Out late (Day 4 LE)

[Talieas Corbray]

Having encountered Lady Kaelyn late that evening, and remembering her from the meeting with the Dunns, Talieas Corbray had offered her his assistance in case she perhaps needed it. To his surprise she had indeed accepted; she wished to go for a walk. An escort was not a bad thing for that.

Walking alongside her, though not too close due to the hour and what impression that could give, he had regaled her of the story of his victory in a drinking contest. It had involved him coming late and not knowing what was going on until close to the end, but a victory it had been. After that he'd gone a little quieter, enquiring about the young woman politely - how her journey had been, what she thought of Ashford and such. As they entered the castle streets he'd given her a thoughtful look, stroking his chin.

"So, what about the strong winds? Do you get those across your lands at home as well?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"They tend not to. The Burrow is very peaceful in its weather. I have to admit, I was scared that the storm yesterday could have knocked over the tents." She lowered her eyes and smiled. "Tell me, I passed by your compound and saw the most lovely white horse. I was told she was yours. Has she been with you long?"

[Talieas Corbray]

"That would be Pearl." His smile instantly resurfaced, wide and delighted. "I raised her myself almost from birth. I never thought she'd be quite so big, but she's been full of surprises. She's just past three years old now. I can introduce you both during the tourney if it pleases you Lady Kaelyn?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I would be delighted!" Kaelyn beamed. She was pleased to find so many people kindly disposed to their animals as she was to hers. "I did not get Tyana quite so young, but she and I share a connection now. I'm sure you have a similar one with Pearl. The trust it takes for an animal to allow you on their back and to follow your commands." Kaelyn was a rider, through and through.

"Are there many good places to search out here at Ashford? I take Tyana out most days but I haven't found any particular place."

[Talieas Corbray]

"Aye, well said Lady Kaelyn." And even moreso in combat, though I pray ladies like you can avoid that experience. The young Dunn girl was pretty, innocent and charming. He felt an instinctive need to protect her on top of his usual chivalrous tendencies.

"Hmm. The meadows and along the river are about as good as it gets. There's meant to be some secluded spot somewhere, but I've not found it yet and I doubt it's good for riding."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I have been along the edge of the forest but never ventured inward. Too many things can happen in the woods. I shall try the rivers next, at your suggestion."

Striding along at a leisurely pace, she found the presence of the man beside her quite reassuring. "So, in what competition to do plan to partake?" After yesterday, she was more worried than ever about the competitors' safety.

[Talieas Corbray]

Nodding at her comments he looks up and then back to her. "If you need an escort you'd be most welcome Lady Kaelyn."

Her query is a good one and he rubs his chin. "Oh, fair question. I'd like to joust, but there are so many famous knights and important lords here eh?" He sounded a little down for a moment, as if he had small hope he'd get an opportunity. "Perhaps the melee?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I just might take you up on that, good Ser." She grinned. "A melee is like a 'dealer's choice', isn't it? Where each person chooses their own weapon and they fight until one yields?"

[Talieas Corbray]

"Yes, though I've heard sometimes there are teams. I'd certainly like to avoid having to battle any friends... or family, I suppose." He rolled his shoulders and there was a fleeting frown. "Especially if it is as fierce as I've heard. This is, you see, my first tourney. I'm still learning how things really are."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I completely understand; this is my first time at a Tourney. I'm finding the whole experience a little overwhelming in its surprises, I must admit. More than anything I have been worried for the men who fight for only our entertainment. Especially after yesterday..." She lowered her head, thinking she was likely bringing the mood down by giving voice to her inner fears.

[Talieas Corbray]

"That was a tragedy, aye, but it should not mar our enjoyment of what should be a celebratory time eh?" Tal replied with equal parts respect and optimism. "None of us live forever and I trust Lord Ashford has the matter in hand. There have been more guards and patrols today too, and the peace has kept. Will you be at the melee m'lady?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I will. Many of the people I've met plan to compete. I like for competitors to know they have a friendly face in the crowd. You mentioned this was your first Tourney. Does that mean first you're competing in, or first ever? It's my first ever, so I'm curious."

[Talieas Corbray]

"First ever. We are both virgins to affairs such as these." He responds with a slightly teasing tone. Then he is chuckling and walking merrily. "Haha. Forgive my jests. It's simply exciting to be here and to take in such a lively castle town during a tournament. I've never seen so many people gathered together before."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn blushed at the Knight's tease before laughing musically. "I have nothing even to compare this to. But my nerves have been tempered by meeting people such as yourself."

[Talieas Corbray]

Her comment piqued his interest and he turned to her as they walked. "May I ask in what way Lady Kaelyn?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

She smiled and looked down sweetly. "My father was meant to accompany me here. If he had, he would have been making introductions for me. It's been a challenge for me to approach and speak with people on my own. So meeting people who are friendly, like yourself, make that a bit easier. I've been finding my voice, I suppose."

Kaelyn looked back up into Talieas' eyes. "You seem to be very at ease with people. Do you have any insights you can share?"

[Talieas Corbray]

This had him covering his mouth to muffle a good chuckle. He shook his head and held up his other hand. "Apologies, apologies. I was merely remembering asking Lady Cassana Algood for advice on social situations and etiquette only a couple of days ago. Mayhaps she taught me well?"

Lowering his hands he stretched them above himself and made an amused contemplative noise. "I try to be open and honest with people. It's much easier to speak the truth than to form some deception. People also like those they can trust... I believe you're fine there. Just smile and ask others about themselves. Most people enjoying talking about themselves eh?" He answers her in a friendly and cheerful voice. "It helps when you're sure of yourself too. A guard you know to be capable and speaking to those who are your peers rather than your betters all assists. I confess I become nervous sometimes around very important Lords and Ladies."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

At first she thought he was laughing at her but maintained her smile, relieved when he explained it was nothing she had done. "I have been well-schooled in the arts of etiquette and manners. My Septa saw to that from the time I can remember. At parties I can easily converse. It's when I'm not in the role of a hostess or being introduced to someone. And yes, when speaking to those far above my station. I had to use all of my training not to flee when we were toasting the Targaryen Princes."

She played with her fingers a bit, rubbing one of her nails to ensure it was not close to breaking. "Honesty is what comes easily to me. I doubt I could be convincingly wily if my life depended on it. So I must hope it never does." she leaned in ever so slightly, laughing before returning to proper posture.

[Talieas Corbray]

"And I fair lady, and I." His laughter joins hers for a few moments until a window shutter is banged and they're reminded the current street is residential. His voice becomes quieter. "Best not disturb the local sleepers eh? I wanted to say you did very well with your toast. Perhaps you merely need more confidence? It gives me an idea." He lifts his hand and one finger, smiling away. "So, lady honest and fair, what is the bravest thing you've ever done?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"Hmmm, the bravest thing..." She makes a show of pondering, in a quieter voice. "I don't know if things I've done could be considered 'brave', but when I was 7 I was nearly abducted by someone in the woods. I was told not to scream with a knife to my throat. I screamed anyway and was saved. I don't know if that was truly brave..."

She smiled a bit. "I suppose the other time would be when I was 11. Some older boys were kicking around a gyrfalcon that had failed in her hunt. I took up a stick and started hitting them, screaming until they ran off. I suppose I only won because I was a Lady and the boys doing the kicking were not of noble birth. But I did attack a whole mess of boys with nothing but will - and a stick - and saved the falcon. You might have noticed her around. My gyrfalcon, Dahlia. I nursed her back to health with the assistance of the Maester. We've been inseparable ever since."

She raised an eyebrow. "I don't know if either of those things are brave per se, but they're what I've got. Why do you ask?"

[Talieas Corbray]

"Oh no, those are fine examples. Very brave - honestly." He touched his hand over his heart to show his sincerity. "I asked so that I might have you consider how you felt in each of those moments. Please, give it some thought. When you saw the gyrfalcon being attacked or when you had a knife to your throat - a terrible thing for a child so young most certainly-" He detoured for a moment. "I do hope that person was caught and punished?"

He clears his throat gently as he remembers his point. "Sorry, when that happened, what were you thinking and how did you feel?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"Yes, he was caught. Apparently I appeared very much like a viable ransom."

She hadn't expected his question about her feelings and thought on it before answering. "When I was held at knife point, I was surprised and terrified. They don't normally teach young girls how to defend themselves after all. With Dahlia, I was afraid they'd kill her, and I was angry that they'd do it. So, I guess fear in both." She'd never thought about the two incidents as a way to see inside herself like this before. Kaelyn was quite interested in what Talieas was going to say.

[Talieas Corbray]

"It sounds like overcoming fear to me. Dig a little deeper. Assuming you've had moments of fear, or just anxiety, that you've not overcome - even little things, like speaking against a social superior or disagreeing with a parent - then you have to wonder what drove you to overcome fear in those two particular moments eh?" Tal offers, flashing her a quick smile. "Whenever I don armour there is a moment I get a tight feeling in my chest. I think 'will this save me? will I need this?' and wonder about getting hurt, or worse. Sometimes it even crosses my mind when I mount Pearl - it's all too easy to get hurt falling from a horse, especially in armour. However." He lifts a finger a moment and grins. "It's what you tell yourself and how you see yourself that lets you get past that. If you want to speak easily with people then consider that. I mean, well, it's only my own humble experience, but that's how I do it."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn was further surprised by the depth of this advice she was in desperate need of. She touched her fingers to her lips and chin. "Loyalty." she mused. Then started a bit and blushed. "I don't mean to sound immodest, but with the exception of the time I was fighting for my life, every time I've defied my betters or pushed boundaries has been because of loyalty in one form or another."

"My brother, whom you met, contracted Greyscale when I was 8. I was desperate and furious that I couldn't see him. The Maester and my Septa explained to me that I could become ill, but that didn't stop me from trying to sneak inside his room. They posted guards..." she put her hand on Talieas' arm and smiled. "And you mentioned my toast. I was worried about making House Dunn look foolish. It was from that where I pulled my words, for I surely had nothing planned. In front of royals, no less." She shook her head and removed her hand.

Kaelyn looked into his eyes. "I thank you. I've always considered duty to be what drives me, but maybe it's something more." She dipped her head. She smiled. "You know, for someone who only received such advice two days ago, you're quite good at giving it."

[Talieas Corbray]

Her touch had been strangely welcome, if very unexpected. He listens to her and laughs softly as she finishes. "Haha! Lady Algood's advice was on first impressions and gauging an audience, and not more than that. I suspect she keeps her best lessons only for herself. No, that advice was all mine." He grins her way then runs a hand through his hair. Looking away and instead to the houses about them as they walked he says a little more. "I'm glad you found it useful. Loyalty is a trait I firmly believe in too."