The Tourney at Ashford

Nearly straight from her bed to Ashford Hold, Alessia was in search of a curiosity she had. Late last night she couldn't help but wonder about the thing from the day prior. As much as she convinced herself it was likely a lone wolf something about the encounter didn't seem to add up. Anyway, a small trip to Ashford's hold and she figured she'd be able to find someone who could give her mind some quiet on the subject, after all it wasn't worth all the worry.

Stepping into the Hold she sought someone, but she wasn't sure exactly who would have the answers.

A slender boy entered the hold, as well, having similar questions regarding stories of a local creature. He hoped the local Maester might be able to help.

A pair of men walk through the courtyard, discussing quietly between themselves. One, the older with a well trimmed mustache and goatee, seemed to be the quiet; the other, younger, was louder though it was still difficult to make out anything more than his excited tones.

So into the conversation were the two that they almost walked into the visitors to the hold. The older held out an arm to stop the younger from walking into the young boy, "Wyllfryd, it seems you have guests."

An arm across her torso she turned to the men and failed to make proper note of the boy. With a light smile she spoke first, "There was something I had hoped to ask you of about the nearby forests, Maester."

"You too?" the boy asked. Then, remembering his manners, he dipped his head and stepped back to wait his turn.

The older maester gestured towards the younger, "By all means, Wyllfryd. You're more familiar with these lands than I am."

The younger one gave a nod, "Of course, my lady, my lord." He nods to the pair one at a time, "Lord Ashford has asked that, as best as possible, we accomodate visitors to our fine estate. I am Maester Wyllfryd. How, prey tell, might I be of service?"

Alessia turned about, noticing the young boy standing near her. With a kind smile she looked to him for a moment but looked back to Maester Wyllfryd.

"Most kind of him, and of you, Maester," she said with another, simply pleasant smile. "I was intended upon asking if you were aware of any problems with the local wildlife near here. Lone wolves, or other dangerous animals. I had spoken with another, visiting, Maester a night prior and he thought it strange something might remain near so many people."

"One day prior, I had been watched in the woods by.. something and had it not been a creature, a wolf or other, I thought it a concern.

The old maester remains silent, watching the other as if this is some sort of test that needs judged.

Wyllfryd pauses for a moment, "I'm not aware of anything dangerous that might live in the woods... nothing that would come near people anyways, unless they were desperate. But the winter was not particularly long or hard - one would think the local wildlife would be well enough fed to not bother a person."

Pausing for thought, she considered a number f options in front of her and with the belief that it shouldn't pose a danger to her.

"Thank you, Maester," she said, taking a step back and waving an arm forward. With a kindly smile she gave way for the young lad to ask his question.

"I was wondering about the white stag some people have said they've seen." he explained. "Is that something new, or is there some legend or story it may be attached to?"

"The white stag?" Wyllfryd glances at the elder maester.

Then, as one, they laugh.

The older maester places a hand on the boy's shoulder, "My boy, there's legends all over Westeros of the White Stag. Every few years, someone claims to have seen it some place or another trying to get a little bit of attention." He waves his hand, "Nothing but a fanciful story, I assure you."

"Is it just sightings, or is there something that brings that creature to mind?" he asked.

With a soft chuckle Alessia kept to the back of the group, watching the little man talk with the Maester's. Funny, it was, how she felt it was the young lad that was more in control of this situation than the two wise men he was speaking with.

Tomas approached the group quietly. Waiting to be acknowledged before saying anything.