A Decidedly Deadly Definitely Decent Duel

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

Alyssa was close by, her sister looking like she was using her as a human shield. When she saw Geralt looking for her she reached out to him. "Are you okay?" She looked at his hand,

[Prince Geralt Gardener]

"Not a scratch on me," he replied, removing his helm, revealing a broad relieved smile at seeing that she had not been harmed in the chaos. "Though you're welcome to check for yourself later," he added, in fine spirits now, despite the gravity of the situation. "How are you doing back there, Alex?"

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

Alex ran round her sister to her good brother, clutching his arm. "Oh Geralt, I was so scared!"

Alyssa rolled her eyes at her silly sister, "I am glad, she looked at his hand and ripped off part of her dress, Alex shrieking at the sound and his disregard for material things, and wrappedcit round his wound. "That was reckless," she said tying his hand a bit too tight, "what if someone had put poison on the blade without you knowing?"

[Prince Geralt Gardener]

"It's over now," he assured Alex in a comforting tone. "We'll head back to the safety of the Hightower soon enough."

He winced as she pressed the cloth into his sliced palm, more so than when he had actually cut himself now that the adrenaline had worn off.

"Considering I practically sleep with the thing, I found it a worthwhile risk to clear my name," he offered, as an explanation, before smirking. "Though if that had been the case...I assume you would have thrown a party to celebrate? You do look good in black."

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

"I'm thinking of throwing one now in anticipation." She said and then frowned, "we are going back to the Hightower? Is that not admitting guilt?"

[Prince Geralt Gardener]

"Best not count your chickens before they hatch," he remarked, before adopting a more serious countenance at her question. "I already proved my blade was not poisoned, which should turn suspicions elsewhere. My first duty is to ensure your safety and if my father believes we are not safe within the castle walls, then you are hardly safe on Hoare lands either. We can stay the night at the camp, but I think it may be prudent to leave at first light if tensions are still high and the poisoner has not been apprehended."

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

"Why would I be endanger?" She asked, looking round briefly as if she could see it coming."you just proved your innocence, why would you even need to use poison?" She asked,

[Prince Geralt Gardener]

"Considering what just transpired, I am not sure cooler heads will prevail and would rather you not be in enemy territory when tensions boil over. One does not stay in a fortified camp because hey feel safe." he reasoned, watching as the men of the Reach set off to build spiked trenches for their fortified camp for the evening. "Better overcautious in this situation than surprised."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Meanwhile, Melissa beckoned to Ser Damon Osgrey. She was still fuming about his decision to tell the king about the Hallowed Heart but there were more important matters at stake right now.

"We need to start moving our belongings out from the castle," she said. "It will be safe enough for me to go back to Harrenhal - the Hoares and their people will not dare harm me.  They all saw me dancing with their prince.  Help me rally the servants.  If we work together, we can have our belongings, and our entourage, moved more quickly.  Our horses, too."

She looked around the area to find any of their servants who had come to watch the duel and began calling them to her side.

[The Forgotten God]

The king turned to Melissa and sent Ser Damon and three dozen others to gather the things, and their cousin Florys, for that matter. "It isn't the ironborn right now, my dear," Grayson said. "It's the townsfolk. We don't want any chance at a misunderstanding." He leaned in and whispered. "I am proud of you for holding your ground. By evening we should be able to do as we wish again."

Melissa does see a few of the Steel Mermaids at a distance, moving a small cart away towards the docks.

Prince Perceon hears Ser Garrett come up behind him. "My prince," the knight said, "perhaps you'd like to oversee the setting up of the camp? Make sure that it is sufficient to keep us safe?" The king nods at his willingness to give the heir a task that'd bring him some credit for martial ability; a proper camp was crucial to an army's safety in the field.

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

Aug 13, 2017 5:03:48 GMT Prince Geralt Gardener said:

"Considering what just transpired, I am not sure cooler heads will prevail and would rather you not be in enemy territory when tensions boil over. One does not stay in a fortified camp because hey feel safe." he reasoned, watching as the men of the Reach set off to build spiked trenches for their fortified camp for the evening. "Better overcautious in this situation than surprised."

"Perhaps" she said and then nodded, "I'm glad you are okay, Geralt, who knows they could have poisoned you too." 

She seened to realise something, "I need to talk to your father, soon" she nodded, "we should gather our things," 

[King Perceon IV Gardener]

"I should like that indeed, Ser Garrett." Perceon responded. "Although if you should stay with me and offer your counsel I would be most appreciative."

[The Forgotten God]

"Of course, my prince. I am at your disposal," he said. Perceon was good with organization and numbers and letters, and such skills were essential to proper camp setup and maintenance, a role he would excel at given effort.

[King Perceon IV Gardener]

Perceon figured he had the theory of the matter well at hand but it was never a bad idea to involve someone who had practice in such things. He made his way over to the preliminary makings of the camp and made his way about it, offering comments when he saw something that he thought ought to be wider, narrower, or sharper along the perimeter. Then he went into the camp itself to see to it that tents were set up in neat rows to allow easy movement.

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

As much as she was sure that Perceon had done a bang up job, fortifications and the like were her jam. She looked over the reach camp when it was done, to make sure it was the best fortified camp it could be. Not to show him up, if she found any improvements she'd inform the price so he could order the changes, 

Fortifications 70

hxf0KATy

[The Forgotten God]

159 (major success)

With the expertise of so many brilliant minds, the Reach camp will not be entered by anyone who doesn't pass through the gates, unless they are willing to bleed to death within seconds of passing the caltrops and stakes.

[King Perceon IV Gardener]

Perceon was surprised when Geralt's wlife began offering him sage counsel on things he had overlooked, but he was quite happy to accept it.

"It seems my brother has had some influence on you, my lady." He commented once they were done. "I only wish he had shared that knowledge with me as well."

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

"Geralt did not teach me a thing about it," she said, "oldtown is a vital port it is wise to be able to defend it against siege should it occur," she smiled, "perhaps you should read up to protect high garden."

[The Forgotten God]

+1 fortifications

[King Perceon IV Gardener]

"I am all the more impressed." Perceon replied. "I hope you will do me the favour of recommending some readings in the area."

[Lady Alyssa Hightower]

"Of course" she said, "I have made lists on the best books I have read in the area, I am sure I can make you a copy if it" she said looking at him and smiling still as she looked around her handy work.

[King Perceon IV Gardener]

"That would be much appreciated." Perceon replied. "And Ser Garrett, your counsel was invaluable as well. Let me buy you a drink, for your trouble."