[D1-EE] The Art of Swimming

[Allard Terrick]

Temperature was dropping as the sun began to hide, but that was not an impediment for a riverlander to do what they do best, river swimming. Allard brought some food and his lute. He looked for a less crowded place near the shores of the Cockleswent to do some swimming in the river. The river was, by far, smaller than the three forks of the Trident.

The riverlander knight took out his clothes, except for his undergarments, and jumped into the waters. The water was quite cold, but it was not the coldest water he had ever experienced. The Green Fork was way colder that this.

He swam for some minutes, keeping a steady pace. Allard was a very good swimmer and part of his daily training routine was to swim whenever he had a chance.

[Cassana Algood]

The younger sister of Lord Algood found herself at the river after their conversation. It had irritated her to be discovered even if she attempted to hide it. And so, the relative solitude of the wilds were welcoming.

It was a new feeling, being able to head out alone after living as a Ward. She took in the fact that no one was watching her with pleasure until she noticed the man swimming around.

She glanced at him and then averted her gaze without much embarrassment on her face. It would be improper for her to stare but she did not seem to overtly react to his near nudity. "Pardon me. I did not know another was here."

[Allard Terrick]

Allard noticed the young girl '' Oh...right. Don't worry about it, milady.'' He said as he got out of the river. '' I was looking for a less crowded place as well...'' This was a bit awkward, not from him being modest or ashamed of being seen -almost- naked, but the situation, of a grown man being naked in front of a young girl who didn't knew, almost during the night. It was an awkward situation.

Allard was an honorable man and it was improper of him to stay -almost- naked in front of a young girl, specially since she looked like a highborn. He didn't want to dishonor this lady but most importantly he was shivering a bit from all the swimming. He got out and looked for some of his clothes. '' Swimming is a very good way to keep oneself in good form...'' He commented as he put his clothes on. His comment probably was true, as he was in very good physical form.

With most of his clothes on and in a more proper appearance he bowed to the girl '' Ser Allard Terrick '' He presented himself politely from a decent and proper distance.

[Cassana Algood]

Cassana kept her eyes averted from him as he made his appearance more modest. "Good form?" she repeated, slightly mocking him for his choice of words, "I could not possibly affirm that notion as I did not gaze upon you long enough."

When he gave his bow, she gave a curtsy in return. "Cassana Algood, sister to Lord Algood of Redwall."

[Allard Terrick]

Crap, very poor choice of words He thought.

'' Eh...what I meant is, I mean, was in reference to training and martial prowess. I didn't mean anything improper, milady. '' Now he said that a bit embarrassed.

Allard remembered a bit about the Algoods from Redwall. They are a noble house that sided with the Blackfyres during Daemon's rebellion. He didn't make any comment about that though. '' It's an honor, milady.'' He said. Then he tried to start a fire by the rivershore. '' So, you came here with your Lord-brother to enjoy the tournament, milady? '' He asked while he stacked some twigs.

[Cassana Algood]

"I see. I imagine the exercise is useful. I, however, would never be caught stripping my dress in order to dip into the river." The woman smirked. "I suppose men are able to partake in such things."

Cassana watched him stack the fire. Perhaps if she were in her other persona she would have helped. "That is correct, Ser. My House, like yours, was invited by our gracious hosts."

[Allard Terrick]

'' Aye. I suppose you are right. A bit unjust that women are not allowed to try...'' He commented as he lit the fire. '' Well if you ever find yourself alone or with proper women companions I highly recommend trying swimming. It is fun. Though you should learn how to swim first, for safety '' He said with a smile.

'' In any case, I should probably investigate a bit about your family members and retainers that will compete. To know what will I be facing. But I suppose that you will not give that information to a 'rival', eh?'' He said as a joke while he put some food on some clean twigs around the fire.

''Are you hungry, milady? It's not much, as I brought it for myself, but I don't mind sharing if you want '' He asked politely. He also picked up his lute.

[Cassana Algood]

"A lady is not afforded many things, Ser," she stated solemnly. However, she soon found another opportunity to use her tongue. "It is difficult to ensure that one is alone. It would be quite the scandal if several naked young women were happened upon by a wandering man."

Cassana looked him over passively. "I suppose it is of no surprise that a knight will be competing. And you would indeed be wise in investigating your opponents," she said as means of deflecting any prodding questions.

"Food? Our gracious hosts have seen to that quite well. That is in my case, at least."

[Allard Terrick]

'' Haha! It would be quite a scandal indeed. Well one does not need to get naked to be able to swim, although it is easier and more comfortable. You could even swim in full armour, believe it or not, but it is quite complicated.'' He replied

Allard nods to Cassana's comment about investigating other knigths and houses but he did not ask anymore questions about it.

'' Oh, well. I don't have anything bad to say about our host, on the contrary he has treated me and my house well. But I do prefer to eat among the nature. If you change your mind just tell me.'' The knight said as he strummed his lute, checking if it was tuned.

Then he started to play some music. He seemed quite focused on it.

[Cassana Algood]

"I would not want to swim in a river in one of my dresses," she remarked passively.

Cassana gave him a wry smile. "But of course," she affirmed in regards to him not speaking ill of their hosts. She looked to the lute with interest but did not make any effort to take a seat or otherwise appropriate herself fully. "I cannot claim to have the same relationship with nature." A pause. "Nor skill in the flute. Is that common in the Riverlands?"

[Allard Terrick]

For some minutes he ignored Cassana, totally focused on the instrument. Allard was a good musician, not the best but proficient enough.

After finishing the song, Allard now answered Cassana's question '' Hmm, I don't think the skill is any more common among the Riverlanders than the rest of Westeros.'' He said offering a smile. '' But I like it as it gives me entertainment and peace during my free time. Also i find it interesting as it is a different skill from what I have trained all my life. And more importantly I like to 'create' more than 'destroy', which is basically the essence of combat, to defeat and vanquish your enemies.''

'' Does musicians in the westerlands don't employ the lute, milady?'' He asked.

[Cassana Algood]

The blonde woman was not particularly amused by the notion of being ignored during the song. However, she listened to his music nonetheless. "I had heard that knights from the Riverlands fancied such sentiments. Laid back and yet skilled, so they say."

She then shrugged. "As for the lute among the Westerlands, I cannot claim to be an expert on the matter. It is not an unknown sight but I do not see it often enough to be peculiar."

[Allard Terrick]

'' Ha! And good at killing each other for no reason at all.'' He chuckled as he joked about the riverlanders' notorious reputation of being in constant war and conflict.

'' Hmm, do you know how to play some musical instrument, milady?'' He asked curious as many highborn ladies are commonly trained to play one, like the harp.

[Cassana Algood]

"There is always war somewhere," Cassana remarked solemnly, "I do not believe the Riverlands are much different."

The noblewoman shook her head, slightly embarrassed. "I cannot claim to have learned the art, Ser."

[Allard Terrick]

'' You are right, we are not much different...'' He nods '' but every time there's war in another place, somehow it always ends in the Riverlands.'' He chuckles.

'' Oh. Well if you ever try, the key to improving your musical skill is basically the same that one must do like with any other skill, training and patience '' He told her

[Cassana Algood]

"Some of it may pertain to the fact that the Riverlands are in the center of Westeros."

The noblewoman smiled and dipped her head. "But of course, Ser. But to acquire any such skills requires much time and devotion."

[Allard Terrick]

'' Aye, the Riverlands are both blessed and cursed by their geography. One day that could change though, that's what I hope for the future. '' Ser Allard looked at the waters of the Cockleswent, his face was a bit serious this time.

'' Time is always there for those who use it wisely. Devotion is there for those with good hearts. '' He offered a smile to the young lady.

[Cassana Algood]

"Indeed. I do not believe I am using my time unwisely," she stated with a wry smile. The woman looked to the waters and then back to Allard. "Should I expect to see you dethroning one of the champions in the coming days?"

[Allard Terrick]

'' Aye. Hopefully. I mean, I'm not very skilled for tourneys I do admit that but i'm here so I will try my best. '' He humbly said. '' The competition will be tough. There are many skilled knights and lords, like the Laughing Storm.''

'' I will also try to participate in the grand melee, I think in there I have more chances of winning.'' He said.

[Cassana Algood]

"The Laughing Storm? Could you tell me more about him, Ser?" she asked with a curious, childlike smile.

Cassana giggled slightly. "I know many aspiring fighters who plan to make their debut at the Grand Melee."

[Allard Terrick]

'' Ser Lyonel Baratheon, The Laughing Storm and heir of Storm's End. He is an impressive knight. I still haven't seen him around, but knowing his reputation, he would not miss the opportunity of being here. Especially when the Hand of the King and the rest of the royal princes also are here. '' He explained to Cassana.

'' Hopefully they think about it twice, the melee is even more dangerous than the joust. Many 'aspiring' knights have suffered great injuries or even worse at the melee. But, of course, there must be a first time for everything so I only hope they are at least prepared and well trained for it. ''

[Cassana Algood]

"I suppose one could not be famous unless they made sure to compete in tournaments across the land."

The blonde noblewoman smiled faintly. "The man of my House, at the very least, is well-trained. I am sure that he will be able to handle himself. If he is fortunate, he may even earn the attention of a famous knight."

[Allard Terrick]

Allard nods. '' Aye. Of course you can also get quite famous by doing other stuff. Like fighting in battle.''

'' Might I ask his name, milady?'' He asked with curiosity. He needed to know his potential rivals afterall.

[Cassana Algood]

"Derrick. You may notice him training. That appears to be all he does," she stated with a small laugh.

[Allard Terrick]

'' Ha! Well, I suppose it is good to be prepared for combat. Derrick, I will remember the name, thanks milady'' He said.