| Experiments |
| Summary: | Heated and intense chat between Anders and Rygar, with Bruce showing remarkable diplomatic skills. Who knew? |
| Date: | 16 January 2012 |
| Related Logs: | Will look them up! |
| Players: |
   |
| Rockcliff Inn - Terrick's Roost |
|---|
| The Rockcliff Inn is one of the better inns within the town and it shows with the well-lit interior and the relative cleanliness to the other locations in Terrick's Roost. The tables are polished with oils and the floor regularly swept. A set of booths towards a darker rear of the Inn's bottom floor, just beneath the staircase, are where whores generally socialize and eye prospects from when not waiting tables. Signs over the undersized bar area advertise prices for ales and wines as well as several different choices of food to be served at the small eating area by the bar or in the main open area in its comfortable seating. A door behind the bar leads to the kitchen and cellar while another near the staircase leads to a private room that would appear to be off-limits to the 'wait staff' except for food and drink service. |
| 16 January 289 |
It is as the Flint's Young Lord had asked, after a fashion. The offer of discussion between the differences of North and South over that bucket of ale once they entered a free and somewhat secured Terrick's Roost. Word has been sent to Lord Rygar Nayland to keep his end of it all. With battle these two days behind him, and potential battle in Seagard before him, where he'd rejoin the Flint contingent under the Stark Banner, now is as good a time as any.
Eat, drink and be merry…
The Inn is in .. shambled order. It's one of the first places that some of the folk would want to see back because it is one of the places where rest, relaxation and leisure all can be found under one roof. So, with request sent, Anders is seated at a table, some food set out in the form of small portions of game (rabbit), freshly baked bread, and, of course.. the bucket of ale, an item hard to come by. Cups are set about, empty and waiting.
**
Rygar walks into the ruined establishment with all the stiff dignity one would expect of him. His steps had begun to draw the stern Nayland toward the inn's private room, before his eye catches up Anders sitting in the open. Bootsteps pause and re-direct the gentleman toward the Flint.
**
A small contingent, four men, enter the Rockcliff Inn with Ser Rygar Nayland. One might notice that three of them are wearing recently looted Ironborn mail shirts with Nayland of Stonebridge badges on their tabards. The fourth is better equipped, in a rivetted mail shirt and steel peripheries, though he wears the same badge and looks no cleaner than the others. Bruce, the fourth man, watches Rygar warily before nodding at the men, who go off on their own, and following his commander.
**
The entrance of Rygar isn't immediately noticed in that Anders isn't watching the door expectantly, but once he does take notice of the Lord's presence, he does the courtesy of rising in greeting, his words following closely behind, "Lord Nayland. I had hoped you remembered. It is as I'd said.. over ale." In the Roost. The men entering behind, a small contingent in tow brings the Flint's Young Lord's attention around, his brows rising as he catches the look, and the sending off of the men. The one that has broken off is familiar to him; shared a fire after approaching the camp. Shared food, discussion. "Ser Longbough.. Good to see you hale." After the battle. To Rygar, then, his brows rise in silent question.. is the man going to be invited?
**
"Ser Anders," Rygar acknowledges evenly. "I had not expected to find you in the common room, Ser." Still, he steps toward the chosen table, giving the flint the appropriate short, sharp bow of the head and shoulders in acknowledgment. He makes neither comment nor explanation for Bruce. "How would the young flint wish to begin?" he wonders aloud as he draws out a chair, facing Anders.
**
"Aye, m'lord. You as well." Bruce says, lingering a bit uncomfortably in the background, judging by the look on his face. Instead of further comment, he busies himself by removing some dirty pieces of his armour to place in the small satchel he's carried along with him - bracers, greaves and finally his helmet.
**
"Is there another room, then?" Anders looks around the Inn before he shrugs lightly, "Lead the way, then, if you wish." He's not particularly concerned, and he looks to a serving wench in order to call her over in the event they move rooms. "This is the first time I've visited the Roost, and only knew about this because, well.." Another shrug rises, "every town has an Inn."
"There is," Rygar returns with a short nod, turning to indicate the private room whose door stands against one wall. "I do not consider it fit for gentlemen of rank to dine within sight of their men, Ser." Two noblemen conversing is hard for an innkeeper to overlook, and when Rygar looks curtly his way, the fellow is bowing and stepping to prepare said room. "Gentlemen," he offers, including Anders and Bruce with the look and word. "shall we?"
**
While Bruce may disagree with aspects of that particular statement of Rygar's, there's nothing on his face or in his words to declare it to anyone else but himself. He gives a tired nod at the Nayland knight, ready as always to follow.
**
Anders does, indeed, turn his body fully to look in the direction of the nod, and there it is. "Ah.. good to know." He offers something of a soft chuckle, his tones soft and holding some self-effacing humour, "And here I learn yet.. two more things." He clears his throat, and begins the cross to the other room, for their more private conversations.
[ Private Room ]-------[ Terrick's Roost ]
Mon Jan 16, 289 — Mon Jan 16 16:28:31 2012
The door and walls are thick enough to keep all but shouted conversations private. Inside, the wooden floors are kept much more clean and the elongated table with its high-backed chairs kept polished. The Terrick House banner hangs centered at the long end of the room behind the chair at the head of the table (although, should one draw it aside, they will find a large Kraken crudely carved into the wall). Racks are provided for both armor and arms alike, the wooden supports standing by the door.
The sound of the inn at large dies away as the men step into the privacy of the selected room. The drinks Anders had prepared are swiftly relocated, so that by the time the three kngihts are ready to seat themselves again, the cups are there, and being poured. Rygar chooses a seat, and regards Anders for a silent moment.
**
Bruce removes his satchel and lowers it quietly into a pile by the foot of his chair. Then, after giving the server a nod of thanks, he takes a seat.
**
Anders takes a cup after it's poured, and pulling out a seat, sits down slowly. He waits until the serving girl is gone, the door closed behind her before he clears his throat. "To the good King Robert, and the now free Terrick's Roost." Always, always to the king first. "And, of course, the health of House Nayland." He waits a moment before he takes that first swallow of ale. It's after that the Young Lord relaxes in his seat. "I am grateful for this opportunity to speak with you, Lord Nayland," and including Bruce in this, he adds, "And an opportunity to share a glass. Again. On the other side of the battle, now."
**
"To the King, the Realm, and those who defend both," Rygar paraphrases in echoing Anders' toast. His cup is lifted, and a measure of the drink consumed. "Indeed, Ser. There is much we ought discuss. In what state are your men following the battle?"
**
"Aye. To King, Realm and their soldiers." Bruce echoes as he takes a short draw on the cup, his eyes closing briefly when the taste hits his mouth.
**
"They are well enough, though it is surprising that you are the first that has asked me that." Anders offers that in a light, conversational tone, his cup still in place in hand. "We took losses, and there are injured. The battle was heated, and like the other sections, no part was broken through, meaning those in reserve had then enviable, or unenviable position of simply watching the battle." He pauses, and his voice drops, "Do not misunderstand my lightness for a lack of.. concern in all respects, my Lord. I take all that I do with serious and sober consideration."
**
"I have heard otherwise, Ser," Rygar observes to Anders' account. "I had head that the bulk of your infantry broke, and were delivered by the charge of our Outriders, Ser." A second drink, as his even eye holds Anders' over the rim of his cup. Setting it back down a moment later, the severe soldier voices further, "It is good that your reserves are intact Ser. I must ask, however: do you intend to reject the command of Lords Frey and Nayland?"
**
"Unfortunately, Ser Anders, your foot took a bunch of hard charging Orkwoods into their midst. Those who said before the battle that our enemies were nothing but raiders were quite mistaken. But there was not much else to be done." Bruce says, choosing his words cautiously. He draws back into his chair, holding his cup off the table and watching the two nobles.
**
"Really, my Lord," Anders begins evenly, his fingers playing with the cup. "That wasn't my observation.. my men fought as well as they could, and as Ser Longbough said, they were met by a bunch of 'hard charging Orkwoods'." He looks at Rygar for a long moment, "Do I reject their command? They are not my generals, my lord. I repeat. I am here as a courtesy of the Lords Stark and Flint. Were our roles reversed, and Lord Frey actually sent a contingent north, do you believe that we would insist upon subsuming them, or treat them with the courtesy as befits allies? I am not a bannerhouse of the Lord Frey, my lord. I am here as an ally."
**
"That is where you are mistaken, Ser," Rygar points out curtly. "Were I ordered to the aid of another Lord, I would obey the order of precedence, and avoid offering insult to the ranking generals. By all noble protocols, Lords Nayland and Frey are the highest representatives of the Crown present, and all subjects of loyal heart who would stand in defense of the Seven Kingdoms would be bound to obedience." A stiff breath is drawn through flared nostrils. "Were I sent to the aid of Lord Stark in the North, you may rest certain, Ser, that I would not undermine his scouts, or insist on special treatment in his lands. I would serve the Realm, Ser, however I was required to. Shall you show such defiance before Lord Tully at Seagard, Ser? I must ask, what action of mine has deserved such suspicion from you?"
**
"What Ser Rygar speaks is truth, Ser Anders. We're all experienced warriors here. But what makes an army run is obedience. That's what seperates someone who does well in the training yard to a group of drilled, disciplined men who fight as a unit on the battlefield." Bruce puts his cup down, pulling a small pipe and wooden case from his satchel. He begins to load it up and pack it as he talks. "A small army we may be, yes, but if a formation is to be joined to that army, ally or bannerhouse, they need to bend their necks and perform as ordered, or else the whole bloody enterprise is done. As you said, this is in defense of the realm - the North, Riverlands and Westerlands all. No politics in this, m'lord. Nobody wants Ironmen as their overlords."
**
"Insult, ser.. do not begin to question my loyalty to the crown." Anders' voice remains soft and calm in the room. "It is not yours to question. As for explaining my actions, shall I then? You tell me.. who of noble lines was not consulted and met with? Other than myself. Why should I not arm myself in information so that I may be assured that my men would have the best chance. Or do you fully believe that our contingent, one of the largest, I might add, would have been considered as well as any of your bannerhouses? I looked at those plans after they were put into place, and not once did any of the commanders come and speak with me.. as courtesy would say. Not one. And I believed them to be sound. If one had spoken, we would have been in accord." He pauses a moment, listening to Bruce's comments, and he looks.. considering. "Our formation was as per the plans, ser.. do not believe for a moment it was not.. thanks to the fact that I was at least able to see the maps, once they were drawn up." Returning his attention to Rygar, his eyes narrow, "You are aware, or perhaps you are not, that a Tully knight was the one that granted my knighthood on the end of the Battle of the Trident, my lord? Why should I not fight with them, as they understand the value of their allies. We are Seven Kingdoms, under our King, gentlemen, and I stand in defense of that."
**
"I question not your loyalty, Ser, I question your obedience," Rygar states sharply. "You have said yourself, by your own breath, that you had no dissent with our battleplan. I say that you have been treated as well as any force present, despite your constant defiance of noble hierarchy." Rygar stares hard at the young Flint. "you are young and inexperienced at command, Ser. I have granted you the benefit of doubt thus far because your culture is different than ours. Yet if you will not obey Lords Frey and Nayland as rank and tradition demand, then you will pose a greater hindrance to this army than a help. A loyal man must trust in other loyal men of greater experience, Ser."
**
Bruce removes a taper from the wooden case, lighting it off of the candle in the centre of the table and then bringing the flame to his pipe, now in his mouth. Smoke begins to billow up shortly, but it is not thick or strong smelling. He doesn't appear to have much else to say on the subject, at least not right yet, but his sleepy blue eyes watch with interest the conversation.
**
"Obedience? My lord, I have been nothing but obedient. By your own words. Because I will not kneel and show my neck? I have followed their command, looking to see by my own efforts, ready to offer counsel in case there was something that my men picked up and yours missed. How is this disobedience, ser?" Anders places his ale upon the table, straightening in his seat. "I will grant you that this is my first command, but I was also sent here with full confidence of my father and the Lord Stark. They both know my mind, as I know theirs as both written and spoken. If I did not have their confidence, I would be in Seagard at the moment as another commander under my Father's banner, with Lord Stark." He inclines his head, "There is no defiance, my lord. I know my place. And should I march down to Seagard, it will be by my Father's command, or by the commander of my Liege House. I am now in the Roost by the grace of Lord Terrick. Should he wish that I depart, then I shall. Should the Lord of Stonebridge wish that I take my wounded from his town, then I shall." A touch of a wan smile appears upon the Young Lord's face, "It would be a shame. The fruit of this land is legendary, and stuff that I recall from years past."
**
Rygar frowns hard at Anders' words. "You are mistaken once again, Ser. Lord Stark is not at Seagard. The banners of the north, at last report march south on the Kingsroad intent on joining their strength with the Valelords, and royal armies of King Robert, who remain weeks away. Perhaps a month." A steady breath is drawn through his nose. "You may think that you know your place, Ser. At Flint's finger your conduct may be appropriate. But here and now, you are the commander of one detachment of footmen, and a small body of cavalry who you refused to join with the Vanguard. Your place is the same as mine: to obey the orders you are given by the highest representative of the Crown at hand. There will be no Starks and no other Northmen at Seagard when we march to the Mallister aid, Ser. Simply the Riverlords and you, if you are able to swallow your pride and accept what orders are yours, as befits a gentleman, a knight, and a loyal man of the Crown."
**
"I would think, Ser Anders, that as long as we are together, we should operate together, under one heirarchy. Once you get back with the forces of the North is a different story entirely, and one that I'm eager to see - but as Ser Rygar said, they are unfortunately far away. The North is vast. Lord Hoster should be arriving any day now. He was not much more than a week behind me, if any." Perhaps Bruce is trying to distract the two of them from their quarrel, or maybe he's just noting these things for his own sake. His voice trails off, and he says no more.
**
"Then it is my right, my lord, to write to my liege to ask further instructions," Anders responds. "The Roost is free, which was the intent for my dispatching." Beat. He listens to Bruce's words, and a smile rises, and there is no humour to be found within. "And why wasn't I told that Lord Tully was on his way?" And he seems to miss the news of the troop movements, too. "How am I to make decisions if there is no information to be dispersed, my lord? Or.. is this simply information that is shared with a select few, and the 'commanders' are left in ignorance." He snorts a laugh, "I will see if my.. acceptance makes a difference in the courtesies I am granted, my lord. Ser. It is an experiment that I'm intrigued in seeing how it comes out. It should be interesting." Anders reclaims his cup of ale, and empties the contents in a couple of long draughts. Replacing it on the table, he looks to the men. "Whether the sentiment is shared, I have respect for you, Lord Rygar. In times, I may learn from you.. and Ser Longbough. I can see in you the words of a diplomat. Well done."
**
"You are to obey, Ser. As am I. As are we all," Rygar answers succinctly. Rising from his seat, he offers at last, "I will say directly, Ser: it is for the Lords Frey and Nayland who sit in command to determine how to handle you and your men. However, if you will not accept their orders, I suggest that you make your own way to Seagard, or to home. We cannot afford further dissent within the ranks." A slow breath causes his nostrils to flare briefly again, "I respect men who love their duty better than their own pride, Ser. I expect that you are such a man. It is.. an experiment I am intrigued to see come out," the stern Nayland states crisply, giving Anders' words back to the Young Lord.
**
"I believe I told m'lord as soon as I arrived in camp, when he presented an offer of food and drink and I accepted? Much has happened, m'lord, since then." Is Bruce's only explanation, not bothering with the faux-mirth of Anders's expression. He puffs on his pipe, nodding at the Northman. "I'm sure that we all know the right decision. We all are very grateful that such a contingent has come down to aid us in the Riverlands in our hour of need, m'lord. I look to continuing service with you, Ser Anders." The common born knight gets up after draining his cup, and, pipe firmly between his teeth, picks his satchel up to follow his superior.
**
With the rising to their feet of the others, Anders rises slowly and carefully, gaining his feet. "You should see the North, my lord Nayland. It is a remarkable sight. We would bid you welcome." The ale, sadly, isn't touched beyond the three cups, but it won't go to waste; he'll be taking it with him and return the bucket. Or, perhaps when the Northern brew is done, use it as the first batch. But.. "Then we shall see the end of this." He looks to Bruce, his head inclining, "I don't recall the information regarding Lord Tully, but I will grant that perhaps I was preoccupied. My wife was tending Ser Gedeon, as his wound had turned foul, and there was some concern in camp."
**
"I shall see the North when I am sent there, Ser," Rygar returns to the invitation, offering the young Flint a short bow of the head and shoulders. "We march on the morning of the second day hence, Ser. Your footmen shall have the rearguard of the column."
**
"Aye. As you say, m'lord. Good eve, and thank you for the drink." Bruce mimics Rygar and offers a bow of head and shoulders, though as befitting his position it is deeper than the Nayland knight.
