Sers and Septons (after Mushroom)

Septon Arlyn was particularly busy the past few months so had been unable to attend the Coldbrooks Tournament. However He had wanted to speak with Ser Loreia about her recent knighting. Arlyn found himself surprised once again after she publicly scolded Ser Forrest Frey about his treatment of his cousin, particularly in the fact that it mirrored his own opinion so well, which led his worry to double. Finding Loreia after tempers had cooled he approaches the Shieldmaiden. "My Lad--Ser---Shieldmadien" he finally sputters out, as Septon Arlyn noticed some sneers from Black Knights as he approached her. "It appears we have both made a name for ourselves." Septon Arlyn chuckles mournfully.

"May we speak in private, away from all these unfriendly ears?" asks the Septon.

The heated discussion has passed, but soldiers remain and linger around the smoking embers, keeping vigil over the mood as it dies out. Loreia can only mutter back, "Indeed...septon."

Arlyn wrote:"May we speak in private, away from all these unfriendly ears?" asks the Septon.

"Aye. It's been a year, and much has happened since we last met. Let us walk."

Septon Arlyn smiles, "Then let us continue on for a while then." Septon Arlyn walks next to Ser Loreia, discussing the small folk of his lands, his orphanage he tended to, and the other non-important topics, turning this way and that through the alleys of kings landing and finally making it up to the row of steel and to a small wayshine, a smiths hammer hanging down from the simple wooden lean-to hanging off the red brick storefront of a pious smith. Septon Arlyn gestures to Loreia to join him inside. The few hangers-on who had followed them after mushrooms taunts had long since pealed away in disinterest, leaving only the tall armored women and the fat Septon of middling height.

"Shieldmadien, do you care to join me in here?"

The Shieldmaiden listens to the small talk and commends the septon for his work in the orphanage. "It's a good calling," she says.

Loreia nods firmly when invited into the storefront. Finally. "Seems a long way to go to speak in confidence," she remarks upon entry.

Septon Arlyn smiles at the Shieldmadien's question. "My dear, we can never truely speak in confidence in kings landing, for all the walls have ears. The trick is to find walls of someone you trust, or, more likely, someone who does not care enough to speak your words to others." Septon Arlyn gestures to the brick wall, "this smith provides enough on both accounts. He has gone deaf from his trade and keeps a small shrine to the Smith, in honor of his father and the Smiths blessings he has bestowed upon him."

Septon Arlyn takes a seat on a rickety wooden bench, facing towards the door and Ser Loreia. The bench creaks under his weight and he sits down.

"It has been a long year, and a long journey to where we stand. Who would have thought back at Riverrun, escorting that fool and abuser back to the princess, that we would both be symbols of opposing factions." Septon Arlyn lets a few more of his defences down, relaxing his jovial face into a look of worry.

"So Ser Loreia, I hear you have upended tradition becoming the first female knight that I have ever heard of." Septon Arlyn nods then continues, "Is this something that you wished for?" asks the Septon.

"Yes." Her answer is immediate. "I didn't want to be a symbol, but I've come to realize something over the last year: distancing myself from people who think as I do, and support it, is as unnecessary as it is futile."

so it is foolishness instead of trickery... At least she had that in her favor. Still likely nurtured by the black cause. Although whether it was politics or pride in the black cause that where her accomplice will only be decided by the Father.

"Well I am glad you accomplished your goal. Do you still keep the old gods or have you sworn yourself to the seven?"asks Septon Arlyn

I wish she would have consulted me, I might have been able to help diffuse the situation further, making it less about politics and more about her natural talent. But then would I be any better then those who work behind the scenes on pulling our stings?

She raises an eyebrow. "I have... I swore my vows on Bracken land." Is he going to get to it yet?

The acrid smell of coal assaults the senses like a hundred men upon the causeway, the cooling breeze finding its way through the chinks and holes of the shack, sending the warmth of the street of steel wafting to other areas of the city. The Septon nods as Loreia confirms that she said her vows in front of the Seven. He puts his meaty hand on his double chin and strokes his smooth round face. "I also heard you were the mystery knight, and relieved yourself at the Coldbrooks tournament." Septon Arlyn wait for the confirmation before continuing.

"Ser Loreia, entering as the mystery knight was wise, for it allowed you to compete in the tournament without revealing who you are. Now that you have revealed yourself, men will not take kindly to being unseated by a women." Septon Arlyn opens his arms, "Just take what happened at the tournament with Jon Roxton. I have a feeling that men who are less honorable would not be as willing to accept defeat, and may take matters into their own hands." Septon Arlyn is gesturing to accentuate his point, brings his fingers onto his outstretched palm. "No matter what color of dress they think should sit on the throne."

Septon Arlyn takes a breath then exhales slightly, "I am not trying to be nihilistic here, but you need to be careful. There are those who would use us," he gestures to himself and Ser Loreia, "To advance their own agenda, and when the time is right discard us. It is important to make sure that some actions will draw the ire not only of those who you count as enemies, but those you count as friends as well."

"I have grown quite fond of you, I want to provide a prospective as an outsider. You may be the first female knight, but that fact you are a women, and from the north, means that your actions will speak much louder then those of an average knight. I have seen your actions and know you are more honorable then most knights." Septon Arlyn pauses, "I would have even anointed you, for I have that great faith in your ability to represent the warrior."

Loreia nods solemnly. Slowly, that solemnity turns to lethargy, and then back again. Seven hells, how many times must I listen to the same lecture? By the end, it's all quite a lot to answer to. And answer it she will, but for a personal umbrage she must address.

"I thank you for your sentiment, Arlyn, and I'm glad to have your support, but your words of caution are not news to me. I've had to hear about it all year from my friends and neighbors, and they've been helping me. I know I've made enemies, but everything I do, know it is not on a whim, or for any singular thrill: I do it to secure my place."

"Anonymity in the joust at Riverrun served my purpose then, and unmasking myself served the purpose of proving it to doubters after I was knighted, that I could face other knights as their equal. Their mystery knight who unseated Benjen Frey was honorable, capable, and a 'man'. Now he is no more, and in his place a capable woman they call the Warrior's Shieldmaiden."

"I could have gotten back up on my horse for another pass with Bold Jon, and left my fate to some Riverlord, who'd break a tie unfairly for the more favorable outcome for him and his new house. I didn't, because I had reason to doubt fairness. I faced Jon on foot, and I secured my place as a knight."

"I didn't come to you when Ser Eoric chose to knight me, because you...stood up for me," Her voice softens. "Not as a warrior, but as a woman, and the people took notice. You praise my deeds now, but it wasn't my deeds then that you sought to defend; it was that which I have between my legs, which Andal tradition names as a sign of inherent weakness."

Loreia wrote:Loreia nods solemnly. Slowly, that solemnity turns to lethargy, and then back again. Seven hells, how many times must I listen to the same lecture? By the end, it's all quite a lot to answer to. And answer it she will, but for a personal umbrage she must address.

"I thank you for your sentiment, Arlyn, and I'm glad to have your support, but your words of caution are not news to me. I've had to hear about it all year from my friends and neighbors, and they've been helping me. I know I've made enemies, but everything I do, know it is not on a whim, or for any singular thrill: I do it to secure my place."

"Anonymity in the joust at Riverrun served my purpose then, and unmasking myself served the purpose of proving it to doubters after I was knighted, that I could face other knights as their equal. Their mystery knight who unseated Benjen Frey was honorable, capable, and a 'man'. Now he is no more, and in his place a capable woman they call the Warrior's Shieldmaiden."

"I could have gotten back up on my horse for another pass with Bold Jon, and left my fate to some Riverlord, who'd break a tie unfairly for the more favorable outcome for him and his new house. I didn't, because I had reason to doubt fairness. I faced Jon on foot, and I secured my place as a knight."

"I didn't come to you when Ser Eoric chose to knight me, because you...stood up for me," Her voice softens. "Not as a warrior, but as a woman, and the people took notice. You praise my deeds now, but it wasn't my deeds then that you sought to defend; it was that which I have between my legs, which Andal tradition names as a sign of inherent weakness."

"Aye, but it is those very neighbors who I am warning you about. You have to trust someone, but remember that not all those you trust are as honorable as you, and sometimes given the choice between sacrificing themselves for your sake or letting you fail, they will let you fail. As for standing up for you," Septon Arlyns voice softens as well, a genuine smile lights up his face, "Women are not inherently weaker then men, for they face challenges no man could possibly face. They have the greatest gift and heaviest burden placed on all of society, for not only must they comfort and counsel their men, but they also are tasked with bringing new life from the Seven into this world. Sure they sometimes have a Maester or Septon to help them along, but in the end it is the women's strength with the Mothers mercy that allows for life to prevail. That is why knights are charged with defending women, for while women are vulnerable during the latter weeks before birth it is up to strong virtuous men to protect them." Septon Arlyn smiles again, "or women as the case may be. That is why you are such a special case. You have no man to protect you, and you have devoted yourself to protecting other women, just as other knights are sworn to defend the maids honor."

Septon Arlyn gestures into the air, "Imagine Lady Corrine, She has a strength to her that few men can match, for not only is she growing a brood of children, she is also capable with a bow and well as running a house. That would be beyond most men. But she is an exceptional women, wholly devoted to Lord Ben and her household. I doubt very many people could maintain such activity for such lengths of time."

"But asking her to stand in front of a bunch of howling Clansmen?" Septon Arlyn gently shook his head, "That is the place of someone like Lord Ben or yourself, who's skills are more suited to the warriors work. That is where strength comes from, from finding a partner who can strengthen where you lack. To ask someone to be perfect is to invite them to fail, For only the Seven who are one are balanced in all things."

Numbness sets in while the septon preaches, but Loreia picks up when he educates her on the traditional strengths of women under the Seven. I meant frailty and wilting, septon. Weakness of form and fighting spirit. "How neutral of our gods to hold such a view. Or, could be a Black leaning I sense in your words. Thoughts toward changing banners, priest?" she grins.

"Seems strange to compare my position with that of a married highborn lady. Are you suggesting that I find a husband? For me to have a permanent ally, that I can never hope for any of my neighbors to be?"

Septon Arlyn smiles at Loreia’s quip about the gods being neutral, The Faith has long had women in the most devoted. “Aye, one could say that, but in saying so might make other certain parties upset. But it is easy to forget that the Seven who are one shaped us in their imag, Man and Women. For just as no one person can encompass all things such as The-Seven-Who-Are-One can, therefore it is important to follow the directions that they gave to us in the Seven Pointed Star. Just as the Faith is lead by a male High Septon, so too should women inherit only if there is no male Heir.” not to mention the fact that a certain black would be ruler has been soured towards the Queen by her uncle, and steered towards ambition by that same man.
“It would be wise for your to find a partner yes. I am sure Lady Corrine could provide a large list of eligible suitors,” Septon Arlyn breaks into a toothy grin. On a more serious note he continues, “I would chose someone who could keep us with you in battle though. You are much less likely to be targeted by an opportunist if a second steady sword is by your side. I know badger and yourself seem close, but battle is a dangerous place for a pet.”

Loreia rolls her eyes. I am sure she could, she is the Matchmaker of the Vale after all.

She nods. "I know I can't take him everywhere, but he's..." She seems to be at a loss for words. "We're good together. As for marriage...I'd like to pursue that in my own time."

"We're getting off track with this talk of pet care and suitors, 'large list' my arse," she snickers, evoking a light mood to ice over the grim discussion. "You need to understand something: if you want to help me, if you want there to be any 'us' going forward, you won't do again what you did at Lord Haigh's joust. Do you hear me, Arlyn? Not for any reason."

Lord Haig's tournament. What is she... angry brown eyes flash before the septon, the rotten juice rolls off his wrist that the Septon had is his hand.

"Tam?" Septon Arlyn asks enquiringly.

Seven hells...yes, 'tam'! "Was that his name? I'm surprised you remember that. I had half a mind to fetch that man a gold dragon just to make him ignore you. Stepping in like you did sent the wrong message, Arlyn. Did you think it was my deeds you were defending?"

I was only trying to protect you... Septon Arlyn thinks

and in doing so took away her agency to protect herself

Septon Arlyn is quiet for a moment, deep in thought at this new revelation. His face changes and contorts from blotchy red, to white, jaw working uselessly as he attempts to find words to convey what he is thinking. Finally after a few agonizing moments he begins to speak.

"Ser Loreia, I must apologize if I offended you at the tournament. That was not my intention, however I can see that you must have taken offence to that. Now if you will give me a moment to explain myself then I would gladly share my thoughts that day.

"I can do that," Septon Arlyn responds simply.

"It was not my intention to rescue you, although at the time I sensed great unease from the crowd." to say the least. "but at that moment you became a symbol of the royal investigators, and Ser Mooton a symbol of the people of battle valley. You are also a women, and should be treated with greater respect then they showed you, both as a member of the royal investigators and your sex. Tensions were already at a high between the groups, with the Green Door incident happening only days before. I could not be sure that more violence would break out due to your competition in the tournament, especially after the welcome you received. Albeit it was your first time not competing under the guise of the mystery knight, so there was bound to be some reaction from those gathered to watch the tournament."

Septon Arlyn reaches up and scratches his chin.

"Part of my involvement was for your sake, another part was to defray the tensions that had been mounting, which I think was Lord Haigs reasoning for the tournament to begin with."

Septon Arlyn sighs.

"I am not a man of great fighting prowess, nor a mighty Lord to command the respect of the small folk. What I do have is a gift to speak with people, to lead them to the Seven and with their grace heal them, both body and spirit. I know religion, and I will use that to shelter the women and small folk that I meet, to teach that there is a different way besides simply strength to get others to see your point of view. For the Seven are stronger then all of us, and it is through the Crones wisdom and Mothers Mercy that we are not all backwards like the first men, with their hundred kings and senseless killing."

Septon Arlyn shifts in his seat so he can better look into Loreia's eyes.

"If you do not wish me to speak up for you in front of others, I can do that. But I will continue to try and teach peace and reason whenever I can."

Loreia nods and places a hand on Arlyn's shoulder. "Too good a man, it would seem you are. Truly just. If you wish to soothe a mob, do not coat it with a sermon of man's duty to be coddle women and children. The best way for us to win would be allowing me to ignore people like Tam. My pardoning you now comes at the cost of the forgiveness he 'begged' me for." Although it was very, very difficult, but I cannot turn my sword on a crowd like a madman. Though I suppose if 'Tam' got too close...


"I've no quarrel with you supporting my victories and shaming those who bare teeth at me for having the Warrior's blessing, but a warrior must fight her own battles. It was especially true then, because of what you represent, whom you speak for - as a priest and as a servant of House Dulver."