| Talking at the Tourney |
| Summary: | Philippa and Jarret run into each other after the Kaedon Tourney and talk a little. |
| Date: | 03-25-2019 |
| Related: | Any of the Kaedon Tourney logs |
| NPCs: | None |
| Players: |
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| Galenthia - County Kaedon - Pinevale |
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Within Pinevale, there's a great bustle of business and activity, for even though the Capital has moved to Silverhill, the trade port remains crucial to the success of the Kaedon finances. Located at the centre of the Kaedon lands, it is heavily walled and protected by the great forest that surrounds a good portion of the bustling trade hub. Notably the Tourney grounds of Pinevale are fairly traditional in some ways and remain in use. There is a training area to practice in and a set of archery targets off to one side for archery practice or competitions. A hard packed dirt circle serves as a sparring area for melee combat and there is even a little used jousting area. The most impressive thing here is the obstacle course designed specifically to train the elite forces of House Kaedon. Great care has gone into making a difficult course that requires running, climbing, jumping and even walking softly to complete it. While most importantly the city of Pinevale meets the river here and a dock has been build to receive incoming ships and send out local ships for trade or fishing. The trees and gardens lessen here in favor of walkways and wooden structures. The docks have many a stall selling freshwater fish and even a decent selection of imported goods. Though there is always a chance of getting swindled by a skilled merchant there are just as many chances for good bargains. |
| Monday the 25th of Marse, 1875 IE. |
Evening finds the area still quite busy with people celebrating and hanging out after the tourney's last feast. Many just haven't moved on yet to the next tourney, or back home, still enjoying the hospitality of their host.
One such person is the young woman from Aseno, Philippa. Humming as she walks along the various small tables that have been set up by enterprising merchants, she looks over the wares that might be found, fingering a bit of leatherwork laid out on the makeshift table covered by blue fabric. She wears leather pants paired with a tunic and fest in her House colors of black and gold, her hair pulled back in a braid.
Some people has been less interested in the celebration, and more or less having been present. One of those would be Jarret, as he now makes his way along the those tables as well, glancing to some of them every now and then. While he hasn't been paying too much attention to the people present, his steps take him over in the general direction where Philippa is, absently whistling a bit quietly to himself.
It is the sound of a whistle that gain's Philippa's attention for whatever reason. Her gaze sweeps over, and with a smile, she woul call out lightly, "A good evening to you, your Grace." Her voice is quiet, not wishing to just blast his title out in the middle of the vendors, especially if he doesn't wanna be known at the moment.
"Ah, Lady… Philippa, wasn't it?" Jarret offers a smile, before he adds, "It's been an… okay evening, I think. How about your evening, my lady? I hope it's been well." Looking around briefly, then back to the lady.
"You are correct." Philippa answers when he manages to remember her name. "So far, so good. Enjoying the evening before we leave in the morning." A trip she is SOOO not looking forwards to! "You think?" She dares to question, brows to furrow slightly above her eyes as she studies the man for a moment.
Jarret smiles, nodding a little as he hears that. "Heading back home, or somewhere else entirely?" he asks, before he lets out a bit of a breath and glances around quickly. "Ah, well… you see… Things such as these parties are not my favorite things, but it's one of those things I have to do, these days…"
"I haven't decided just yet. I should likely do some traveling.." Philippa answers, before ahing quietly with a slight nod of her head, "I'd rather be home as well." The truth offered with a wry smile, "The downside to being my father's heir at times." Surely he can understand.
Jarret nods a bit as he hears that, "Travelling can be good, once I ended up as mother's heir, I don't think I was home that much for a year or so. Then again, it was memories that kept me away."
Philippa peers back as he mentions memories that might have kept him away, "Wha.." She even starts to question, but then shakes her head, "Sorry, I am being too nosey as my father might say. Forgive me? You certainly need not speak of such things."
"It's okay," Jarret replies after a few moments of pause. "Well, some of those memories were about my older brother. He was killed during the second succession war, which is how I ended up the heir."
"Sorry." Philippa does say quietly, "Not the way one wishes to become heir." She says after a moment, thinking upon her own succession to come when her father dies. Not a thought she wants, and so there comes a change of topic, "Did you take part in any of the tourney events?" While she did go and watch, she didn't keep up with names as well as she might should have.
"True. But in a way, I think it made me stronger for this kind of position. After all, not originally being trained for it gives me some different perspectives," Jarret replies, before he shakes his head as he hears the question about the tourney events. "I didn't, no. I think I have retired from taking part in these events. I've gotten old, I fear." There's a bit of a lightness in his voice, though.
Philippa gives it some thought, slow to nod her head, "I can see how you would say that. You don't think that it doesn't hurt you in other ways though?" She wonders of him before changing the topic to the tourney itself. A blink, and she looks him over, "Too.. old?" Surely he's not /that/ old!
"Probably, but I feel those are things I can be able to overcome," Jarret replies, before he lets out a bit of a breath as the talk goes to the tourney again. "Something like that, yes. Too old, too tired of taking the beatings…" He lets out another breath. "Perhaps too tired of fighting in general, I guess."
"You still have time to learn, hmm?" Philippa asks again before she hmms, "I think it's safe to say that many are tired of fighting. There always seems to be yet another war or skirmish.." So she can understand why there are those that would give up then tourney route in between battles. "My father considers the tourneys a way for his knights to keep in shape and ready for battle.." There is a slight shrug, as if to indicate she might think differently than he.
Jarret nods a bit as he hears that, before he glances around again. "Your father is right, it is a way for knights to do so." He pauses a little, before he adds, "Especially those knights using the weapons that are used in normal tourney events."
"But what of those that do not? How does that exactly keep them ready for battle? Wouldn't sparring and training do this better?" Philippa does wonder of him as they stand out of the way of the impromptu market area that sprang up outside the tournament grounds.
"That is the main question, isn't it?" Jarret replies, before he adds, "And there are a few more reasons why I have gotten tired of the tourneys as well. Like reputation, for example."
Philippa ohs, only to end up laughing softly, her voice husky, "How the worse man could have the best reputation in a tourney because he knows how to win?" She asks ever so innocently.
"Well, that can be something as well, yes," Jarret replies, before he adds, "And if you have a reputation as a very skilled fighter, everyone wants to beat you…" He lets out a bit of a breath, before he shakes his head again.
"That is true." Philippa says with a nod, "I hadn't thought of that, but I see it." She chuckles, "I watched the melee, and saw the one that so many disliked going against. He was good though, so I guess he gets his reputation honestly."
"Those of us with such a reputation tend to be quite good," Jarret replies, with a bit of a smile. "Some like people wanting to fight them, but some of us find it too old and tiresome…"
There is yet another chuckle from the young woman as she glances to him, "But not too old, hmm?" Philippa half teases the duke with a smile, "Well, I won't ever be that good, nor do I wish too. I am certain my father wishes I was a son instead at times."
Jarret shakes his head a little. "Feels too old at times, but I suppose I'm not that old yet," he replies, offering a brief smile, before he looks a bit more serious. "Is there ever a parent that doesn't wish their child wasn't something else, at least every now and then? At least it felt like growing up. I try to stop myself when those thoughts come about my children, though."
Philippa leans in, and will dare to reach up with a hand to ruffle his blond hair, "I don't see any grey in there, soooo…" Not too old! "Though.." There comes a quick flash of a smile, "I understand that children will make those greys come in faster, given time?" There comes a shrug as she says lightly, "I think they might at times but I wouldn't know first hand, not having a child myself. I hope, however, that I wouldn't wish any that I do eventually have, to be anything different than what they end up being."
There's a few moments of pause as his hair is ruffled, but instead of moving away, he leans forward to pat her shoulder. "Thank you…" he replies, before he chuckles. "Given time, I'm sure they will," he replies, before he adds, "But then again, there are probably other things that will make them come faster as well, right?"
Philippa is relaxed, enjoying the conversation as evident by the smiles given, and her overall way of teasing him. Some might say she's a little too touchy-feely at times, especially with the duke, but that's just her way. Laughing further, she hmms, "True. Father insists that there were a few times training his men.. or battle.. oh!" A hand lifts, a finger pointed in exclamation, "There was a time when father was hunting deer, and got surprised by a boar running out of the bushes at him… he said that gave him a few white hairs.. and made him need to change his pants."
Jarret chuckles as he hears that. "Well, that would really cause both of those effects, for sure." He pauses for a few moments, before he adds, "As will some aspects of leading people, even when it's not in battles or similar things."
Philippa wrinkles her nose a little at that, "Oh, I know. I'm trying not to think on that. Though I guess I have it a little easier than someone in your position." A mere small House rather than the dukedom!
"See, at the moment I sort of wish you lived in my Duchy, so I could give you some extra tasks, then," Jarret replies a bit lightly, unable to hold back a grin.
Philippa attempts to look innocent as she glances to the duke, "Extra tasks? What did I do??" She queries, only to end up laughing, "I have plenty on my plate, between learning to train the knights, breeding a few horses, keeping up with orders for our wool, and experimenting with goats for a new textile." She pauses, "Oh, and my father insists I should be considering looking for a husband." Nope, not going to happen just yet.
"Breeding a few horses, hmmm?" Jarret replies, with a bit of a grin, before he hears that last part. "Maybe your father thinks it's time you get a few of those grey hairs, right?"
"We do not breed so many to sell, but I do have a few that I wouldn't mind breeding to try a new line." Philippa says with a sigh, "I had hoped to breed my Mist to Lord Ludovic's stallion, but he's asking for a Parathanian stallion as a stud price.." And that is far more than she can afford! The last part just makes her wrinkle her nose a little more, "I stil have plenty of time." She will insist on that, even if her father's health is declining these days. Which is why he's starting to insist. Wants to see her married before he dies!
Jarret nods a bit as he hears that. "I see…" He raises an eyebrow at the mention of a Partharian stallion, but doesn't comment so far. "Of course you have," he replies to the part about her having plenty of time. "I've found those things are not something one should rush into lightly." Speaking from his own experience, or something?
Philippa chuckles, "I would hope to find someone I could put up with. And who could put up with me. So far…" Not many single men around! Ahem. "I don't plan on rushing into anything, no."
"Someone you could put up with, and who could put up with you?" Jarret remarks rather lightly, before he grins, "Good luck." It's offered with a chuckle, before he lets out a bit of a breath. "At least you have a say, right?"
"At least, yeah. Prefer someone not too old either." The very thought of someone her father's age has Philippa shuddering a little. Ugh. As for the last, she tilts her head, "A little, but anyone I marry would likely need some approval from my liege lords." At least that has been the way it was put to her by her father!
Jarret nods a bit as he listens. "Ah, yes…" he offers. "I wish you luck in your hunt." He offers another smile. "It's always good if someone finds someone that makes them happy."
"Thanks.." Philippa says with a soft laugh, "I can hope, but.." She also knows that sometimes, it's political. "Was it for you?" She does ask, curious, glancing aside towards the duke.
"Me? That is a… very complicated question," Jarret replies, before he lets out a sigh. "At times, things are happy, but in general… I don't really know." He glances around again briefly.
Philippa listens, then nods her head once, "At least there are good times? Better than some get." She is quick to say, "I know a cousin… let's just say, they don't often stay in the same place."
"True…" Jarret replies, before he shrugs a little. "To be honest, I've never really expected lots of happiness, though."
"Why not?" Philippa dares to ask of him, somewhat seriously then, "Shouldn't everyone hope for some happiness? " She shifts her feet, eyes to study him, "If not from your wife, then at least the family you are having with her?"
"I'm sure you didn't have the… doubtful pleasure of meeting my mother," Jarret replies, with a brief grimace. "She was not exactly a person to make anyone believe in such things as happiness, or making people feel good about themselves, or…" He trails off, shaking his head a bit. "She was a good politician, though. Even if I think she was blinded by personal lust for power at the end. Which is why I had to take the actions I did…" Expression a bit distant, almost haunted, for a few moments.
Philippa hmms, shaking her head, "No, but my father did a few times." And likely had a few choice things to say of the woman. Falling quiet, she does reach out to touch his arm, offering a quiet touch of comfort, "Sometimes, one has to do what is best for all, over that for a few. It is something that a leader, be it a duke or a knight, learns. And it is something that one who is untitled cannot and will not ever understand." Firm, and quietly spoken, are her words to him.
Staying quiet for a little while, Jarret pauses a bit at that touch to his arm, and his own hand moves to the hand on his arm, before he nods slowly. "I know… I think it will still haunt me until the day I die, though. But if I hadn't done so, I fear very many more people would have died, even if far too many did so already."
Philippa leaves her hand there, even after his comes to cover it. "It would haunt anyone who had to do it. If it didn't, then.. I would say it would make you a monster." Or something to that affect. There's a light squeeze given then to his arm, "But as you said, far more would have died." And that is what one has to keep in mind, right?
Jarret nods, smiling a little as he glances to the hand with his own hand on it. "Thank you," he replies, quietly.
"You are most welcome." Philippa would offer then, soon to smile, "So, seek happiness, your Grace. I think you deserve it, perhaps more than many." And that's her opinion and she'll be sticking to it!
"I try. Even though there are many things…" Jarret shakes his head a bit, before he lets out another breath. "I try," he says, once more.
Philippa watches, listens, but nods, "And sometimes, that is all you can do. As long as you try, hmm?" With that, she glances about, likely drawing her hand back slowly, "Were you looking for anything within the vendors in specific?"
Nodding a bit at her words, Jarret shakes his head a little. "I was not looking for anything in particular, no. Just felt the need to get some air and look around. How about you?"
"About the same, though was looking to see what they might have for a belt.. " Philippa answers, glancing back to the vendors, "But honestly, I did some morning shots with my bow, then decided to walk around since we're leaving on the morrow." There is a slight green look to her then as she considers the trip by airship.
Jarret nods a bit as he hears that, pausing as he sees that green look. "Not a fan of travelling, hmmm?" he asks, words kept rather soft for now.
Philippa shivers, shaking her head, and answers just as quietly, "Ships. Big ones. No matter if they're on the seas or in the air.." Lifting a hand, she fans herself, "I spend the whole time, hanging over the rail."
Jarret winces momentarily as he hears that. "Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. These days those modes of transportation happen to be quite important." He offers her a brief smile. "I suppose it's one of those things you just have to fight your way through, isn't it?"
"Exactly that, yes." Philippa says with a nod and one last fan of her hand to her overly warm cheeks upon those memories. "One does what one has to, for House, hmm?" Her baggage isn't exactly like his in any way, but it's enough at times. "I am ready to go home for a few days before having to travel again.." But that may not happen just yet.
Jarret nods as he hears that, offering her a brief smile. "One does what one has to," he agrees, before he adds, "And going home is always a good thing. Enjoy a few days before you need to go somewhere again."
"I am going to try my best to do that." Philippa answers, laughing a little. Before she might say more, a young male waves, calling out for her, "Lady Pippa! Henry needs you in the stables.." Frowning a little, she turns to Jarret, "If you would excuse me, your Grace? I hope to run into you again, but if I don't, have a safe trip home yourself? And don't forget to find some fun, hmm?"
Jarret nods again, offering another smile. "Of course," he replies, before he adds, "Thank you for our talk, and if we don't see each other again while here, I hope we do so later on. And safe travels."