[D3 EA] RP Thread: Dressage

[Ser Harben Varner]

Seeing the lady blush, Harben averted his eyes, also watching Leovall’s performance. Though he did so with a more critical eye. “I half expected you to be showing in the dressage, m’lady,” he murmured, “don’t tell me you’ve succumb to the pretty, letter-writing ways of the noblewomen since I last saw you.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

The last remark at least drew out that usual confident smile. She looked back at him with a more curious gaze now. Why was it that he seemed to be the source of all these odd feelings she was having, the memories of her mother, the unexplained feelings of nostalgia. "Me? And here I thought I was always a pretty noble lady," she teased a little. "... I don't really care much for dressage, to be honest. But to turn it around, I would have expected a knight like yourself to be participating in the challenge?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

You were always beautiful to me, he mused, but kept the thought to himself. Harben had been interested in horses all his life, and believed he might have given the Marten heir a run for his money, “I considered it, but I thought it might be prudent to scope out my competition. If I get my chance to joust against him,” he indicated Leovall, who was taking his bow, “Raindancer and I want to be ready.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Ah, clever," she nodded, seeing the wisdom in taking stock of the competition before the jousts. "Ser Leovall seems like he might be making an impressive debut in his first tourney as a competitor. And with father trying himself in the tournament circle again, and you competing as well, ser Harben... there certainly is a lot of impressive knights to cheer for in the days ahead."

[Ser Harben Varner]

“You flatter me, Lady Mariessa, but if I am strong enough to make the final lists, I should be proud. I would never be so boastful as to think I could hold my own against such a renowned knight as your father.” He looked at the young woman, mouth twisting wryly, “it seems there is no substitute for wealth and breeding.” Suddenly, the thought of impressing his childhood friend was making him doubt himself.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mariessa leaned a little closer, her tone lowering slightly. "Well, it would be great if House Varner and House Tremaine both made it to the finals, yes, as two houses sworn to House Meadows?" she offered with an encouraging tone. "I'm certain father would be more than happy to have someone like you to practice with a little before the joust..."

Had Lawrince still been alive, he would probably have been the one representing their House at the tourney, with Marten practicing with him. Maybe practising with someone who was a childhood friend of his children would be good for his mood, like the hunt had been.

"Besides, you were pretty good with horses when we were young. I have faith in you in the competition."

[Ser Harben Varner]

"Lady Mariessa," he smiled sheepishly. What could it hurt? I'm not going to beat him, I suppose it won't matter if I show my hand now. Rubbing the back of his neck, "I'd be honoured to practice with your father."

After a long pause, he gently took one of Mariessa's hands between his, they were rough and calloused, "Mari," a pained expression came upon him as he looked into her eyes. His eyes were deep green, like the heart of the forest, "I was so sorry to hear about Lawrince, he was a good man, and he is missed deeply."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari couldn't help herself from blushing as Harben held her hand, and... his eyes just seemed to draw her in.

Her heart thumped loudly.

"... thank you. I know he would have looked forward to jousting against you, Harben..."

[Ser Harben Varner]

Harben held her hand a moment longer, releasing it with some reluctance. “I was wondering if you might do me the honour of joining me for a stroll in the gardens? I can have Septa Gwyn chaperone us, if you would feel more comfortable.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Oh, the great choices between stone-faced Gwyn or scowling Kevith, who would just blab everything to father like some gossip.

"That sounds lovely, Harben. I'd like that very much..." She nodded. "Even with the septa tagging along, I look forward to it."

Then she could ask him about these... strange nostalgic feelings he evoked in her.