|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 5, 2019 14:48:15 GMT 1
[This scene starts with a letter shortly after Goldengrove, then transitions to a face-to-face scene later (maybe Whitegrove), but since they are part of the same narrative thread, we're putting them in the same forum thread.]
Dear Balon,
She'd gone back and forth on using his title, but decided that, even if was read by others, the damage would be manageable.
I hope this letter finds you well, and in good spirits, for I am afraid it carries bad news. At least, I hope it is news, and you have yet to hear from other sources, for I feel you deserve to hear it from me first.
I owe you an apology.
You asked of me that I stay away from one house in particular. And I have failed to do that. I learned at the wedding I just attended that, as suspected, particular members of that house were responsible for a particular Wrong. And I realised that, due to surrounding events, I could not commit to the path I had envisioned without bringing a mountain of trouble on my head, even if I had the steel to try.
In short, there was no path to them not through their house.
I should have been patient. I should have spoken to you first. But inaction ever sits ill with me, and in this case, my temper overrode my better judgement.
So, I'm sorry.
You will hear exactly what I have done soon. It was not particularly subtle. It cannot be taken back. And while I am constrained by the misfortune of others from direct action, they have no such constraint (and it is well-proven that they have no morality to restrain them, either), so one way or another, this matter must be settled quickly if it is to have an outcome I would consider 'favourable'. So, I suggest you settle any outstanding debts as a matter of priority.
Forgive my vagueness in some of my wording. Even sealed, I do not trust that eyes other than yours will not read this missive. When next we meet face-to-face, may it be soon, we may speak freer, but I wished to apologise as soon as possible, just as wounds should be treated as soon as possible to prevent rot and fester.
I remain, as ever, -L
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 6, 2019 22:28:18 GMT 1
Balon neatly folded the letter and set it down on the table. It hadn't been the first time he'd read it and it certainly wouldn't be the last. A scowl was on his face and the corner of his eye twitched in anger. His hand involuntarily flexed open and closed and he had to restrain himself from breaking something in a childish fit of rage.
I asked her to do one thing. One thing. Balon let out a snort of annoyance. "I'm Laena Pyre and I act." he said mockingly. I didn't ask her to let me put a bastard in her belly. I didn't ask her to murder someone. I only asked she mind her business. Actually I didn't even ask that. I told her to leave them alone *unless* she had actual evidence of their involvement in Ashara's death. I even said I'd help her if she had proof.
But what does she do? She barely makes it back to the Reach and at the *first* event held by the loyalists she not only calls Normyn and Maegelle murderers she claims Quentyn and Denyse are bastards and Ser Roland should be the rightful ruler of Hammerhal. ROLAND! That sanctimonious prick. Balon suddenly stood up and repeatedly punched the table in anger. A jolt of pain shot up his arm as the skin tore from his knuckles. With his tantrum subsided Balon slumped back into his chair and closed his eyes. He tipped his head back and took several calming breaths before opening his eyes again.
He looked over to the wardrobe in his room and saw the most recent gift he'd bought for Laena. I know why I'm mad at her. It's not because she acted against the Blackfyre cause. It's not her methodology. It's because I love her and she promised me. His mind drifted back to their conversation about why it hurt more when a loved one wronged them. A darker part of his mind spoke up. And what will Laena think when she finds out you're a murderer of pregnant women? You piss and moan like a child about House Cordwayner when she has actual reasons to hate you. She just doesn't know of them yet.
If there was a silver lining in her letter it was she wanted to meet sooner than later. She wanted to explain herself in detail as to why she did what she did. Moreover it appeared she was truly sorry. But what is she willing to do to make amends? "Who are you fooling Balon? She'll offer to suck your cock and you'll forget all about this." Balon hoped it wasn't that easy to assuage him but it's not like he'd say no to that either. He harrumphed as he walked over to a desk and pulled out a blank piece of parchment and ink.
He began to compose his letter to her. Context could often be lost in written form so he kept it short, formal, and to the point. When he came to the part of where to meet he stopped and thought. I want this smoothed out before Whitegrove.
Meet me at Dunstonbury.
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 7, 2019 19:16:05 GMT 1
***Dunstonbury, some time later...***
Laena, chaperone distantly in tow, approaches Balon beside the river Mander, all three of them mounted. They'd agreed to meet before her 'camp' entered Dunstonbury. No point in making her visit 'official' if she'd end up leaving after a single conversation (though that wasn't the reason she gave).
When she got close enough to see his features, she seemingly couldn't control a warm smile crossing her face, before she clearly remembers the circumstances around their meeting, and schools her face back into a serious expression. "Balon." She greets him as she stops her mount. "Should I begin with my apology, or would you feel better if you yelled at me some to start?" She glances towards the distant castle, confirming that, yes, even if he did start yelling, anyone there was unlikely to hear anything, and definitely wouldn't see anything even if they did.
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 7, 2019 22:51:03 GMT 1
When she got close enough to see his features, she seemingly couldn't control a warm smile crossing her face, before she clearly remembers the circumstances around their meeting, and schools her face back into a serious expression. Balon sat atop a magnificent looking blue roan courser as Laena approached him. He was wearing training leathers and it appeared he'd spent the majority of the morning in the training yards. Legacy was sheathed on his hip and a shield with the personal sigil Laena designed hung off the side of his saddle. He stared at her and couldn't decide how to greet her. Friendly? Anger? Dismissive? He had rehearsed this meeting a thousand times but when he caught a glimpse of her smile indecision overwhelmed him. Love will kill you before this war does you idiot."Balon." She greets him as she stops her mount. "Should I begin with my apology, or would you feel better if you yelled at me some to start?" She glances towards the distant castle, confirming that, yes, even if he did start yelling, anyone there was unlikely to hear anything, and definitely wouldn't see anything even if they did. Instead of answering her question he turned his horse away from the castle, "Ride with me." His horse moved off at a slow walk and Balon waited for her to come alongside him. He moved his horse close to hers and held his hand out, palm facing up, waiting for Laena to put her hand in his. He squeezed it lovingly and couldn't help but smile. "I missed you." He wanted to start off with that before he got to the ugly part. He released her hand and looked forward as he began to speak, "You know I practiced this conversation in my head at least a hundred times. Trying to think what you'd say, what I'd counter with, your counter and so on. Now that you're here I'm lost for words." He turned to look at her, not used to seeing her in travelling attire. "You look... different," he quickly added, "but good. Maybe it's the clothes. I'm used to seeing you in a more.. regal? state of dress," a smile formed on the corner of his lips, "or state of undress that would cause Septon Sourpuss to have chest pains." He let out a soft chuckle. He continued on his non-sequitur, "Did you know I was gifted this horse from House Fossoway for my performance in the equestrian event at Highgarden? I was allowed to choose any horse from their herd and picked this one and you know why? Because it reminded me of you." Balon held up a hand defensively, "Yes I know no lady wants to be compared to a horse but hear me out. When I looked at this horse it was beautiful, majestic even. I could tell it was smarter than the average horse, something about the way it carried itself. I saw something in it that no one else had. The more I rode it the more I learned it's temperment. What it likes, what it doesn't. And in turn it's learned about me as a rider and what I prefer. I trust this horse, which is more than I can say for you..." Balon's voice had slowly become more stern as he spoke. "This sword?" He tapped Legacy. "Because of you. This sigil? Because of you." He had become a little more agitated, "I left House Starkwood alone because you asked me to. I could have left Ser Simon behind to fend for himself against the Redwynes. I could have left Ser Eoric and Ser Normyn behind to fight off the Dornish Daverhyls. I could have made a straight line for the Starkwoods in the melee and joined Lord Walgrave and did my best to put Ser Symon in an early grave. But I didn't because you asked me not to.""On the way back to the Reach I could have hired sellswords to ambush the Starkwood retinue. Kill them all, rape Lady Allyria, desecrate their bodies. Apparently it's easier than I thought." A clear cheap shot at the deaths of the Blackbars. "But I didn't because I *promised* you I'd leave them alone. I'd bury my hatred of the Dornish, my desire to start a border war. I went against my wishes because you asked me to." His voice rose, "Because that's what you do when a loved one asks you. You do it.""And what did I ask you in return? Let me put a bastard in your belly despite your insistence to never have that happen? Kill my kin to ensure I become lord of Gyldenhaal? No. I asked you to be silent." Balon corrected himself, "Actually I asked you to come to me if you had proof and I'd HELP you. A house that I'm doing everything to keep in the hands of allies in the war to come. But what did you do instead?" He asked rhetorically. Balon sighed, his venting complete, "Tell me Laena; why? Make me understand. Why do I need to settle my outstanding debts."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 8, 2019 19:19:53 GMT 1
He turned his horse away from the castle, "Ride with me." His horse moved off at a slow walk and Balon waited for her to come alongside him. He moved his horse close to hers and held his hand out, palm facing up, waiting for Laena to put her hand in his. He squeezed it lovingly and couldn't help but smile. "I missed you." He wanted to start off with that before he got to the ugly part. Without either hesitating the start or rushing the action, she takes his hand, squeezes it, and bashfully smiles briefly back. "I missed you, too." Though I am glad you didn't come to my cousin's wedding."This sword?" He tapped Legacy. "Because of you. This sigil? Because of you." He had become a little more agitated, "I left House Starkwood alone because you asked me to. I could have left Ser Simon behind to fend for himself against the Redwynes. I could have left Ser Eoric and Ser Normyn behind to fight off the Dornish Daverhyls. I could have made a straight line for the Starkwoods in the melee and joined Lord Walgrave and did my best to put Ser Symon in an early grave. But I didn't because you asked me not to.""On the way back to the Reach I could have hired sellswords to ambush the Starkwood retinue. Kill them all, rape Lady Allyria, desecrate their bodies. Apparently it's easier than I thought." A clear cheap shot at the deaths of the Blackbars. "But I didn't because I *promised* you I'd leave them alone. I'd bury my hatred of the Dornish, my desire to start a border war. I went against my wishes because you asked me to." His voice rose, "Because that's what you do when a loved one asks you. You do it.""And what did I ask you in return? Let me put a bastard in your belly despite your insistence to never have that happen? Kill my kin to ensure I become lord of Gyldenhaal? No. I asked you to be silent." Balon corrected himself, "Actually I asked you to come to me if you had proof and I'd HELP you. A house that I'm doing everything to keep in the hands of allies in the war to come. But what did you do instead?" He asked rhetorically. Balon sighed, his venting complete, "Tell me Laena; why? Make me understand. Why do I need to settle my outstanding debts." She listens silently and attentively as he speaks, watching his face as he talks. When he's finished, she waits a few breaths before responding. Rash thought provokes rash action, which she did not want. "Is that the only reason you didn't do those things?" She begins by asking softly. "Abandon your friends, rape innocent women - even if it weren't your cock, if you order it, it's your responsibility - desecrate bodies? If I hadn't made my request of you, would you truly have done all those things?" "Anyway, to get to the heart of the matter, Ashara's assassins were hired at Cider Hall, when the betrothal of Ser Aladore and Lady Jeyne was announced. Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn were both present, they spent a day 'hawking' while there, out of sight of anybody else, and no-one else present had a motive. That's enough to convince me they did it, but it's nowhere near enough to *prove* it. I turned to Bloodraven, and he basically admitted that he would be incapable of proving it, too. Though he agreed that no-one else present had a significant motive and capability. "So, why did I not proceed with the plan we'd discussed before, to cover this situation? Simple. Do you remember all the pointed fingers after Ser Jonothor's assassination? However implausible it was, many fingers pointed at the Starkwoods. Because they had the 'right' politics to be accused, and were weak enough to not have to fear retaliation for it. Now imagine what would happen if just *one more* person with a bad history with Ashara died under suspicious circumstances. Suddenly, all those wild conspiracy theories about some demented Starkwood crossing off a list of people who'd 'wronged' Ashara would gain credibility! And once people start looking at specific suspects, it is a *very* short jump from the Starkwoods to me, and I'm pretty sure, even with your help, I cannot withstand that level of scrutiny for a crime that big without being caught. I could not see a way in which I didn't lose my head, quite possibly for a half-dozen different murders. "I didn't start my speech intending to denounce the Cordwayners. I was going to just do my usual words about 'honour' and so forth, presenting the image I wish to present. But all these thoughts were just ... boiling up inside me. Lady Maegelle couldn't be punished legally, and I couldn't touch her illegally without creating a whole mess of trouble, and almost certainly losing my head. I felt ... powerless." Her gaze firms, and her voice is stern. "And I never want to feel powerless ever again." Voice returning to her prior softness, she concludes. "So ... I denounced them. Loudly and firmly. Because some wrongs I cannot let slide. Some people, it doesn't matter how protected you are, how many avenues of attack you close off." She sighs. "I may not be able to always protect the ones I love, but I damn well will find a way to avenge them, to protect those who remain." She smiles bashfully at him again, and squeezes his hand meaningfully.
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 10, 2019 7:05:43 GMT 1
"Is that the only reason you didn't do those things?" She begins by asking softly. "Abandon your friends, rape innocent women - even if it weren't your cock, if you order it, it's your responsibility - desecrate bodies? If I hadn't made my request of you, would you truly have done all those things?" Balon opened his mouth to respond but stopped. Would I do those things? He hadn't raped Marei nor desecrated any of the bodies at Riverthorn. There were lines even Balon wouldn't cross. "I... well, no. I mean I would've ambushed them if I thought the reward far exceeded the risk." Balon was being honest with Laena, his desire to wipe out the Starkwoods was nothing new to her. "But no, I wouldn't have done those things. I'm not a monster.""Anyway, to get to the heart of the matter, Ashara's assassins were hired at Cider Hall, when the betrothal of Ser Aladore and Lady Jeyne was announced. Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn were both present, they spent a day 'hawking' while there, out of sight of anybody else, and no-one else present had a motive. That's enough to convince me they did it, but it's nowhere near enough to *prove* it. I turned to Bloodraven, and he basically admitted that he would be incapable of proving it, too. Though he agreed that no-one else present had a significant motive and capability. Balon's lip curled in annoyance at the mention of Bloodraven. "You believe it was them but neither you nor Ser Bryden can prove it. What if you're wrong?" Balon wanted to be convinced, "I'm not saying you are but have you given it serious consideration? It's odd that someone of Bloodraven's renown can't dig up *something* but he didn't hesitate to encourage your bias, for the lack of a better term." Balon ran a hand through his goatee, "How are they more capable than the others that were at Cider Hall? House Florent and Lord Reynald are known for their preference for courtly intrigue. Is there a long game their playing that could've been missed?" Balon looked back to the chaperone trailing behind them before looking at Laena, "You worry that people within my faction will use me until I'm no longer of any value then discard me. Is the same true for you? You have a network of informants by your own admission. Would you really be surprised if Bloodraven was using you as a pawn in bringing down two adamant supporters of Ser Daemon and replacing them with a respected loyalist? If you succeed that pleases him. If you fail he absorbs your spy ring and finds another to use. Either way the danger to him is minimal and your paint a target on your back." By his tone and facial expression Balon was concerned for her. "So, why did I not proceed with the plan we'd discussed before, to cover this situation? Simple. Do you remember all the pointed fingers after Ser Jonothor's assassination? However implausible it was, many fingers pointed at the Starkwoods. Because they had the 'right' politics to be accused, and were weak enough to not have to fear retaliation for it. Now imagine what would happen if just *one more* person with a bad history with Ashara died under suspicious circumstances. Suddenly, all those wild conspiracy theories about some demented Starkwood crossing off a list of people who'd 'wronged' Ashara would gain credibility! And once people start looking at specific suspects, it is a *very* short jump from the Starkwoods to me, and I'm pretty sure, even with your help, I cannot withstand that level of scrutiny for a crime that big without being caught. I could not see a way in which I didn't lose my head, quite possibly for a half-dozen different murders. "I didn't start my speech intending to denounce the Cordwayners. I was going to just do my usual words about 'honour' and so forth, presenting the image I wish to present. But all these thoughts were just ... boiling up inside me. Lady Maegelle couldn't be punished legally, and I couldn't touch her illegally without creating a whole mess of trouble, and almost certainly losing my head. I felt ... powerless." Her gaze firms, and her voice is stern. "And I never want to feel powerless ever again." Voice returning to her prior softness, she concludes. "So ... I denounced them. Loudly and firmly. Because some wrongs I cannot let slide. Some people, it doesn't matter how protected you are, how many avenues of attack you close off." She sighs. "I may not be able to always protect the ones I love, but I damn well will find a way to avenge them, to protect those who remain." She smiles bashfully at him again, and squeezes his hand meaningfully. "So what's your endgame with the Cordwayners? There is currently no proof of their involvement in Lady Ashara's murder and though there are rumors of infidelity the only evidence of that is Lord Quentyn and Lady Denyse's hair color. And that's no evidence at all. So tell me my lady, what do you plan to do moving forward? They're going to be at Whitegrove. You know I've been involved with them. How do *we* come out ahead?"
Balon felt his annoyance bleeding off as Laena smiled and squeezed his hand, "I don't plan on dying so you won't have to avenge me but it's nice to know I have a dragon protecting me." Balon shook his head and laughed, "People are going to be so confused when we get married."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 10, 2019 19:44:08 GMT 1
Balon opened his mouth to respond but stopped. Would I do those things? He hadn't raped Marei nor desecrated any of the bodies at Riverthorn. There were lines even Balon wouldn't cross. "I... well, no. I mean I would've ambushed them if I thought the reward far exceeded the risk." Balon was being honest with Laena, his desire to wipe out the Starkwoods was nothing new to her. "But no, I wouldn't have done those things. I'm not a monster."Laena softly nods. "Good. And lest you start getting ideas, Lord Ulbert is a very cautious and prudent man. Do not think that the 'risk' in attacking him is anywhere near as low as the risk in taking on Lord Vardis. And any 'reward' would be negligible until our revolution succeeds, in which case, we get everything anyway." Balon's lip curled in annoyance at the mention of Bloodraven. "You believe it was them but neither you nor Ser Bryden can prove it. What if you're wrong?" Balon wanted to be convinced, "I'm not saying you are but have you given it serious consideration? It's odd that someone of Bloodraven's renown can't dig up *something* but he didn't hesitate to encourage your bias, for the lack of a better term." Balon ran a hand through his goatee, "How are they more capable than the others that were at Cider Hall? House Florent and Lord Reynald are known for their preference for courtly intrigue. Is there a long game their playing that could've been missed?" Balon looked back to the chaperone trailing behind them before looking at Laena, "You worry that people within my faction will use me until I'm no longer of any value then discard me. Is the same true for you? You have a network of informants by your own admission. Would you really be surprised if Bloodraven was using you as a pawn in bringing down two adamant supporters of Ser Daemon and replacing them with a respected loyalist? If you succeed that pleases him. If you fail he absorbs your spy ring and finds another to use. Either way the danger to him is minimal and your paint a target on your back." By his tone and facial expression Balon was concerned for her. When he mentions that Bloodraven might be interested in absorbing her spy network she snorts outright, but gestures for him to finish before responding, which she does with an amused smile still on her face. "The main thrust of your argument - that Bloodraven could be using me to advance his political goals - is a good one, and one always worth considering when dealing with the likes of him. But my 'spy network' is a glorified gossip circle. There is no way he'd be in the slightest bit interested in absorbing it." Her face turns more serious. "That he could be using me as a disposable pawn is definitely plausible, though. So, to answer your questions in turn: The Cordwayners were not necessarily more *capable* than every other person present, but were definitely far more capable than any with motive. Lord Florent in particular would be unlikely to harm her, for the exact same reason he would be unlikely to harm you - both you and Ashara saved Lady Lyanna's life at the Black Tourney. The key question is one of motive. You may not have liked her - putting it mildly - but you and Lady Maegelle were the only people she'd had a serious personal feud with. And I know you didn't do it. Other people may not *like* her because of the colour of her skin, but there are plenty others with the same hue, pretty much all of them more politically relevant. The simple truth is both Starkwoods and women are largely irrelevant politically. A Starkwood woman? The motive has to be personal to *her*. And the Cordwayners' best hope for a powerful alliance to protect their claim against Roland's was by marrying their lord, which they couldn't do so long as he was betrothed to Ashara. So they had an *incredibly* strong motive, both personal and political, to do the act; the opportunity while they were off 'hawking' on her brother's lands; and the means through their control of the house. "The simple truth is that, short of a straight-up confession, that's as close to proof as you're ever likely to get in a situation like this. Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn are not *stupid* enough to do murderous acts in front of witnesses in a way which could come back to bite them in the future." "So what's your endgame with the Cordwayners? There is currently no proof of their involvement in Lady Ashara's murder and though there are rumors of infidelity the only evidence of that is Lord Quentyn and Lady Denyse's hair color. And that's no evidence at all. So tell me my lady, what do you plan to do moving forward? They're going to be at Whitegrove. You know I've been involved with them. How do *we* come out ahead?" "Firstly, while I won't pretend to fully understand the exact science behind it, according to maesters, at least in the Cordwayner family, children with one black-haired parent and one golden-haired parent have *always* been black-haired. This is a proven, verifiable trend. So to say that the hair is 'no evidence at all' is simply incorrect. Secondly, Lord Ilyn died 'choking on a chicken bone' with only Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn as witnesses. 'Suspicious' doesn't even begin to describe those circumstances. There is more to support that, but I am sworn to secrecy as that information is not public. However, in total, it paints a convincing picture. A disturbing picture. "So, my endgame is this: Lady Maegelle with the Sisters. Ser Normyn to the Wall. Ser Roland ruling House Cordwayner, knowing full well I *risked my very life* to help get him there. And he's that rare kind of honourable man who will remember a thing like that. He's not likely to change his political allegiance simply for my asking, but there are times when having a political enemy owe you a significant personal favour could be very useful." She smiles. "Very useful, indeed. "And aside from that?" She flexes her shoulders slightly. "A rumour will spread shortly after that that Lady Maegelle was responsible for Ashara's murder, and it was *my* actions that broke the deadlock between the two Cordwayner factions. People will finally begin to understand that it's not a coincidence. Even the powerful should not cross me. I destroyed Lady Johanna when she threatened my children. I destroyed Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn when they murdered my cousin. And I will destroy them if they cross me, too." Balon shook his head and laughed, "People are going to be so confused when we get married."Laena nods thoughtfully. "Yes, they are. At me, mostly, I think. I imagine there'll be quite a few hushed whispers about my family's madness taking hold. The funny thing is, if that were true, I wouldn't be able to tell."
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 14, 2019 22:25:27 GMT 1
Laena softly nods. "Good. And lest you start getting ideas, Lord Ulbert is a very cautious and prudent man. Do not think that the 'risk' in attacking him is anywhere near as low as the risk in taking on Lord Vardis. And any 'reward' would be negligible until our revolution succeeds, in which case, we get everything anyway." Balon nodded along while Laena spoke. The truth was while he had considered ambushing the Starkwoods the idea never made it to the planning stage. Lord Ulbert was a capable knight but Balon was learning that good leadership, enough men, and the element of surprise was often enough to overcome prudent cautiousness. Just ask Dagos, Desmond, Vorian, and poor Marei. "My lady, while killing the main line would cause a great upheaval within House Starkwood there would still be the issue of his extended family to deal with." Balon's face remained neutral, "Killing the rest, while feasible, would certainly raise suspicion especially if you were to lay claim to their lands when the war ended.""But to reiterate, I promised you and I plan to keep that promise."When he mentions that Bloodraven might be interested in absorbing her spy network she snorts outright, but gestures for him to finish before responding, which she does with an amused smile still on her face. "The main thrust of your argument - that Bloodraven could be using me to advance his political goals - is a good one, and one always worth considering when dealing with the likes of him. But my 'spy network' is a glorified gossip circle. There is no way he'd be in the slightest bit interested in absorbing it." Her face turns more serious. "That he could be using me as a disposable pawn is definitely plausible, though. So, to answer your questions in turn: The Cordwayners were not necessarily more *capable* than every other person present, but were definitely far more capable than any with motive. Lord Florent in particular would be unlikely to harm her, for the exact same reason he would be unlikely to harm you - both you and Ashara saved Lady Lyanna's life at the Black Tourney. The key question is one of motive. You may not have liked her - putting it mildly - but you and Lady Maegelle were the only people she'd had a serious personal feud with. And I know you didn't do it. Other people may not *like* her because of the colour of her skin, but there are plenty others with the same hue, pretty much all of them more politically relevant. The simple truth is both Starkwoods and women are largely irrelevant politically. A Starkwood woman? The motive has to be personal to *her*. And the Cordwayners' best hope for a powerful alliance to protect their claim against Roland's was by marrying their lord, which they couldn't do so long as he was betrothed to Ashara. So they had an *incredibly* strong motive, both personal and political, to do the act; the opportunity while they were off 'hawking' on her brother's lands; and the means through their control of the house. "The simple truth is that, short of a straight-up confession, that's as close to proof as you're ever likely to get in a situation like this. Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn are not *stupid* enough to do murderous acts in front of witnesses in a way which could come back to bite them in the future." "There's a saying, and I don't recall how it exactly goes, but it's something along the lines of you can never have too much information." Balon tried thinking back to who said it. Gormon probably. "You *may* have nothing more than a glorified gossip circle but don't discount every tidbit of gossip and rumor. I'm sure Bloodraven would be more than happy to assume direct control over it. The stakes are nothing less than the Iron Throne after all." Balon looked to her, realizing for the first time what danger Laena could be in if she married Balon. "What will *he* think if we are to wed? You clearly have contact with him and I don't think he'll appreciate you marrying one of the more vocal knights of the rebellion."Balon didn't argue with Laena as she laid out her reasoning about the Cordwayners, mostly because he agreed with her. The difference between the two was he didn't care. Allies were allies, especially ones willing to get in the mud and get their hands dirty. "It seems their mistake was they didn't understand what *you* were capable of doing in your quest for vengeance." Balon chuckled, beaming with pride as he brought her hand up to kiss it. "Again I'm proven right that I saw something in you no one else in the Reach did." Balon was still annoyed at her attempt to sabotage his allies-by-circumstance but was glad to know he had her to watch over him as the years went by. "Firstly, while I won't pretend to fully understand the exact science behind it, according to maesters, at least in the Cordwayner family, children with one black-haired parent and one golden-haired parent have *always* been black-haired. This is a proven, verifiable trend. So to say that the hair is 'no evidence at all' is simply incorrect. Secondly, Lord Ilyn died 'choking on a chicken bone' with only Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn as witnesses. 'Suspicious' doesn't even begin to describe those circumstances. There is more to support that, but I am sworn to secrecy as that information is not public. However, in total, it paints a convincing picture. A disturbing picture. "So, my endgame is this: Lady Maegelle with the Sisters. Ser Normyn to the Wall. Ser Roland ruling House Cordwayner, knowing full well I *risked my very life* to help get him there. And he's that rare kind of honourable man who will remember a thing like that. He's not likely to change his political allegiance simply for my asking, but there are times when having a political enemy owe you a significant personal favour could be very useful." She smiles. "Very useful, indeed. "And aside from that?" She flexes her shoulders slightly. "A rumour will spread shortly after that that Lady Maegelle was responsible for Ashara's murder, and it was *my* actions that broke the deadlock between the two Cordwayner factions. People will finally begin to understand that it's not a coincidence. Even the powerful should not cross me. I destroyed Lady Johanna when she threatened my children. I destroyed Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn when they murdered my cousin. And I will destroy them if they cross me, too." "Lady Maegelle has red hair, not blonde."I'm not sure if that was an accident but I thought I'd point it out. "Considering Lord Ilyn was a weakling I'm not surprised he choked to death. He won't be the first, nor the last to do succumb to such a fate." Was it highly suspicious the only witnesses were Maegelle and Normyn? Of course but that wasn't evidence. "What did the maester of House Cordwayner conclude? Wouldn't he had made a determination to the cause of death?" It was an honest question. He'd never given much thought to what a maester's responsibilities were in a case like this. Balon's eyes narrowed when she said she was sworn to secrecy. "What information? Who? What deal have you made that you aren't willing to share with me?" Balon's unhappiness was clear. "Is this another one of those relationships are built on lies?""And what happens when Lady Maegelle doesn't go to the Sisters? Or Normyn to the Wall? Do you plan to continue to go after them until you succeed? How long are you willing to pursue them?" Balon brow furrowed in concern, "Am I going to be married to a woman who lets her life be consumed with revenge for years to come?"
When she mentioned a favor owed by the opposing side Balon countered, "I find it more useful to have someone from the same side owe you. They're more inclined to help in the long run *and* will be providing resources in the war to come." Balon paused, not sure how to phrase his question because he didn't want to hear certain answers, "So where does that leave us? You want Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn gone. I want them to stay, at least until the war is over. I don't want House Cordwayner to sour anything between us." Balon's nose wrinkled, "What are you offering in return for my silence when it comes to House Cordwayner?"Laena nods thoughtfully. "Yes, they are. At me, mostly, I think. I imagine there'll be quite a few hushed whispers about my family's madness taking hold. The funny thing is, if that were true, I wouldn't be able to tell." Balon was visibly hurt by the implication, "Ah, so only a mad woman could love me. That's nice."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 15, 2019 20:44:26 GMT 1
Balon looked to her, realizing for the first time what danger Laena could be in if she married Balon. "What will *he* think if we are to wed? You clearly have contact with him and I don't think he'll appreciate you marrying one of the more vocal knights of the rebellion."A pained look crosses her face before she answers. "That's ... accurate. I'm intending to frame the marriage as one of me nobly protecting my cousins from a serious threat, and making the best of the situation. While he won't be as .. friendly - I use the word rather loosely - as he is now, I doubt he'll consider me important enough to act against. So long as I don't do anything too ... attention-grabbing." She idly rubs her stomach seemingly without even thinking about it. "Which shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully." "It seems their mistake was they didn't understand what *you* were capable of doing in your quest for vengeance." Balon chuckled, beaming with pride as he brought her hand up to kiss it. "Again I'm proven right that I saw something in you no one else in the Reach did." Balon was still annoyed at her attempt to sabotage his allies-by-circumstance but was glad to know he had her to watch over him as the years went by. Laena nods firmly, and smiles slightly as she lets him kiss her hand. "Correct. If they hadn't made that one mistake, I wouldn't care one whit who was sitting on the Cordwayner seat, and they might well have been able to retain it, although the political currents were, in truth, already beginning to flow against them, though it's unclear if that would have been enough." "What did the maester of House Cordwayner conclude? Wouldn't he had made a determination to the cause of death?" It was an honest question. He'd never given much thought to what a maester's responsibilities were in a case like this. Laena nods, with a slightly pleased smile on her face, like she considers the question a smart one. "I made some discreet inquiries, and the maester was simply concerned with confirming that Lord Ilyn was, in fact, dead. He had no reason to doubt the word of the Lady of the House when she told him there was no doubt as to the 'how'. Unless there is doubt as to how someone died - or it was clearly poison, and the lord or lady wishes to know which one, or similar - then that is apparently standard practice." Balon's eyes narrowed when she said she was sworn to secrecy. "What information? Who? What deal have you made that you aren't willing to share with me?" Balon's unhappiness was clear. "Is this another one of those relationships are built on lies?"Laena raises an eyebrow. "Not at all. I am being entirely honest with you. You would think that a man who's promised to answer *all* of my questions when we marry would appreciate that she have a strong sense of discretion, no matter who is asking." She slyly smiles at him. "A woman who can't be trusted with one confidence can't be trusted with *any*, after all. But, to put your mind at ease, the only thing I had to do in return for the information was to be discreet with it. Nothing else." She squeezes his hand reassuringly. "And what happens when Lady Maegelle doesn't go to the Sisters? Or Normyn to the Wall? Do you plan to continue to go after them until you succeed? How long are you willing to pursue them?" Balon brow furrowed in concern, "Am I going to be married to a woman who lets her life be consumed with revenge for years to come?" Laena gives another nod, clearly showing that she considers the question to be valid, possibly even insightful. "Will I go after them until I succeed? For this? Yes. *However*, my fury is not endless. At the start, when I first have a target, it is wild and uncontrolled, but over time it cools. It never fades, but it is not *driving* me any more. It will be *a* goal, but not *the* goal. I will not let them consume my life. I will not let revenge become an obsession. It is just one more item on my 'to-do list'." A shy smile. "I promise you, when we are wed, I will not care more - or equal - about anyone not of my flesh than I do you." "So where does that leave us? You want Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn gone. I want them to stay, at least until the war is over. I don't want House Cordwayner to sour anything between us." Balon's nose wrinkled, "What are you offering in return for my silence when it comes to House Cordwayner?" A quick nod. It is clear Laena has expected this question, and prepared for it. "I have already begun working towards Ser Titus being accepted by Lady Daena Roxton at Goldengrove, and I intend to continue to work on the matter until I succeed. Secondly, at your cousin's upcoming hunt, I intend to do what I can bring Lord Tarly into the fold. While my powers are not so great that I can single-handedly sway a major house, I should at least be able to smooth the way for those with more power and influence to seal the deal. Again, I should be able to build on those foundations in the future, if needed. "Thirdly," with a saucy smirk "I intend to slip out of my camp unescorted after dusk. Mayhap I could dispel any lingering doubts you have through a more .. vigorous exchange then? But hopefully, you'll consider my helping you in both the personal and political fields to be adequate payment for your silence on the matter." Balon was visibly hurt by the implication, "Ah, so only a mad woman could love me. That's nice."Laena brings her horse to an abrupt stop, using her grip on his hand to get him to stop as well. With the horses stationary, she has her horse gently side-step to close the gap, before she reaches her free hand around the back of his neck - partly to guide his head, and partly to help keep her balance - leans in, and passionately kisses him, heedless of the observing chaperone. Though she does break it off before he'd feel compelled to intervene, hopefully inciting no more than a lecture on her return. "Understand our positions, love. You are the man who spewed gross, tasteless, obviously-false lies about a powerful man, then killed him in broad daylight. You are the man who can't even attend a feast without being so rude as to provoke a challenge. And you have no land, nor are you set to inherit any. "And I am a half-sister of the *King*! Whichever man you consider to be such! An honourable and dutiful lady, largely free of scandal - and pretty much all of what I have is related to you. Yes, my *marriage* prospects are poor, but I am still admired and respected and listened to. "So, if people say I must be mad to entertain this, it is not without reason. " But! And this is very important, so listen carefully: If this is madness, I do not want to be sane! Just as you see something special in me, so too do I see something in you. I believe you can be more than you are. That *we* can be more together than either of us could be apart. At the very least, I believe you can make me *happy*, which is more than I'd dared hope for for a good portion of my life."
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 16, 2019 21:31:54 GMT 1
A pained look crosses her face before she answers. "That's ... accurate. I'm intending to frame the marriage as one of me nobly protecting my cousins from a serious threat, and making the best of the situation. While he won't be as .. friendly - I use the word rather loosely - as he is now, I doubt he'll consider me important enough to act against. So long as I don't do anything too ... attention-grabbing." She idly rubs her stomach seemingly without even thinking about it. "Which shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully." While Balon looked ahead quietly weighing what Laena had said he missed her rubbing her stomach. "Hopefully." He quietly echoed. "Remember when you asked me," Balon smiled, "more like demanded, to know if I was interested in you only for your claim on the Starkwood and I assured you I wasn't." He looked back to her, "Our relationship is one of perception versus reality. I know what people will think of you for marrying me but I care not for I know the truth of the matter. If they're convinced you're doing it out of duty so be it." A large smile crept up on his face, "I'll just have to continue convincing my fellow revolutionaries I'm marrying an old crone with children because it's a pathway to more power." He let out a laugh, expecting a physical response from her. Laena raises an eyebrow. "Not at all. I am being entirely honest with you. You would think that a man who's promised to answer *all* of my questions when we marry would appreciate that she have a strong sense of discretion, no matter who is asking." She slyly smiles at him. "A woman who can't be trusted with one confidence can't be trusted with *any*, after all. But, to put your mind at ease, the only thing I had to do in return for the information was to be discreet with it. Nothing else." She squeezes his hand reassuringly. "I can be jealous if I want to." he said partly in jest, part as a child not getting what he wanted. "I appreciate discretion especially when it involves you sneaking into my bedchamber, but as much as I don't like it, we're not married and you don't owe me anything. If silence was what was asked of you then I won't prod any further.""But," he held up a finger, "as I will be forthcoming with you when we're married I ask you do the same. No secrets." Balon wasn't looking forward to that day and wondered how honest he would be with Laena when the time came. Laena nods firmly, and smiles slightly as she lets him kiss her hand. "Correct. If they hadn't made that one mistake, I wouldn't care one whit who was sitting on the Cordwayner seat, and they might well have been able to retain it, although the political currents were, in truth, already beginning to flow against them, though it's unclear if that would have been enough." Laena gives another nod, clearly showing that she considers the question to be valid, possibly even insightful. "Will I go after them until I succeed? For this? Yes. *However*, my fury is not endless. At the start, when I first have a target, it is wild and uncontrolled, but over time it cools. It never fades, but it is not *driving* me any more. It will be *a* goal, but not *the* goal. I will not let them consume my life. I will not let revenge become an obsession. It is just one more item on my 'to-do list'." A shy smile. "I promise you, when we are wed, I will not care more - or equal - about anyone not of my flesh than I do you." "I doubt they'll go quietly or peacefully. We both know lords and ladies loathe to relinquish power. Lord Quentin won't take losing his seat kindly and *if* Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn are capable of murder there's no telling what they might do to protect their legacy." Like sell their daughter off to Lord Eldon.Balon sighed, "I'm guilty of rash action too but my furor cools over time as well." He thought back to all the things he'd done over the previous year and how he'd justified each action, "As these last few months have gone by I've come to realize something. Things I do in the present might seem rewarding but the problems they cause in the future outweigh the short term gains." He paused as if he was about to say something then changed his mind, "Moving forward when I'm asked to do something I'm going to first question if this will hurt you and our children. I only ask you do the same with the Cordwayners if it doesn't go as you initially planned."
When she spoke of marriage and caring he reached over and brushed her cheek, "And I too."A quick nod. It is clear Laena has expected this question, and prepared for it. "I have already begun working towards Ser Titus being accepted by Lady Daena Roxton at Goldengrove, and I intend to continue to work on the matter until I succeed. Secondly, at your cousin's upcoming hunt, I intend to do what I can bring Lord Tarly into the fold. While my powers are not so great that I can single-handedly sway a major house, I should at least be able to smooth the way for those with more power and influence to seal the deal. Again, I should be able to build on those foundations in the future, if needed. "Thirdly," with a saucy smirk "I intend to slip out of my camp unescorted after dusk. Mayhap I could dispel any lingering doubts you have through a more .. vigorous exchange then? But hopefully, you'll consider my helping you in both the personal and political fields to be adequate payment for your silence on the matter." "That's quite a lot." Balon was surprised at her plans. "If my brother were to become Lord Protector of the Ringfort *and* House Tarly joined the Blackfyres I don't think anyone would miss the Cordwayners." Balon chuckled, "While you're are it how about ensuring the Hightowers follow Lord Jon's vision?"Balon playfully added, "However your third offer will not do. Mostly because you planned to do that regardless." He gave her a wink and laughed, "But I will humbly accept your offer. I've been deprived of custard for far too long and I wish to gorge myself."Laena brings her horse to an abrupt stop, using her grip on his hand to get him to stop as well. With the horses stationary, she has her horse gently side-step to close the gap, before she reaches her free hand around the back of his neck - partly to guide his head, and partly to help keep her balance - leans in, and passionately kisses him, heedless of the observing chaperone. Though she does break it off before he'd feel compelled to intervene, hopefully inciting no more than a lecture on her return. "Understand our positions, love. You are the man who spewed gross, tasteless, obviously-false lies about a powerful man, then killed him in broad daylight. You are the man who can't even attend a feast without being so rude as to provoke a challenge. And you have no land, nor are you set to inherit any. "And I am a half-sister of the *King*! Whichever man you consider to be such! An honourable and dutiful lady, largely free of scandal - and pretty much all of what I have is related to you. Yes, my *marriage* prospects are poor, but I am still admired and respected and listened to. "So, if people say I must be mad to entertain this, it is not without reason. " But! And this is very important, so listen carefully: If this is madness, I do not want to be sane! Just as you see something special in me, so too do I see something in you. I believe you can be more than you are. That *we* can be more together than either of us could be apart. At the very least, I believe you can make me *happy*, which is more than I'd dared hope for for a good portion of my life." Balon was caught off guard when Laena kissed him and more so when she said she didn't want to be sane. Laena could see him swell with pride and his cheeks reddened slightly at the compliment. "Uh, um," he stumbled as he pushed away thoughts of taking her off her horse and into the woods to have his way with her, "By the Seven I love you." was what he settled with. Balon looked back to the chaperone then back to Laena, "Well there goes my chance at a surprise." Balon was smiling from ear to ear. "Up ahead is a small creek that feeds into the Mander and about a half mile upstream there's a deep bend in the stream perfect for swimming. After your little display I don't think he'll allow us out of his sight."Balon let out a fake exasperated sigh, "I guess we'll settle for you sneaking out of your camp. Your gift is in my room anyway."
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 17, 2019 19:22:41 GMT 1
"Remember when you asked me," Balon smiled, "more like demanded, to know if I was interested in you only for your claim on the Starkwood and I assured you I wasn't." He looked back to her, "Our relationship is one of perception versus reality. I know what people will think of you for marrying me but I care not for I know the truth of the matter. If they're convinced you're doing it out of duty so be it." A large smile crept up on his face, "I'll just have to continue convincing my fellow revolutionaries I'm marrying an old crone with children because it's a pathway to more power." He let out a laugh, expecting a physical response from her. "Crone?" She slaps his shoulder somewhat awkwardly with her spare hand. "There's a step between maiden and crone. "Mother. "And I am still *firmly* holding on to that label, thank you very much. Let me know if any of your 'fellow revolutionaries' call me a 'crone', and I'll remind them why of all bears, a mother bear is the one you *least* want to mess with. Hmph!" Despite her words, she doesn't sound *too* put out, likely seeing the provocation as deliberate. "But," he held up a finger, "as I will be forthcoming with you when we're married I ask you do the same. No secrets." Balon wasn't looking forward to that day and wondered how honest he would be with Laena when the time came. A slight smile reaches her face. "Scary, isn't it? Letting others see your body naked is one thing, but to see your *heart*? ...That's terrifying. Particularly if it's someone whose opinion you care about. Your enemies can only kill you. "Those you love can *destroy* you." "As these last few months have gone by I've come to realize something. Things I do in the present might seem rewarding but the problems they cause in the future outweigh the short term gains." He paused as if he was about to say something then changed his mind, "Moving forward when I'm asked to do something I'm going to first question if this will hurt you and our children. I only ask you do the same with the Cordwayners if it doesn't go as you initially planned." She nods. "Good. I *may* be able to overlook you hurting me if it's an accident, but if your actions hurt any of my children ... whatever my head may want, my heart is unlikely to ever forgive." Spending a moment, her eyes flicker about as she considers all the angles of his request, before she nods. "Agreed, so long as we're talking about 'personal harm', and not 'this might harm the cause I am part of, and it is harmful to me should it fail'." "That's quite a lot." Balon was surprised at her plans. "If my brother were to become Lord Protector of the Ringfort *and* House Tarly joined the Blackfyres I don't think anyone would miss the Cordwayners." Balon chuckled, "While you're are it how about ensuring the Hightowers follow Lord Jon's vision?" Laena smiles bashfully. "Don't get your hopes up too high. Both plans require others to step up where required, which is far from guaranteed. Hopefully, by dividing my attention, at least one plan will actually succeed, but by not dividing too far, I can actually be meaningfully useful to both plans. "This is how I operate: pursue multiple avenues simultaneously, build on the ones that work, and drop the ones that don't." Balon playfully added, "However your third offer will not do. Mostly because you planned to do that regardless." He gave her a wink and laughed. Laena spread her arms in a silent admission of guilt. "But I will humbly accept your offer. I've been deprived of custard for far too long and I wish to gorge myself." Laena sighed and rolled her eyes slightly. "You're never going to let me forget that, are you? A lady says one daft thing while dazed and confused, and she has to hear about it until the end of her days." While not encouraging, she doesn't seem genuinely put out. "Up ahead is a small creek that feeds into the Mander and about a half mile upstream there's a deep bend in the stream perfect for swimming. After your little display I don't think he'll allow us out of his sight." She raises an eyebrow and gives him an amused smile. "I doubt he would, anyway. Safeguarding my reputation by stopping me from sneaking off is basically his role."
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 17, 2019 20:28:46 GMT 1
"Crone?" She slaps his shoulder somewhat awkwardly with her spare hand. "There's a step between maiden and crone. "Mother. "And I am still *firmly* holding on to that label, thank you very much. Let me know if any of your 'fellow revolutionaries' call me a 'crone', and I'll remind them why of all bears, a mother bear is the one you *least* want to mess with. Hmph!" Despite her words, she doesn't sound *too* put out, likely seeing the provocation as deliberate. Balon winced in fake pain as she slapped him, "There's that warhammer of yours again." he laughed. "You may be a mother but I always thought of you more as the Maiden. Young, beautiful, courageous." Balon was smart enough to know to compliment a lady after insulting her, even if it was in jest. More importantly he believed what he was saying. "I'm sure if my friends had a choice between you and Ser Daemon they'd prefer Blackfyre's embrace."
A slight smile reaches her face. "Scary, isn't it? Letting others see your body naked is one thing, but to see your *heart*? ...That's terrifying. Particularly if it's someone whose opinion you care about. Your enemies can only kill you. "Those you love can *destroy* you." Balon nodded in agreement. Of the two he definitely had more skeletons in the closet. "I don't want to sound fatalistic but no matter what happens between us know I'll always love you and cherish the time we had together." Balon shook off the momentary melancholy and added, "Letting you in is a risk I want to take. The reward is much greater." Even if the loss is greater too.She nods. "Good. I *may* be able to overlook you hurting me if it's an accident, but if your actions hurt any of my children ... whatever my head may want, my heart is unlikely to ever forgive." Spending a moment, her eyes flicker about as she considers all the angles of his request, before she nods. "Agreed, so long as we're talking about 'personal harm', and not 'this might harm the cause I am part of, and it is harmful to me should it fail'." "Harm meaning the safety of you, me, your children, and our future children. I not talking about the war to come. I'm talking beyond that. I don't want to spend my life looking at our children and wonder if their next meal is laced with poison because you and Lady Maegelle spend every tournament and feast at each other's' throats." Laena smiles bashfully. "Don't get your hopes up too high. Both plans require others to step up where required, which is far from guaranteed. Hopefully, by dividing my attention, at least one plan will actually succeed, but by not dividing too far, I can actually be meaningfully useful to both plans. "This is how I operate: pursue multiple avenues simultaneously, build on the ones that work, and drop the ones that don't." "There are people that can step up, will step up. If you want their help all you need to do is ask. If your pride doesn't allow it with... certain kin of mine then you can ask me." Lynesse shared a lot of Balon's goals but he also knew what Lynesse had said at Ashara's funeral. "How much, if any of this do you want shared with my associates? Lord Gormon? My mother? Or would you prefer this stay between the two of us."
Laena sighed and rolled her eyes slightly. "You're never going to let me forget that, are you? A lady says one daft thing while dazed and confused, and she has to hear about it until the end of her days." While not encouraging, she doesn't seem genuinely put out. She raises an eyebrow and gives him an amused smile. "I doubt he would, anyway. Safeguarding my reputation by stopping me from sneaking off is basically his role." "Of course I'm never letting that go!" he laughed. "You are the mighty Lady Laena Pyre, natural sister to the king! You are respected and courteous. Intelligent and cunning. Well mannered." He leaned in and whispered, "Then after getting your brains fucked out all afternoon you utter one of the greatest off-hand comments ever. I get to mention custard to you in public and no one will no what I'm talking about."There was a devilish smile on his face, "Do you know how much I'm looking forward to the day we're in public and I say in front of you I love custard so much it gets all over my face?" Balon laughed. "What shade of red will you turn?"
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 18, 2019 19:01:58 GMT 1
"There are people that can step up, will step up. If you want their help all you need to do is ask. If your pride doesn't allow it with... certain kin of mine then you can ask me." Lynesse shared a lot of Balon's goals but he also knew what Lynesse had said at Ashara's funeral. "How much, if any of this do you want shared with my associates? Lord Gormon? My mother? Or would you prefer this stay between the two of us." Laena actually pauses to consider before answering. "I don't *mind* if you tell them, particularly if they're being ... difficult, but I see no need to, either. This isn't about *them*. I'm not interested in their gratitude or to get involved in more of their machinations. This is about *us*." "Of course I'm never letting that go!" he laughed. "You are the mighty Lady Laena Pyre, natural sister to the king! You are respected and courteous. Intelligent and cunning. Well mannered." He leaned in and whispered, "Then after getting your brains fucked out all afternoon you utter one of the greatest off-hand comments ever. I get to mention custard to you in public and no one will no what I'm talking about."There was a devilish smile on his face, "Do you know how much I'm looking forward to the day we're in public and I say in front of you I love custard so much it gets all over my face?" Balon laughed. "What shade of red will you turn?" Laena shakes her head. "Please don't. Even if they don't suspect a double-meaning in your words, you'll be admitting to being a most uncouth and messy eater, and..." She trails off. "..and I have absolutely no idea how to finish that sentence without embarrassing myself further, so I'll trust I've made my point and swiftly move on." She sniffs haughtily.
|
|
|
Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 18, 2019 20:27:41 GMT 1
Laena actually pauses to consider before answering. "I don't *mind* if you tell them, particularly if they're being ... difficult, but I see no need to, either. This isn't about *them*. I'm not interested in their gratitude or to get involved in more of their machinations. This is about *us*." Balon sucked his teeth as he decided how to respond, "How about this. I won't tell them about your involvement until your successful or at least play a significant role." Balon rotated his head to stretch out a neck muscle as he thought, "My mother has... reservations about you and if you're able to secure a favorable marriage with Ser Titus and Lady Daena I think that'll go a long way in winning her over." "As to Lord Gormon I might ask him what will help win over House Tarly then relay that to you. How you incorporate that information into your plan is up to you." Balon smiled, "I know you're doing this for us but I don't think you'll mind having people on both sides *owe* you."Laena shakes her head. "Please don't. Even if they don't suspect a double-meaning in your words, you'll be admitting to being a most uncouth and messy eater, and..." She trails off. "..and I have absolutely no idea how to finish that sentence without embarrassing myself further, so I'll trust I've made my point and swiftly move on." She sniffs haughtily. Balon laughed at Laena's inability to finish. "As you wish my lady."
The two continued their ride and Balon led them to the bend in the stream where he joked about stripping down and jumping in to cool off. With the ugliness of the Cordwayner situation behind them he kept the conversation cheerful and focused on the two of them. He asked about how her children were doing and how he still would like to meet them if the opportunity presented itself. Eventually their time together ended and Balon wished her a pleasant stay. If only there was more time he lamented but he had to leave and attend to "other duties". With a gracious bow he returned to the castle and cleaned up for the evening. Back at his room he looked over her present, still happy with his choice. It wasn't jewellery this time but well suited for her nonetheless. Oddly enough he was more nervous waiting for Laena than the start of the ambush at Riverthorn. Their last time together had been nothing short of magical and he was hoping for a repeat. Plus his back had fully healed.
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 24, 2019 23:14:04 GMT 1
A servant glided down the corridor, silent and attentive to her surroundings, but this area was quiet at this time, just as she'd hoped.
Just as the nail that sticks out get hammered, so too does a maid that sticks out get nailed. There was always a risk when disguising oneself as a commoner that liberties would be taken by opportunistic knights - *unintended* opportunistic knights, she corrects herself - so she makes sure she moves in a way that she's just an unremarkable part of the scenery, in case there's someone observing she's not aware of, until she discreetly knocks on Balon's door. The risk thrilling her, for all that she fears the possible consequences, in a hold of Lord Gorman, particularly.
She is clutching a cleaning cloth, that is carefully wrapped around her tiara, and underneath her clothes, she is wearing the chain around her waist and the silver armlets on her arms. Slightly hunched over, and with just a hint of her silver hair poking out from the wrap over her head, in the poor light, she can pass for a much older woman at a distance, since people fill in gaps with what they expect to see.
Having knocked, she waits for a response, the thrill of fear making her more and more excited.
|
|