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Formations; Part 1: Snowhaven
Topic Started: Feb 6 2012, 01:21 AM (563 Views)
Damon
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"An owl stands at night, watching from the treetops of the forest true enough, but owls look down for prey, while myself and the Vikar look up, for... whatever reason we do." Nathanial said smiling, he thanked the guard for his help and went into his own room, to put down his things, and draw up what he could remember of the woman's charts.
Edited by Damon, Feb 10 2012, 04:24 PM.
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Volksgeist
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Nathanial entered his room.

It was not overly large, but it was enough for him. There was a stone bed underneath a small rectangular window in the far right corner. Next to it was a bedside table with a candle and a small book with a quill and an inkwell next to it. To the far left, flush against the left wall, there was a large oak chest next to a table with another inkwell and quill and various pieces of parchment. There was a chair slid underneath the table. Then, against the wall that the door was in, there were two more thick chests. Nathanial could just glimpse the stars through the narrow window above his bead as he entered.

He placed his things in the far, corner chest, and then sat down at the table. Deftly, he scrawled out what he could remember of the star formations and maps that he had seen at the old woman's house. He manage to get a couple of the signs drawn out, to scrawl down the prediction he had gotten from the woman, and her strange words as well. The rest seemed clouded and muddy, so he did his best to remember what he could, and realistically fudge what he didn't.

Nearly two hours had passed upon the completion of his project, and on the tops of all of the chests and the table were his drawings, set out to dry so as not to smudge the ink.
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Damon
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Nathanial was tired. If the guard was correct, it could be dawn in less than an hour, although he was a bit vague. Anyway, it was time to rest, He laid in bed and gazed at the stars through the small window, wondering at the days events and the events to come.
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Volksgeist
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When Nathanial awoke the next morning, he was greeted by a soft knocking at his door. When he opened it, there stood a servant clad in the attire of all servants of House Knygrove. This one was a young woman with long blonde hair and bright brown eyes. She smiled softly when he opened the door and delivered the message she had been given.

"Lord Addam has requested that you accompany him and his son Eddard in his Solar for breakfast. He said to tell you to come as quickly as possible. They plan on leaving to hunt later in the day, and wish to not only extend the offer, but also to speak of other matters."

When she had finished, the girl smiled shyly and left.
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Damon
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Nathanial nodded to the girl as she finished what she came to say, and turned to his chests, to change from his night linens to something more suitable. He selected a woolen tunic decorated in a maroon diamond pattern, and dark leggings. Then he made his way out of his rooms and downstairs to the Lord's Solar.
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Volksgeist
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Nathanial entered the Solar behind the servants, who were heavy-laden with brunch food. As he followed them through the door, he caught the waft of fatty bacon, seasoned ham, eggs, and other delicacies of the meat variety that one might only find on a Lord's table. It seemed like Lord Addam and Eddard were preparing for their hunt, as a good waft of venison also caught Nathanial's nose, probably from one of the Great Elk his uncle had killed, butchered, and then salted from the last hunting outing.

Lord Addam was a tall and thin man, pale with deep brown eyes and hair. To the eye, he appeared nearly gaunt with emaciation, but he had always looked that way. He was wearing a deep gray tunic, emblazoned with the Twisted Tree of House Knygrove. Various dark greens intertwined in elaborate patterns at the edge of the tunic. He also wore a thick gray pelt cloak that was clasped with a silver chain around his neck. In his hand was a black-handled dagger that was quite obviously not a weapon but rather tableware, and in the other was a fork.

Opposite of him at the table was Eddard, Lord Addam's son and heir to the throne of Frosthall and Snowhaven. He was also pale and tall, but his hair was a bright brown and his eyes were blue. These traits he had acquired from his mother, Lady Lizbeth, a fair-haired and sky-eyed woman from House Arkes. Rumor had it that those of House Arkes were distantly related to House Greford through their Mountlander heritage. Eddard was clad in a white tunic was the gray and green Twisted Tree in the center of the chest. He was wearing a similar cloak to his father's and had his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Nathanial remembered the blade well, he had seen it in action before.

It was made of Edgeforged Steel, rare and unbreakable and always maintaining its edge. Its name was Thornscar, and legend had it that it once belonged to Ulrich the Silent, and was the very same sword he pledged fealty to the Four Thrones with. The hilt was made of obsidian and appeared like twisted roots, ending with a carved three-dimensional figure of the twisted tree as the pommel. The crossguard appeared to be two skeletal branches. The blade was white and marked with a water-like ripple pattern, and it shimmered in the light, greedy-looking, ostentatious, deadly. It had beheaded many people, as it was Lord Addam's personal belief that traitors should be killed their king for their crimes. He had then gifted the blade to Eddard, who had become the new executioner of the house along with it.

When Nathanial entered, they greeted him with smiles. Lord Addam began to speak:

"Please, sit down, Nathanial. We have many matters to attend to. Firstly, would you like to partake in our day's hunt? I have heard that there is a herd of Great Elk near the edge of Ivorywood as of late and taking a few of them would certainly be impressive as well as it would make for a savory meal.

The second matter of business regards the tourney to be held in The City of Four in four-and-a-half months. We have been preparing and believe it would be our best interest to leave within the month. I was wondering if you planned on accompanying us or traveling by yourself?"
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Damon
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Nathanial stood respectfully, and replied. "I appreciate the offer, my lord, but I believe I'll respectfully decline to accompany you upon your hunt, if it please your lordship. As to the Tourney, I've been meaning to talk to you about it as well, as I intend to stay in four thrones afterwards. A lord without an estate taking residence with an uncle is something I can no longer be complacent with being. I intend to seek office within the capitol, or perhaps, if fortune shines on me, a new estate, under my own banner. I would ask to accompany your party, that I might be able to move a significant portion of my fortune with the security of your banners.... May I sit, my liege?"

Nathanial had always referred to his lord-uncle 'properly', albeit without censoring himself, despite any closeness and generosity, or pleads to the contrary. He would always attach the proper greetings and titles when appropriate, while saying what he had to say. He loved his uncle and appreciated his grand generosity, but he did not want to look like he was trying to take the place of Eddard, to whom he also extended the proper courtesies.
Edited by Damon, Feb 14 2012, 06:47 PM.
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Volksgeist
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"Yes, of course, please sit Nathanial. Most assuredly you know what you will be missing out on by missing the hunt, but if it is your wish to refrain from the glory of such a venture, then who am I to stop you? So, you intend to stay in The City after we have traveled there? That is a noble dream, Nathanial, but know that it is not so easy. Lords have their own estates, but never has there been another Lord to live under his own banner within The City of Four so long as it has existed. Seeking an office would be of your best interest if you were to make such a decision, but such things are also difficult to navigate. One does not just ask and receive, but rather, they are appointed to the counsel or to an office by The Four Thrones themselves. However, if it is your wish to spread your roots in other places and begin a new tree, so be it. As for traveling with us, of course you are welcome to do so. It would be a wise decision if you are to move a significant part of your coffers." Lord Addam was quiet but serious. When Nathanial had asked to be seated, Eddard had pulled the chair out next to him and smiled at his cousin.

Eddard had always enjoyed Nathanial's presence. He thought of Nathanial more as a brother than a cousin. Ever since a young age, Eddard had always wanted a brother and yet, instead, he had a twin sister named Alys. Therefore, he had always striven to maintain an overly friendly relationship with Nathanial because it filled a small void were nothing would ever be.

Lord Addam spoke again:

"If you don't mind my asking, what might be so interesting that it will intrigue you more than a hunt with I and your cousin Eddard?"
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Damon
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Nathanial sat down reticently for a moment, thanking the lordling with courtesy. He hesitated to tell his lord-uncle about the old woman with the golden star scope, it would sound strange. "I had a chance meeting last night, and agreed to meet again today. As for my future, I do believe I should have more than enough to procure comfortable accommodations within the city for some time, while I establish myself, I am yet young, and have my whole life to achieve success, and I think I have enough silver that I should not want until I do achieve success.
"Oh and, on another note, my ambitions for a new estate did not necessarily require that my estate be centered around the City of Four, but many lords visit the city, and the Tetrarchs may have lands of there own that may need settled, though I think that less likely.
"And also, should my ambitions prove folly, I would hope I could perhaps repurchase my former lands, to rebuild the holdfast."


He hadn't started on his food yet, but having said his piece, he began on a bit of breakfast ham.
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Volksgeist
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Lord Addam was quiet and though for a moment, and Eddard said nothing. Then he spoke:

"A chance meeting last night? With a young woman, no doubt." He chuckled. "So be it. As for your funds, no doubt you will have plenty to rest comfortably within The City. Perhaps the Four Thrones might have unmanned holdfasts they need to be used, but I would strongly urge you to go with your third plan. Your father's castle has remained a ghostkeep for some time now, and I have not found anyone worthy of the hold so much as you are. If you were to wish to reclaim it, I would only ask for a small portion from your coffers and a promise from you, that you become a bannerman to House Knygrove. As for the name of the Castle and the small city it oversees, that is for you to decide. Many of the people have since moved away due to the absence of a lord, but some have remained hearty, looking forward to the return of an overseer.

If you so chose to wish for your father's lands and castle back, I would thankfully give them to you. Again, all I would ask is a small fee and a promise."


Then, Eddard chose to speak:

"Nathanial, you have been as an older brother to me growing up. It would pain my heart to have you so distant from the family in The City, where things can go from good to bad in the blink of an eye. If I might be so bold, I would urge you to take father's offer. One day, you would become my bannerman then, and you would need not worry about being treated unfairly."
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Damon
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Nathanial chewed, thinking it over. Perhaps reestablishing himself in the north was a more fruitful plan than he had given it credit for. To be a proper lord was something he had not known, and he could surely rule the bit of territory that came with it, with his mind. But what of the kingdom. He felt the urge to know what was going on elsewhere. He did not feel well about the strength and status of the kingdoms. He wanted to take root in the kingdom himself, that with a word, he would know the troubles of the realm, and with a word, he could fix them... It was a pipe dream, but one he viewed as obtainable, given time.

Perhaps, it wouldn't be necessary to be in the capitol at all times, once his foundations were established and his roots well entangled through the kingdom...

"I thank you, kind uncle, for the offer, and I'll be sure to stay safe, that we will see each other again, my cousin. I am blessed with a generous family, and ever a home to return to, and for that I am grateful. I will remain in the City of Four for a time, while I try to find my place in the realm. If the fates will it, my place could be under the banner of the Twisted Tree, and I shall return. However, my Lord, I wish to request another favor, since I will be taking my leave of Snowhaven. I'm close with a number of members of your guard, former guardsmen of my fathers, as it were. I should wish them to accompany me during my stay in the capitol, and perhaps to be declared my personal retainers, rather than general guardsmen under your flag. If I ask too much, I understand, My lord."

Nathanial thought another moment. His father's hold still irked at him. He was, on the whole, largely unsentimental. An oath seemed a petty, fragile thing to him, only words, bound by another word called 'honor', A Castle was just a castle, a pretty pile of stone... But then there was family. There was something different when the blood of his own held it dear. He was comfortable that the hold was in the hands of his uncle, but he felt he needed to make another request of the lord. At least this one was less bold.

"Something troubling me, my lord, as I think on my late lord-Father's estate, if it is falling into ruin, I should want to see it maintained. Perhaps I should repurchase it after all, and return to it. I should still like to see what I can make of myself in the City, for some time after the Tourney, but I shall return a month hence. I request that you appoint a capable steward in the meanwhile, or that I would take ownership immediately, and appoint one myself, naturally, you're terms are fair, and I will gladly ride for you should you call for banners." Nathanial couldn't shake the feeling that fate drew him to the north, though he wondered if he'd be able to accomplish anything more than having a few miles of land and castle and town to rule. However, his conscience would not let his line's castle fall to ruin.
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Volksgeist
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"Do not think me lazy, Nathanial, but I would rather you take ownership and appoint your own steward. If, upon your stay in The City, you are met with a better offer, I will kindly take the land off of your hands once again. Think of it this way: with a castle, you can begin to rebuild House Knyre once again and create a firm household with which to anchor yourself. If you find another place to dwell, your household can be moved, perhaps only slowly, but it can be done. If you do not find another place to call your own, then you already have one. It is more a matter of insurance this way. As for the fee, never mind that for now. A day will come when I may be in need of your monetary services, but that day is not today, or tomorrow, or any day for a while in my eyes. The only fee I would ask of you today, if you wish immediate ownership of your ancestral lands, is your promise to carry my banner above your own and answer to my call if it is sounded."

Lord Addam stretched out his hand and his eyes found Nathanial's. Eddard watched them quietly, but Nathanial could see a smile across his lips. The smile was not unkind or mischievous in any way, in fact, it seemed the very smile of complete and true happiness. A bargain being struck between family members and the resuscitation of a felled castle was nothing to connive over, it was something to be joyous about. Eddard shook his head as he smiled, as if urging Nathanial to take the offer.
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Damon
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There was little to think about. His uncle's reasoning was sound. Though Nathanial wondered what would become of his friends amongst the swords of house Knygrove, and how he would fill his halls with swords and subjects. Although, as his uncle had said, once a lord was in the keep, people would come for a place within his walls.

Nathanial grasped his uncle by the arm, grasping his forearm firmly just beyond the elbow, and spoke. "Lord Knygrove, upon the restoration of my house, I, Lord Nathanial Knyre, pledge fealty to you as Bannerman. You're Banner shall fly with mine, and my swords will be yours should you ever need them." As he finished his declaration, he let go of his uncle's arm. "I'm sure the formal arrangements can wait for your hunt at the very least." Nate said smiling, and sitting back down to finish the last of his breakfast meats.
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A joy pervaded the remainder of the mid-morning meal. Lord Addam was more talkative than Nathanial had ever remembered, and a thin smile was constantly gracing his usually stern lips. Eddard was beaming as well, obviously happy that his cousin, who had become more a brother in their time growing up, would be remaining close. Indeed, it seemed like things were meant to go very well from here on out. All Nathanial had to do was find a Steward and a few apt servants of the common class to begin tidying up the ghost castle that was now his to command. Then, there was the means of choosing his banner colors and the crest that would now be his, now that he would truly be considered a lesser lord having taken up his father's withering throne.

When the breakfast was finished, the servants came and removed everything. Eddard was sent off to begin preparations for the hunting party, but Lord Addam requested that Nathanial stay with him. When Eddard and the servants were all gone, Lord Addam looked at Nathanial and then smiled.

"I am happy that you are taking up your Father's throne, I see you as extremely competent." He rose from his seat and drifted to a desk that was heavily laden with papers in the corner of the solar. Next to it were various things stacked close, and then Nathanial spied a weapons rack. Lord Addam moved toward it and, from its hooks, pulled free a sword. At best guess from Nathanial's point of view, it was a shorter bastard sword, tending more toward the short sword end of the blade spectrum. Lord Addam moved closer to him and then held it out. "It was your father's blade while he was alive. It once had a blade of Edgeforged Steel, but unfortunately, the blade was lost and the hilt nearly completely shattered. After you came into my household, I set to working on the blade myself. I was able to repair the hilt as best I could. Only a short time ago, I took it to a renowned smith on the outskirts of Huntsgrove and had it truly repaired. The blade is folded steel, perhaps not as good as Edgeforged steel, but it is tougher than most other blades. It was once called Ivoryedge." He handed it to his nephew.

The handle was white and tough, made of some strange material. The pommel was a near-translucent stone, the crossguard like ivory vines, wrapping partially around where the blade was to be held. When he drew the blade from the scabbard, it sang and shined in the flickering torchlight. The steel was bright, not white and watery-looking like Edgeforged, but rather inlaid with hair-thin lines that ran laterally from the crossguard to the tip of the blade. It was perfectly crafted.

"Your father's throne, your father's blade, and your father's sword. Now, you are truly a young noble." Lord Addam smiled and then, without another word, he left through the oak doors.

Some time later, Eddard and Addam left with their hunting party, leaving Nathanial at the castle to do as he pleased.
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Damon
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Though Nathanial had little taste for combat, he wore his new blade for the rest of the morning. He set to the halls, to seek out the guardsman whose company enjoyed, to see what they thought of his intended move. Some of them had served his father, and he wondered if it was possible for them to enter his service. He could likely talk his uncle into it, but the men would have to agree as well. He had some time before nightfall, when he intended to see his acquaintance from the previous evening.
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