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Raineh DazeAt the Redwyne Pavilion...
As evening fell life truly found its way to the Pavillion. Locals and Nobles passed by one another, or were standing shoulder to shoulder ordering drinks and food from the different stalls.
Outside the tents jugglers and fire eaters were performing their craft and the Redwynes had ordered several smaller bracers to be lit so the paths would be properly lighted.
Wine and Beer flowed richly, whilst a bard strummed his lute as he entertained the smallfolk farther away.
Lady Honora was accompanied by Lord Domenic and his wife the Lady Cyra, awaiting the arrival of the Tarly’s as courtesy having send out the dinner invitation.
It would be the first time they would meet and they needed to make a good impression.
Lady Cyra had motheringly managed to get the Twins to dress a little more modestly, instead of the tight laced corsets and shimmering silks that barely concealed anything. Domenic and Arnaud were dressed in their usual leathers, but had donned their shorter cloaks and clasps in effort to be a little bit more formal. To Honora’s great relief had Arystide been nothing but pliable, he had donned a silk shirt in their house colours and a brown leather overcoat. Odette had been hidden away. As surprise for the young lord and to hopefully impress the man.
Nadiya had put her in the best jewels they brought and Lady Cyra had been making the final alterations to the dress this very afternoon. Hopefully it would all work in their favour.
The Tarly contingent had arrived with several bannermen in tow, all present to display a show of the house's might and for said knights to compete in the lists. Lord Talbert had prioritized having their entourage set up and encamped before any other undertakings, and by the time everything had been set in place, dusk had arrived.
As they approached the Redwyne pavilion, Talbert allowed himself only a minute scowl at the sheer extravagance of it all before his face set into a stoic mien, as unchanging as stone. Behind him, however, his two children didn't fail to notice.
"The way Father's acting, you'd think it was him that was marching off to an unwanted marriage." Samwyle murmured aside to his sister, who scoffed.
"Oh, I'm fairly certain you'll change your tune with one look at the girl if she's pretty enough." Mina said dismissively. "Frankly, watching you flail around trying to woo her is payment enough for the price of Father parading me around the lords."
"Quiet." Talbert said once as they approached the pavilion at last, where the Redwynes seemed to be awaiting them. "Our hosts await. Come."
The Tarlys approached, with both Talbert and Samwyle clad in sturdy leathers and tabards bearing House Tarly's heraldry, while Mina wore a crimson dress.
"House Redwyne." Talbert stepped forward with a brief, but courtly bow as they finally came into range. "House Tarly thanks you for your hospitality on this day. May I introduce my son and heir, Samwyle, and my only daughter, Mina."
Both Sam and Mina approached, smiles on their faces. Samwyle's was a good deal warmer at the very least, with Mina's body language being more cordial than anything. Despite himself, Samwyle couldn't help but make a brief scan of the Redwynes with his eyes, trying to match their appearances and ages up with what descriptions of his betrothed he'd been given.
*you can add in between wherever you feel like
Lord Domenic nodded curtly, knowing lord Talbert's usual demeanor and allowed Honora to perform the proper courtesies.
Honora smiled warmly,her soft voice rang clear and managed to make itself heard despite the busy atmosphere.
"My Lords Tarly, Lady Mina you are most welcome. Most welcome indeed to our Pavillion. I am the Lady Honora Redwyne, eldest daughter to Gorlois Redwyne, it is so good to finally have a face to put to the writing." Honora spoke before explaining thing to lord Talbert.
"I wrote father's letters for him and was asked to receive you in his stead. Father alas was not fit enough to travel, but please do not take it as a discourtesy towards your mighty selfs. He pressed upon me the urge to seal this betrothal properly and let you be our most honoured guests. Therefore thy delegation need not lift a purse during this Tournament whilst they spend their time here." She courtsied bending fluidly and elegantly before offering introductions.
"Of course." Talbert nodded curtly at Honora, his expression not revealing his opinion on Honora taking her father's place in the negotiations at all. "And how is your lord father's health?"
"Father was suffering from gout Lord Tarly and had been looking forward to conversing with you, but Maester Tyburn convinced him to remain behind, much to his own displeasure as he would have preferred to 'give' our Odette away himself." She answered.
"Good Lords, Sweet Lady, allow me to introduce you to the rest of the family before we shall seat ourselves at the dinner table. If you permit me...my Lord Tarly," Honora said as she placed her arm upon Lord Tarly's allowing him to support her.
It all was show and partly good manners, but it would also allow her to be in physically on the outside, placing the Tarly's in between. There was a smooth and natural warmly kindness radiating off of her that it would be hard for a man to keep grumbling or remain unpleasant.
Honora had dealt with those kind of men far more often than she would like, yet such was the case when dealing with matters of diplomacy.
"These are our Uncle and Aunt, Lord Domenic Redwyne, my father's younger brother and the Lady Cyra Peake, sister to our late mother. Should you have any further grievances or need for pleasure...please turn to them, they will attempt to accomodate you in whatever way we can." She spoke allowing Lord Domenic to add to it, having met Lord Talbert before, though explaining he had been a great deal younger then before asking how his wife and second son were.
After which Honora went passed almost her entire family, so all the Tarly's would at least have a name to their faces, for the moment.
Arnaud bowed cordially and in competitive fashion stated he was eager to see the both of them compete, as he was curious to see the fabled strength and swordskill of the Tarly's, offering a conversation topic for Samwyle to fall back on.
Arystide stayed on his best behaviour as did the twins Serenei and Rowanne, though they couldn't hide the playful smirks and mischievous glints in their eyes, as a giggle escaped their lips it was perhaps all Honora could hope for as she quickly continued.
At the end all were introduced save for one.
The potential bride to be.
"Come, we shall head to the Feasting Tent, where you shall meet our dearest sister." Honora promised as she leaned upon Lord Talbert's arm and guided them, whilst the rest of the family did the same in proper procession. Armand less tall and intimidating as his brothers offered the Lady Mina his arm, whilst Samwyle was flanked by the two elder brothers asking pleasantly about the Tarly's home, the hunting grounds and the lands surrounding them.
Samwyle responded animatedly, speaking at length about the hunting available in the woods surrounding Horn Hill and asking the same of the Arbor in return. Meanwhile, Mina seemed to barely regard Armand.
As they arrived at the Feasting Tent it showed the Tarly's that the Redwynes family table was separated from the rest of the hall and slightly raised so they would be able to overview the entire tent. In between them was a smaller stage usually reserved for a speaker or performer and at the other end of the Tent was a large stage for larger groups of musicians or performers.
The Table itself was large and fitted to seat everyone save the soldiers of the Tarly's entourage, but they would have a table closeby near theirs and the bar, also decked out and prepared with a lavish spread of food and drink.
Honora smiled at the sight of the lone figure standing in front of their table. Like a final mystery for the Tarly's to discover. It was ofcourse the figure of their youngest sister who stood there. Her face was hidden away in the deep hood and rich dark blue of her cloak, which was fastened with an eleborate clasp in the form of their House's sigil. As Honora approached her she smiled to lord Talbert and Samwyle.
"My Lords and finally...allow me to present you my sister, Odette, our Arbor's Flowerqueen and who's birthday we will be celebrating in a couple of hours hence." She mentioned as Odette courtsied first, more deeply before unveiling herself by pulling her hood back.
The young lady that stood before them was a proper mixture of the brothers and sisters fairest attributes, whether it was the fairness of skin, the length of her lashes, the elegant curve of her face and nose, the lushness of her long cascading red hair, the light brightness of her blue eyes or the perfect rose petals that formed her lips all could not deny that Gorlois had spoken true when he claimed her to be 'his most precious of jewels'.
Her delicate rose gold necklace of grapevine leaves and chain tiara twinkled and glittered every time it caught the light of the lit candles. Her dress made of soft shimmering pale blue silk and lavender satin were set with Rose golden claps with beads of amethyst 'grapes' and was only giving a hint of reveal without being too promiscuous about it.
Her voice was gentle and one could hear the clearness that lay within it.
"My Lords, My Lady...It is an honour to make your acquaintance." She spoke the carefully rehearsed words, though there was a slight tremble and a quick glance at Honora to check for approval, whose smile made her rest a little easier, though she still was somewhat terrified of the gruff man in front of her, before glancing carefully at her supposed 'betrothed'.
Samwyle took in his betrothed with the expression of someone who expected the worst receiving something far better instead. After a moment in which he followed her stare towards his father, he gave her a hopefully reassuring smile.
"My lady Odette." He proffered a hand for her to take. "I am Samwyle. The honor is mine. I hope to prove myself worthy of your hand and of your family's alliance."
For his part, Talbert regarded the young girl with little more than a nod of his head at her gaze. At Armand's side, Mina gazed at Odette with a critical eye, as if judging her every move to see if she was a worthy match for her brother.
As Odette tenderly took his Honora suggested they'd be seated so dinner could start.
As drinks were poured and fresh food was brought in and set down before them Odette stood up from her seat again, slightly more nervous and gestured to one of the servants that had remained standing off to the side.
"As...in a few hours I will celebrate my nameday I had thought of offering our honoured guests some gifts of mine own." She uttered as parcels were put before the lord Tarly and Lady Mina. A proper bottle of granate red port for him and a package containing some of the finer silk fabrics for the Lady Mina.
For Samwyle however there was a smaller package.
"I do hope it will fit..." She uttered slightly unsure as when the package was unfolded a handsome green open sleeved vest came out, but holding a fair decoration of an embroidered archer.
"It is my gift to you Lord Samwyle." She offered with a slight blush before she hastily sat down again.
"You have my thanks." Talbert nodded to Odette before gesturing for one of his own men to take the present away while another set different parcels in front of Odette and Honora. "We would be remiss to have not brought gifts of our own for your nameday, of course."
He gestured towards Honora's. "This was meant to have been given to Lord Gorlois, but in his absence, I hope you can convey our well-wishes back to the Arbor for him." Within the package was a luxurious ermine cloak, with House Redwyne's heraldry stitched onto it. Similarly to Mina's, Odette's contained a selection of fine furs befitting a noblewoman.
Honora smiled knowingly.
"Undoubtedly my Father would praise you for the effort acquiring such a luxurious gift, true to thy sigil, it is a statement of perseverance and discipline. You astonish us Lord Tarly, with your generosity." Honora praised.
Speaking of, Mina regarded her present with some appreciation, nodding and smiling politely. With that done, however, she returned to watching Odette, as if to gauge her reaction.
Samwyle looked at his present with a grin of genuine delight, his fingers tracing over the embroidered archer for a moment. "It is very well-made. I'd change into it right now, but I fear it'd be rather untoward to strip down in front of this much company." He joked, trying to set her at ease.
Odette tenderly touched the furs lifting one and brushing it against her cheek in appreciation of its softness.
At Samwyle's words however she blushed stating with a slight tremble.
"I am glad it pleases you Lord Samwyle, I was quite pleased with making it, it forced me to do some research into threading it in such a way that it would create a leveling effect." She explained ignoring the stripping comment she did not dare to imagine anything further.
"Did you hunt down the animals for the furs yourself? I was told your family were outstanding hunters." She asked growing a bit bolder.
Armand meanwhile attempted to strike up a conversation with the lady Mina.
"Is it your first tournament Lady Mina? I cannot recall whether I saw you at Balon Swan's tourney last fall." He asked politely, before adding.
"You seem somewhat concerned for you brother. Trust me, Odette is the least terrifying of all my sisters." He added jokingly.
"Just Samwyle, if it pleases you. I'll not be a lord in truth for many more years, hopefully." He chuckled. "And indeed. Both Father and I hunted the pelts ourselves once word of the arrangement reached us." Samwyle leaned in slightly, whispering the next words so as not to offend the subject in question. "He didn't quite trust the castle huntsman to do the job properly, I'm afraid. Thought it was important enough to oversee everything himself."
"Indeed, it is." Mina replied to Armand. "Father believed myself to still be too young those few years ago. As for those two," She flicked her eyes back over to Samwyle and Odette for a moment. "Perhaps she is. Still, I would have liked to see him struggle with someone more...difficult." Mina took a sip of wine at that. "You've several younger sisters yourself, so I'm quite certain you understand how much we like to see elder siblings embarassed."
"Your lord father honours me with his care and consideration and you as well...Samwyle."She tried the name out carefully before taking a sip of her drink.
"I know you must have felt your reservations about someone like myself, to be attached to your person, but I hope I have not disappointed you too much in that regard." She asked. "Would you care to tell me more about your preferences...if I am to be your ladywife I would like to do a decent job and not vex my lord husband." She asked.
"To be frank, my lady, I knew very little of you before I came. I still do, in fact." He chuckled slightly at that before continuing on. "Well, I enjoy hunting and riding, mostly. Between that and arms training, I spend more of my days outdoors than in, although I've begun aiding Father more in administrating Horn Hill as time goes on. Are you an avid rider at all, Lady Odette? Or have any interest in hunting? I know that outside of my family, women aren't wont to take part in the hunt much, but do you engage in falconry?"
Odette was growing slightly more comfortable around him listening to him as she got a better look of him and he explained his own interests.
"Oh, I am not much of a rider, barely average, but not as bad as Nene. But I have my own peregrine falcon called Kieran, he's an excellent flyer and incredibly fast." She explained. "I sometimes get to go with our elder brothers to go hawking, mostly rabbits though." She said turning to him. "Other than that I of course have my needlework and enjoy painting, but I am often found with my brother Armand as he accompanies me in my singing." She spoke more confidently now, knowing her strengths in that regard.
"Should you wish it I could sing for you later." She offered. "As I wasn't sure what would please you best, I mainly studied upon a couple of ballads."
"I should be pleased to hawk with you some time, then." Samwyle nodded and took an appreciative sip of Arbor Red. "I've a goshawk, myself. Though he's an ornery old bird at this point. As for song, well, we've not much of that at home in Horn Hill." His gaze flicked in his father's direction for but a moment as explanation. "Any music would be appreciated, truly."
"All right..." she nodded before turning her head to Honora with a nod.
"Father cares little for bards, singers, or fools. Horn Hill only has song when we host the company of other lords." Mina murmured aside to Armand in explanation. "Though I'd surmise that wouldn't come as a surprise at this point."
Armand who had been paying attention as well smiled wryly, feeling a poor situation come up.
"Well then this will be rather unfortunate..." He stated as he picked up the lute from the side of the table, having put it there earlier in the evening.
Odette stood again, this time Honora and Nadiya raised as well, smiling encouragingly at their baby sister as she waited for Armand to play.
Armand's fingers easily strummed a gentle tune, bringing in the melody of a familliar ballad before Odette gently started the melancholy tune, her voice slowly raising in volume and power as her sisters accompanied her by adding their voices as backup.
Whilst Lord Domenic and the others looked on with pleasure, Armand kept his eyes fixed upon Lord Talbert's expression, hoping the man wouldn't burst out in frustration.
As the song began, Talbert's only visible response was just the narrowest thinning of his lips, followed by a long sip of wine. Regardless, he simply waited patiently for the song to end while Samwyle and Mina listened attentively.
