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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 17, 2019 1:13:52 GMT 1
"Yes, actually. I have two children, courtesy of my late husband. My daughter, Sylvina, is five, while my son, Landar, is three." She beams with a mother's pride as she names them. "And, while biologically we may only be cousins, I consider Lady Ashara to be a sister to me.
"Be careful with Ser Daeron. He's charming and friendly and intelligent, but he's known for his temper. You don't want to be the target of his anger. Lady Ysilla, however, I have nothing but good things to say of. Would that more were like her."
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 17, 2019 1:51:23 GMT 1
Laena's smile in talking about her children is infectious, making Trystane smile warmly.
"I can tell they are your pride and joy. That's lovely. And yes, Ysilla is charming. Ashara too, though it's been quite some time since we saw eachother in person. I will have a care with Ser Daeron. I think it helped that I avoided discussing personal politics with him, but the way things are going, it may become unavoidable in the future."
A thoughtful look crossed his face as he remembered that Laena had said "late" husband, and decided it would be polite to at least offer condolences.
"I am sorry about the loss of your husband."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 17, 2019 12:01:05 GMT 1
"From my experience, Ser Daeron is unlikely to get angry just from you mentioning that you do not support the rebellion, but he does get ... rather vexed when you point out all the logical flaws and hypocrisies in his arguments. Were I a man, I suspect he would have found a way to punch me by now; but whatever flaws he has, he *is* a knight."
She gives a grateful nod at his condolences. "Thank you, but I am peace with it now. It was a shock at the time - he was still relatively young - but he passed peacefully. I fear all too many good men will envy him that death before too long."
Realising she had darkened the tone, she swiftly tries to move the subject on to lighter subjects. "Tell me, Lady Ashara returned from Dorne truly passionate about dancing, describing many of our dances as 'overly restrictive', and saying that the Dornish style was what allowed her to truly express herself, considering it akin to a work of art, rather than our more ritualistic style. You clearly have no problems with our rituals, but do you dance in the 'artistic' manner Ashara describes when you have the opportunity? Or does dance not call to your soul? And if not, what does, if anything?"
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 17, 2019 16:42:28 GMT 1
"I love to dance," Trystane replies, his expression brightening. "All the arts are of great interest to me. I must say I share Ashara's preference for the Dornish style, but this is also enjoyable. Calling it restrictive might be a tad uncharitable, but she isn't wrong.
Westerosi dancing is formal, polite, all about putting the right steps in the right places, being proper. With Dornish dancing, there is an element of the body itself being part of the music, representing it physically, conveying emotion, or telling a story through movement. It's very freeing. And can be intense, in a pleasurable way. In the best Dornish dances, both bodies involved are very in tune with one another. I have always thought that dancing is a form of foreplay, and the differences in how it is done here and in Dorne are... quite indicative of their respective attitudes to sex. I just think Dorne is more honest about that."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 17, 2019 22:07:30 GMT 1
Laena gives a mischievous smile, and whispers to him. "If you think the Reach attitude towards sex is simply about putting the right thing in the right place, you've gotten to know the wrong women. Believe me, with the right partner, it can definitely be 'intense, in a pleasurable way'." She sniffs, and draws herself up into an exaggeratedly haughty stance. "Or so I hear, anyway. Obviously, my own experiences are as limited as any proper lady's.
"Just be aware that, while us Great Bastards can push lines much further than most, typically we keep private matters private here. Don't try and discuss this topic with ordinary Reach ladies unless you wish to provoke a scandal."
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 18, 2019 3:22:16 GMT 1
Trystane laughs brightly as Laena puts on her prim act.
Well, that's just adorable.
"Of course, of course. You are the most proper lady I've met so far. Unimpeachable in character," he agrees, with a matching mock haughtiness. "As a pious, chaste knight, I could tell right away."
He relaxes back into his normal manner, though a slightly rakish smirk lingers on his lips, making the ends of his well-coiffed moustache seem even curlier. He thinks about asking "What about the Reach men though?", partly as a joke, but decides against it.
A bit too much of a gamble early on. She doesn't seem like the prudish sort, but you never know where people draw their lines. And this is not a private setting either. You should calm yourself anyway. This isn't Sunspear.
"But I shall take your advice, my lady," he says, in a less jesting tone. "I will have a care. Most of my future plans involve not being run out of the Reach by offended young ladies and their enraged fathers."
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 18, 2019 4:16:06 GMT 1
"Of course, of course. You are the most proper lady I've met so far. Unimpeachable in character," he agrees, with a matching mock haughtiness. "As a pious, chaste knight, I could tell right away." Laena gives an exaggerated sniff and nod at his joking assessment of her. Still, after a moment, a considering look crosses her face. "*Are* the Seven important to you?" She asks, curiously. "Do you feel their touch in your life?" "But I shall take your advice, my lady," he says, in a less jesting tone. "I will have a care. Most of my future plans involve not being run out of the Reach by offended young ladies and their enraged fathers." "Then be very careful when dealing with any ladies outside of House Starkwood." She warns with a serious tone. "Anti-Dornish sentiment has reached dangerously high levels. Enough people will likely expect the worst of you, and the truth is no defence, not that it ever is. I do not know if you have plans to marry and settle any time soon, but as much as many houses may like some royal blood added, houses have their options considerably reduced when trying to find partners for children of a darker hue. Just ask Lord Ulbert about the difficulties he's had. Point being, that even if your intentions are honourable, the response from male relatives may not be ... understanding." |
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 18, 2019 4:28:26 GMT 1
"Understood. I am not planning to get married any time soon. Even if anti-Dornish sentiment were non-existent, I would want to elevate my station first. And, if I'm honest, I'm a bit of a romantic at heart who would prefer to be connected to my future wife by more than duty or convenience. And that's something that doesn't just fall into one's lap."
He considers her question about the Seven, and nods his head.
"And yes, I do think I feel the Seven's touch in my life. I am, however, a flawed human who does not always live up to their requirements. What about you?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Apr 18, 2019 13:14:36 GMT 1
"Ah, the eternal conflict: elevating your station to improve the number of families willing to approve a match, while simultaneously decreasing the options you have due to politics. May you find the right balance."
"I've felt the Seven's presence in my life ever since they did what man would not, saving me from our father." She answers.
I think that's all the questions that come to mind for an 'intro' thread. If you want to ask/discuss more, feel free, else I'm happy with you narrating the end of the dance and /scene.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Apr 18, 2019 15:44:05 GMT 1
"Thank you. I'd hate for my reach to so far exceed my grasp that I get my hand chopped off."
As the dance came to an end, Trystane was almost disappointed. But there were other connections to make and things to learn. He kisses her hand before they part.
"May the Gods continue to smile on you, my lady. I've enjoyed this very much."
[/scene]
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