[center][h1]Houses Tarly and Hightower[/h1][/center]

Hours before the tourney was set to begin, the lord of Horn Hill and his only daughter sat before a table set up within his tent in the Tarly camp, patiently awaiting their guests. 

"Remember," Talbert nodded to Mina, idly filing his dagger as they waited. "Give me your measure of the boy when we're finished. The Hightowers have enough sons that you've your pick of the bunch, should this one not be preferable to you. Unless Ryam Hightower is a more neglectful man than his accomplishments have led me to believe, I doubt they'll all be lackwits." 

"Oh?" The girl raised an eyebrow. "How strange, that you're giving me more of a choice than Sam. People may talk, Father." 

"Let them," He grumbled in response, lowering the file to inspect his weapon. "The Hightowers have four sons, all unwed. I've only the one daughter. I'll not have you wed to anyone unworthy. Fortunately, you're more realistic than your brother. I hope you'll judge the Hightower lad by practical terms than by any...superficial matters." 

At this, Mina scoffed. "One night and Samwyle's already besotted with the Redwyne girl. But speaking of superficial matters, am I to mention the fact that I can wield a dagger and bow as well?"

"You complained enough about the training that I doubt it's anything you take pride in." Talbert said flatly. "Do as you will regarding that. Only know that it may just save your life one day." A brief commotion outside had him turning his head up, returning his dagger to its sheath. 

"Enough. Our guests arrive."

"Remember, the Tarly House is proud and rightfully so. They have a long history of military achievement and as such are to be treated with the respect they are due for such a legacy. Do you remember all the notes on Lord Tarly's daughter?" Addam Hightower, Heir to Oldtown and the Hightower looked over and back to his aunt, dark brown hair falling slightly over his eye. 

"I did the required research that you gave me, but I don't see a problem. I don't consider myself repulsive and I believe I'm simple to get along with. And besides Leo is as yet not promised to anyone, nor is Ashton." 

His Aunt scoffed and rolled her eyes, brushing her hand on the back of his jacket to remove imagined dust or dirt. "Leo would rather marry a book and Ashton, bless his soul would have a heart attack before he could even speak to a woman about simple court proceedings, let alone betrothal. No, while you have brothers, you must be the one. Marrying the heir of the Hightower gives Lord Tarly a perceived higher standing. They get the Heir and the Redwynes get the only daughter and one that will never likely gain anything in the succession."

Addam sighed and nodded before turning into the main walkway to their hosts. As they arrived Addam shot a quick wink to his sister who had remained silent thus far, even when spoken about as she was. She was a bright girl, exceptionally quick and well spoken while also unafraid to let her opinion be known or be disagreeable.  Addam got a nod from the girl and he turned to the front and gave a nod to the herald to announce them as they entered.

Addam came first, escorting his sister. Addam wore a flowing silver silk tunic, tight in the shoulders and loose near the hands. A black jacket was worn over the tunic, a silver collar blending in with the tunic, with the first three buttons undone and folded over top. The jacket was long, going to the Hightower's lower shin. Polished black boots and leather belt finished the outfit. Addam's hair was styled his usual style, well brushed and pushed to the right. Alicent on the contrary wore a stunning cloth of gold dress, obviously tailored specifically for her as it hugged and accentuated all the right places. An emerald necklace, earrings, and hair pin accentuated the gold coloring. Finally came Khloe Hightower, the sister to the current Lord Hightower. Khloe was dressed much simpler, a nice but not striking powder blue dress, and silver accents. 

The trio approached Lord Tarly and Mina, to whom Addam offers a wide dimpled smile, and they all bowed or curtsies at the same time. "My Lord Tarly, it is an honor to be hosted by you for this discussion."

Talbert and Mina rose to meet their guests, returning the bows and curtsies with their own. Talbert was clad today in a tabard bearing House Tarly's colors over a leather jerkin, and Mina in a silk dress dyed a rich navy blue. 

"My lord and ladies Hightower. In the name of House Tarly, I bid you welcome." Talbert gestured towards the seats, giving them leave to sit. As they did so, Mina looked over all three of the visiting delegation with a critical eye, though Addam most of all. A stern enough expression crossed her face that she looked for all the world like a younger, female version of her father. 

Talbert reached for a jug of wine on the table and began to pour into several cups for his guests. 

"Arbor Red. From our mutual allies in the Redwynes." He stated plainly, raising his own cup in a brief salute before taking a sip. "Now for the formalities. Ser Addam, I take it you act with your father's authority in this matter?"

Lord Tarly, Lady Mina, thank you for your welcome. It is well received and honestly after travel it is a great relief to finally have a chance to rest. This meeting is very important to our House which is why it is you that we have come straight to meet upon arriving." The two ladies sat Addam waiting until they did so before sitting himself. His eyes found Mina's again and he looked right at her unafraid to hold the eye contact. 

Addam maneuvered the various cups to his female companions and then looked to Lord Tarly whom he nodded to a few times. "In this matter and in any other that may arise I do speak with my father's voice and my actions should be considered as his." He inclines his head and then politely sips his wine, smiling and nodding a few times. "A great taste here, but now. As you said let's get to business. Alicent here," he nods towards his sister, "will be going to meet with the Redwyne lad after this meeting."

At this, Talbert simply inclined his head to acknowledge Addam's words while Mina began to speak instead. 

"Oh? We wish you the best then, Lady Alicent." Mina offered a slight smile before turning back to Addam, her gaze suddenly sharp again. "Tell me of Oldtown, Ser Addam. I have visited on occasion, but that pales in comparison to having actually lived there since birth. After all, if you wish for us to be wed, I ought to know more of the lands I am to help you oversee, yes?" 

Talbert himself said nothing after Mina's question, merely staring at Addam with an inquisitive gaze, bordering on challenging. It seemed this was some sort of test, really.

Alicent smiled widely at Mina when she spoke and gave a quick wink that Mina would notice. "My thanks Lady Mina, just as I hope that my bone headed brother here doesn't make a fool of himself."

Addam simply chuckled and sipped his wine again, eyes moving from Talbert to Mina and back again rapidly. When Mina asked her question though, Addam's smile widened and his eyes glimmered while he sighed in contentment. "Oldtown is, simply out, the most magical place on earth. Boats coming in from quite literally every place in the wider world. The way the sun catches on the buildings and sails, the louder voices on the dock or the various celebrations House Hightower sponsor in the city. It's... Home, I don't really know what more to say."

The barest hint of a smirk crossed Mina's lips at Alicent's wink, and she inclined her head back briefly to acknowledge it. Her expression softened slightly at Addam's clearly enraptured overview of his home, and she took a sip of wine, waiting until he finished before she spoke again. 

"A beautiful picture you've painted, my lord. Though I was more wondering the amount of effort you and your family have put in to see such a city thrive. As I've heard, Oldtown has prospered greatly in the recent years of House Hightower's administration, yes?"

Addam chuckles and nods, his hands going out before him and making a sort of shrug. "Apologies, I quite love my home, as I'm sure that you love yours. Before I answer I wish to make it clear that any desire at any time you have to visit will be understood. The last thing I would ever seek to do is make you a prisoner. But yes, we have spent most of my father's rule to ensure the city flourishes, putting regular stipends of cash into keeping things going, broadening trade little by little so as not to overflow, and of course prop up our armed troops, and city watch."

Alicent spoke then, having mostly sat quiet. "Addam has been working directly with a group of Essosi mercenaries on drilling a standing force. And I Routinely walk the city and keep an ear on things." She copies her older brother's chuckle, "so you could say that we recognize that the city IS our strength."

"I should think that I'd be doing my brothers a favor not returning often, really." Mina said dryly, though she seemed genuinely touched by Addam's sentiment. "But I do appreciate the thought. And that your family understands the value of your territory. I've doubts that Father would hand me off to someone likely to drive his house into the ground, after all." She gave Talbert a significant look at that, to which he held up a hand, finally speaking once more.

"Enough. This match has my blessing. Ser Addam, if you'll have my daughter, I consent to joining Houses Hightower and Tarly together." He stood from his seat and walked over to the desk present in the tent, pulling out a sheaf of parchment before heading back over and sitting down, handing the documents to Addam. 

"I believe you'll find the offered dowry is more than generous." The documents that Talbert handed over listed off a significant sum totaled in in crowns, food shipments to Oldtown, and preferential treatment in Horn Hill's fur trade.

With the words from Talbert, Khloe stood up and walked out of the room. The woman had remained quiet for the entire meeting, showing that she was more or less just an observer and advisor if needed. Alicent also stepped towards the door and gave a curtsy to the Lord Tarly and another wink to Mina. "I look forward to seeing you in Oldtown Mina. I will be looking forward to having another female presence in the family dinners. I've been outnumbered for some time."

While his grandmother and sister moved to leave, Addam simply stood and moved over to the parchment Talbert stood over. He quickly read through it, and then muttered softly so only Talbert can hear. "My father wishes to know if this agreement consolidates previous discussions with himself over wine". It was a coded message and spoken nonchalantly, and before Talbert could reply, he leaned down prepared to sign.

Mina didn't quite wink back, but smirked slightly instead and dipped her head towards Alicent, standing up and curtsying as well to both Talbert and Addam. 

"By your leave then, Father." She said, turning to exit the tent after Talbert waved her off. With all that done, he looked back towards Addam, who was busy in the process of signing the marriage agreements. 

"It does." He murmured in as quiet a tone as Addam had given him before raising his voice once more. "Ser Addam. By all accounts, you are a man of honor. I trust that after you wed my daughter, you'll continue to be as such." His eyes narrowed. "The girl was trained to fight and hunt at my command, no matter how much she protested against such. But I've no reason to threaten you for misconduct. She is entirely capable of expressing her displeasure with you in such a case on her own. Remember that."

His threats made, Talbert softened his gaze slightly towards his usual stoic mien. "That all said, should you wish to make her happy, allow her to take the reins in administration of your holdings, as befits a [i]competent[/i] wife of noble stock. Mina's talents lie with numbers, and she's been trained through aiding myself and Samwyle in managing Horn Hill's lands for the past few years."

Addam finishes writing and then goes for his wine goblet. "When I take rule over from my father I assure you that Mina will have all the administration she desires. I can't promise my younger brother or sister won't attempt to help but it'll be made clear who is in charge. I swear to you and the seven now that I will do all that I can to make her happy and comfortable, and to defend her with my last breaths if needed."

He takes a sip of wine after his declaration and smiles. One marriage down. What a crazy tournament this would be.

[hider=Tl;dr:]Both houses hash out marriage agreements to each other, Addam Hightower and Mina Tarly are set to wed. Possible hints of [s]conspiracy[/s] definite loyalty.[/hider]