| Movin' On Up |
| Summary: | Harwicke gets a promotion. |
| Date: | December 23, 2011 |
| Related Logs: | Discussion about the Stonebridge position in Terrick Sibling Meeting and Peace in My House. |
| Players: |
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| Courtyard — Four Eagles' Tower |
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| The Courtyard of Four Eagles Tower is floored with a fine grey stone that match the color and tone of the interior structure of the castle's yard. Plants have been potted and placed around the entrances to add some color, the greenery accompanied by several trellises of flowers that climb the support columns. The most prominent structure in the area is the set of large slab steps that lead up to the great oak doors of the Great Hall. Several hallways and accesses lead off into different sections of Four Eagles which makes this the hub of noble activity when court is not being held. |
| December 23, 288 |
Recently returned from the village, Hardwicke's first destination is to the stable to see to his mare. But it's soon enough after that when he reemerges to the courtyard. There is a frownish cast to his expression, though that's hardly out of the ordinary. His gaze flicks around the courtyard, taking in this and that, as his hands make minor adjustments to the set of his swordbelt after the ride.
When Harwicke had returned to the castle, a page had headed into the keep. By the time the knight is emerging from the stables, another knight is stepping out of the hall; Jerold Terrick's countenance is also of a distinctly solemn cast as the Lord of the Roost steps toward the stables, and takes note of "Ser Blayne. A good day to you, Ser."
"My Lord," Hardwicke says, straightening a touch, though his posture is already fairly rigid. Still, he manages some inch of increased presentation, at least. "A good day to you as well." There is, perhaps, the slightest hint of wary expectancy to his expression.
Lord Jerold stills his steps in front of Hardwicke, facing the low born knight, with a short dip of his chin given to his retainer's crisp etiquette. "I am given to understand that Ser Jarod has spoken with you of late on the subject of the House Guard, Ser," he begins.
Very slightly, Hardwicke's lips thin. "He has, my lord," he says with an evenness that is his own neutral brand of courtesy.
Jerold nods again in his familiar, grave and dignified manner. "Ser Jarod will be departing Four Eagles Tower for a time, and thus will be unable to act as Captain of the Household Guard." A moment's silence while the Lord draws a fresh breath to speak on. "Ser Blayne, you have well served my family since mine Father were the Lord of the Roost, I can think of no knight in my service better suited to stand as Captain and example to the Guardsmen than yourself."
Hardwicke is silent for a long moment after Jerold says this. Quiet in his consideration of response, what he eventually decides upon in this: "I am honored to serve my lord in whatever position he deems fit for me." However, a beat later, he asks, "Would you be expecting your son to return to the position?"
"Ser Jarod's new duties will be of indeterminate duration, Ser," Jerold answers as best he can. "I know not when he would return to the Roost, and do not expect him to resume his prior duties." A drawn breath offers another brief pause. "I deem it fit for you, Ser Hardwicke Blayne, to serve House Terrick as Captain of the its Guard. I will require no new oath, as you have already sworn leal service to my family and House. Neither is there any regalia attached to the position of Captain. All I place upon you is my renewed trust that you shall serve me and mine with the same fortitude and faithfulness you have shown for these past twenty years."
There is the slightest twitch of his jaw at Jerold's careful answer. But then he draws in a slow breath through his nose as the Lord Terrick continues and, finally, once he's finished, inclines his head in a stiff, ungraceful sort of bow. "I shall — do my best to honor your trust, my lord," he says a touch awkwardly.
"I ask no more, and expect no less, Ser" Jerold voices evenly, giving a second short dip of his chin to the knight as he offers that bow. "Rise and return to your duties, Ser Blayne."
"As you say, my lord." Hardwicke's gaze flickers over Jerold's face, then he offers another nod and turns to continue on with his duties. As instructed.
