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Post by Magnate Lucius on Aug 13, 2020 22:32:12 GMT -5
Later, after the meeting between the lords had concluded, Addam Marbrand took his place in the courtyard, waiting for his student. He took a stance, sword drawn, standing in silence for a few moments before launching a flurry of swings, stabs and blows. He danced across the courtyard in a well-honed display of swordsmanship. While unusable in an actual fight, it was a good warm-up. When Martyn Lannister entered the courtyard, the immense man who was Sandor Clegane followed. The young Martyn kept him around as a bodyguard for now, hoping that, with time, he'd find a more proper place for the Hound-turned-Knight. The male walked out to the area where Ser Marbrand was stretching his limbs and practicing his swordsmanship. Martyn paused for a moment to watch, wondering if this was a good idea... but Addam had been sound in his reasoning why, so he came down to the courtyard level and joined his mentor. He kept a distance though, waiting for him to finish. Ser Marbrand... I guess I should thank you for your advice on learning the sword better.The young lion says, having thought of this. I brought Ser Clegane to offer assistance. The two of you, after all, are among the chief knights of my court. You have experienced war in many ways whereas I have learned just the basics.
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Post by Politburo Barry on Aug 14, 2020 18:41:27 GMT -5
Clegane marched behind the young Lord Lannister, garbed once again in the three hounds on gold of his house (no matter how much he still loathed them) rather than the red-star-on-white of the Faith. He said nothing, instead simply nodding with Lannister while folding his arms, though the corners of his mouth had twitched into the faint shadow of a smirk at Marbrand's earlier display. An experienced warrior like the ex-Hound needed no time to identify the other knight's performance as an acrobat's stunt, meant to warm up the muscles and impress a noble audience rather than actually fight anyone.
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Xion
Veteran 
Posts: 43
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Post by Xion on Aug 14, 2020 18:51:56 GMT -5
Some time after the meeting discussing the plan regarding the new mines, a raven arrives from Silverhill. The letter attached to the raven includes a map of a part of the southern mountains with four circled areas.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 18, 2020 15:03:43 GMT -5
When Martyn Lannister entered the courtyard, the immense man who was Sandor Clegane followed. The young Martyn kept him around as a bodyguard for now, hoping that, with time, he'd find a more proper place for the Hound-turned-Knight. The male walked out to the area where Ser Marbrand was stretching his limbs and practicing his swordsmanship. Martyn paused for a moment to watch, wondering if this was a good idea... but Addam had been sound in his reasoning why, so he came down to the courtyard level and joined his mentor. He kept a distance though, waiting for him to finish. Ser Marbrand... I guess I should thank you for your advice on learning the sword better.The young lion says, having thought of this. I brought Ser Clegane to offer assistance. The two of you, after all, are among the chief knights of my court. You have experienced war in many ways whereas I have learned just the basics.Clegane marched behind the young Lord Lannister, garbed once again in the three hounds on gold of his house (no matter how much he still loathed them) rather than the red-star-on-white of the Faith. He said nothing, instead simply nodding with Lannister while folding his arms, though the corners of his mouth had twitched into the faint shadow of a smirk at Marbrand's earlier display. An experienced warrior like the ex-Hound needed no time to identify the other knight's performance as an acrobat's stunt, meant to warm up the muscles and impress a noble audience rather than actually fight anyone.
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Post by ironaquilifer on Aug 20, 2020 16:05:03 GMT -5
With the knight of Ashemark having made himself something of a prominent figure within the lord of Lannister's teachings, Lady Alysanne had taken an interest in the reputed soldier. Her father had spoken of the man, and her late husband was often known to speak of the man as someone to be admired. Though often represented by a courtier rather than standing in person, the lady of Golden Tooth had come to learn a deal of the regime he had put their liege through in his education of swordsmanship. As such, it seemed only natural that the lady would send for the knight, to offer light discourse. The Hound's return to the den of lions was not something that Lady Alysanne could have easily predicted. And yet there he was, as imposing a figure as she remembered from her years as a child. Yet she was not a child anymore. So, with slight trepidation, the young woman called upon the man who once struck such fear into her. The Lady Alysanne requests the company of Lord Martyn Lannister, such that they could enjoy a moment of respite from the toils of their respective duties.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 21, 2020 14:31:50 GMT -5
With the knight of Ashemark having made himself something of a prominent figure within the lord of Lannister's teachings, Lady Alysanne had taken an interest in the reputed soldier. Her father had spoken of the man, and her late husband was often known to speak of the man as someone to be admired. Though often represented by a courtier rather than standing in person, the lady of Golden Tooth had come to learn a deal of the regime he had put their liege through in his education of swordsmanship. As such, it seemed only natural that the lady would send for the knight, to offer light discourse.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Aug 21, 2020 18:48:13 GMT -5
Marbrand sheathed his sword and bowed his head to Martyn Lannister, before his eyes turned to Clegane. He was surprised to see the Hound alive and clad in his house's colors again."No need, my lord, just doing my duty now that the war's over. To some extent I'm glad to see your ugly mug again, Hound. Here I thought you'd gotten yourself killed over a few tankards of ale, but I guess you Cleganes are made of sturdier stuff."Addam had no doubt that a fight with Sandor Clegane would end poorly for him, though not without the big bastard suffering a few grievous wounds himself. Despite his low birth and poor demeanor, the Hound's skills were undeniable and deserving of respect."Are you here to observe, Clegane, or will you partake in today's training? Either way, I thought we'd start off easy."The knight removed his sword belt and grabbed two wooden swords, made to weigh and feel like regular swords in hand. He grabbed one for himself and handed the other to Martyn."Sparring with wooden swords! Simple enough, but a good way to judge your current capabilities. We fight and you try to land hits on me. The Hound can make himself useful and keep score. Now, take your stance!"Marbrand took a few steps back and assumed a defensive position, waiting for Martyn to attack and begin exchanging blows. Martyn requests of his knight. He is a new man now. Call him by who he is today, Ser Clegane. He was the Hound before, but it seems that the Seven have ensured he was born anew.Lord Lannister was to keep his word to Clegane and ensure none would call him by the dreaded moniker of before. Those days were gone. Sandor was a changed man, by what Martyn had seen and heard. He would honor his promise that 'no more are you Hound of the Lion, I shall make you a Knight of the Lion.' With that said, Martyn steps forward and takes the wooden sword into hand. Martyn took a moment to reflect on his training as a youth. After a little time passed, Lannister got into a rather... untrained stance. It had been awhile. He moves slightly, parrying a couple blows, but, left himself open and was whack in the forehead. Ow!Martyn steps back, rubbing his head slightly before getting back into position. He went forward, ensuring their swords smacked a few times. But it didn't take much for Addam to knock it hard from his loosening grip and leave him exposed. Lord Lannister's eyebrow twitches, visibly. I can see why Ser Damion wanted you to be my mentor...The Lady Alysanne requests the company of Lord Martyn Lannister, such that they could enjoy a moment of respite from the toils of their respective duties. Sore from his training with Ser Marbrand, Martyn Lannister is approached by a servant who tells him of Lady Alysanne's request. He nods and proceeds to a balcony that overlooked the bay towards Lannisport. A gust of sea wind greets the blond-haired male as he joins the Lady Regent. Lady Alysanne.Martyn bows before turning to gaze at Lannisport. I should visit my mother and sister soon... they are staying at father's house and have been frequent guests of Lord Tyland.
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Post by Politburo Barry on Aug 21, 2020 21:53:39 GMT -5
Marbrand sheathed his sword and bowed his head to Martyn Lannister, before his eyes turned to Clegane. He was surprised to see the Hound alive and clad in his house's colors again."No need, my lord, just doing my duty now that the war's over. To some extent I'm glad to see your ugly mug again, Hound. Here I thought you'd gotten yourself killed over a few tankards of ale, but I guess you Cleganes are made of sturdier stuff."Addam had no doubt that a fight with Sandor Clegane would end poorly for him, though not without the big bastard suffering a few grievous wounds himself. Despite his low birth and poor demeanor, the Hound's skills were undeniable and deserving of respect."Are you here to observe, Clegane, or will you partake in today's training? Either way, I thought we'd start off easy."The knight removed his sword belt and grabbed two wooden swords, made to weigh and feel like regular swords in hand. He grabbed one for himself and handed the other to Martyn."Sparring with wooden swords! Simple enough, but a good way to judge your current capabilities. We fight and you try to land hits on me. The Hound can make himself useful and keep score. Now, take your stance!"Marbrand took a few steps back and assumed a defensive position, waiting for Martyn to attack and begin exchanging blows. Ser Marbrand, do not call him the Hound anymore.Martyn requests of his knight. He is a new man now. Call him by who he is today, Ser Clegane. He was the Hound before, but it seems that the Seven have ensured he was born anew.Lord Lannister was to keep his word to Clegane and ensure none would call him by the dreaded moniker of before. Those days were gone. Sandor was a changed man, by what Martyn had seen and heard. He would honor his promise that 'no more are you Hound of the Lion, I shall make you a Knight of the Lion.' With that said, Martyn steps forward and takes the wooden sword into hand. Martyn took a moment to reflect on his training as a youth. After a little time passed, Lannister got into a rather... untrained stance. It had been awhile. He moves slightly, parrying a couple blows, but, left himself open and was whack in the forehead. Ow!Martyn steps back, rubbing his head slightly before getting back into position. He went forward, ensuring their swords smacked a few times. But it didn't take much for Addam to knock it hard from his loosening grip and leave him exposed. Lord Lannister's eyebrow twitches, visibly. I can see why Ser Damion wanted you to be my mentor... Sandor replied dryly to the knight he'd known to have been one of Jaime's friends. "And you ought to know I'd never get myself killed over just some ale. There were damn good chickens involved too." Truthfully he'd been just about ready to kill Polliver and the Tickler and that Sarsfield squire even before they started loosing insults at him, back at the Inn at the Crossroads. Of his brother's savage coterie, he could only ever stand Shitmouth for more than a few minutes, and only because that dog's dog had more bark than bite. That said, he didn't care enough to find out where the latter had gone these days. "And the young lord's right. The Hound's dead, unlike old Sandor Clegane. It's a long story." And not one Clegane was willing to tell in full anytime soon, if the look on his face was any clue. Forgiveness and redemption would have to first and foremost be a matter between himself and the gods he once spurned. Changing topics, he gruffly added, "I'm here to watch first. Like you said, Marbrand - start off easy." His lips curled and teeth bared in a grin as he went to take a seat, though the mockery in his expression was not tainted by any genuine hostility. "That's two for Marbrand." Sandor said, later, as Addam handily trounced Lord Martyn twice in a row. "You'll want to keep your guard up and straighten your stance, Lord Lannister. Don't just stand around trying to predict Marbrand's every move, but don't leave yourself open to attack either." The young lord clearly had a lot of work to do. Clegane himself didn't rely overmuch on perfect combat stances and other such chivalric ideas of fighting, his own fighting style was brutish and dirty, but he knew the value of trained reflexes and a surprising amount of agility; neither of which the younger man seemed to have right now. The Hound's return to the den of lions was not something that Lady Alysanne could have easily predicted. And yet there he was, as imposing a figure as she remembered from her years as a child. Yet she was not a child anymore. So, with slight trepidation, the young woman called upon the man who once struck such fear into her. Sandor appeared as requested, opting to meet the Lady of Golden Tooth on the land-facing battlements of Casterly Rock when possible. His heavy footsteps heralded his coming before he said even one word in greeting, and if she were to turn around as he approached she'd find no small amount of curiosity on his horrifically scarred face. He had to wonder - what did a young woman of such high birth want with the son of a kennel-master, thought to be a murderous bandit and traitor to the West until very recently?
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Post by ironaquilifer on Aug 22, 2020 10:35:22 GMT -5
Ser Addam arrived as requested, curious about Lady Alyssane. Such a young woman as the head of one of the most prominent houses in the Westerlands, seemingly handling herself adeptly from what his father had told him. It was enough to peak his interest, to hear out what she wanted from him."My lady, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm sorry for your loss, I knew your father well from the campaigns in the Riverlands." The lady of Golden Tooth bowed her head at the mention of her father. It was often seen as a common statement in memory of those who had fallen, something that anyone could utter without fear of retaliation or indeed a request for expansion. And yet the knight of Ashemark was no common man, to offer empty words when it came to the judgement of a man who had died on the battlefield. Not that her father's death could have been called glorious. The Leffords were no seamen, and the rivers which fed the golden fields of their lands were nothing compared to the heavy flow of the Trident and its many tributaries. Yet no blood dripped from his sword at the end, a wish that all good knights of the Seven prayed for in their final moments. " My father gave his life in the same manner as all lords should: in the service of his liege. I can only hope that my own end will live up to such an example." Her voice did not modulate with emotion, such that it had an equal chance of sincerety and mockery. " But we have all lost much in these recent years, my lord. Too much, if we are again dragged into the machinations of our neighbours." A smile, that shimmering wisp of humanity, found its way to her face. " I had hoped to speak of his lordship's training, he seemed to have grown remarkably under your tutelage."Sandor appeared as requested, opting to meet the Lady of Golden Tooth on the land-facing battlements of Casterly Rock when possible. His heavy footsteps heralded his coming before he said even one word in greeting, and if she were to turn around as he approached she'd find no small amount of curiosity on his horrifically scarred face. He had to wonder - what did a young woman of such high birth want with the son of a kennel-master, thought to be a murderous bandit and traitor to the West until very recently? " Lord Clegane," the woman said, the smile on her mouth not reaching any other part of her. " I will admit surprise when I heard of your survival. The past years have not taken kindly to many a figure, no matter their station." Her eyes studied that most notorious of faces, as if he were a canvas from the far east. Maybe it was interest. Maybe disgust. " I am wondering why it is that you decided to return. I can see the honest generosity of Lord Lannister, understand that desire to have a known retainer brought back. But why the acceptance?" Sore from his training with Ser Marbrand, Martyn Lannister is approached by a servant who tells him of Lady Alysanne's request. He nods and proceeds to a balcony that overlooked the bay towards Lannisport. A gust of sea wind greets the blond-haired male as he joins the Lady Regent. Lady Alysanne.Martyn bows before turning to gaze at Lannisport. I should visit my mother and sister soon... they are staying at father's house and have been frequent guests of Lord Tyland.The lady smiled broadly at the approach of the youth. " Ser Addam seems intent in having you mastering the blade better than Ser Jaime." She makes a point of fussing over the lord, partly out of concern, and partly curiosity. " Would that we have ten of his number." By itself, she made no indication as to which knight she was referring. " Such a journey should be arranged. It is a good thing for a man to care for the women in his life. A mark of character as much as strength." The smile on his arrival seemed to have receded like a low tide. " I think it is long overdue that I offer some praise. You are growing far faster for that role than any I have had the pleasure of knowing"
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Post by Politburo Barry on Aug 23, 2020 23:16:51 GMT -5
Lord Clegane," the woman said, the smile on her mouth not reaching any other part of her. " I will admit surprise when I heard of your survival. The past years have not taken kindly to many a figure, no matter their station." Her eyes studied that most notorious of faces, as if he were a canvas from the far east. Maybe it was interest. Maybe disgust. " I am wondering why it is that you decided to return. I can see the honest generosity of Lord Lannister, understand that desire to have a known retainer brought back. But why the acceptance?" Was Clegane's curt reply. Plenty of good men had died in the War of the Five Kings. But plenty of bad men, too. As far as Sandor was concerned, he could live with the knowledge that ten thousand Robb Starks and wannabe 'true knights' had gone to the grave, so long as his brother had been cast down into the Seven Hells too. Hopefully the monster would stay there for all eternity, to burn and - should the Hound's own sins prove too heavy to allow him ascension into the Seven Heavens - to do battle with him. At her question, his grey eyes narrowed. Lady Lefford had only asked him one question, and it was already close to one too many for Clegane's taste. She didn't seem to be remotely the same as the little bird on the Blackwater. Still, perhaps just this once, he could give an honest answer to someone other than a septon and see what happens. "Would you believe me if I told you it was because I thought I could do some good for someone other than myself?" His lips twisted into a wry smirk, and from his tone it was difficult to tell if he was being dead serious or cracking a mocking jape once again.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 25, 2020 12:26:31 GMT -5
Ser Marbrand, do not call him the Hound anymore.Martyn requests of his knight. He is a new man now. Call him by who he is today, Ser Clegane. He was the Hound before, but it seems that the Seven have ensured he was born anew.Lord Lannister was to keep his word to Clegane and ensure none would call him by the dreaded moniker of before. Those days were gone. Sandor was a changed man, by what Martyn had seen and heard. He would honor his promise that 'no more are you Hound of the Lion, I shall make you a Knight of the Lion.' With that said, Martyn steps forward and takes the wooden sword into hand. Martyn took a moment to reflect on his training as a youth. After a little time passed, Lannister got into a rather... untrained stance. It had been awhile. He moves slightly, parrying a couple blows, but, left himself open and was whack in the forehead. Ow!Martyn steps back, rubbing his head slightly before getting back into position. He went forward, ensuring their swords smacked a few times. But it didn't take much for Addam to knock it hard from his loosening grip and leave him exposed. Lord Lannister's eyebrow twitches, visibly. I can see why Ser Damion wanted you to be my mentor... "I'm just glad to still have a head at all, Marbrand." Sandor replied dryly to the knight he'd known to have been one of Jaime's friends. "And you ought to know I'd never get myself killed over just some ale. There were damn good chickens involved too." Truthfully he'd been just about ready to kill Polliver and the Tickler and that Sarsfield squire even before they started loosing insults at him, back at the Inn at the Crossroads. Of his brother's savage coterie, he could only ever stand Shitmouth for more than a few minutes, and only because that dog's dog had more bark than bite. That said, he didn't care enough to find out where the latter had gone these days. "And the young lord's right. The Hound's dead, unlike old Sandor Clegane. It's a long story." And not one Clegane was willing to tell in full anytime soon, if the look on his face was any clue. Forgiveness and redemption would have to first and foremost be a matter between himself and the gods he once spurned. Changing topics, he gruffly added, "I'm here to watch first. Like you said, Marbrand - start off easy." His lips curled and teeth bared in a grin as he went to take a seat, though the mockery in his expression was not tainted by any genuine hostility. "That's two for Marbrand." Sandor said, later, as Addam handily trounced Lord Martyn twice in a row. "You'll want to keep your guard up and straighten your stance, Lord Lannister. Don't just stand around trying to predict Marbrand's every move, but don't leave yourself open to attack either." The young lord clearly had a lot of work to do. Clegane himself didn't rely overmuch on perfect combat stances and other such chivalric ideas of fighting, his own fighting style was brutish and dirty, but he knew the value of trained reflexes and a surprising amount of agility; neither of which the younger man seemed to have right now.
The knight was always conscious of Damion Lannister's warnings about the trauma. So far it seemed fine, but you could never know what truly held a man back.The lady of Golden Tooth bowed her head at the mention of her father. It was often seen as a common statement in memory of those who had fallen, something that anyone could utter without fear of retaliation or indeed a request for expansion. And yet the knight of Ashemark was no common man, to offer empty words when it came to the judgement of a man who had died on the battlefield. Not that her father's death could have been called glorious. The Leffords were no seamen, and the rivers which fed the golden fields of their lands were nothing compared to the heavy flow of the Trident and its many tributaries. Yet no blood dripped from his sword at the end, a wish that all good knights of the Seven prayed for in their final moments. " My father gave his life in the same manner as all lords should: in the service of his liege. I can only hope that my own end will live up to such an example." Her voice did not modulate with emotion, such that it had an equal chance of sincerety and mockery. " But we have all lost much in these recent years, my lord. Too much, if we are again dragged into the machinations of our neighbours." A smile, that shimmering wisp of humanity, found its way to her face. " I had hoped to speak of his lordship's training, he seemed to have grown remarkably under your tutelage."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Aug 25, 2020 13:24:45 GMT -5
The lady smiled broadly at the approach of the youth. " Ser Addam seems intent in having you mastering the blade better than Ser Jaime." She makes a point of fussing over the lord, partly out of concern, and partly curiosity. " Would that we have ten of his number." By itself, she made no indication as to which knight she was referring. " Such a journey should be arranged. It is a good thing for a man to care for the women in his life. A mark of character as much as strength." The smile on his arrival seemed to have receded like a low tide. " I think it is long overdue that I offer some praise. You are growing far faster for that role than any I have had the pleasure of knowing"Martyn, subconsciously, rubs one of his wrists. Addam and, to an extent, Clegane, had been doing well with the drills. Ser Damion, one of his regents, had been stopping by to learn of progress. Ser Marbrand and Ser Clegane have been good teachers... it's just getting used to the sword again that's taking a little time.Lord Lannister didn't indicate what he meant by that. Anyone would likely believe it was due to being rusty. He had been without a mentor, for sometime, after the death of his father. In truth, it was the nightmares that he still had involving the brutal execution of his twin. The blood covered axes and blades still haunted him. Ser Addam says I can never be like Ser Jaime, but I will still know how to be a capable knight nonetheless.Martyn says with a slight smile. Thank you, my lady.Lord Lannister replies. Ser Damion says its what I inherited from my father... I wish he were still alive...Kevan had been a most capable man since Tywin's death. His loss, among others, was still felt by the West. He could tell from the first stance that this was not going to be good. He started off easy, but even then it did not take long before an opening presented itself and ended with a whack to the head. A few moments later, Martyn Lannister had been disarmed and exposed. Sighing, Addam leaned against his wooden sword."Ser Clegane has the right of it, my lord. It's easy to forget your guard when fighting, and the wrong stance causes an imbalance that can be exploited. I think a few lessons from now you'll feel more comfortable and your muscles will remember what you were taught as a squire. We'll continue like this, every day for a few hours. Once I deem you're adequate enough..."Marbrand nodded towards the former Hound."...I'll ask Ser Clegane to give you a couple of lessons in his style of fighting. It may be dirty and brutal, yet if you want to survive it is effective on the battlefield. By the way, how does it feel to wield a wooden sword?"
The knight was always conscious of Damion Lannister's warnings about the trauma. So far it seemed fine, but you could never know what truly held a man back. "That's two for Marbrand." Sandor said, later, as Addam handily trounced Lord Martyn twice in a row. "You'll want to keep your guard up and straighten your stance, Lord Lannister. Don't just stand around trying to predict Marbrand's every move, but don't leave yourself open to attack either." The young lord clearly had a lot of work to do. Clegane himself didn't rely overmuch on perfect combat stances and other such chivalric ideas of fighting, his own fighting style was brutish and dirty, but he knew the value of trained reflexes and a surprising amount of agility; neither of which the younger man seemed to have right now. Martyn retrieved his wooden sword and looked between the two as remarks were made. He wasn't Joffrey, so they wouldn't hear him bark at them to shut up. He wasn't Tommen, who just wouldn't show up or shy away. The young lion listens to Clegane's remark on not trying to predict, while Marbrand mentioned keeping the guard up and a slip could mean imbalance. For a moment, he went quiet, then turned to Clegane. Follow your instinct then? Quickly react and counter-react rather than predict?Martyn had been eyeing Marbrand's movements a bit too much. His eyes watching both feet and motion for too long. His eyes needed to adjust to quick glances and reacting quicker. Alright, I will keep it in mind.Addam's words made him raise an eyebrow. Did he... know? Martyn looks at his mentor and then at the wooden blade. He grips it tightly, but nothing seems to happen. At least, for now. It's... different from my previous mentor. I guess I just don't remember wielding a wooden sword as a youth.Prior to his father's death, Martyn had been using a metal sword, but it was something that made him more timid and less able. Addam and, to an extent, Clegane, would see this fear controlled and eliminated.
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Post by ironaquilifer on Aug 25, 2020 19:29:39 GMT -5
"No. They haven't." Was Clegane's curt reply. Plenty of good men had died in the War of the Five Kings. But plenty of bad men, too. As far as Sandor was concerned, he could live with the knowledge that ten thousand Robb Starks and wannabe 'true knights' had gone to the grave, so long as his brother had been cast down into the Seven Hells too. Hopefully the monster would stay there for all eternity, to burn and - should the Hound's own sins prove too heavy to allow him ascension into the Seven Heavens - to do battle with him.At her question, his grey eyes narrowed. Lady Lefford had only asked him one question, and it was already close to one too many for Clegane's taste. She didn't seem to be remotely the same as the little bird on the Blackwater. Still, perhaps just this once, he could give an honest answer to someone other than a septon and see what happens. "Would you believe me if I told you it was because I thought I could do some good for someone other than myself?" His lips twisted into a wry smirk, and from his tone it was difficult to tell if he was being dead serious or cracking a mocking jape once again. " I would," the lady replied, her words drawn as if silk from a spider. She had known many to claim to such a lofty title as selfless client. Some of them were even within her own circle, though to the degree by which they held true to their own vows were in question. " And you see that Lord Lannister is someone deserving of this, servitude." The lady did not seem to pose that as a question. She turned from the knight for a moment, eyes casting far. Perhaps she was biting back some barbed comment, an act of juvenile rashness. She had been a terror, before her first marriage. Before she had felt the close knife of infant mortality. Or perhaps, it was a moment to collect her thoughts, to structure and contemplate her next words. Lady Alysanne was not one to divulge any answers either way. " Is it by your sword arm that you offer service, or has Casterly Rock gained something else?" Addam gave her a smile."I am but a knight in service of my liege. And Lord Martyn has advanced since I started tutoring him. There are... obstacles still, to be sure, but he's young and still learning. So far we've focused on swordsmanship, but it'd be a mistake to neglect horseback riding, hawking and hunting. Once my lord is good enough with the blade, we could move on to other activities. Does my lady hold any interest in these matters, perhaps she'd like to join us for hawking when the time is right? The Lady of Golden Tooth allowed herself the indulgence of contemplating such activities. " It warms my heart to hear that there are still pursuits left which do not depend upon the slaying of men," in a voice that did not seem to betray such a notion. " An escape from our station would be a most welcome distraction. I find that the care of such beasts are overlooked. They are magnificent creatures, and you are right to think of our lordship to develop a relationship with such activities. A man who does not take note of the qualities of even simple beings is oft set to become stunted in perspective." Her eyes narrowed for a moment, those features which had ceased to be regarded as soft hardening. Anger, perhaps, fleeting weakness from pain suffered years ago. When she relaxed, one might notice the woman who had once stolen the hearts of admirers and singers alike. " You say you are just a knight, but I fear that modesty ill suits you, Ser Marbrand. You are someone to be depended on, I hope. And that sets you apart from most." Martyn, subconsciously, rubs one of his wrists. Addam and, to an extent, Clegane, had been doing well with the drills. Ser Damion, one of his regents, had been stopping by to learn of progress. Ser Marbrand and Ser Clegane have been good teachers... it's just getting used to the sword again that's taking a little time.Lord Lannister didn't indicate what he meant by that. Anyone would likely believe it was due to being rusty. He had been without a mentor, for sometime, after the death of his father. In truth, it was the nightmares that he still had involving the brutal execution of his twin. The blood covered axes and blades still haunted him. Ser Addam says I can never be like Ser Jaime, but I will still know how to be a capable knight nonetheless.Martyn says with a slight smile. Thank you, my lady.Lord Lannister replies. Ser Damion says its what I inherited from my father... I wish he were still alive...Kevan had been a most capable man since Tywin's death. His loss, among others, was still felt by the West. " Marbrand thinks highly of Jaime," she responded, though the truth was elusive to her it sounded right. " He grieves for friends lost, you should not take his doubt to heart. You are a lion, as bold and brave as can be deserved." She meets smile with a lazy glance. " More than capable I will say." The lady breathed slowly, almost inaudibly at the mention of fallen fathers, seconds passed. " Could every wish be granted, what need would we have of the gods?" she asked though the question seemed to need no answer. " Your grief, it is normal to feel this way Martyn. It will be normal to feel it years from now, even though you had spent a winter without thinking on it." Her smile seemed weak, as if meant more for her own benefit. Or she had little practice for that instictive twitch of the lips that came so naturally to others. " What would you do, were he here and you left to enjoy your youth?"
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Post by Politburo Barry on Aug 30, 2020 21:41:25 GMT -5
He could tell from the first stance that this was not going to be good. He started off easy, but even then it did not take long before an opening presented itself and ended with a whack to the head. A few moments later, Martyn Lannister had been disarmed and exposed. Sighing, Addam leaned against his wooden sword."Ser Clegane has the right of it, my lord. It's easy to forget your guard when fighting, and the wrong stance causes an imbalance that can be exploited. I think a few lessons from now you'll feel more comfortable and your muscles will remember what you were taught as a squire. We'll continue like this, every day for a few hours. Once I deem you're adequate enough..."Marbrand nodded towards the former Hound."...I'll ask Ser Clegane to give you a couple of lessons in his style of fighting. It may be dirty and brutal, yet if you want to survive it is effective on the battlefield. By the way, how does it feel to wield a wooden sword?"
The knight was always conscious of Damion Lannister's warnings about the trauma. So far it seemed fine, but you could never know what truly held a man back. "That's two for Marbrand." Sandor said, later, as Addam handily trounced Lord Martyn twice in a row. "You'll want to keep your guard up and straighten your stance, Lord Lannister. Don't just stand around trying to predict Marbrand's every move, but don't leave yourself open to attack either." The young lord clearly had a lot of work to do. Clegane himself didn't rely overmuch on perfect combat stances and other such chivalric ideas of fighting, his own fighting style was brutish and dirty, but he knew the value of trained reflexes and a surprising amount of agility; neither of which the younger man seemed to have right now. Martyn retrieved his wooden sword and looked between the two as remarks were made. He wasn't Joffrey, so they wouldn't hear him bark at them to shut up. He wasn't Tommen, who just wouldn't show up or shy away. The young lion listens to Clegane's remark on not trying to predict, while Marbrand mentioned keeping the guard up and a slip could mean imbalance. For a moment, he went quiet, then turned to Clegane. Follow your instinct then? Quickly react and counter-react rather than predict?Martyn had been eyeing Marbrand's movements a bit too much. His eyes watching both feet and motion for too long. His eyes needed to adjust to quick glances and reacting quicker. Alright, I will keep it in mind.Addam's words made him raise an eyebrow. Did he... know? Martyn looks at his mentor and then at the wooden blade. He grips it tightly, but nothing seems to happen. At least, for now. It's... different from my previous mentor. I guess I just don't remember wielding a wooden sword as a youth.Prior to his father's death, Martyn had been using a metal sword, but it was something that made him more timid and less able. Addam and, to an extent, Clegane, would see this fear controlled and eliminated. Sandor simply nodded as his words sank in for Martyn, arms crossed over his broad chest. Marbrand was right, in the boy's current state, there was a non-zero chance he'd die in training against the last of House Clegane - even training swords could be dangerous if used as a club. Which would be another thing he'd have to teach Martyn, he noted; how to improvise in the heat of battle and use unorthodox means, including weapons and shields being wielded in unintended ways, to defeat the enemy. For now though, it'd take a while for Marbrand to test and hone the young lord's skills to a point where he could spar with the former Hound, or so the bigger man estimated. " I would," the lady replied, her words drawn as if silk from a spider. She had known many to claim to such a lofty title as selfless client. Some of them were even within her own circle, though to the degree by which they held true to their own vows were in question. " And you see that Lord Lannister is someone deserving of this, servitude." The lady did not seem to pose that as a question. She turned from the knight for a moment, eyes casting far. Perhaps she was biting back some barbed comment, an act of juvenile rashness. She had been a terror, before her first marriage. Before she had felt the close knife of infant mortality. Or perhaps, it was a moment to collect her thoughts, to structure and contemplate her next words. Lady Alysanne was not one to divulge any answers either way. " Is it by your sword arm that you offer service, or has Casterly Rock gained something else?" Sandor grunted. He was partly genuinely surprised, and partly disbelieving, when the younger woman told him she believed him. The Hound, a savage and ruthless warrior turned deserter from a house whose short history was absolutely drenched in blood and horror, now actually trying to be something resembling a hero? He wouldn't have believed it of himself a few short years ago. "S'pose I should be flattered, then, that you'd trust me so quickly when we've only just met, Lady Lefford. I'll leave the 'why' at this: war changes everyone who fights in it, almost always for the worse. I wasn't an exception to that rule until this one. Can't say I expected that at the outset." The corners of his burnt lips twitched into the faint start of a smile. "Truth be told, I was surprised Lord Lannister offered me a place in his ranks at all, all things considered." All things meaning his disgraceful exit on the Blackwater, naturally. Ironically, if he'd braved the flames and stuck around for just a few more hours, the Hound would actually have been hailed as one of the heroes. How curious that he should only actually approach the heroic archetypes in character after his fall from the lofty heights of the Kingsguard. The Stark girls and Elder Brother had rubbed off on him more than he'd like to admit, he supposed. "Just my sword arm, I should think. Gods know nobody's going to recruit me to preach to them." Sandor finished. At that thought, he allowed himself a low, rumbling chuckle. That second half was true in a sense - he was not hired to be a septon or to educate Martyn in ethics, but the young lord seemed convinced that he could have the former Hound serve as one of his true knights, a paladin in shining armor. The Hound would have at best scoffed at the thought, but he was dead, and while Sandor Clegane still had grave doubts about the chivalric ideal, he was willing to at least give being a decent person in addition to a more-than-decent warrior - if not quite a proper knight - a shot. "The lord's got me training him to be a warrior, along with Ser Marbrand." And he had a long way to go, Martyn Lannister did. But that was fine, with the war finally over and everyone's armies going home, Clegane figured they had plenty of time.
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Post by Royal Joker on Sept 1, 2020 12:12:46 GMT -5
Martyn retrieved his wooden sword and looked between the two as remarks were made. He wasn't Joffrey, so they wouldn't hear him bark at them to shut up. He wasn't Tommen, who just wouldn't show up or shy away. The young lion listens to Clegane's remark on not trying to predict, while Marbrand mentioned keeping the guard up and a slip could mean imbalance. For a moment, he went quiet, then turned to Clegane. Follow your instinct then? Quickly react and counter-react rather than predict?Martyn had been eyeing Marbrand's movements a bit too much. His eyes watching both feet and motion for too long. His eyes needed to adjust to quick glances and reacting quicker. Alright, I will keep it in mind.Addam's words made him raise an eyebrow. Did he... know? Martyn looks at his mentor and then at the wooden blade. He grips it tightly, but nothing seems to happen. At least, for now. It's... different from my previous mentor. I guess I just don't remember wielding a wooden sword as a youth.Prior to his father's death, Martyn had been using a metal sword, but it was something that made him more timid and less able. Addam and, to an extent, Clegane, would see this fear controlled and eliminated.
"Good, you're catching on quick. It takes a while to build up that instinct, and predicting your opponent's movements are important too. A good start is to look your enemy in the eyes, it will reveal their intentions before they move. Now, take a stance, my lord! We've only just begun, and we're not leaving until you have at least scored one killing blow."The Lady of Golden Tooth allowed herself the indulgence of contemplating such activities. " It warms my heart to hear that there are still pursuits left which do not depend upon the slaying of men," in a voice that did not seem to betray such a notion. " An escape from our station would be a most welcome distraction. I find that the care of such beasts are overlooked. They are magnificent creatures, and you are right to think of our lordship to develop a relationship with such activities. A man who does not take note of the qualities of even simple beings is oft set to become stunted in perspective." Her eyes narrowed for a moment, those features which had ceased to be regarded as soft hardening. Anger, perhaps, fleeting weakness from pain suffered years ago. When she relaxed, one might notice the woman who had once stolen the hearts of admirers and singers alike. " You say you are just a knight, but I fear that modesty ill suits you, Ser Marbrand. You are someone to be depended on, I hope. And that sets you apart from most." Addam chuckled at Lady Lefford's remark. "I would hardly describe myself as modest, my lady. I've done enough fighting and killing with Jaime Lannister to know my exact worth as a warrior and a man. And thank you for your kind words. Would you like to have a walk with me, Lady Alysanne? I practically grew up here in Casterly Rock, and I'd like to show you one of the best spots for watching the sea."
He had talked with many ladies in his lifetime, both highborn and smallfolk, but he found the Lady of Golden Tooth strangely charming.
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