Festival of Roses

"This is a bad idea, Kylie." Claryssa reiterated. The girls both in their dresses and cloaks to keep away the slight chill of the morning.

"Nonsense. It's the smallest bottle I brought." Kylie brushed off her concern.

"You know that's not what I meant. Why do you have to be so headstrong? I'm beginning to pity your future husband too." The handmaiden quipped. They both laughed at that. They'd spoken at length about the comment when they returned to their tent.

Kylie remained determined as they came upon the pavilions set aside for servants, staff, and squires. "I'm tired of being afraid. This is the third night in a row I've woken from nightmares - you know that. You've been the one to calm me down." Claryssa had been tending Kylie in the middle of the night when she'd wake up crying or sweating, sitting next to her or rubbing her back until she could fall back asleep. "I refuse to go on like this. At least this way I'm taking back some of my safety." 'Maybe make sure this won't happen to those I love?'

Claryssa was the one to approach one of the people roaming about the tents. "Pardon me. My Lady is looking for the squire that assisted Ser Harben yesterday. She wants to be sure he's all right."

It didn’t take long to locate the young man, eating some bread and gravy for his breakfast. He stood up hurriedly, smoothing his clothing, and bowing to the women. “I’m squire Derrin, miladies.”

Claryssa quickly spoke first. "This is Lady Kylie of House Redwyne. I'm Claryssa of Braavos."

"Please, please, don't let us interrupt your breakfast. Sit. If it's all right, may we join you for a bit?" Kylie started.

Initiating Intrigue: Find Out What The Squire Knows!

“I was done,” he lied ineffectually, wiping his hands on his trousers. “I could offer you ladies some ale, if it wouldn’t be an insult to drink the poor stuff we’re given.”


—-
Intrigue Initiative: 2d6 5
Disposition (Kylie): Amiable (3 DR, +1 Persuasion)
Disposition (Claryssa): Indifferent (4 DR)

"It would not be insulting in the least." Kylie answered for both of them, sitting across from Derrin. "But speaking of something being given, I have a small bottle of wine for you." She pulled it out and presented it to him. "I know it's not much, but I saw how upset you were by the events of yesterday and I wanted to do something." She smiled gently, handing him the bottle she'd brought with her from the Arbor.

----

Disposition: Amiable
Action: Influence
Intrigue Defense: 10
Composure: 9

Information: 24 Attractive Re-Roll: 5 Total: 28

Claryssa kept her eyes and face encouraging toward the young man across from them.

-----

Disposition: Indifferent
Action: Assist
Intrigue Defense: 8
Composure: 6

Assist: Persuasion: 5

Derrin went pale, “no, no, I can’t be accepting that, milady. Thank you most kindly.” The young man seemed to be hyperventilating a little, “let me fetch that ale.” He turned away and drew two mugs from the keg set up nearby, his hands shook as he brought them to Kylie and Claryssa.


—-
Derrin is defeated!

Kylie looked at him with sympathetic eyes. She knew it wasn't everyday someone who serves others is offered such a gift. "Please, I insist. Perhaps you can share it with a few of your friends. It is the Rose Festival after all."

She accepted the ale and took a sip, keeping her face perfectly straight. "Besides, it seems Ser Harben may not recover. We should properly drink to his life and hope for returning health." She and Claryssa raised theirs.

"It's just so awful." Claryssa stated sorrowfully.

Kylie nodded. "Yes. Who would want to poison a knight?"

Distressed, Derrin wrung his hands, “no, really, milady, I can’t take it, I won’t. If they find me with it, they’ll think I stole it.” He raised his own mug to his mouth, tipping it only to find that it was already empty. He set it down an unsteady thunk. “I wish I only knew, milady, Harben was loyal to the House. He spent more time out patrolling than he did here. I can’t imagine anyone having argument with him.”

Seeing his empty glass, Kylie thought fast. She finished her own ale, as watered as it was, and reached for the bottle.

"We'll enjoy it together then." She opened the small bottle, poured for both of them, and smiled. "No one will think I stole it, I promise." She winked. Then more serious, "To Ser Harben. A dutiful knight who goes above and beyond what is asked of him, day or night." She took a sip of the wine, washing the taste of the ale from her palette.

"Is he a friend of yours, Derrin?" Claryssa asked of the man. "Is that why you squired for him? I've often seen a friend squire for another as they come up as knights. Assisting with armor, getting fresh water, preparing the horses... So much work, men like you don't get much rest."