My First Tourney, Oh My! (D1, EA)

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Her eyes lingered on him as he turned to look at the event grounds. "Mm, I can only imagine. I've only heard the stories of these things, especially from father. He was quite competitor when he was younger, and well, I don't want to brag too much, but I don't think he's lost much of his skill over the years." Mariessa looked out at the event grounds too, but her idle hands were gently pulling at some of the flower decorations.

"So... you're here with your family, I am guessing? Few travel such a long way on their own, especially a nobleman like yourself."

[Leovall Marten]

Leovall wondered if he might meet the noblewoman's father at some point. "He'll be in high spirits then."

At the personal question he turns back to her and nods humbly. "Two of my cousins and a small escort. Yourself?"

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"My father and sister, along with an escort from our House," she nodded as well. If her father would be in high spirits for the festival, well, then it would be a good trip. He deserved as much. Mari did seem a little absent-minded for a brief moment.

"Still, I hope you will find the lands of the Meadows pleasant, ser," she smiled warmly, whatever had been on her mind was gone for now. "As a bannerhouse to the Meadows, we've been here a couple of times before, and there are many lovely sights to see. Especially if one enjoys the outdoors or hunting."

[Leovall Marten]

"Good! Even a tournament can grow wearisome if it's just that and camping." He returns her smile. "A little outdoors exploration without the threat of hillmen sounds just the thing."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Threat of hillmen?" she sounded both puzzled and intrigued. "So... bandits, you mean?"

[Leovall Marten]

The young man begins to frown a moment, but it passes as he considers how best to answer. "Not... exactly." Switching his mantle to underneath his other arm he then makes a vague gesture with his now free hand. "There are tribes in the remote parts of the Vale from before the... the Andal invasion. Even now they continue to harass and raid their civilised betters rather than seek protection and fealty. My grandfather was killed by them." He shrugs his shoulders distantly yet his expression hardens in contrast. "They're a persistent threat."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

So it was true. Lands further north were rather lawless and dangerous. Not that there weren't dangers in the Reach either, as she knew from experience, but still... she had unintentionally caused a minor offense as the young man had lost family to these unlawful men.

"I am terribly sorry for your loss," Mari curtsied, "it was not my intention to stir up sad memories. I know it is difficult to lose dear family."

[Leovall Marten]

Accepting this with a nod Leovall turns away. "It was a long time ago." He begins to walk the stand's length. "Perhaps you could tell me a little of your family instead?"

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Ah..." she paused for a moment, hand raised to her lips as she considered what to say.

"Well, uhm... House Tremaine is a bannerhouse to the Meadows. We guard the Blueburn-river by the border to the Stormlands, so we take great pride in the skill of our warriors, especially since the Blueburn is so important to large parts of the Reach."

Oh right, maybe he meant more like my family-members. And not House. "We're a rather small family now... it's just me, my sister, and our father. If I can brag a little, I'd say my sister is the fairest lady in our lands..." Mari seemed to have some admiration when she spoke of them, especially for her sister now.

[Leovall Marten]

"Yes, you mentioned you were a bannerhouse to our hosts. Good to know about the Blueburn." And that it's a river. He paces away a little further then swings back, listening to her describe her family. That was more what he had meant and what he was marginally interested in. Then again, she was pretty. Leovall wondered if he ought to show more interest?

"Your sister?" Mentioned of such a fair lady caught his attention. Was the woman before him just boasting? Being humble? He had to wonder.