Festival of Roses

Lily walked down the vine lined paths of the garden walking under green arches. She stopped near a marble bench to inspect some brightly flowering vines clinging to the walls. Turning around she noticed and became quite enchanted with a flowering arch that she had missed when she entered the space. "How clever."

Behind Liliane, someone cleared their throat softly, hoping not to startled the huntress. It was one of the men from that morning's hunt, the one that had also carried a bow. He had washed and changed into a tunic and breeches, with a solid pair of boots. He had a thick beard that had been trimmed recently, and wore his hair loose.

"Ah, Ser knight!" she said turning in some surprise, "You startled me." She gave a curtsy. "I suppose I must have seemed like I was lost in thought."

"My apologies," he answered warmly, and bowed, "I am Ser Rychard of House Bridges, I didn't mean to startle you, I only wanted to compliment you on your fine kill this morning." The air was already fragrant with the spices of that meat roasting for the coming feast.

"Think nothing of it. Liliane Marten, a pleasure to meet you," she offered him a smile.

"Thank you. I was rather pleased with it," she smoothed out her bodice absently, "I am not sure what I should do with the rack. Perhaps a knife handle?"

The man looked thoughtful, "aye, a good choice, or perhaps a new grip for your bow?"

"Forgive me, but your family isn't from the Reach, are they? They certainly breed woman differently where you come from, if your skill with that bow is any indication."

"No, we are from the Mountains of the Moon. It was a bit of a journey but my cousin is out to prove himself a tourney knight so one must go to where the tourneys are, no?" she smiled, "And the other ladies about the court seem familiar enough to what is back home. I just never quite got into embroidery like them."

“That does seem like a considerable distance. We usually see some of our Stormlands neighbours, but it’s usually Highgarden that attracts nobles from further afield.” He paused awkwardly, “still, it sounds like cousin’s the man to beat, I shall have to keep an eye out.”

"He is definitely good. We shall see if he can live up to his boast," she giggled, "He certainly has the most to lose after such a long trip. I am personally looking forward to the archery contest."

Rychard grinned, “I was hoping you’d be competing. I look forward to pitting my bow against your, though I somewhat suspect I’ll be coming off second best.”