[u][b]Lord Ralf Crakehall[/b][/u]
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Theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NknjE2SBPxw
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The sweet, chill breeze of northern winds grazed Ralf's face as he enjoyed a moment of tranquility, using what few moments by himself to enjoy the imagery infront of him. The King's Road, stretching farther than horizon, flanked on both sides the beauties of nature. Woods, wildlife, nothing. The King's Road in these parts were usually packed with journeymen with all intentions. Not now, however. The hour was early, earlier than folk like. Ralf had a tendency to do this, spend an hour or less on just enjoying the view. This exact view on a hill overlooking the grounds before it. He had done this for more than twenty years, every time he rode this path. 

But the World tends to stop - nay, ruin moments like this. The voices of his retinue, armor clanging and banging, horses neighing, finally got the Lord out of his state of tranquility. They had finally catched up with him. As they always does. A choir of "My lord or M'lords" hang in the air as he turned around to face the retinue. All eyes set upon him. Ralf knew the men were eager for the sweet comforts of King's Landings' many a taverns and brothels. Usually, the Lord liked to tease the lads, using his sweet time in preparing himself for departure once more. But this time, he was in agreement with the rest. T'was best to reach the Capitol soon, no more delays. The band was a day or two away from the city.

As the band began their journey on horsebacks once more, a thought within Ralf's head made him curious. How was his children doing? As he glanced over his left shoulder, Ralf saw his heir, Roderick, with some of the younger men-at-arms that held security over the retinue. There was nothing but laughs from his son and his friends. This pleased Ralf, seeing his son becoming friends with those that serves Crakehall. Being friends with one's subjects makes the prospect of ruling much easier. And loyalties are more easily made. Ralf had done the same in his youth, and now he is surrounded by hardened men with swords that would die for him. 

Now he glanced to his right, where his daughter rode, his Sweet-Apple. She was the opposite of her brother. Being friends with someone was something she had never experienced. There hadn't been much of friends for her back at Crakehall. There was close to none of her age that was of worth to be her friends, atleast not within the Castle's vicinity. She had only grown farther away from her family, spending the days with her mother and the Sept that had been assigned to learn her on how to become a proper Nobless. It wasn't healthy for her, Ralf had said oft to his wife, but she would have none of it. To become friends with lesser folk. Ralf had a hope within him, a hope to find a proper and worthy match for his Sweet-apple. Someone to bring joy to her life, take her away from Crakehall. If she stayed longer with her mother, he feared she'd become just like her. Disturbing thought. 

A deep, troubled sigh escaped Ralf as the retinue moved on. Signs of life on the King's Road began to show. Merchants and normal folks travelling. Men and women alike payed their respect to the Lord Crakehall and his retinue by offering simple gifts, fruits and such. Ralf and his band graciously accepted, spreading word that Crakehall would love to house merchants and the like for their services. The lands of Crakehall had become somewhat desolate of strangers lately, and new-faces was rare, but dearly welcomed. Perhaps some of the merchants would take Ralf up on his promise on housing in return of their sales. 

After Ralf had exchanged some words with a fur-trader from north, he noticed that his son had positioned himself by his side. 

[i]"Father, if you don't mind, why do some of the small-folk pay you respect? They're not your subjects, they've no reason to offer your such gifts."[/i]

A chuckle escapes Ralf, raising a finger and points it towards the Crakehall banner which one of his men were carrying. 

[i]"To give a nobleman a reason not to plunder their supplies and sully their women. A small, but gracious gift shows their devotion and loyalty to those of higher-birth. None would question should a nobleman, like you and me, decide to raid some of these poor-folk of their belongings."
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A simple "Ah" comes from his son, not the reply the boy had expected, Ralf was sure. Nothing more than silence was exchanged between the two for a while, until Roderick decided to re-join his band of companions a tad further back the retinue. The lord did not mind. His mind was set upon the high towers in the horizon. They had finally arrived at King's Landing.