The Tourney at Ashford

Davelyn made his way to the hold once more to try and earn the right to challenge one of the champions. He had a determined look on his face. He put up a much better argument than he did for days before but he was still quite lowly.

D3, Vying for D4 Lists, Status, Spend Destiny for +1B: 3d6k2 9

"There are so many aspiring champions here in this tournament. It makes me wonder if everyone will be able to compete." Cassana gave the man a curtsy and then a pleasant smile. "I am Cassana Algood, sister of Lord Algood of Redwall."

"A pleasure, Lady Cassana. As I just mentioned previously I am Ser Davelyn Sand, sworn knight of Lord Cedric Kellington," he replies, offering a returned bow. "And I certainly hope that isn't the case. Because if anyone were to end up being left out I imagine it would be the Dornish bastard." He chuckles at the self deprecation, suggesting that he is more than comfortable with his position. Though internally he is actually quite concerned about getting the chance to compete in the lists.

The woman continued to smile, though it certainly weakened at the mention of one word: Sand. "That much is true. The Dornish are often treated less than how they should be," she remarked earnestly, "Just the other day, there was a scuffle involving a poor serving maid who happened to be Dornish." She paused. "I suppose a certain man stirs much trouble here."

The fact that she specifically mentions Dornish and not bastards being treated less reveals to him that she's just like so many other nobles. And that is fine with him. He'd grown accustomed to it in his years in the Stormlands. So he lets it go and moves on, nodding to agree with her. "Well, it's not surprising that there is so much ill sentiment towards the people of Dorne. There are many years of bad blood."

"I had heard about the scuffle from the rumors. And then the fight earlier..." he shakes his head. "It is a mess. And I don't have the political savvy to even remotely understand how this will all fall out. I can simply assume not well."

"I suppose it is in the nature of men to find some reason to dislike one another." The woman let out a soft sigh. "There is always some source of conflict."

Cassana shook her head. "It is hard to imagine what shall lead from these events."

"And that is my greatest sadness, to be honest. That men can find ways to justify cruelty and pain inflicted on others. If that were not the case I would have been happy to have been a scholar. But my inspiration to become a knight came from the desire to stand for others. War and battle over politics break my heart, but defending people from that which would tear their world apart gives me purpose."

"That is quite honorable," she stated. She was genuine with her words but not incredibly enthusiastic. "If only other knights more often followed the same path.'