[color=Red][h1][center]A griffon! A griffon![/center][/h1][/color]
This was by far the largest tournament he has ever partaken in. Every knight from every house in all seven kingdoms would be congregating in King’s Landing in celebration between the Arryns and the Targaryens. If there was no better opportunity for Caryll Connington to gain prestige to his house and name, this was it. The competition would be fierce but if he won this tournament, eternal glory was all but guaranteed in his family history. The Lord of Griffon Roost never felt this energetic before since gaining his knighthood as he practices in the field with his lance. Although dummies made of straw and wood were no substitute for opponents as skill as he is, he relieved their presence prevent his aim from getting worse. After a dozen broken wooden lances and punctured targets, Caryll finally retired back to his keep while his sisters and cousins waited for him although the more free-spirited ones eagerly watched him practice. 

On top of the cliffs facing Shipwrecker Bay, the sunset bathe Griffon’s Roost in gorgeous orange and red hues of light. Even the Targaryens agreed that such a sight was worth the trip to visit if only to see the beauty of the landscape surrounding the castle. After Caryll has given his mount to the stableboys, he was in the middle of being stripped of his armor when Lady Laisa Connington, his twin sister, stepped in. Even when there was no need for formality, she always wears in her fine dresses and jewelry.  

“Hello, sister!” Caryll greeted, feeling awfully joyous after his daily practice on horseback. “What a productive day it was today!”

“Quite…” she replied, not feeling as enthusiastic as her brother but still equally amused. “Already seeing yourself the victor?”

“I pray to the Seven for strength and fortitude!” he smiled as he was freed from the last bits of his armor. “I have no doubt I would win if I give it my all.” 
 
“Good,” Laisa raised an eyebrow at his unwavering confidence, “Get bathe and join us for supper. I couldn’t tell the difference between my brother and a pigpen if the Others took my eyes.”

“Oh, don’t remind.” Caryll growled sarcastically, “I was going to do it regardless.”

Once the Young Griffon has cleaned himself and changed into more comfortable clothes, he navigated his way towards the dining hall where the rest of the Conningtons were gathered. It seemed he was the last one to arrive as his sisters and cousins were already beginning to eat their meals.

Laisa, sitting on the right was in deep discussion with Cathelyne, the youngest daughter and only child of Uncle Robert, possibly about marriage or other lady duties. Enith, Cira, and Alara were busy gossiping on rumors about the tournament in King’s Landing. That only left Soniya, Celia, and Graycie to greet Caryll with bright smiles on their faces. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Soniya was wearing her armor at the dining hall. A hint of regret cropped upon his face as it reminded him of unpleasant memories of having to explain to the other Stormlander lords about Soniya’s ambition whenever they cast their gaze upon her. It was only a matter of time when his cousins Celia and Graycie start pestering him to knight them as well. 

After he sat down and grabbed a piece of bread, Caryll found himself the center of attention as the rest of his family turned their attention towards him. Many a lord or knight would kill to be in the Young Griffon’s position right now being surrounded by many beautiful maidens but Caryll only felt minor annoyance. At last, Laisa finally spoke with mild disapproval in her voice.

“Soniya wants to know the rules of the tournament…”

The Lord of Griffon’s Roost nodded along as he looked at his cousin who smiled smugly in return. 

“And a warhorse.”

With that, Caryll nearly choked on his bread as he realized what direction this conversation would be going.