Riordan Nayland

Riordan

Sam Claflin as Riordan Nayland

Personal name: Riordan Nayland house: Nayland father: Rickart Nayland mother: Rhiannon Asterholm spouse: None issue: None Appearance gender: Male age: 27 height: 5'11" weight: 170 eyes: Brown hair: Brown Political honorific: Lord, Ser title: Lord Regent of Stonebridge position: Appointed Heir and Regent of Stonebridge predecessor: None heir: None

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Background

Early Background

It was in late May, 262, that the fifth of the Nayland children was to be born. Riordan was the forth boy, already have three older brothers to look up to. He had what some might consider a strict upbringing. But to them, it was nothing but normal. Being a family that strives for excellence and recognition, they'd do anything and be put to many lengths to get seen and to grasp that which was seemingly beyond their reach.

Riordan, as he grew, showed an interest in horseback riding, and would often spend hours at a time with the horses, learning their skills, with and without a rider, and their habits. He found them fascinating. Outside of his lordly studies and duties, he found himself often learning to take care of the horses. At the age of 11 he moved to Harrenhal, where his training to become a knight would begin, as he became a page to Lord Whent.

And so he trained under Lord Whent's tutelage, both by helping him prepare for tournaments and by being taught by him. Riordan felt honoured, for her truly believed that he was being taught by the best of the best. And really, if you're going to be taught by anyone, it should be by the best. Before many years had passed, he was competing. By the time he was 18, thanks to Lord Whent's training, he had distinguished himself amongst the tournament crowds, getting a name for himself in the jousting arena and finally earning the rank of Knight.

One day, while touring the stables, he came across a few sturdy stable hands attempting to tame a wild horse. Before long, he was right in there with them. The thrill he got from it, it was fun, a dangerous kind of fun, different than the competitions. The competitions were controlled, and yet this wasn't. Soon after that, he found himself going out with scouting parties, tracking wild horses. He would separate one from the group, sometimes the one that appeared the wildest, and he would attempt to break it. If he was successful, he would use that very same horse for the competition.

More recently, aside from competitions, Riordan took to traveling between Hag's Mire and Stonebridge. He took to keeping rounds in the areas between these two keeps, along with regular patrols, to make sure that the roads are safe and secured for the traders and such traffic that may frequent these routes.

Recent Background

When the banners were called, Riordan rode off to war. He left behind a budding relationship with Danae Westerling, and the other relationships he had cultivated while at Stonebridge. Among his exploits over the last months, he received command of the Outriders of the Army of the Cape at Alderbrook. As well, he was the one to relieve the Flints in battle when they were hard-pressed and in need of aid. His noted service continued during the Invasion of Harlow Island. In return, his father, who he loves dear, has rewarded his good service time and again. In addition to already being made heir of Stonebridge until his brother's child is born, he has been appointed Regent of that same holding, until his brother's true heir reaches majority. In addition, he was presented with Jaremy Terrick's elaborate armor by his father, following that knight's capture by Nayland forces.

Quirks

Boyish: In addition to referring to his boyish good looks, this also refers to Riordan's personality. When not pursuing his duty or being stuck in a formal setting, Riordan is extremely approachable, at ease with the servants and soldiers as he is with those of high birth. He is quick to make jokes and tends to approach most situations with a generally light-hearted outlook. This sometimes leads people to not take him as seriously, though also tends to make encounters with him pleasant.

Dedicated: Despite his youthful joviality in most of life's situations, Riordan is staunch and serious in the pursuit of his duty. He lives to uphold the expectations placed on him, and often thrives under these pressures. When he takes on a task, he finishes it, and Seven help any who come between him and his assigned goal.

Filial Loyalty: Nothing is more important than family to Riordan. All comes second when put up against the Nayland name. And none are more important than his father, Lord Rickard. His word is law, his wish is Riordan's duty. The Nayland family could have no better servant then this younger son.

True Nayland: Riordan has many of the typical Nayland traits. He has Nayland pride, and House Nayland's sense of stern and often brutal justice. He also firmly believes in the Nayland's House Words, though unlike some he applies them to his House, his family, and only rarely to himself. Anything he does, any goal he reaches for, it is to further the name of Nayland.

Family

Riordan is the son of Lord Rickart Nayland and fourth in line for his position behind Lord Rutger Nayland and his two sons. He has never had any children of his own nor, to this point, has he been married.

Physical Features

A young man in his middle twenties; He has short, somewhat shaggy brown hair and brown eyes. His face is strong with an aristocratic bone structure with wide lips and a long, strong nose. He has a faint cleft in his chin. His brows are low, making his eyes look all the darker. The young mans physique is lean but powerfully built as if he has spent many hours in hard physical workouts. Likely not labor, he appears far too high born for that.

The World of Steel and Stone

Cover

"Reach Beyond Thy Grasp" — The words of House Nayland
"The words of House Nayland… are not a boast, or a threat, or a lofty ideal. It is a promise." — Ser Riordan Nayland

Naylands

	House Nayland My house, my blood, my family. I love them all, and everything I do, I do for them.
	Lord Rickart Nayland: My Lord Father. They call me his favorite son. Whether true or not, I have never felt anything but warmth for the old man, and he has shown me many a kindness in return. I love him above all others in the family, and his word is law.
	Dowager Lady Rebekkah Nayland: My Lady Grandmother. Known throughout the land as Hag of the Mire, she is simply Grandmother to me. Her eyes are sharp as ever, even in her dottage, and her tongue sharper still. Neither of these are as sharp as her mind, however. She likes most not at all, but I like to think she dislikes me a little less then most.
	Lord Ryker Nayland: My late Lord Brother, eldest son of our Lord Father's brood. I always wished that Ryker and I were closer, and always thought that eventually, we would have that chance. Now I know that we never will, and my sadness of this fact is beyond measure. I like to hope that protecting those he was sworn to protect, Isolde most of all, I shall gain some closeness to who he was, and honor his memory. Rest you well, Ryker. You are missed.
	Lady Isolde Nayland: My Lady. So much has happened for us both recently. But where for me it has been the last few months alone that have been the worst of it, for her it has been this whole year. Her happiness has been far too fleeting, and yet still she soldiers on. So soon after her most recent tragedy, she works with an amazing strength to move forward for those that rely on her. There have been so many who call her weak willed, ready to judge her for her choice of Ryker over Jaremy - or rather, her mother's choice. Whatever the truth of that time, I have seen the steel beneath the fragile bloom, and am amazed that so few people know the truth. I count myself lucky to have her back in my life, and know that together, we will be able to do much.
	Ser Rutger Nayland: My Lord Brother. So often of late, I have not been sure where I stood with my brother, yet regardless, I have relied on his advice above most others, and trusted him as one should always trust a brother. But now… I am not sure I can reconcile Rutger with the man that Isolde believes him to be. I fear of what it might mean, should even a portion of it be true. Maybe it is just a misunderstanding, maybe he truly just has lost faith in me. Because if it is otherwise… no. Even as I will be wary in all things, as I promised, I shall still hope that my brother and I can be reconciled in this, that he will see the love I hold for him, and work with us towards a unified front against the encroaching Charltons, and all others who would threaten the security of the Nayland Houses.
	Lady Roslyn Nayland: My Lady Sister, and My Rosie. My favorite sibling, my best friend, and my confidant. There have been times when I have had to go without her counsel and calming presence, but I always find myself a better person when she is near. Recent events have made it even more clear to me that I need my sister in my life, to help me hold things together. I do not know where I would be right now, had she not stood with me throughout it all. All I know is that I owe her so much. I truly hope she will be happy in her upcoming nuptials. She truly deserves it.
	Ser Rygar Nayland: My Ser Cousin, and My Sheriff. Ser Rygar is a man like no other, and one I can count on without hesitation. In his own way, he is both utterly predictable, and yet so very not. I did not see the Duel that he would propose to Tordane's Bastard, and gods' be damned, but I did not see the outcome of it, and how it would destroy me. And yet, none of it is Rygar's fault. In the end, he has been the one to truly secure Stonebridge for our family, time and again.
	Rafferdy Nayland: My Brother. There was a time when I felt anger for my brother, for many of his actions. I still do, on occasion, even now. More then most, he has a habit of upsetting our Lord Father. And yet, somehow, Raff himself always comes out unscathed. He has a freedom unlike the rest of us do, and is quite possibly best suited to the new reign of King Bob. These days, I find myself envying him, and the way he seems to slip out of the shackles that the rest of the world would place on him. I only wish it didn't include a penchant for walking away every time he disagrees with something I have said. Still, I love him, and I hope not only that he and I can mend our fences, but that he can find happiness. Perhaps, after this is all done, he can still marry his Lady Haigh.
	Lady Rowenna Nayland: My would-be Ser of a Sister. I may not agree with her presumption, and will surely never acknowledge the Ser she would try and claim for herself. And I will always be pleased to see her wearing a proper dress, rather then knowing that she is flaunting her ass in pants for all to see. Despite it all though, I love her dearly, and am pleased to have her returned to my life. Her blithe sense of humor fits well with mine own, and her honesty is refreshing, after so many dissemblers.

Stonebridge

	Stonebridge, the newest holding of my House. Now, it is my responsability, as the Lord Regent for Lady Isolde. May those here ever be my allies, and help me to further the duty laid before me.
	Lady Valda Tordane: My Lady Castellan. Our relationship is not easy. I respect her abilities, and her great love for her family, even if I do not always agree with how she implements her choices in regards to it all. She has angered me greatly in the past, but I have done my best to forgive her, for Isolde's sake, and even for Rygar's. Time will tell if I can trust her as little as I can bring myself to these days, and in the end, I almost expect a betrayal. Yet I also hope to be proven wrong, for I think she has the capacity to be one of my greatest allies. And this would certainly be preferred over one of my more formidable of foes.
	Ser Bruce Longbough: My Ser Captain of the Guard. Ser Bruce is a find like no other. In the last months, I have truly blessed the Seven for the day when this knight took service with my late Lord Brother. He is a staunch and loyal man, and I have never felt safer then when he is at my side or my back. I know without a doubt that I will be able to count on him when we return to Stonebridge, and it makes the task ahead seem that much easier.
	Lady Danae Westerling: My Once Sweet Heart. There are not enough words. Those who know the truth, that she is still in my heart, likely count me for a fool. Valda has outright told me so. Neither of us are innocent in it. I let her down, even if I did not know I was doing it at the time. And at the same time, I should have been even stronger. But this does not discount her own betrayal, the reality that one I love could go against my family so heinously. In the end though, no matter what comes, even when I next look into her eyes and will likely not recognize what I see there, there will always be a piece of her with me. I will hold on to the good memories, even as the bad ones are the ones that set the world ablaze.

Terricks

	House Terrick My Lord Father's Rivals, and therefor my own. I hold little personal enmity for them, and indeed have had some pleasant interactions with members of this House. Nevertheless, despite my attempts at repairing the rift, there has been no ground given. They are set in their ways, and it will likely be the death of them.
	Lord Jerold Terrick: The Enemy. This man, above all others, is the sworn enemy of my Lord Father. Though I find some of his blood to be tolerable, even pleasant to deal with, I nevertheless know that he is at the root of the current feud, and resent the fact that his dogmatic teachings are what perpetuates the useless suffering that it has caused.
	Ser Jaremy Middleton: The Disgraced Knight. There is not much to be said of this stain upon the scrolls of history. At least his armor finds honorable use, and has saved my life more then once. Perhaps there is some redemption in that, and in the fact that he took the black.
	Lady Anais Terrick: My Annie. It's complicated. That has often of late been the true summary of our relationship. Even now, after speaking certain words in haste, I am not sure what truly stands between us. I have come to realize that it is not likely to last, at least not as it has been - but I can not find it in myself to regret any of it. She has been a true balm on my soul, and I think we have each allowed the other to regain our feet, and find our strength again. Whatever happens, she is a true friend, and someone I have come to trust implicitly.
	Lady Lucienne Terrick: Terrick's Daughter. I am not sure what to make of Lady Lucienne. What I do know? Is that I am utter shite when it comes to handling her. I have made her rage, albeit in a refined manner, and have made her cry as well. The only spectrums that are left to us is for her to decide to take me to her bed, as unlikely as that image is. Or for her to kill me. Probably the more likely of the two. Whatever the truth, it is probably best if we do not chance to speak alone anytime soon.
	Ser Jarod Rivers: Terrick's Bastard, and my Ser Goodbrother. Yet another demonstration of how the Seven have the most damnable sense of humor. This bastard saved my life, knights my sister, and then marries her. I don't know whether to hit him or embrace him as brother. So I did both. Perhaps there can still be good that comes from all of it. He now serves at the Tower, having given his oath at my offer. I respect him, and even like him. Though we may not always see eye to eye, he is an honest, simple sort of man, and that is certainly a rare enough quality these days.

Topics of the Region

Faith and Spirituality	I swore my knightly vows in the name of the Seven, charged to be honorable and just by the good Lord Whent. I stood vigil in the Sept, wore the humble clothes, and was anointed with the seven oils. I pray to the Father and the Warrior most frequently, but have had occasion to pray to each in turn. Even the Stranger gets an offering, if only to appease it and avert its shadowy gaze. I have been guilty of the odd blasphemous phrase in the heat of battle or the depths of my cups, but overall I try to stand for what I know to be right and true. I find it odd that other men can so easily turn their prayers to trees or salt water, or even to a flame.
War for the Throne	Though I, like many of my House, stood idle for much of this war, and have received derision because of it, I stand by my decision. By my father's decision. I was at the Tourney at Harrenhal when Prince Rhaegar declared Baratheon's betrothed the Queen of Love and Beauty. I heard of the Stark girl's abduction. I know the true source of the war. For the entire Seven Kingdoms to be ripped apart because of two men's lust for one woman… it is pure and unadulterated madness. Even so, had I the freedom of my own choice at the time, I might have been inclined to take up arms with my brother and my cousin in the name of the Royal House of Targaryen. Even now, King Bob's claim to the throne is tenuous at best. However, my father did not, therefor I did not. And now we are bound to this king, who wiped out a royal lineage for grief and vengeance. I will not lose any sleep if and when it all comes crashing down upon his head.
Greyjoy Rebellion	Another war, though this one I was free to fight in. I have taken victories, as well as wounds. And now it is done and over with, and the time to take up my new duties has begun.
Stonebridge	This holding belongs to my family by rights and by blood. My late Lord Brother married the last true heir to House Tordane,and now it is my duty to protect Stonebridge in the name of Lady Isolde. May I make the right decisions, and be able to count on the support of true allies, against the machinations of Danae and House Charlton.

Recent Logs

Page 398: The Ride On Stonebridge
(aleister alek bruce danae event harold hoekenn isolde iulia jac jarod jocelyn kamron karel logs nathaniel nevan petra riordan rutger saffron)
Page 396: Spies
(logs rafferty riordan social)
Page 359: Introductions, Insinuations, and Innuendo
(anais devra dmitry harlyn hugh ilaria jocelyn justin logs nevan riordan social)
Page 357: Gallows Gathering
(anais brennart danae devra dmitry event faulon hardwicke harold hugh inigo jocelyn justin katrin kittridge logs lucienne martyn nathaniel nedra nevan otto rafferdy riordan rosanna serica tiaryn)
Page 347: In Darkest Night
(anais logs riordan social)
Page 341: Feathered Dicks
(bruce jarod logs riordan social)
Page 341: An Ungodly Hour
(logs riordan social valda)
Page 340: Words Left Unsaid
(anais logs riordan social)
Page 340: A Dance At Seagard
(alys anais brennart briallyn danae desmond dmitry event hugh ilaria jocelyn kamron katrin kittridge logs lucienne martyn muirenn nedra nicodemus riordan rosanna roslyn rutger saethwyr saffron)
Page 339: Illicit Alliances
(anais logs riordan social)

Recent Memoirs

The Punchline
(memoirs riordan)
The Good Son and the Hag
(memoirs rebekkah riordan)
Conversations with a Frog
(memoirs riordan)

Gallery

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