[D1 LM] The Forest Edge

[Kylie Redwyne]

Her voice was ever so slightly musical. "Not at all. Noble families with trading ports must stick together. And I feel quite comfortable around you as well." She blushed ever so subtly. Not only was he handsome and charming, he came from a house that made tin. Things on an island do have a tendency to corrode. She moved along smoothly.

"Are you here as a spectator to the sporting, or will you take place in the Tourney?"

[Leovall Marten]

"A lovely thought. If we did we'd all surely be in stronger positions than so often competing with one another as we do. The landlocked houses too often rely on that friction to undermine us." He comments freely, only thinking about it in hindsight and realising it was perhaps a bit too freely offered. Hopefully she didn't see it as too militant.

At her question he taps his shoulders and puffs out his chest. "Absolutely! For a knight it's only fully worth coming so far when one gets to take part - I'm sure any other Ser would agree!" He flashes her a big grin. "Seeing one's fellows compete and challenge one another and sitting on the side-lines is unbearable. Ask any squire how tedious it gets to be when they're on the cusp of being knighted themselves."

[Kylie Redwyne]

She was a bit surprised by his zealous reply, but it intrigued her even further. This man was similar to her. She tried to choose her words carefully. "The intricacies of politics can be lost on me at times. However it seems to me that one can never have too many friends." Her eyes glittered.

"So you are a knight then? That's quite impressive! My brothers are knights as well, but they are at a different event and my parents kept to their usual visit to Highgarden. I suppose that leaves me free to cheer for you, Ser Leovall." She smiled brightly. "Are any of your brothers also competing?"

[Leovall Marten]

Catching her meaning he gives a slow nod, not sure if this was good coincidence or a trick. "Certainly. There is strength in numbers. Perhaps it could even be said that strength is a numbers game." Enjoying the wordplay he left the matter be as Kylie asked about himself. Touching the top of his sword he makes a positive murmur. Listening to her continue he feels a flush of pride. "No, just myself. My only brother is too young to compete. He's also back at home." He didn't even think to tell her of the couple other knights of his household who were with them. No, his attention was far too focused on now gaining her favour. "I would feel emboldened by your support Lady Kylie. However, I could not accept it so soon without proving my worth to you somehow."

[Kylie Redwyne]

Her eyebrows raised slightly and her smile widened. "Scaring away the would-be bandits isn't enough?" She turned her face to look at his. "Very well then, what do you suggest?" She used a hand to sweep a small untamed curl from her eyes so she might have nothing to obscure her view of him as he pondered.

[Leovall Marten]

"Come now. No suggestions or requests?" His mother had taught him it was important to give a woman some sovereignty sometimes, but Kylie had shot it back at him. He stops and crosses his arms. "I could shine for you at one of the earlier events." His head tilts slightly. "Or would you rather a private challenge of your choice...?" He grins suddenly, wondering which might be her preference.

[Kylie Redwyne]

Kylie brought her fingers to her chin in thought. "It's not every day a man challenges me to challenge him." She giggled a bit. "I hope I shall rise to the occasion."

She hummed aloud a quick moment. "I am not only impressed by sword and lance, but by sharpness of mind as well. I could ask 3 questions, and if you know the answer, I will happily grant you my favor. Do you accept?"

[Leovall Marten]

This is not my forte. A look of dread crossed his features but he forced a brave smile. If I fail I suppose there are surely other maidens I can earn the favour of. Damn. A fine catch surely lost... wait. Maybe there's one hope. "I do, but on condition you allow me a day to consider if I don't recall or immediately know the answer. I'm not very good with riddles and puzzles you see."

[Kylie Redwyne]

Kylie nodded. "That's more than fair. After all, I took my time learning these things myself. It would be unjust to not afford you the same opportunity. And not knowing but endeavoring to expand one's knowledge is a very fine quality. Perhaps even moreso than knowing the answers immediately." She agreed, genuinely impressed by the condition.

"So then, one question about the North, one question about the South, and one about King's Landing. No riddles, I promise. More knowledge of the world." She held her hands in front of her, curling her fingers together.

[Leovall Marten]

"Geography is it? Hmm. These are your terms my lady. Begin when ready." And here you were saying yours wasn't as good as mine. A fine setup. Even though he recognised the trap he couldn't help but admire her clever trick. Hopefully I don't embarrass myself too much now. At least she agreed to my condition... here we go.