Fantasy Game of Thrones ~ Strings of Fate

[Obsidian]

The dawn of a new day had finally come, and the castle became a hive of activity once again. Word from King's Landing of the appointment of the new Hand, Eddard Stark, did not come as much of a surprise to the Harpers. The King's close relationship to the Starks was well known, especially to those who participated in the rebellion, and, following Lord Arryn's death, Lord Stark would be a predictable replacement. What came as more of a surprise was the announcement of the Hand's Tourney. Lord Stark was not known to host such things in his own name. Regardless, the Hand's Tourney would be one of the biggest events of the year, announced to all of Westeros, and every family both great and small would be heading for King's Landing to participate. If not in the hopes of winning, then at least in the hopes of intrigue. And the Harpers would be no exception.

Lord Gerald Harper gave the last of his orders to his Maester, Jelid, before his wife, Lady Jeyde Harper, walked into the main hall and approached her husband. Sensing quite rightly that his Lord and Lady would wish to speak alone, the Maester bowed to his Lord before turning to take his leave, allowing Gerald and Jeyde their moment of privacy.

"My love," Gerald turned to greet his wife, his smile to her both warm and loving, "Everything is ready for our journey to King's Landing. Arren and Ryden should be along shortly, they are finishing the last of their preparations as we speak, and once they appear we shall be on our way."

"Just remember what we discussed," Jeyde quickly reminds her husband, "Our alliance with House Crakehall will be decided by Arren's success at the Tourney, and not just on the field. Keep an eye on him, and on Ryden; keep both of them from any troubles. We cannot afford embarrassment, or worse."

"You worry too much," Gerald smiles confidently, "All will be well. Relax, and enjoy a moments peace while we are gone. Just do not enjoy it too much. We will be back soon enough."

"My Lord," A guard approaches, wearing the calming blue tabbard with the golden harp brightly emblazed upon it, giving a bow to his Lord and Lady before speaking again, "Forgive the interruption, but you asked to be informed when all is ready."

"Ah, good," Gerald speak up, turning his whole body to the guard, "Thank you, my good man. Do find my sons and inform them that we are leaving. If they want to attend the Tourney and shower themselves in glory, they must come along at once, or be left behind here with their mother."

"As you command, my Lord." The guard says in parting, gives a quick bow, and then hurried along to find the Heir and his brother. Gerald turns back to his wife, leans close to her to give her a parting kiss, and then says, "Time for us to leave. Goodbye, my love. May we return with more than tales, if the Seven smile upon us."

With that, Gerald takes his leave of the main hall and makes his way out of the keep proper, walking out of the main entrance onto the small courtyard, while his keep, the Citadel, towers high above him at his back. The courtyard is nicely shaded, the wall stone walls providing much cover from the summer sun, if terribly dull with all of the dark and greying rock in all directions, making the small space feel even smaller, even somewhat claustrophobic. The courtyard opens out in opposite directions by the two gateshouses, each leading out onto their respective bridge. The courtyard is currently filled with guards, horses, wagons, and carriages that make up the convoy escorting Gerald and his sons to King's Landing. The wagons are filled with everything that would be needed for their trip, from food and other essentials to tents and furniture for the comfort of the Harpers. The Lord approaches his own horse, groomed and bridled by the stablehands, and the old man is yet strong and fit enough to climb upon his own horse by himself. One atop his stead, he looks out over the courtyard, to his busy subjects.

"Hear me!" Gerald would call out, drawing the attentions of all around, "We shall be leaving soon! Ready yourselves and take formation! We march on my order!"

~~~

Arren, Heir of the Harp, is finishing off dressing into his formal brigandine, complete with cape bearing the colour and sigil of his House, with the assistance of his personal servant, Gannet, when someone knocks upon his door. "Enter," Arren calls out, to which the door opens revealing a guard, stepping into the room while Arren stands proudly in front of his mirror, inspecting himself and his servants work.

"Forgive my intrusion, my Lord, but your father has requested your immediate presence." The guard informs, "His Lordship wishes to leave at once. I have already informed your brother."

"I see. Very well," Arren says with an annoyed sigh, "You have informed me. Now, you may go." The guard did not need to be told twice, and promptly excused himself.

"Well, this will have to do." Arren says to Gannet, taking one last look in the mirror, before turning to his childhood friend and companion. And for anyone who knows Arren understands just how rarely he considers anyone to be a friend. "Let us go, Gannet." Arren says, turning to making his way to the door, "Cannot keep my father waiting."

 

[Arcanist]

Morwenna Crakehall
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If there had been one thing that bothered Morwenna about traipsing the entire way to King's Landing, it was the journey's length. An arduous trip spent making small talk in a carriage, followed by frequent stops for someone to relieve themselves, only to get so far as an inn to spend the night. Oh, and the occasional bout of travel sickness. All for a Hand's Tourney. She, like her father and brothers, appreciated and enjoyed a good tourney, but the effort to travel to it almost made the desire to stay at Crakehall much more appealing.

Almost. For if she refused to go, she wouldn't get so much of an eyeful of her potential match.

With the last of preparations being finalised, the only thing that was needed was for her to settle herself in a carriage, and for her father and her brothers to settle their own behinds on a horse. She stood in their courtyard, surrounded by sand streaked walls and holding a scene of wild bustling and hollering, though, mostly from her older brothers. Despite their difference in age, Morwenna being the youngest, they still behaved like boys around one another, shoving each other and pulling at tufts of red and golden hair. She could only hope such boorish behaviour didn't come to transpire during the tourney. It seemed excusable at Crakehall, but it was a completely different chess game at King's Landing.

"Ah, Morwenna," the gruff tone of her father sounded behind her, one that tried to soften its harshness every time he was in conversation with her. The daughter smiled at him, who paused beside her and asked, "Ready to depart?"

"Indeed, father. I thought it best to soak up some fine sea air before we leave." Crakehall's position by the Ocean Road often meant the saltiness from the sea wisped its way to them, forever and always a comfort to her. She wondered how she would cope without such a comfort when she would have to leave Crakehall for good.

"And spend longer out of that dreaded carriage, no doubt," Lord Crakehall quipped, to which her daughter graced with a knowing gaze. He was quiet for a moment before his large lips parted again, "We hope to make our way there swiftly. Your brothers have been eager to arrive there since the tourney was announced. No doubt you share a similar eagerness too?"

Morwenna hummed, rolled her shoulders back that could have easily been mistaken as a shrug. "For the jousting, of course," the young Gilt smirked before looking back to her brothers. "Though, it has been bothering me, what should happen if my brothers face a Harper," her eyebrows raised. "They don't restrain themselves in tourneys. So I fear for them, and more importantly how it may sour our relations..." She pouted, glancing to her father, only to be met with a belly laugh, to which her lips curled up at.

"I have firmly informed your brothers there is not to be a single scratch on a Harper," Lord Crakehall kept laughing. "Otherwise, I fear for the others partaking." He shook his head as his laughter died down, and he walked further into the courtyard, beckoning the youngest daughter. "Come, we must be leaving. Otherwise, this journey will take leagues longer than intended." Without waiting for an answer, her father bellowed that they would be departing, and Morwenna had little choice else other than to follow.

Morwenna sighed as she approached her carriage. She only hoped she could keep the travel sickness at bay.

 

[Terrier B]

It was no more than simple armour really, loose and comfortable enough to travel in, offering basic but not particularly stellar protection. Even then however, the various buckles, straps and adjustments such a mantle required would appear frightening to most, but not Gannett. The piece was secured and fitted swiftly, with little need for additional tailoring. The task was done quietly and promptly, the routine practically clockwork at this point to both parties involved. He stood back as the young Lord took a final moment to consider his handy-work, before their departure was made inevitable. Ganny allowed Arren to walk out first and in front, unable to retain a small smirk at his Lords comment. As they made their way out of the keep, he simply remarked, "Although I'd like to see such an attempt my Lord,"

As one might have expected, the keep was alive and abuzz with hurried activity. The yard was crowded with Horses, carriages, trunks, chests and all manner of baggage. As Arren joined the rest of his family, Gannet politely excused himself for a moment to go do the same. A wide variety of mules and horses trotted and waded ceaselessly through the yard, but despite their vast number, Gannet had a good idea of which particular horse Linny would be with. Close to the carriages which sat waiting nearer the main doors of the keep, were grouped a number of well-bred, more finer looking steeds. On the outskirts of this group was Linnet, she stood with two horses, and seemingly unable to keep her hands steady, she had busied herself combing the more well decorated horses mane, despite it's now shimmering condition. She saw Gannets approach, and merely gave him a nod or recognition, a gesture he returned. He turned on his heel slightly, eyeing the surrounding crowds, "No word yet then?", Linny sighed, her words pushed out with a forlorn tension, "No." She didn't even bother to say anything else, just kept on brushing.

The two steeds were both equally healthy, and clearly well cared for, yet one was obviously meant for someone of relatively high ranking. Even though this was a rather clear observation, Gannet went ahead and asked the question anyway, "Which one's mine then?" Her hand stopped mid brush, and Linny raised a single eyebrow at him, "Oh haw haw, you're a Master of comedy." Her hand continued its appointed task. Ganny grinned smugly, and pretended not to notice the small smirk that had appeared on her face. She motioned to to other Horse vaguely, "Her name's Maud. She's coming up to her twelfth year now, but don't let that fool you." The mare must have had some Shire in her somewhere, for she was relatively tall, and on the somewhat more stocky side compared to some of the other, more petite Mares wandering the yard that day. He gave her a friendly pat and she whinnied her appreciation quietly. Gannet motioned to the well dressed horse, "This one then?" Linny sighed and finally, stopped her brushing.

"Rylens," Gannet froze where he stood, a single eyebrow raised and a hideously smug smile on his face that grew larger by the second. Linny turned to face him, saw the expression on his face, scowled, then tutted, "Lord Rylens, you know what I meant," and with that said, she walked around to the other side of the steed, now apparently completely engulfed in the task of securing the already fastened saddle. Gannet chuckled, and began to tuck his things away into Maudie's saddlebags. He continued as Linnys voice carried over to him, "What about Lady Anisa? She coming after all?", Gannet didn't even turn his head, "Do I look like one of her ladies maids? How should I know." It was now Linnets turn to smirk, "I was only asking! She's very kind to us common folk is all. I'm sure her company would make this trip far more-"

Her words stopped short. Ganny looked up at her sudden silence. It was old Feeny, approaching with their Mother and the Stable-Master in tow. Shoving his few remaining belongings hastily into the satchel, Gannet threw his baldric over his shoulder and joined the gap between the approaching party, Linny following faithfully behind.

"Mother," She smiled softly and welcomed her sons embrace, "You are ready for this Gannet," her gaze turned towards Linnet briefly and her smile faltered ever so slightly, a glint of worry flickering in her gaze, but it was concealed well, for Gannet was the only one who seemingly even noticed it. He turned to Old Man Feeny and the Stable-Master, nodding his head as a polite show of respect, "Sers," they dismissed the gesture in an equally respectful manner. Feeny's attention was settled on Lin, who stood anxiously by her Mother. "Now then Linnet, I have been speaking to good Master Danner here, and he thinks, well..." Unwilling to divulge further, the old man simply motioned to the man in question vaguely. Danner shrugged a little and continued on Feeny's behalf, "Yes, well. It's a simple choice really Lin. As you know, my place is here with the stable, but my lads will be accompanying the travelling party to Kings Landing to take care of the horses and what have you. Now since you are such a young... 'impressionable', type of girl, I wouldn't usually recommend you to travelling amid the company of a group of young rowdy men. However, since your Brother here is also partaking on the trip, I deemed it would be suitable for you to partake in such a journey after all. So long as you kept in his good company of course."

Feeny sighed, "So there you have it girl. For once in your life, it seems the choice is yours. You may, if you wish, join the party and go to Kings Landing to see, I don't know, the ocean, or whatever it is they have there. Or, you can remain peacefully and happily here, and honestly save your feet the bother." The old man looked the girl dead in the eyes, for once, his tone relatively serious. "It is your decision," Linnet looked to their Mother. Ganny had been away a few times before this, and so had she for that matter, joining the Lords on hunting parties with the other stable hands and what have you. But the two of them had never left their Mother alone at the same time, and certainly not for this long before. Seemingly sensing her conflict, their Mother rested a hand upon her shoulder, "Don't worry about me Lin. Birds have to fly sooner or later."

And so the decision was made.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Anisa Harper​

Anisa was not looking forward to the journey that laid ahead. She didn't want to go to King's Landing. She didn't want to go anywhere. She was content staying home, where she felt most comfortable. She never wanted to leave. She knew that one day, she would be married off to a lord, and the thing she dreaded most about it was leaving her beloved home. Perhaps then, the concept wouldn't seen so dreadful. And besides, the Hand's Tourney was one of the last things that sounded like entertainment in her mind.

She could see all the preparations down below from the window in her room, and looked upon it with dread. But she wouldn't complain about it. She never did. She always tried her best to be a diligent and compliant daughter. She was always quiet, always obedient.

Her ladies had dressed her and made sure she was ready. She wore a simple dove gray dress, with a little bit of pale pink embroidery along the neckline and the cuffs of the sleeves. It was elegant enough to show she was a lady, but simple enough for her not to stand out. She hated to stand out, and often wished she could disappear into the walls. It was also comfortable, perfect for the long trip. Her dark blond curls were hanging loose, falling down her back, a few bits at the front pinned back to keep them out of her face.

"My lady? Are you ready? You ought to go down now."

Anisa was pulled from her thoughts as one of her maids called out to her, her dark lashes fluttering as she blinked her hazel eyes. She hated the titled of 'lady.' It sounded so grand. She never felt it suited her. She wished she could simply be just Anisa.

"Hm? Oh, yes. Thank you. I'll be down in a moment."

After a few moments of staring out the window, Anisa tore herself away and began making her way down.

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Cordelia Harper

Cordelia always loved playing chest, finding new ways to beat her opponents every time. Just when people thought they knew how she played, she would switch up her tactics and beat them. Today was no different as she sat in the study across from one of her father's men. There was a bet going on that she wasn't privy to that they could beat her this time. Little did they know she had them the moment they moved their first piece. She had been quiet throughout, not only focusing on the game but trying to psyche him out. He kept trying to get her to engage in conversation, but she only looked at him and smiled shaking her head. It wasn't until the end of the game when she had won did she speak. "Checkmate, Reginald." Her piece fell over his and she gave him a triumphant smile. He groaned and bit his lip, looking over the chessboard. "You were so quiet the entire time!" She stood up from her seat, interlacing her fingers in front of her dress. "Oh, dear Reggie. The only words you need to speak in chess is 'Checkmate'. Besides, the silence helps you think better about your plans." She told him as she walked away, smirk planted on her face.

The noises of preparation could be heard throughout the estate, hearing different noises in different sections of their home. That's right, her father was preparing for a trip and taking some of her siblings along with. She had decided not to tag along for fear of a 'perfect match' being found. Though, if she were being quite honest, she wasn't going to be able to sabotage being unmarried any longer. It wasn't a good look for her or the family, that much she understood, but she just couldn't fathom the thought of being married to someone she didn't even like or know. It was naive of her to think she would even be able to marry for love. Marriage was a contract, a deal made between men for political reasons. She was just another piece in a chess game played by men. Unfortunately, that meant she was going to have to give in to it. She had given herself the talk many different times, that the next time her father told her she was to be wed she wouldn't secretly sabotage it.

Currently, she was trying to stay out of the way, the staff of her home busy getting things ready for her father's journey. She wondered if she were the only one who had opted to stay behind while she watched her sibling's chests and things were being taken outside. To make sure she didn't cause any trouble, she stayed in her room and opted to read a book. Maybe if she read some sort of love story it would help with her current dilemma of being married. She asked a maid for tea and when she returned, she asked about an update on the travel plans. When she was informed they were just about to leave, she scoffed and jumped up from her chair, making her way towards her father. "Were you just going to depart without any farewells?" She asked him, her arms crossed in front of her. There were times the two of them disagreed, her future being the main one of them but she still loved her father. "Kind of rude don't you think?"

​

 

[Veil Walker]

Roderick Rivers was not a happy man. As Captain of the Guard, he knew his place was at Harper's Gate. He had heard rumors that the Freys were recruiting again. Not that they ever stopped playing their games, but Roderick could never be too careful. He took his oaths seriously, despite the jokes of others. He had heard the muttering when he had first assumed his position. Not that he cared for himself. Roderick had no time for fools and their jokes. He just didn't like to hear anything that might negatively affect his Lord. Still, it wasn't the mutterings of lesser men that had led him to stand on the keep wall and look down at the travelers. It was also the source of the crease forming on his brow. Roderick had never felt close to his actual family, the bastard amongst the flock. It had taken him a long time to find his place in the world. To find a family. Now that family, a group he had sworn to protect with everything he had, was heading out. He wouldn't be there to protect them, and it was painful. He understood his Lord's reasons. Someone had to maintain Keep security and protect those family members who remained behind its walls. Yet the small, selfish part of him that remained wanted to go with them, or better yet, have them stay. Instead he would stand watch over them until they had left his sight, not because it was his duty, but because it was his honor.

Roderick's arms folded over his chest as he watched the proceedings, the wind pushing back his warrior's ponytail. With a grunt, he made his way down the curved stairway to the courtyard below. Roderick watched as the group prepared itself, stepping in now and again to correct his men's posture or equipment. He may not be going, but he was certainly going to make sure his men brought no shame upon the House of Harper. With a grunt, he stepped back from the proceeding, giving an informal salute to his Lord. Turning to Arren, he gave a more formal salute.
"Master Arren. Pleasant journey to you. I hope you never find cause to use it, but as I will not be going with you, I thought you might take this with you." Reaching to his side, Roderick unclipped a sheathed knife, holding it out to Arren. The sheath was a bit battered, but perfectly serviceable.
"I got this on my first field campaign. A person going out in the world can always use a good knife, and this one has served me well over the years. I hope it does the same for you." With a grim nod, Roderick stepped back to clear the path, watching the proceedings with sharp eyes.

 

[Obsidian]

"Ah, my charming daughter," Lord Gerald spoke up, looking to his daughter with a smile, before speaking again with a mix of irritation and amusement, "No, dearest, I certainly could not hope to get anything past you, and as you know I have surely tried. I still feel terribly for those poor boys that were your suitors. Do you have any idea how much of a challenge it will be to find another after your schemes?"

Even if he may sound somewhat peeved, Lord Harper could not help but feel rather amused by Cornelia, worming her way out of marriages like she has done. Clearly, she is clever and resourceful, a boom for any young lord preparing to succeed his father in governing their lands, but Cornelia has unfortunately chosen to use that cleverness and resourcefulness against her suitors. One particularly sour loser decided to start a wicked rumour that young Cornelia was barren, giving this heinous lie to be the reason why she had not wed yet. Lady Jayde ensured that the rumour was quashed, and the young lord who started it suitably punished, but such an occurrance came to demonstrate the trouble Cornelia could cause. Lord Gerald has struggled to find another match for her, but many families are understandably hesitant. At this rate, the only marriage she might secure is from some hedge knight with not a copper to his name.

Despite all this, Gerald still did love his daughter dearly, and he would promptly dismount from his house, turn to his daughter, take her in to a warm hug, lifting her and spinning her as he does so, before letting her down and releasing her, giving her a fatherly kiss on her forehead. "I hope that will suffice as a farewell," He says to her, before shooing her away, "Now be off with you. Your mother will have plenty for you to do while we are gone, and I better not find this town in ruins when I get back."

It would be at this point that Arren would have made it to the doors of the keep, stepping out into the courtyard, finding his sister had come out to personally speak her farewells to them. "Cornelia," Arren would begin, giving her a smirk, "Good luck to you in governing our lands while we are away. And try not to scare every man in our service into desertion, dear sister. You do not need to marry any of them, rest assured."

"Arren!" Gerald would bark, overhearing his son and heir, "Enough!"

"Just a friendly bit of banter, Father." Arren would say, before looking to Cornelia with a smirk, "You do not mind, do you, dear sister?"

With those farewells made, Arren would proceed over to mount his horse, given to him by one of the stable hands. "Thank you," Arren says to the boy, "Do give my compliments to Linnet." With that, the stable hand took his leave, which would be the point when Roderick would come up to Arren to say his own farewells to the young lord. Then the old Captain gave Arren a rather crude looking dagger, certainly something that would belong to a Guard Captain rather than a lord, and Arren had much of his own weapons specially forged for him by the Harpers own smiths. But, as Arren would have been taught, these simple gestures from his simple people should not be cruelly dismissed, for giving his subjects the belief that they have some personal connection to their lord can have its uses.

"Thank you, Roderick." Arren would tell the Captain, slipping the weapon under his belt, "I will be use to make use of it, should the need arise. But we do not expect trouble. Worry for Cornelia and my mother. They both need your protection more than we would in King's Landing."

Finally, young Anisa came out of the keep, and Lord Gerald would see her and smile to her fondly. "Ah, and here comes my other beloved daughter," The Lord would speak up, his voice carrying to Anisa, as well as to many others in the courtyard, "Come, my darling, onto the carriage. We shall be leaving within moments." And of course, a plush and perfumed carriage would be ready and waiting for the young lady, complete with candied snacks and fresh wines. Though the carriage is not only for her, but also for the Lord and Heir as well, should they wish to take a break from riding on the long journey down to the capital. Still, Anisa would be the one making the most use out of it.

~~~

On the Road

Once everyone had finished making their final preparations and were ready to leave, Lord Harper gave the signal and a horn was blown, signalling to all of Harper's Gate that their Lord was about to leave on his journey to King's Landing. And so the convey finally moved off, Lord Harper leading from the front while Arren and Ryden followed behind him, and Lady Anisa followed behind her brothers in her carriage. Since many would be walking on foot, the convey moved at a slow but steady pace, crossing from the keep over the bridge to then parade through Harper's Gate to get to the King's Road on the other side of the town. A detachment of the Harper's best men, the Watchmen of the Harp, would follow them as their honor guard, surrounding and protecting the Harpers as well as the rest of the convey, the wagons and servants bringing up the rear.

As the convey passed the second gatehouse on the other side of the bridge, they would emerge into Harper's Gate itself, with the main road running straight through the town with the main road lined with shops and businesses on both sides. The road would be cleared for the convey, with many of the townspeople standing along both sides of the road, all of them wishing to see their lord off and they cheered for the Harpers as they passed, some would even throw confetti or flowers to their masters. Gerald sat proudly upon his horse, smiling and waving to the masses, more than happy to interact with his subjects, even calling out to some he would know by name and giving a few kind words as he passed. The people of Harper's Gate did so love their Lord, mostly because he would look to them and speak to them as people, not peasants to be sneered down upon.

By contrast, Arren would sit quitely and soberly, looking onward without engaging with his subjects. This is the way most of the nobles treated their subjects, with a measure of distance, a dignified silence and stoically looking forward towards their destination. People can respect this, but it leaves a gulf between their lord and his people. Of course, the weakness of Gerald's approach is that his subjects can become too familiar with their lord, and give disrespectful exchanges as a result.

It would not take too long before the convey had travelled the length of Harper's Gate, passing through the last gatehouse before walking over the drawbridge, finally making it to the King's Road. The convey turned right, heading south, heading for King's Landing.

~~~

Harper's Gate

Lady Jayde would watch the convey move through Harper's Gate with her daughter, Cornelia, from the battlements of the keep. As they watched, Jayde would speak, did not turn her gaze away from the town. "This shall be your first time in governing lands by yourself, Cornelia. Your father and I are hoping that you will not disappoint," Jayde tells her, "You will be expected in the main hall every day to take petitions and pleas from our subjects. Myself and Roderick can advise you, but as you are the sole Harper with the blood of its Lords, you and only you can make rulings on behalf of our house. You will also be expected to decide the budget, meet with our merchants guild, survey our forces, and deal with those who dare to threaten your family."

"One day, my dear, you will have to assist your future husband in dealing with all of these matters and more." Jayde says, finally turning to Cornelia, "You do not exist to simply supply heirs to your husband, even if you have the misfortune to be married to a man that believes such foolishness. You, as his wife and as his lady, can be the difference between success and failure for your family. And, if you come to care nothing for your husband or even for us when you are married, then do what you must for the sake of your children. You will realise all too quickly that the only things that would truly matter to you will be your children."

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Cordelia Harper

Cordelia couldn't help but smirk at her father's comment about her chasing away suitors. "Well, Father, if they couldn't manage to keep up do you truly think they were worthy of being married to your lovely daughter? If anything I've helped you weed out the bad ones." She said matter-of-factly. While a small portion of her believed it to be true, she knew her main motive for such schemes is because she simply didn't want to be married. But her thought process had changed over the last few months and she was going to try her best to give the whole thing a try. It was too much for her family's name and reputation to have such a daughter; it caused nothing but rumors, rumors that tarnished her. They were easy to get rid of, but it would still be a struggle. She could only hope that she was able to rectify what she had done.

Feeling her father embrace and lift her from the ground, she giggled and wrapped her arms back around him. "Yes father, it does." She was enjoying this time with her father before he left on his journey. Cordelia had opened her mouth to respond to him leaving her in charge when Arren showed his face. She playfully rolled her eyes at him and placed her hands behind her back. "Father, you're aware I'm fully capable of handling men with small-minded tendencies? My dear brother is no exception." She joked, turning to her brother. "Of course not, Arren, it's very entertaining." Once she was done with her goodbyes of her father and siblings, she left to join her mother in seeing watching them leave. She was given yet another reminder of the importance this trip meant for her. Being called the sole ruler made her tense up, though she was prepared for all of it. It was still nerve-wracking that it was all going to happen, but that was fine with her. This was her opportunity to show just how strong and smart she was without the influence of a man then maybe- 'No.' She thought to herself, I can't think like that anymore. She reminded herself. "I'm ready to take on all of these responsibilities and more. I promise not to let our family down nor disappoint you or father."

Hearing as her mother informed her she wasn't just there to supply heirs, she smiled. She understood her and Cordelia was grateful for it. There was never a time she felt the men in her life truly understood why she was so apprehensive about getting married, but here Jayde was showing her she did. "I didn't tell father, but I've decided to put away the antics of outwitting my possible matches. I know it took a lot of work to quell the rumors that had been started, and I apologize for it... I'm ready to start facing my responsibilities. Starting with this assignment."

​

 

[Obsidian]

Harper's Gate

"We shall see," Lady Jayde said, turning from the view of the town and the convey before walking back into the keep, and Cordelia would be expected to follow, "Your father has already dealt with matters of the court for today, but there will be fresh petitions tomorrow. Right now, however, you will need to address the Commander of our Watchmen. As you know, the Watchmen are an important arm of our military, they guard the roads and ensure the safety of our prosperous town. Arguably, they may be more important than our own knights. Without the Watchmen, we receive no trade. And without trade, our fortunes will fall, as will our house in time. But the Watchmen's importance breeds troubles of their own. I am curious to see how you handle them."

Lady Jayde leads her daughter to the War Room of their keep, a rather large room with a large ornate round table in the middle of the room complete with a large and beautifully illustrated map, showing Harper's Gate and all the lands around it, including those of their neighbours. Stood within the room are four other men. Three of the men stand on the opposite side of the table, and their uniforms show that they are lower ranking officers of the Watchmen, who lead the Watchmen personally in the field.

The fourth man stood apart from the others. Not only is he on Cordelia's side of the table, he also wears plate armour instead of the gambison and maile of the other three, but his tabbard is the same as the others; a green field with the golden harp featured prominently. Such a tabbard belongs to the Watchmen, distinct from the ordinary guardmen uniform that features the Harper's blue field behind the harp, easily telling the Watchmen apart. Of course, Cordelia would have seen the Commander around at times, but before today only at a distance, never really interacting with him beyond the usual passing pleasantries. Today would be the first time they speak beyond more than a few polite words.

The Commander is rather handsome as well. Raven dark hair, bright green eyes, and he has not yet wrinkled from age, or from the responsibility of his position. As the Commander turned to face those who entered the War Room, Cordelia may even be able to discern the sudden flash of fear in the Commander's eyes as he looked to Lady Jayde, before he quickly collected himself and gave his customary bow in respect to his Lord's wife. When he rose from his bow, his gaze turned to Cordelia, and he regarded her cooly. He was clearly not impressed.

"My Lady Cordelia," The Commander spoke, his voice smooth yet distinct, a telltale sign of a military man and commoner that has risen to a privileged position in the course of his life, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hendrik Farrel, and I am the Commander of your Watchmen. I am given to understand that you shall be taking your father's place in his absence. But do rest assured, I can take care of matters concerning the Watchmen and the security of your lands on your behalf, and I am certain there are plenty of other more pressing concerns to occupy your time. With your leave, I will continue with my duties."

Though his words sound polite, Hendrik is actually telling Cordelia to simply give him permission to lead the Watchmen as he sees fit, and for Cordelia stay out of his way, preferrably go away and do other things, while Hendrik leads the Watchmen without interference from someone who has no idea what they are doing. Lady Jayde, of course, understands what Hendrik is really saying but stays out of the matter, instead standing back and merely observing.

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Cordelia Harper

The words she spoke were just that; words. It was clear to her that she would need to show it through her actions that she meant it. Following behind Jayde, she tried her best to stay focused on the words she was speaking. A portion of her was starting to regret staying behind and not going with her father, but this is what it meant to be apart of House Harper, right? There were responsibilities she needed to take care of and she was happy to do them. While her father had taken care of things for the day, she would have to take care of them for the time being. Her routine was going to change and while she needed the change, it was going to be rough settling into.

The War Room she had never stepped foot in, for fear of being chastised and because she had no reason being there. She was mostly mesmerized by the table, the crafting more immaculate than she had seen before. The map in the middle of it was incredibly detailed, showing off the lands of her people and their allies. Her eyes were glued to it as she started to memorize every last detail of it, forgetting where she was for a moment. When she finally did look up, she noticed the four other men standing around the table. She made it a point to remember their armor and the symbols they had on them. Being as they were her people, it would be important, wouldn't it?

Standing next to her mother, she noticed the Commander bowing to her mother obviously respecting her a great deal. Cordelia? She wasn't given the same sort of courtesy which she didn't take too much offense to. It was truly of her own doing, wasn't it? The ever so rebellious daughter who wouldn't let her father marry her off. Add a dash of spotty behavior and you have yourself, someone, you just can't respect. It even showed as he stood at her place at the war table and made her internally chuckle to herself. On the outside, her face was bright but determined to set out to do what was required of her. For the moment, she slowly walked around the table looking at the map more as she listened to the Commander speak. It almost sounded as if he didn't believe she was the person to take over these duties while her father was gone. Most people would have taken offense to it, but Cordelia wasn't most people. In fact, his words were amusing to her and offered her something of a challenge.

She was on the opposite side of the table now, her eyes meeting the Commanders as she nodded her head. "Commander Hendrik Farrel..." Her fingers tapped against the edge of the table, her voice cold but light as she demanded attention. "Firstly, I'd like to thank you for all your hard work as well as the men around this table." She started to move again, making her way to the head of the table as she continued, her eyes glued to his. "Second and foremost, what kind of person would I be if I were to leave my responsibilities to you and you alone? Then I would be kind of... Lazy, hm?" She looked around the room to everyone present, a small smile on her face. It wasn't to be mistaken with one of happiness, but more so bewilderment, at the shock of him suggesting it. Finally reaching her place at the head of the table she was inches away from the Commander, the height difference being the only reason she looked up. "My responsibilities aren't to pass them off to someone else, so I will be completing them at the helm, Commander Hendrik Farrel." She was daring him to test her any further, welcoming it even as she stared him down. She wasn't going to bow down to anyone, especially a man.

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