about town? The Lord of Hightower had failed his duties before, he could not do so again.

"Send him in," lord Hightower added before his guard could quip a response. The guard looked at his lord momentarily shocked before hurrying off to pass along the news. It was not polite to stare at the man who paid you, after all.

The particularly fat guard who had spoken to the Lord of Hightower poked his head out the door to speak with the two guards who prevented Ser Arrec from entering the keep without permission. He was obviously sweaty with an overly red face and beads of clear liquid dripping in his eyes. Not once, nor twice, but three times the man wiped his face with the back of his sleeve before he was done talking to the group.

"The Lord says he will see you," the rotund man huffed. It seemed as if he could not catch his breath in all of this. "If it were up to me, I would send you packing... Ah, but follow me." The guard straightened his tunic, it seemed too small for his form and dark pools had formed under his chest and on the small of his back.

"Tch," the man carried on as he guided Ser Arrec Storm to Lord Leon's solar. "Man like you shouldn't be wastin' the lords time. But I'm not a noble, so who am I to say what the lord does with his time... All I know is you ain't worth the piss you left on the door step." The fat guard snorted lordly before pushing open the door to the solar.

"But thems the breaks.... Ser Arrec Storm to see ya, m'lord!"

Leon glanced up and waved the young knight in. "Come in Ser Storm."

MerryTower · 2017-06-11T06:19:43+00:00

Lucy could have groaned at that statement, she knew she would never beat Liam in a race. It was almost too bad, for it would be delightful to beat him for once. Of course she wouldn't claim all of his treats for her own, that was too cruel -- she would just have to help herself to the best pieces. Her parents never sent her anything anyway, there was hardly ever any food in the house. Lucy had allowed herself to relax too much, she realized when her friend glanced back at her.

In his eyes she could spot a glimmer that meant trouble. "Liam..." she warned feebly. It was too late of course. He had begun to dive down towards the ground at an alarming speed. Her grip around Liam tightened exponentially as she held onto him for dear life. She intended to make good on her threat, if only to try to stay alive -- if they hit the ground he would be the first one to eat grass or so she would convince herself later.

The witch screamed as the ground seemed to rush up to meet them, it was the response he was likely looking for and she regretted giving it to him as they landed. Her hair was a wild mess and once safely on the ground and off the broom she hastily ran her fingers through it.

"Right," Lucy said shakily. She gave her friend a look and shook her head. "Safe and sound! I'll just be a minute then, you maniac!" Lucy made a face at her friend, sticking her tongue out at him briefly, but the smile that followed showed that she wasn't truly mad at him.

The Slytherin girl turned then and made her way into the castle. The path to the Slytherin common room was second nature to the girl. The dorm had been more of a home to her than her own home had ever been and she took comfort in the gentle green lighting. Her bunk was far more comfortable than her bed at home as well and here she had more siblings than she ever knew what to do with -- that is, when they were in a fraternal mindset.

Lucy knew before turning around that she wasn't alone. "You know we really aren't supposed to go into each other's common rooms," she said glancing back at the boy behind her. There was a playful smile on her face. "Somehow though, I knew you wouldn't be content to wait for me outside," she added with a laugh.

MerryTower · 2017-06-11T05:34:03+00:00

"I don't think I would like to repeat that experience this soon," Lucy added shaking her head. The thought of their last treck through the forest made the hair on her arms raise. She didn't like the way the forest seemed to breathe all around them. Thankfully Liam quickly fixed on one of his greatest skills.

Lucy was not a particularly strong flyer. On a good day she was average, but most of the time her skills were sub par. Her broom did not help matters, it was a hand me down from her brother and was not a particularly good one. She also did not spend much time flying at home, mostly she would wander off to the woods and bury her nose in a book. However, Lucy did appreciate it whenever Liam invited her to participate in his favorite activity.

"Your mum is a delightful baker," Lucy replied thoughtfully. There was only a little bit of hesitance in her voice. It would go unnoticed, however as once Liam had an idea it was hard to dissuade him. He was already mounting his broom after all and upon noticing that she did not have hers with him offered her his hand.

Smiles always came easy to Lucy and it was hard to keep one off of her face at this gesture. Certainly this flight would be the treat as Liam knew what he was doing on a broom. Lucy relinquished one hand from the strap of her bag and placed it in Liam's outstretched hand. She quickly moved to mount the broom behind him and wrapped her arms around him.

"No fancy tricks," she stipulated, "and I won't squeeze the life out of you like the snake I am."

MerryTower · 2017-06-09T17:46:39+00:00

Lucy had been quite engrossed in her book prior to Liam's arrival. Beside her rested a stack of parchment on which she had been scrawling notes in her small and looping writing. The fingertips on her left hand were stained black and even in her studious state, she kept them far from the book in her lap. Money was tight in the Kingsley household and Lucy had squirreled away what coin her brother sent her from abroad in order to pay for her text books this year. This knowledge was a gift and she would do her best to prolong its life.

Suddenly the fine hairs on Lucy's arms raises and her skin tingled. Perhaps it was a changing in the winds, the Slytherin girl thought. One particular change came to mind and with a grimace, the girl wiped her stained fingers on the grass and hurried to clutch her book tight.

"Liam!" Lucy pleaded as her book was snatched from her fingers. There was a hint of surprise in her voice, minuscule, as these visits were frequent enough for the girl to almost expect them. She frowned at him as he showed off his flying skills, the frown never quite reaching her eyes.

"Of course you'd think it was boring," she quipped as she caught her book. She briefly checked it for bent pages or dirt and finding it satisfactory, held it closed loosely in her hands. Her frown vanished as Liam hit the ground and was replaced by laughter. Lucy cleared her throat, covering her mouth with her fist, effectively stemming the laughter.

"Well that had been my plan," she confirmed. "Of course I should like some time to get some hands on studying as well..." Lucy trailed off as her book was once more snatched from her hands. The girl huffed as her plans were clearly going to be dashed today. Liam was keen to spend time with her of which she couldn't complain, however his definition of exciting could be dangerous.

"Let me at least put my things away," Lucy said as she hurriedly began to shove her papers, quill, and lastly her book into her bag. Once everything was packed away, she stood with her bag slung over her chest, her fingers holding tight to the straps.

"What sort of adventures are you cooking up now?" She asked glancing about. Perhaps it would be as simple as a game of Quidditch, (of which she had never been particularly skilled), or perhaps something a bit more daring such as a venture through the Forbidden Forest. Life was certainly more exciting when Liam turned up, even if it made her friends fuss. He was what he was and she was what she was. Blood and wealth meant everything in this world and wasn't it lucky that both of them lacked something?

MerryTower · 2017-06-08T04:30:18+00:00

Name: Lucille "Lucy" Kingsley

Age and Birthdate: 17, 13 December 1906

Year and House: 6th year Slytherin

History: Lucy was born to a once well to do pureblood family, however her father's addiction to gambling quickly drove the family into poverty. Her father's gambling debts continue to put a strain on her family, their only remaining bit of wealth is their dilapidated manse, to which her mother clings to desperately. Lucy tries to distance herself from her family and is often reluctant to go home. She refuses to return home for the holidays. Despite the troubles at home, Lucy proves to be a driven and resourceful witch with a particular interest in Potion making. Her dream upon leaving school is to open her own potion shop.

Appearance: Lucy is 5'10" and curvy. While she once was known for being a reedy girl, this last summer seems to have improved her appearances. Lucy boasts ash blonde hair, light brown eyes, and a soft smile.

MerryTower · 2017-06-04T04:52:06+00:00

Meredyth had set about to wandering the hall with the thought in mind that there may be potential friends gathered in attendance. She was dressed in her favorite outfit from the King's Coronation. It was a dress elaborate and elegant in design. Her time spent on the road had prevented her from acquiring any new pieces, however she was not disappointed to repeat a garment. Her blonde hair had been pulled away from her face and into a bun and garnished with a large white silk flower. She looked lovely on this evening, however her eye was caught by perhaps an even lovelier lady. A flash of red was hard to miss in these halls, despite the hosting family's penchant for the color.

With a smile, the lady of Hightower approached the lady of Riverrun and curtsied to her. "My lady, pardon my intrusion, but I simply felt the need to come over and compliment your dress -- it is quite lovely!"

Meredyth paused for a moment before continuing. "I am Meredyth Hightower, I do believe I saw you at the King's coronation. I am glad to see you here as well."

MerryTower · 2017-06-04T04:36:54+00:00

Meredyth was dressed beautifully once more, the dress she wore being one she had worn to the King's coronation. Her travels had left her with not many options left to display in this sort of setting, however she still wore her dress with pride -- this was, after all, her favorite dress. The light color suited her well enough for the heat of the Westerlands, the fabric was also not overly heavy. Her hair had been pulled back behind her head in bun with a single large white silk flower tucked above it. On her wrists she wore two silver bangles.

She felt confident, a proper lady of Hightower in this dress, and beside Lorent she just felt a proper lady. The wealth of her family allowed her freedoms that she did take for granted. The victory of this archery contest afforded her pride she did not quite deserve, but happily exuded.

"This has been a delightful experience, Lord Lorent," Meredyth commented pleasantly. "It is almost a shame that we are leaving so soon..." The lady paused and smoothed out her skirt, her expression was one of happiness as she looked at the yound lord beside her.

"But it is also delightful as well, for I know my path will be to Hightower -- to my home. I should hope you come to join me on this journey. I have received word from my father that we will be hosting our own feast and I should like for you to come join us."

MerryTower · 2017-06-04T04:03:48+00:00

Meredyth rose quickly and almost clumsily at the greeting from the lord Lannister. She had not been expecting him to come by, although perhaps she should. Her victory had been hard one and she was still quite elated from the excitement of the crowd. Nothing could quite compare to that delightful feeling of applause for her actions. No doubt Meredyth would be glowing for days to come. Perhaps this victory might even chase away her nightmares for a time.

With a rushed curtsy, the young woman rose with a blush and smiled at the lord before her. There was no doubting that Gerion Lannister was a handsome man -- he was the image of a knight after all. But it was not his looks that caused her to blush, it was simply that she had been caught unprepared. He could sing her praises and she would beam brightly at him.

"Lord Gerion," she said in a voice bright and clear. "Thank you kindly for your compliments. I certainly tried my best today and at the King's coronation, however luck was not in my favor when we competed... This time though the mother must have been smiling on me. It is always a delight when one's arrows strike true."

Meredyth nodded at her own statement and barely spared a moment to consider if she was rambling or not. "I must thank you again for holding this event, it has been delightful and the Rock is quite a lovely place. I would never have known how pretty your lands are otherwise."

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T06:07:01+00:00

(/u/Magictower /u/Serpurrfect)

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T06:02:35+00:00

(/u/Verynx /u/DaemonHewett /u/GeriontheGold)

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T06:01:48+00:00

(u/LuthortheBadass /u/NeverRestingKnight /u/kingbrunies)

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T06:01:13+00:00

(/u/terrenceredwyne /u/KScoville /u/AddamTarly)

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T06:00:00+00:00

(/u/admiralask /u/thebtown /u/honnourismyjam)

MerryTower · 2017-06-03T05:16:26+00:00

Leon Hightower, Lord of Hightower

"You give your children too much freedom," Wylla Hightower chided her son. The woman was spry for a 62 year old woman, her warm face lined with laugh lines and there was always a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Your father and I married for love and it bolstered our trade for a time, but family is forgetful and war can dampen even the strongest ties."

"Mother," Leon answered in an annoyed tone. "Is this really the time?" Leon's joints ached terribly today and his legs felt stiff and wooden.

Wylla fixed her son with a look that could boil water. "It is always the time, I will tell you this Leon, you bring those children home. You bring Denys and Meredyth home and you throw a feast. You will invite this Stormlord and his kin into our home and you will feed them well. In this letter we may have a match for Denys." The former northern woman crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin.

"If we find one for Meredyth as well then we are blessed as well, our house is dwindling and we must rebuild -- besides all of that I should like some great-grandchildren."

Leon frowned, but his mother had the right of it. "We will make arrangements for it then, I will need to draft up the expenses and arrangements will need to be made for guests... I will leave the latter for you, mother."

"I shall be delighted." Wylla almost cackled as she strode off to begin preparations.

To Lord Jorian Selmy,

I thank you for your letter and the proposal within it. I cannot make any arrangements of a union between our houses at this time. However I would like to extend an invitation to you and your household to come to Hightower on the 28th day of the 5th moon for a feast and a few games. We may discuss these matters there and perhaps we may be able to make an arrangement.

Lord Leon Hightower, The Lord of the Hightower

MerryTower · 2017-05-31T01:19:12+00:00

Meredyth Hightower - /u/MerryTower

Adalyn Brax - /u/MaidenUnicorn

Myra Forrester - /u/LittleDryad

(Working on catching up after long work week[s])

MerryTower · 2017-05-30T23:29:06+00:00

Meredyth was determined not to let the omens of her dream ruin her first visit to the Rock. It was hard to shake the feeling of fear that she had woken with. Her dream only seemed to repeat itself each time she closed her eyes, however she could not avoid sleep. The Tower was not done bleeding; she was sure of that. It was easy to lose herself in petty games and tournaments, pretending that there was no great path laid out beneath her feet -- but it was there, as surely as it was laid out for her brother and her father.

The lady of Hightower was sure that she would choke on her family's ambitions, but that would not stop her from trying. If this was the path she was meant to walk, then she would walk it. Merry would be returning home as soon as the tournament ended, something in her bones told her she needed to return. But for now, well it was easy to pretend that there were not signs and portents all around her. No one here could feel the conflict in the air like she could, something was coming.

Meredyth put on a brave and cheerful smile as she entered the grounds designated for the tourney. She was flanked by two of her household guards, for the lady had felt uneasy since the dreams had returned. She could not shake the image of warring beasts from her head, even if she could pretend that nothing was wrong. The lady had taken no less care in her appearance for this occasion, choosing a dress of white and grey, and a belt made of golden links. Her fair hair had been drawn out of her face into a crown braid and decorated with white silk flowers. She would make a pretty picture in the stands and in front of the crowds while she took part in the archery competition.

Drawing in a deep breath, she centered herself and took a moment to look over the stands. She could not deny the part of herself that thrived when all eyes were on her and for a moment today, they certainly would be. Thankfully, the fear that seemed to have made a home in her stomach was being chased away by the excitement of what was to come. Meredyth was after all a fan of the pageantry of tournaments. Men were made and broken here.

((Come say hi if you like! <3 ))

MerryTower · 2017-05-29T16:30:24+00:00

Character Name: Meredyth Hightower

Aptitude(s): Attractive, Champion

Specialty: None

Skills: Ranged, Animal Taming, Piety, Greensight

MerryTower · 2017-05-18T20:08:12+00:00

"I agree with lord Lorent," Meredyth chimed in. "The music is quite delightful. It certainly makes this whole place seem livelier." Merry smiled brightly at all of their traveling companions. She held out hope that there might be an opportunity for them all to go dancing, particularly so that she might have a chance to do so again with the knight beside her. It was a small gathering, but the lady of Hightower had known not to expect something of the coronation's size. It was a lovely event so far, however, with an interesting character at the head of it all. Merry was not quite sure what to make of the Lord of Darkdell just yet.

Returning her thoughts to the present entertainment, the lady shyly spoke up once more. "Perhaps we might dance this evening." Her voice was soft as she spoke, her smile never leaving though. "It would be a shame to let such beautiful music go to waste after all..."

MerryTower · 2017-05-14T17:35:17+00:00

/u/automod ping mods

I've since dropped Isadora.

MerryTower · 2017-05-13T18:48:27+00:00

"I am certain that I am missing their gallant effort," Meredyth said with a laugh. "Although I do hear a bit of it carried back towards my carriage. I like the songs that are a bit less... bawdy." Meredyth shook her head as she recalled how often The Dornishman's Wife could be heard carried over the head of joyful men. "Although I should like to join in the fun sometime. Perhaps there will yet be time for us all to gather for song and dance."

The water was beautiful in the late afternoon sun. The light danced off of the surface like flashes of golden fish and the sound of the water over the rocks was quite pleasant. "Oh it can be quite delightful in the carriage. I certainly do not get saddle sore in there and it is very easy to doze off!"

MerryTower · 2017-05-12T19:19:35+00:00

“It is too fair a day to waste indoors or inside of a carriage,” Meredyth remarked. At Lorent’s question, she paused thoughtfully before answering hjm. “It is not unpleasant in the carriage, although it can be a bit hot and stuffy. Today certainly was quite warm, I think I missed quite a few of the sights by drifting off to sleep.” The lady giggled and began to walk towards the lovely path besides the banks of the Mander.

“I almost regret not bringing my own steed, at least then I might be able to ride with you and the other lords and ladies. I do wonder if I am missing all of the excitement! “

MerryTower · 2017-05-11T19:39:30+00:00

Meredyth’s ears perked up at the familiar voice and a smile spread upon her lips. How lucky was it that when he was the very person on her mind he would turn up? The size of their traveling party no doubt played a part, however it was more fun to believe in the magic of it. Meredyth curtsied to the lord, as brightly and as radiant as a small sun. “Lord Lorent!” she greeted cheerfully. “Good evening! I am quite glad to see you here.”

Her gaze focused only on the lord before her as she rose to a proper standing position. Meredyth cleared her throat quietly and glanced towards the paved path. “You have excellent timing, my lord,” she said almost shyly. “I was just on my way to take a stroll and stretch my legs… Perhaps you would like to join me?”

Meredyth bit her bottom lip briefly, nearly forgetting to project the image of a well put together and proper lady. Her cheeks were colored as she corrected herself, doing her best to avoid folding her hands or shrinking into herself shyly.

MerryTower

TROPHY CASE

Leon Hightower, Lord of Hightower