D6 MM Sparring with the Kingsguard

Ser Jorah entered the area where the Kingsguard were camped. He felt a bit nervous for he had been invited to spar with one of the Kingsguard. After the rumours he had heard being spread around, were they wanting to test him or humiliate him.

"
Who goes there?"
One of the guards challenged his presence.


"
Ser Jorah Holt of House Coldbrook,"
he responded with authority, "
Ser Rickard Thorne is expecting me."

Ser Jorah was waved through, he was indeed expected by Ser Rickard.

"
Ah, very prompt. My thanks Ser Jorah."


Ser Rickard Thorne was sharpening a sword on a whetstone, seemingly unwilling to trust the task to a squire.

He did not look up at his guest, instead looking down the edge of the blade. Despite the flail on his family's arms, Ser Rickard was known as an expert swordsman and sharp-eyed guard, an ideal protector for the Queen.

"
Tell me Ser Jorah, are you lettered?"


An unusual opening question before sword play...

Ser Jorah had not been expecting to be questioned on his letters.

"
I am, though I'm sure that the Grand Maester himself wouldn't think too highly of my efforts, but I am not lacklustre on that matter."

ooc
I'm presuming you mean can he read and write, which thankfully I took

"
Fear not Ser Jorah, I will not add a test on penmanship to your burdens."


"
Simply regular correspondence on what passes through and around House Coldbrook. You Lord has seized himself an enviable strategic position, and the capital is peaceful. In quiet hours at the White Tower I am working on a grand tome covering both the war against the Faith Militant and a survey of current troops dispositions, so future military scholars may contrast their position."


"
I gather that you too take an interest in the theoretical side of swordplay, alongside your reputation as a fine practical exponent of bladesmanship."


To describe Ser Rickard's efforts at intrigue as unsubtle would be generous to the man.

[OOC: Awareness (empathy) TN 9)]

"
I was only a young man during the conflicts with the Faith Militant, but I do remember some of what happened and the stories that Lord Coldbrook, my father and others told if you would like to hear them at some point?"


"
Yes, I do like to expand my knowledge, not only on swordsmanship, but also commanding troops. There have been a few tomes written on the subject. Would you be able to recommend any?"


ooc

[url=awareness - Ser Rickard][/url]: 3d6k3 10

The man is only slightly more subtle than Ser Jorah - least he doesn't have to reroll sixes

[url=Cunning - which side does Ser Rickard support?][/url]: 3d6k3 6 and the curse strikes again

"
I would not impose myself directly on Lord Coldbrook - visits from the kingsguard set some men on edge. Why not include their tales in your missives?"


"
In turn, I would be glad to reply with the titles of recommendations once I have consulted the library at the Red Keep."

"
I would be happy to collect stories about the war in the Stepstones. There are a few houses nearby who also sent people. I would be happy to collect them to send to you."


ooc
[url=cunning - what houses nearby support the Greens][/url]: 3d6k3 12

"
On your honour as a knight, so be it. I look forward to our correspondence. Military events and strength, both old and new have a place in my text."


"
Come, to the practice yards."


He tests his sword's weight with a few practice cuts.

Ser Rickard is a natural with a blade, that much is clear from even a brief viewing.

Seemingly satisfied with the blade, he gestures for Ser Jorah to follow.

Ser Jorah picked up another practice blade;
his stomach did not feel entirely right. The subtext of their conversation did not feel right and he remembered why he hated the politics of the land.

He tested a few blades before finding one that felt balanced in his hand. His skill was balanced over all weaponry, with a penchant for a sword and shield combination. Having seen Ser Rickard practice, he hoped he was up to the challenge.

Long did the two practice - Ser Rickard is more than worthy of his station, but it is a close matched thing.

No more is said of politics by the kingsguard - Ser Jorah is near enough his match to force him to focus all his energies on swordplay.

By the end, Ser Rickard is sweating, despite the season's cold.

"
Well fought Ser,"
he pants. "
You are a credit to your master-at-arms."

Reader wrote:Long did the two practice - Ser Rickard is more than worthy of his station, but it is a close matched thing.

No more is said of politics by the kingsguard - Ser Jorah is near enough his match to force him to focus all his energies on swordplay.

By the end, Ser Rickard is sweating, despite the season's cold.

"
Well fought Ser,"
he pants. "
You are a credit to your master-at-arms."

Ser Jorah had to stop to catch his breath. It was like facing Lord Coldbrook in practice, but better.

"
And you as well Ser Rickard. The Kingsguard are honoured to have you.
I will pass the regards to Captain Orell and my father, who trained me. Nowadays, I am House Coldbrook's master at arms. I hope my men will be able to feel the same."

"
Coldbrook's martial reputation is well earned. I have no doubt you will train a fine new generation of warriors for House Stark."


"
I think you'd have the beating of nine men in ten here with a blade in hand, and this is a fine company indeed."


He salutes Jorah with his sword.

"
Good to face some new tricks."

Ser Jorah returned the salute.

"
Coming from a member of the Kingsguard, that is fine praise indeed. it is always worth facing new people, better to be always learning."

ooc
Somehow missed this until now

[/scene? unless there's any follow up questions?]

/scene