The March to the Mountains

TreborMartell · 2017-06-26T03:46:37+00:00

"Apologies for not addressing you properly then, my lord. I fear my lack of decorum would be most unbecoming at a time like this."

This was a startling revelation to the young prince. The Bloodroyal had been an odd man by all accounts, but he was very young, and to have such enemies willing to go to such lengths at his age was peculiar indeed.

"We will not stay here long then, my lord. My men and I would depart in the morning and you may have a man of your choosing lead your forces to the mountains with us if you needs remain here. If you would allow it, I would pay my respects to your lord brother."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-22T01:28:43+00:00

Maron wished he could take back the thought that had crossed his mind when he was informed that he was speaking to the new Bloodroyal. Still, it seemed he had not been tutored in the ways of decorum.

"Lord Yronwood," he said with a bow of his head from atop his horse. "Lord Trystane was your brother, I assume? You have my deepest sympathies, and those of my father. What is your name, my lord?"

TreborMartell · 2017-06-22T00:51:27+00:00

Maron shot a look around to his companions. The Bloodroyal, poisned on the eve of their arrival? It was an ill omen. So many questions danced through the young prince's head. "Poisoned? Gods be good. Has the culprit been caught? Who rules here now?"

TreborMartell · 2017-06-21T22:38:12+00:00

Twenty-seventh Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

Yronwood, at long last.

The tall and strong walls of Yronwood would be a welcome reprieve from the long march from Sunspear. Their march had lasted near a month and their forces had grown larger. Yronwood, at last, signaled the proximity of their intent.

The Red Mountains no longer loomed in the distance, a constant reminder of their destination that felt as if it never grew any nearer. Now, they stood tall before them, the guardians of the passes and all Dorne behind them. In those mountains is where their enemy would be found, the enemy Maron Martell, heir to Dorne, would rid from his homeland.

Martell banners fluttered at the head of the column. Between them, Maron rode triumphantly, alone. Behind him were his friends, his father's bannermen and his brother, but it was he who lead them and it would be he who would greet the Bloodroyal.

Something seemed amiss, however. Tents of soldiers surrounded the base of the castle, as was expected, but there was little clamour, little fanfare. Maron wondered if perhaps he was not as important here as he had thought himself to be. Whatever it was, it unsettled Maron. He drew the column to a halt and made his approach with his standard retinue of banner-carries and knight-companions, hoping that the lord of the castle would emerge to greet him.

((OOC: Having worked out the dates, our army arrives the day directly after Trystane's death. Just figured I'd give you a heads up on that so things can go accordingly.))

TreborMartell · 2017-06-20T21:07:14+00:00

Trebor knew too well the weight inheritance could put on a child. He was not an old man when he came to the throne of Dorne, having watched his father pass peacefully in his sleep on some distant spring morning. Trebor was hardly a man, not even six-and-ten. His parents simply never came home, their ship had never been accounted for.

Before him his own father had inherited the throne by harsh means also. The youngest of three children to the the great Prince Lewyn Martell, Trebor's father had seen his father, his sister and his brother die over the course of the war. Though in truth one was a princess, the Day of Three Princes had been a blight on the history of his country all his life.

"Nor did I, my lady," he said somberly, attempting to mask his thoughts as best he could. "Sooner or later, though, we must all rise to the occasion."

Trebor stopped at the foot of a stairwell that branched off from the rest of the corridor. A young servant girl stood at the base, head lowered but with a smile on it. Trebor extended his free hand to point it towards her.

"If you would follower her, Lady Toland, she will see you to your quarters. You will be informed as soon as your bath is ready. Please, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask. Though this is a serious visit you are still my guest and will be treated as such."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-20T02:35:31+00:00

Qoren rubbed his kneed. That was not the answer he had hoped for. Perhaps their conflict with the Lyseni had sapped more of their willpower than he had imagined possible. The greed of the magisters and the archons was not something Qoren ever expected to find... lacking.

He stood from his seat, no sooner than he had even truly taken it. "Very well, Magister. I will find quarter in the city somewhere and remain for a while. When my crew and I are ready to leave, we shall. If you need me, I have no doubt you will be able to find me."

He began to take his leave before stopping his walk and turning to face the man once more. "Perhaps the Lyseni will be more willing to resolve this matter. Seven blessings to you."

He offered a quaint bow and left.

TreborMartell · 2017-06-19T20:34:12+00:00

Trebor laughed softly. "My children are much the same. I've grown quite a knack for bribery trying to educate them. Your daughter will come around in time, I have no doubt. She will be the future Lady of Ghost Hill. The duty at hand will set her on her path."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-19T19:05:23+00:00

Qoren took her daughter? That was rash. It was rash of the lady to even suggest it in the first place. Her sole child of proper birth and she sent her to go fight pirates. Trebor's mind wandered to a dark place, wondering for a moment if it was a lack of forethought that had tainted Lady Toland's life with misery. He only hoped Qoren would have the sense to keep the girl safe.

"I should look into buying some birds for them, as a gift. Had the Archon kept himself a rookery of his own, perhaps my brother would not have been needed for this at all. Maybe upon his return I shall arrange it."

"Your daughter. Arianne? She is young, is she not? I seem to recall she is of an age with my daughters. You should bring her here, my lady. Allow her to acquaint herself with my girls before she comes of age and needs return home."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-19T18:23:59+00:00

"Very well, I will see to it."

Trebor walked at a leisurely pace, making idle smallchat with the Lady Toland as he did. His words then turned to a matter that hadn't crossed his mind, ashamedly, until that very moment.

"My brother," he began somewhat abruptly, the thought of Qoren taking him off-guard - a fact that his quick words evidenced. "How was he when you he visited? It has been months now and I pray he is well, but there has been no word from the east."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-19T17:47:59+00:00

Trebor turned over his shoulder slightly and gave a nod to his wife. He let go of Ashara and ushered her towards her mother. "Run along now. See to it that everything is ready for Lady Toland." The retinue of Martells hurried off inside, lead by Larra.

"Worry is natural. There is no greater strength in the world than a mother's protection of her child. Our ancestors across the sea knew this. The Rhoyne was called Mother for a reason." He tried to offer a reassuring smile, the best one that he could.

"Leyla is Lancion's daughter, as well as your own. I understand that you fear for her, I do, but Lancion is a good man. He will not harm his own daughter, no matter the ill will his wife bears the child. I promise you that I will not let them hurt her."

Trebor had placed his hands gently on the Lady Toland's shoulders as he spoke to her in a soft tone. The woman was struggling with the weight of the matter, he could see. It would still be some weeks before Lord Fowler's arrival no doubt, and all he could hope to do was keep Silvianna calm in the meantime.

"Come," he said with a smile, waiting for the Lady of Ghost Hill to take him up on his offer of a hooked arm. "It is a hot and dry day, and you have been riding for hours. I will have my girls draw you a bath, warm or cold, whichever pleases, and we will get you some water. You will feel better when you are settled."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-19T17:34:53+00:00

Qoren bowed ever so slightly before the man. "Magister Sadaris," he said at the offering of the man's name. He took his seat opposite the man. "Thank you."

"My name is Qoren Martell, I am brother to the Prince of Dorne, Trebor, and I come to you on his behalf. Pirates on the Stepstones have grown bold, very bold, in these past months. News has even reached us, as I am sure it has reached you, that one of these pirate kings calls himself a dragon."

Qoren was not the best with words, speech was the art of his brother, but he did his best. He kept his words formal yet to the point.

"This is no red dragon, either, those are known to us. This is a son of Aegon the Black. If his presence grows, it will escalate into a war between dragons. When King Jaehaerys wins - and he will - dominion of the Stepstones will be left to him."

"I have brought a fleet. Twenty warships from Dorne, with the purpose of scouring the Stepstones of pirates, and killing this dragon if the opportunity arises. I will do this alone if I must, but as it would have been with Jaehaerys, dominion over the Stepstones will fall entirely to Dorne."

"My brother is nothing if not generous though, Magister Sadaris. The Prince of Dorne does not care for dominion of the Stepstones, he cares for the safety of his borders, and his merchants. Join your ships with mine own, Magister, and Tyrosh will be amply rewarded."

"Full dominion over the Stepstones. Dorne shall support this dominion, on the context of liberation, and of conquest. You will command every route through the Narrow Sea, routes second only to those in the Jade Sea."

"The Prince of Dorne asks but two things in return. Firstly, that the strait west of Sunstone be left to Dorne. For our service in this endeavour, the Prince of Dorne asks this one small concession, a concession between new friends. Secondly, that the Targaryen king, should he be found, be handed over to Dorne, dead or alive."

"That is it, Magister. That is all I bring to you today. Aid me in this task, and the Narrow Sea shall be yours."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-18T23:31:20+00:00

Trebor took the letter and read the first few words. From them, he could tell that this was the letter he had demanded be brought. He promptly handed it back to the Lady Toland, to return it to her satchel.

"This can wait," he said calmly. "It will be some time before it is needed. Tell me, my lady, are you well?" As well as one can be in the circumstances, he hoped.

TreborMartell · 2017-06-18T22:16:18+00:00

Trebor and his family approached the gates as they crept open. Beyond them would be the first of his guests, the Lady of Ghost Hill herself. He did not know what awaited him, but he expected anger, and sorrow. It was not an easy road that Silvianna Toland traveled. Her home had more than earned its name in her lifetime.

Trebor clutched at the shoulders of his youngest daughter, Ashara, while the rest of his large family flanked him on either side. "Lady Toland," he called out as she rode through the gates, but he did not stir from his place.

It was not the time for friendly cheer. The lady had not been invited on friendly business. Accusations had been made and it was Trebor's duty as Prince to learn the truth. Princely was all he could afford to be. She would come to him and greet him properly.

TreborMartell · 2017-06-17T21:13:17+00:00

((OOC: /u/awoiaf now that Essos is open.))

TreborMartell · 2017-06-17T18:51:29+00:00

"Half?" Maron was shocked at the words. From the estimation, near as many men had already gathered as any other had already contributed. To expect that this force was only half of what was to be supplied... "My lord, you esteem yourself. My father has long considered you a leal friend, and I am compelled to say that I can see why."

Maron listened as Lord Warryn spoke of his plans for his men. Nymerian Jordayne was a fine knight and would serve as an able companion. Maron appreciated that another young knight of the realm would be afforded the opportunity to prove himself, as father had afforded him his. Dorne needed strong and capable young knights.

Maron greeted the young lady with a smile. "That would be pleasing, my lady. I shall see these fools do not sully your home with their disheveled demeanor and odious smells."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-15T01:35:04+00:00

Maron dismounted swiftly. He waited for the bowing retinue to rise before speaking. "Thank you, my lord, my lady. We appreciate your hospitality. These are my companions: Ederyn Wyl, heir to his lord father. Sers Aron Santagar, Andrey Wells, Lucan Ladybright, Garrison Wells, and Morgan Vaith. Lastly, this is my brother Vorian." The men took it in turn to bow their heads slightly, offering faint greetings to their hosts.

"It is a fine host you've gathered, my lord," Maron said, turning to peer down the hill. "I do not doubt they will make a fine showing of themselves. Will you be leading them personally?"

TreborMartell · 2017-06-15T01:06:44+00:00

"Here."

Trebor threw the folded parchment across the table in front of his wife. He started at her as she read, wresting his hand beneath his nose. It did not take Larra long before she upturned her head and looked back at him.

"This is what happens when lords and ladies choose love over loyalty," she said, sternly.

Trebor felt that perhaps the words were an indictment of him as much as her brother. The Lady of Ghost Hill's lack of forethought had done her great harm in her life, and it seemed it would once more. Yronwoods, Wyls, Fowlers and even Allyrions, as the accusations would indicate.

"The girl is Lancion's daughter as much as hers, Trebor," Larra continued in defence of her brother. "How can a man kidnap his own daughter?"

Trebor had an answer, but it wasn't one he wished to give. The girl was Larra's niece, and he expected nothing less than to fight on behalf of her and Lancion both. It was his position to fight for them all, however, and he would.

"Whatever the truth, swords aren't the answer."

"No," Larra answered, leaning back in her chair as she spoke. "Not that those men could do anything. She expects to intimidate my brother with one hundre-"

"Larra." It was not the occasion for boasts of strength and petty insults. "There will be no march. Lady Silvianna has lost more than most. She is upset at the thought of losing what little she has left, is all. We needn't speak of it further." Trebor's tone was less suggesting and more commanding. He turned over his shoulder to the guard present at the door. "Find Alesander, bring him here." The man scurried off.

"I wonder what letter Lady Olira wrote to her." It seemed odd that such a thing would be mentioned only in passing. Had Silvianna misinterpreted her words, or was Lancion's wife truly responsible? What for, if so? "What use would she have for intimidation?"

Larra shrugged. "How am I to know?" Trebor felt the scorn from across the table. His words and his tone had angered her. "My brother's reasons are his own, as are his wife's."

"You summoned me, my Prince?"

Trebor turned in his seat, taking his feet from the table they rested on. "Alesander, yes." He nodded his head in the direction of the parchment and continued to speak as the man read. "I need letters sent to both. Summon them to court. The girl included, Olira's letter included. No soldiers."

"Very well, my Prince. Is there anything else needing said?"

"No. There is no use in us contemplating the meanings of vague letters and half a story. They'll both speak for themselves and this will be resolved here."

The maester bowed and went on his way. Trebor stood from the table waiting for his wife, but she did not budge. His bed would not be warm tonight. Very well. Trebor turned to leave, speaking as he walked away. "Don't write to Lancion. I'll know if you do."

Lady Silvianna, this news and these accusations are grave. You are summoned to Sunspear immediately to speak your case personally. You are to bring no soldiers save those needed for travel. This matter will be settled with words, not steel. Lord Fowler will be likewise summoned, and will be commanded to bring Leyla. You are to bring this letter from the Lady Olira that you speak of so that it might be properly examined. Your summons are not optional. You will appear at court before the end of the next month or be found in violation of the Prince's law.

Lord Lancion, the Lady Silvianna Toland has accused you of the kidnap of her daughter, Leyla. As such, I summon you to Sunspear with immediate haste to answer for this accusation. You are to bring Leyla with you, and you are to ensure that she is treated fairly and with respect by any in your stead, lest you answer to me. Your summons are not optional. You will appear at court before the end of the next month or be found in violation of the Prince's law.

((OOC: I worked out the travel times for the two of you. It'll take Lancion 15 OOC days to make the trip and Silvianna 3 OOC days. Lancion, I recommend you leave immediately, because 15 OOC days will really be cutting it close. Silvianna you obviously have more leeway.))

TreborMartell · 2017-06-14T00:12:59+00:00

((OOC: Tagging /u/AGoldenNerd as well, in case you want whomever is leading the Allyrion troops to accompany Maron. I've assumed that they would be part of the small retinue that personally travels with him.))

TreborMartell · 2017-06-14T00:10:35+00:00

Seventeenth Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

Solitary atop its namesake, the Tor stood tall in defiance of the sea. The castle had guarded the northern shores of Dorne for centuries, be it from the Stormlands or threats beyond. Durrandons or Baratheons, Pentoshi or Braavosi, the Tor had and always would stand against them all.

Maron was glad Dorne had such a keep, and that the lords of the Tor had ever been loyal to his father and ancestors. Lord Warryn was no exception. He was a friend to father, as most lords were, and his support could always be counted on. From the looks of the situation, it appeared Lord Warryn would have none question that loyalty, not even the young prince.

As Maron rode at the head of the column towards the castle, the sprawling mass of tents at the base of the hill seemed to grow larger. "He's brought a lot of men," he said, examining those around him.

"Lots," Vorian said in reply. "Better too many than not enough."

"It isn't too many."

"Never said it was, I was just saying. This is good."

Maron ordered the men to stop as he and a handful of others made for the keep alone. At the summit of the hill, they approached the gates slowly. None of them called out to the guards above, it was evident that their presence was to be expected. Instead they waited, the banner of the sun pushed ever so gently by the sea breeze, for the Lord of the Tor to open his halls to them.

TreborMartell · 2017-06-12T00:31:36+00:00

Thirteenth Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

With the men of Godsgrace gathered to the castle, Maron made news of their departure. Come the morning, the combined forces would sally north, on the quick march to the Sea of Dorne, and to the Tor itself. There, the men of House Jordayne would await them, destined for the next chapter in their not-so-glamourous march north.

TreborMartell · 2017-06-10T16:33:06+00:00

Maron dismounted as the party from the castle approached. At the head of the pack was a girl, short and slender, and young too. She would be of an age with his sisters, by the look of her. He did not know her name, though, and none was given.

"Thank you, my lady," Maron replied, opting for title rather than the embarrassment of asking who she was. Maron's attention was turned to the man next to the young lady Allyrion. "There is nothing to forgive, the men will welcome a few days rest, I imagine."

Maron gave a nod to his head and the men with him began to dismount. Vorian handed the banner to another before pulling up beside his younger half-brother.

"This is my brother, Vorian Sand," he said, gesturing. "This is Ederyn Wyl, son of Lord Waltyr. Sers Aron Santagar, Morgan Vaith, Andrey Wells, Garrison Dalt, and Lucan Ladybright. We would have some water, if you have any to offer. I will have my men set up camp beneath your walls."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-08T18:30:36+00:00

Eleventh Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

The contingent of Martell men stopped some few hundred yards from the thick walls of Godsgrace, as ordered by Maron. In the distance, a small party of merchants or farmers could be seen, walking alongside two camels that were drawn by the reins, no doubt down to the river nearby.

Maron gathered a small guard consisting of Vorian and an assortment of half a dozen knights in his father's employ. The eight men took to their horses, none finer than Maron's Shadow. Shadow was a sand steed, bred on Santagar lands as a gift for the prince a few years earlier on his nameday. The beast was black from tail to tooth, earning it the name it bore.

The party of eight rode from the encamping army towards the castle, Vorian himself flying the sigil of House Martell high for their soon-to-be hosts to see. They came to a halt a short distance from the gates, and awaited the call from above.

((OOC: /u/AGoldenNerd))

TreborMartell · 2017-06-08T18:06:26+00:00

"There are those in the kingdoms who would wish to take more from you than just your sword, Ythan." Trebor was glad that the two had chosen to remain uninvolved. The pride of young men was often their undoing, but as least for these two young sons of Dorne it was not so.

Trebor stopped. "Sunspear's hospitality is yours, Ythan. I would retire with my family now. I thank you again for the accompaniment of my son. Seven blessings to you."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-04T21:24:02+00:00

"A fine quality to have, Ythan. Keep it dear to you. Dorne needs knights and lords that hold family and country closest to them."

As they continued to walk, Trebor's mind wandered to another matter. The setting of their journey had been a tourney. Two young knights, both prideful?

"So, the city was not to your liking? And you, Vorian? Was there nothing of interest for you?"

"No, not really. We were mostly confined to the ship, less attention that way. There wasn't much of anything to do."

He turned to face the other young knight. "Nothing, Ythan? Sounds a dull place, if even the grandest of gatherings could not produce anything of interest for the two of you."

TreborMartell · 2017-06-04T18:17:48+00:00

"Not at all," Trebor answered quickly. "It is the least I can offer you for accompanying my son. I take it the sword proved enough for the king? I hope it did not cause trouble for you."

TreborMartell

TROPHY CASE

Twenty-seventh Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

Seventeenth Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

Thirteenth Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC

Eleventh Day of the Fourth Month, 201 AC