[center][h1]Wine, Wolves & Words[/h1][/center][hr] Someone had bumped into Gwendolyn, thankfully it was a gentle thing and she watched her wine slosh to the rim of her cup but didn't spill over. But the hard body that brushed hers muttered a swear and she flushed slightly as she realized that they, no, he had spilled wine on himself. Turning she watched the man with beautiful red hair take off his vest. She'd never seen a man disrobe. It was fascinating and it made her breath catch. She could feel the blush that she was sure stained her cheeks.[color=DCD0FF] "I'm deeply sorry. I-"[/color] Her eyes traveled over him. The flex and pull of his muscles arrested her speech. [color=92278f]"You all right, Milady?"[/color] He asked as he came up from his bow. His eyes capturing hers for a moment to assess her response. [color=92278f]"I do beg your pardons, but where indeed are my manners. Milady I am Captain Arystide Redwyne, at your service. If there is anything I can do to make up for my boorish behaviour you need but command me, my ladies…"[/color] Lavender gray eyes tangled with bright blue and a spark of interest liberally laced with innocent desire could be seen before Gwendolyn bit her lip and looked at the wine the man, Arystide, replaced. It was an upgrade from the simple white she had purchased. Watching the exchange between Arystide and her niece Quinn stepped in to save her some embarrassment. Quinn was more used to half naked men than someone who'd spent most of her life in the North. Though most farmers don't have a sailor's physique. Regardless she wanted to give Gwennie some time to compose herself. [color=DC143C]"Nothing to apologize about just a little mistake. Thank you for the wine Captain. I am Quinn Carmyne of House Carmyne."[/color] She sank into a curtsey then indicated her sister. [color=DC143C]"Luci Carmyne of House Carmyne."[/color] Luci smiled sweetly up at Arystide. [color=DC143C]"And Gwendolyn Carmyne also of House Carmyne Ward of Winterfell. Whom is quite alright just startled."[/color] Arystide smiled brightly at that. [color=92278f]"Ah, I thank you Lady Quin of House Carmyne... It seems I have accidently sailed straight into the Riverlands. Such a delight. Will your House be represented in the Tournament? A Black Swan and a hunting hound if I remember correctly?"[/color] He asked smoothly, before ordering his own usual red and taking the ladies in. [color=92278f]"I hope at the very least you will enjoy our Pavillion, each Tournament we seek to improve upon it, for both Highborn and smallfolk alike"[/color] He spoke, offering them several topics to delve into. He moved gracefully as always, Armand mentally noted to himself, before he felt the familiar pull around his neck. Finnegan this time looped him along. [color=92278f]"Come on, you shy little butterfly. You'll never be able to meet a woman if you keep standing here in the shadows"[/color] He laughingly stated as he dragged him along. Naturally moving up behind Arystide. [color=92278f]"Ah, there you are...got distracted did you?"[/color] Finnegan cut in, releasing Armand just in time before calling out and drawing their attention. Armand knew he couldn't back up now. [color=92278f]"We were wondering what happened to our wine"[/color] Arystide turned to his cousin and younger brother, smiling apologetically. [color=92278f]"I am afraid I dropped it"[/color] [color=92278f]"Getting distracted by such lovely ladies it is no wonder"[/color] Finnegan accepted graciously before allowing Arystide to introduce them. [color=92278f]"Dear ladies allow me to introduce to you to my cousin Finnegan Redwyne and my younger brother Armand"[/color] Both of them bowed, though Armand being the more humble didn't bow as deep as Finnegan and could help roll his eyes upward to the heavens at their shenanigans. Curtseys were made as introductions were made and Luci spoke up this time. [color=DC143C]"Actually Captain, it's a silver wolf for our grandmother Lyanna Carmyne, formerly Stark. We are young to our position though the family is very old. But I daresay we rose to the occasion."[/color] Recovering herself Gwendolyn stated. [color=DCD0FF]"I could not fathom what else you could add. You even have a stage. Pray do tell, will you gentlemen be singing on it?"[/color] She teased all three of them, flirting shamelessly. [color=DCD0FF]"I do love a man who can sing."[/color] Arystide instantly gently took the hand of Luci, bringing it up. [color=92278f]"Oh and rise you did, my fair lady"[/color] He smiled planting the lightest of kisses upon her knuckles. He held her gaze for a moment longer, before answering Gwendolyn. [color=92278f]"But I fear I am but a poor singer, I can offer a backup voice, but the true lark amongst us is our young brother here"[/color] He said before he smirked at Armand who felt put on the spot for a moment. [color=92278f]"Grab your lute brother, you heard the fair maidens, they wish to hear you sing"[/color] [color=92278f]"I...I am not all that great.."[/color] He protested. [color=92278f]"I am no bard after all"[/color] Arystide scoffed. [color=92278f]"Too modest as always"[/color] Finnegan turned to the ladies, saying. [color=92278f]"Ladies, if you wish to hear him, you'll have to command him. He's a tad bit shy"[/color] At this a red tint graced Armand's cheeks, rather cornered now.[color=92278f] "Only, if they wish"[/color] He uttered softly. Intrest peaked Gwendolyn smiled warmly at Armand. [color=DCD0FF]"If you'd like I can sing with you. I'm no bard either. Besides where one sounds good two is better. Only if you like though."[/color] Gwendolyn looked at the others. [color=DCD0FF]"I'm sorry that was presumptuous of me."[/color] She sipped her wine to stop from talking. Apparently the Reach had beautiful men. [color=92278f]"If you like...Lady Gwendolyn. Then I shall fetch my lute, please excuse me"[/color] He bowed to the ladies before departing. [color=92278f]"Then we best get you ladies seated. Poor hosts would we be if we left you standing"[/color] Arystide said before offering his arm for one of them to hook onto. Luci and Quinn looked at each other knowingly bumping Gwendolyn so she fell into Arystide. They then linked arms with Finnegan and looked totally innocent. The slight shove from her Aunts put Gwendolyn off balance and she stumbled into Arystide. He caught her easily, his reflexes fast and quick as his arms were strong. Pulling her in and holding her close against him, closer than was appropriate, but such was the troubles with accidents. They cared not for propriety. [color=92278f]"Careful, my lady.."[/color] He uttered with a voice like warm caramel as he caught her eyes with his. He fluidly brought her upright before pushing an escaping lock back behind her ear. The movement was gentle, allowing his roughened fingers to brush softly along the shell of her ear, innocently of course. [color=92278f]"Shall we?"[/color] He asked again, offering his arm for her to take. Lips parted on an apology that was lost in the sensation that spread through her. It was like when she laid too long on her arm and then got up. The tingles were sharper but not painful but warm and heady. She had been tipsy once and it felt quite like that but more. He pulled her too close and she wanted to be closer and farther away from him. His voice sent tingles through her. Her eyes were drawn to his mouth. Her half lidded eyes caught his as she thought about how soft his lips were and if he was going to kiss her. Her thoughts in her eyes as he brought her upright. She blushed prettily and closed her eyes as he tucked her hair behind her ear. Her breath caught, she exhaled in a soft rush that only he would hear. She was still blushing as she took his arm. Quinn and Luci watched the interaction with small smiles. They remembered their first fancy. The feeling didn't last because usually the match was unsuitable. This match wasn't unsuitable, however he'd not be getting her alone. Brandon Stark had only just finished dropping off the gifts with one the stewards around the camp to be delivered. Namely noting the disappearance of his ward and niece. Mathias having returned from putting away the horses looked around. [color=C0C0C0]"Where is-"[/color] He began only for his uncle to raise a hand, grab his direwolf cloak from their things as the Starks men set about setting up the northern encampment here. [color=C0C0C0]"We passed the Redwyne camp. We start there"[/color] The two men started to walk a couple of his sworn swords following along, the two thankful their cloaks be used to hide the smiles they wore at their lords expense. More of their Stark men falling till about eight of them entered the Red Wyne tent Mathias going wide eyed at the sight before them as Bran crossed his arms. He was a big man, tall and broad as many northmen were with black hair... Of course across his back was the massive pelt of the dire wolf he'd slain. He wore it for special occasions and in the cold, the first man to kill one hundreds of years. He'd done with a knife as he stared daggers across the room, not yet speaking that confident Stark sternness that came with expectation of explanation first then he would pass judgement, harsh judgement. Arystide calmly set the lady back on her feet as he watched the men enter the pavillion. Raising an eyebrow he watched them march up like a small army, with the alpha wolf at the front of the pack.[color=92278f]"My Lords Stark"[/color] He greeted offering common courtesies as a made a slight bow. [color=92278f]"With what can I be of assistance?"[/color] The question was of a lighthearted tone as he reached behind the lady Gwen and took his goblet, taking a proper swig from it.[color=92278f]"Aaaahh that hit the spot"[/color] He put the goblet back before shielding the lady slightly, unsure what the Starks wanted, but willing to play ball. Brandon took his step forward staring over the man. [color=C0C0C0]"My niece and the others are needed back in our camp"[/color] He added fairly straight forward, the men behind a bit more apprehensive unlike the shining knights and nobles of the south sworn swords had seen bandits, wildlings, and worse. These men were veteran's who know what true battle was not the things the played of in southward dirt circles as ladies watched and gasped at the prissy little blows the bled more than they hurt. [color=C0C0C0]"And I'd watch your hands from here on. Wolves bite, hard"[/color] He added with a certain careful monotone. Mathias next to him cut an even more imposing figure well over six foot with arms like tree trunks and with that massive hunk of steel they called greatswords in the north on his back. He didn't even seem bothered by the heft of it as he looked between his uncle and his cousin. carefully ready to grab for it if needed. [color=92278f]"I am not holding them here against their will Lord Stark. As for your discourtesies I have done little to deserve them, nor the veiled threats, but alas such must be the pack rules I suppose"[/color] Arystide cut back turning to Lady Gwen making certain she'd want to leave. [color=92278f]"Lady, be assured the choice is yours, nor will I bear you ill will for their conduct"[/color] He took her hand gently and placed another kiss on her knuckles. [color=92278f]"Should our parting be for a long while I can but hope you will enjoy the tournament"[/color] He offered. [color=C0C0C0]"You are not the ones in trouble. As for discourtesies I don't imagine any happened unless someone wants to tell me something?"[/color] He paused then added. [color=C0C0C0]"Gryffith is looking forward to facing you in the melee"[/color] He moved a hand for Gwen to take and step away. [color=C0C0C0]"Come now, your father entrusted you to me. Can't have you wandering off"[/color] He gently spoke eyes moving to Gwyn. [color=92278f]"Waltzing in dressed for war, veiled threats, such things are considered discourtesies down south, Lord Stark. As for your son he can look forward to a lot of things, but not that particular thing. I don't partake, you must confuse me with my elder brother Arnaud"[/color] Arystide calmly cut back before he winced sharply at the mentioning of his name. Or rather who it was that called him out. Honora strode up to him furiously, tossing a fresh vest at him. [color=92278f]"Arystide! For heavens sake dress yourself! Act with a little more decorum!"[/color] She snapped as she cut in between the men. The lightning flash courtesy she did was so quick it barely registered. [color=92278f]"My Lords Stark, pardon the intrusion, but I have need of my brother"[/color] She stated[color=92278f] "So if the killing can be postponed until after the festivities that would be most helpful"[/color] Brandon gave a nod and small bow of respect to Honora she entered. [color=C0C0C0]"Of course Lady Redwyne, besides not really sporting for us to fight Southerners... You've never really known a war, just playing at it"[/color] He added smirking at Arystide as Mathias looked him over, his father moving to take Gwen's hand and lead her away. Mathias spoke up. [color=C0C0C0]"So you'll be jousting then? I'll see you there then, may the better man win"[/color] He offered being friendly and honest, even giving a hand to shake politely. [color=C0C0C0]"And forgive the weapons we just came in from the road didn't mean to cause such a seen"[/color] He added trying to make up for Brandon's... Lack of decorum not getting why he was so uptight about it. Gwendolyn put her hand on Arystide's arm and stiffened her spine looking at the Northmen. [color=DCD0FF]"Might I speak for myself?"[/color] [color=92278f]"We may only play at it, because our good Northern Lords are frightening enough on their own, yet for all their might even they bend the knee when Dragons come out to play"[/color] Honora smiled sweetly, cutting back. [color=92278f]"He'll not be jousting either...his forte is sailing, you'll meet our other brother in the field Ser Mathias"[/color] She answered for Arystide who smirked at Brandon at Gwendolyn's actions. Gwendolyn looked from Lady Redwyne to Brandon. [color=DCD0FF]"There will be no killing. I apologize for the inconvenience Arystide my cousin is rather protective. I have enjoyed the precious little time in your presence I would not be adverse to more of it later. I don't believe that this posturing solves anything."[/color] Squeezing Arystide's arm lightly Gwendolyn smiled at him. [color=DCD0FF]"I expect to see you later Arystide, yes?"[/color] Luci and Quinn blinked and hid smiles at Gwendolyn standing up to their cousin. Gwendolyn slowly moved to stand in front of Arystide looking over her shoulder mouthed [color=DCD0FF][i]Later.[/i][/color] and raised her eyebrow in question. [color=C0C0C0]"Yet even frightening wolves have beautiful songs Lady Honora"[/color] Brandon spoke not turning around moving to stand outside with two of his men. [color=C0C0C0]"Gwen, Mathias. We are needed back at our camp"[/color] His voice commanding and strong but not devoid of empathy. Mathias confused, [color=C0C0C0]"I mean we will all see each other later"[/color] He explained as he turned and waved at them all. [color=C0C0C0]"I am sorry again for the intrusion. Oh uh...I am not a Knight Lady Honora, I keep to our old gods. Still good luck to all today and may the gods watch over!"[/color] He spoke cheerful and kind, gentle for such a big man. She did a silent doubletake before stating. [color=92278f]"Apparently they sing only for the moon or at each other, as always they avoid the races of Man"[/color] She answered not giving an inch. [color=92278f]"It matters not, song or no, the world is already full of empty promises and broken dreams, nothing a wolvensong would be able to fix"[/color] Arystide looked at her curiously, knowing his sister well enough to know this was rather unusual behaviour. [color=92278f]"You're forgiven Ser Mathias, may your old gods watch over you"[/color] She answered sweetly back, Gwendolyn blinked at Lady Redwyne's comment. Tipping her head she looked at the woman. She sounded like she wanted to bite off a few of her cousins and Uncle's fingers. Luci and Quinn moved to the Northmen's side. Gwendolyn looking slightly confused up at Mathias and her Uncle Brandon. [hider=TLDR] [list] [*]Engineered situation of "bumping into" the girls [*]Flirting [*]Noth Arrives [*]Verbal fencing [*]Part ways[/list] [/hider] [hider=Credit & Tags] Collab with [@Neianna86] & [@Apollosarcher] Tags [@SunsetWanderer][@Psyker Landshark][@Vanq][@Apoalo] [/hider]