Southmount Hall was decorated from ceiling to floor with ornate carving of horses. Some carrying brave Knights into battle, others majestically galloping over a rugged plain. The pride of hall was Tobin's seat at the head of the table. Carved from rich, dark rosewood with a solid, tall back. Each leg had intricate engravings of horses and varies elements of the surrounding land.
A proud Tobin escorted an impressed Ser Balon into the hall. His wife, daughter and sons stood smartly and welcoming. Lady Emlyn stood straight and graceful with a polite smile. Gryffard stoic and manly next to her. Nathaleya mirrored her mother, although slightly uncomfortable in her muted blue dress. Horden purposely bulked himself up and puffed with chest, showing a deliberate smirk. Renard, being the youngest, stood quietly next to Horden avoiding eye contacting with the towering Swann Knight.
"Ser Balon, I'm pleased to see you are well. I trust your family is well?" she asked warmly, stepping down from the raised floor were the table rests to join the side of her husband.
"Lady Emlyn, the pleasure is all mine. And thank you, they are well. The gesture is returned," he returned the wish with the same genuine warmth.
"Ser Balon, I'm sure your remember my sons. Gryffard, Horden and Renard. Not to forget my daughter, Nathaleya- " He was halted by the sudden disappearance of his only daughter, who managed to sneak away without anyone noticing. Her brothers looked around at each other confused. Renard giggled a little before a disappointed yet scornful look from his mother quickly silenced him. Her father frowned before exhaling a strained laugh, attempt to dispel his embarrassment. Ser Balon raised a brow, but was nonetheless impressed with the girl's skill. "I'm sure that she didn't mean to offend you, Ser Balon, she can be rather...adventurous at times. I will be having stern words will her soon after I promise you," he assured crossing his arms.
"Lord Tobin, there's no need for strong words. I'm not offended. Her actions hasn't planted the seeds of war between our families just yet," he jested, "But, I apologise for my bluntness, you wished to discuss something of the tourney with me?" Ser Balon questioned.
"Yes. I do. If you'd follow me." Lord Tobin, gestured for the knight to follow behind him. They entered a small, however equally decorated, room and promptly concealed themselves behind the door. Horden took a hasty step towards the door. A firm hand held him in his place. Horden directed a sneer towards his brother, who wasn't even looking his way, and shoved away his arm.
"Don't eavesdrop, it's rude," Gryff commanded with an easy, yet commanding tone whilst keeping his head true. "Let's go find our sister," he said rather accusatory.
Lady Emlyn listened in unbeknownst to her two eldest. She lightly squeezed Renard's shoulder and smiled down at him. "It's time for your lesson. You should go find Maester Orin in your chambers. Go now. Don't keep him waiting," she glance upwards to her now arguing sons and slyly grinned, "and afterwards your brothers will go out for a ride with you," the boys stood bolt upright and saw the excitement on their younger brothers face and the stern look of their mothers behind him.
Ryann was brushing out set in mud of a fidgeting Rook, she found herself frequently asking if it was possible if he was actually black and brown. She suddenly became aware of a presence to the left of her. Too quite to be Bennar. Too light footed to be any Baulk man, even Renard. She glanced around discreetly to see who is was, studying from feet upwards. Fawn-brown, leather boots. Dirty, beige trousers. Well-fitted, dark blue gambeson. Dishevelled, quickly-tied back mouse-brown hair. Nathaleya. Ryann would question her cautious actions however, as a stable hand, she was below this. Luckily, she was questioned first.
"Ryann, would you mind helping me tack up Stag?" she asked as she swiftly continued towards her horse. Stag, a sturdy, genuine chestnut stood docile. He'd been foaled on the day Renly Baratheon had stopped for a while when passing through back. Stag seemed a fitting name. Both girls tacked up the still nag.
"May I asked where you are going?" she dared to ask, trying to judge Nathaleya reaction. Nathaleya look dumbfounded around the stable attempting construct a decent cover up, but quickly relented. There was something about Adryann that told her she could trust her.
"I'm getting away from Ser Balon as quick as I can. I have a feeling he's going good to ask me to attend the tourney with him," she admitted as she fastened the buckles on Stag's saddle, tightening the girth.
"Is that such a bad thing?" Ryann enquired confused. Ser Balon had little fault and was genuine. A skilled knight with table manners and common courtesy.
"No he's not bad. I just have a feeling my father's trying to marry me off to him. I want to see the tourney but not eventually have a ring on my ring as the price," she thought to herself deeply for a minute whilst Ryann finished buckling the throat lash of the bridle. Her face sudden lit up in the light of a plan, "However...if someone else where to ask me. A better suitor. Perhaps a handsome spice trader from Pentos?" she suggested with a cattish grin.
"..and you know a handsome spice trader from Pentos?" Ryann answered with as much sarcasm as she dared to muster in a attempt to be humoured. She held an accomplished grin. It quickly dropped when it dawned on her what she was most likely suggesting.
"How's business in the spice trade?
