Donnel Redfort

Donnel Redfort is the eldest son of Lord Robert Redfort by Anicia Redfort, and heir to House Redfort.

Appearance and Character
Donnel has a lithe frame that likely would be skinny if it weren't for his required training as a Knight. Handsome features slightly compensate for this otherwise unremarkable brown hair and eyes. There is an odd dichotomy in his features between his private and professional life; a ready, kind smile for those close to him and his subjects but a stern, serious expression during or preparing for battle.

Trained to use a sword, and not without ability, his true talent lies in leading men both as an eventual Lord and as a commander of soldiers. His youthful appearance belies his poise when in command.

History
Donnel had a fairly typical early childhood as heir to a House. While he had moments of recreation the vast majority of his time was spent preparing him for his eventual ascension to Lordship. Arms-training, book-learning, and the all-important lessons in leadership were spread liberally among a group of teachers during his adolescence. Not least of those was early training by his uncle Benedar Redfort, who had the honor of being one of the Winged Knights.

Donnel faced his training with all the seriousness available to a young Heir, but the one aspect he truly shone in was commanding soldiers. It started as simple tactical exercises concealed as games, but those quickly were discarded for more complex challenges for the Lord-to-be. The battles and challenges were systematically dismantled by young Donnel, much to his father's pride.

As he grew older his father naturally wished to broaden his education as well as giving Donnel the opportunity to make connections of his own with the other notable families of the Vale. It was agreed to send young Donnel to the Eyrie as a ward to the Arryns. Given the upheaval for them they agreed to further secure the loyalty of one of the most prominant Houses in the Vale.

Due to his age, Donnel was not present at the battle of Ruby Ford. His father was partly responsible for that, with both his presence as well as his brother's at the battle, he didn't wish to also risk his eldest son and heir.

Recent Events
Donnel's time at the Eyrie as ward was mostly spent either snowed in during the harsh winter or participating in the combat against the Mountain Clans. It was also during his service to House Arryn that he was formally acquainted with Lord Osric's daughter Arwen. Their initial relationship was understandably formal but they grew into uneasy friends over the years.

It was the Siege of Highbrood that changed Donnel's life the most, his first combat larger than a raid. Given additional responsibility he surpassed expectations as a commander. Later in the campaign Donnel would earn his Knighthood and the Redfort's loyalty to the Arryns was secured with his betrothal to Arwen. The two were wed in 417AC