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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Oct 29, 2019 6:42:00 GMT 1
When Balon returned from their ride he'd cleaned himself up proper, getting rid of the sweat and grime that had accumulated over the last few days of intense training while he waited for Laena's arrival at Dunstonbury. He supped with Gormon's brother Ser Damon and retold stories of his time in the Riverlands, leaving out the murderous parts of course. Unlike previous nights where he'd spent long hours in the hall drinking with fellow knights and men-at-arms, Balon excused himself early complaining of a stomach ache. When he returned to his room he went through it, neatly sorting his journals on the table. Some of his writings were lessons in warfare, others in sword techniques, and a few were of his poems. Most of his "poetry" was still terrible but there was improvement. Of course no one would ever see them except for Laena and that was only when he'd decided she wouldn't laugh at him. And that was a long way off...
Balon didn't really know when Laena was going to arrive and his anticipation had steadily grown as the evening drew on. How should I greet her? Part of him wanted to answer the door in the nude. A joke meant to shock her into saying something off hand before she was able to censor herself. But what if it isn't her? Or what if it is and she lets out a yelp of surprise and someone comes to investigate? He decided there'd be no nudity. He kicked off his boots and took off his shirt and looked through his wardrobe for a nicer shirt to present himself in. Paralyzed by indecision he jumped slightly at the knock on the door. Barefoot, shirtless, loose fitting trousers. Good enough.
When he answered, Laena was greeted by a shirtless Balon wearing their locket and smiling affectionately. He squinted for a moment to make sure it was her then resumed his happy demeanor when he saw the strand of silver hair. Seeing the cleaning cloth he smiled and said in a quiet but authoritative voice, "Good. There is something filthy in here that needs attending to." He guided her into the room and closed the door behind her. Before she could turn around to face him he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. He whispered into her ear, "I've been wanting to do this since the moment I saw you." For all his anger at her for her involvement with the Cordwayners he pushed that aside, focusing on just the two of them. Turning her to him he gently stroked her cheek then leaned in for a long, passionate kiss. He went to take the cleaning rag from her and felt there was something inside it. "What do we have here?" He gently chided as he unwrapped the tiara. He looked up and nodded to the wrap on her head indicating his desire for Laena to remove it. With her hair spilling down he placed the circlet on her head and admired it. "Much better."
If there was anything to be said it was going to wait as Balon moved her over to the bed. "Hmmm. I'm in a state of undress while you remain fully clothed. Seems unfair. We should correct that." His hands moved to help her undress and when he saw the jewelry she was wearing he beamed with pride. "Perfection." He laid her down on the bed and did something he'd never done with anyone else and as far as he was concerned had no desire to. The two made love.
There coupling was long and passionate, Balon had gone far too long without her and he'd a lot of time to make up for. When they laid there spent and naked he held her in his arms stroking her lower back as he often did. He had a million questions but focused on keeping their conversation about them, "How are your children? Have you seen them lately?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 30, 2019 22:25:46 GMT 1
Laena lay, relaxed and sated, almost purring under the strokes. Her eyes open a slit as he asks his questions. "MmmmmMmmm. I saw them at Goldengrove. Aerion's good at bringing them along whenever there's an event close enough to the Starkwood that they can travel safely.
"How they are?" She stretches out a hand, and looks idly through her fingers. "That's a harder question to answer. My mother, I loved and feared, and I desired her affection. So I'd hide my fear under smiles, hoping that that day would be a good day.
"When I look at my children, when I see them come from Aerion to me, I see *that same smile* on their faces. And for all my experience in reading people, I can't tell if that's what's actually there, or merely what I *fear* is there.
"I love them, absolutely. But to raise a child properly requires a mix of kindness and cruelty, else you will spoil them or break them. But still, I show them affection when I can. And wonder if they view my affection the way I saw my mother's: mercurial, conditional, temporary."
"When I was a child, I was afraid I would upset her.
"Now I'm an adult, I'm terrified I will become her. And my children become me. They deserve better.
"But to actually answer your question ... they were happy. Without me."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 1, 2019 22:15:47 GMT 1
As she laid there purring Balon closed his eyes, dreaming of being with her every day. He hadn't been joking when he said he wanted to wake up next to her every morning. While she spoke he envisioned a future where she was his wife and they were lord and lady of Gyldenhaal and the Starkwood. Remembering what Aerion had said about her last moment of true happiness Balon pictured her in a garden with her two children as she cradled their newborn son. A look of true contentment was on her face. Finally free from her mother's cruelty. A dark part of his mind conjured another image. It was Lord Blackwood and Marei laying together, looking longingly into each other's eyes. A tale of love that wasn't meant to be on account of their status. They loved each other and that was enough for them. The image shifted to Riverthorn except it was Laena lying on the ground, bleeding to death from multiple stab wounds. Her crime was loving Balon. Balon instinctively squeezed Laena tight at the horrific imagery and opened his eyes as she said, "But to actually answer your question ... they were happy. Without me." he protested. "Just because they were in good spirits doesn't mean they don't love and miss you.""I know it's easy for me to say as I'm not a father but it's not kindness and cruelty a child needs. It's the ability to love them *and* discipline them. Being stern to ensure they aren't spoiled is different than cruelty. Your mother was cruel. The fact you understand that means you aren't her." He tapped her backside with his finger. "*You* aren't becoming her. You wouldn't open up yourself to me if you were. You wouldn't worry about your children's smiles if you were her."
"You wouldn't have looked at Lander they way you did in the garden shortly after his birth if you were your mother." Balon sighed, thinking of a way to ease her mind. "Maybe I should meet them before I leave for the Riverlands. Bring them some gifts like I did for you." He smiled as he recalled Laena's reaction when he gave her the tiara. "When I gave you the circlet you let your guard down for a moment but it was long enough to see the real you. Maybe I can do something similar with them. Put your mind at ease." He knew why she hesitated on having Balon meet them but he was at least offering to help. "You said we make each other better, stronger. How can I help you when it comes to being a mother." He looked down to her. "After all I've been doing my best to get you pregnant for some time now. You'll run out of Moon Tea eventually." He gave her a playful pinch in an attempt to cheer her up. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 2, 2019 18:36:00 GMT 1
Balon instinctively squeezed Laena tight at the horrific imagery Given how he'd acted before, Laena assumes that he'd felt threatened about the thought of another man near her, so she indulges his possessiveness without giving it any more thought. "You wouldn't have looked at Lander they way you did in the garden shortly after his birth if you were your mother." Laena starts when he says that. "Wait, what?" The puzzlement clear on her face. The fear that her memory is playing tricks on her better hidden. Balon sighed, thinking of a way to ease her mind. "Maybe I should meet them before I leave for the Riverlands. Bring them some gifts like I did for you." He smiled as he recalled Laena's reaction when he gave her the tiara. "When I gave you the circlet you let your guard down for a moment but it was long enough to see the real you. Maybe I can do something similar with them. Put your mind at ease." Laena considers a moment, before shaking her head. "The Riverlands is your first major test. Can you survive all the enemies your blind recklessness has caused? As time passes, your - hopefully - more temperate behaviour, and others' bad behaviour, will draw more attention away from you, but you are still in great danger for now. I don't want them to like someone then immediately lose them." "You said we make each other better, stronger. How can I help you when it comes to being a mother." He looked down to her. "After all I've been doing my best to get you pregnant for some time now. You'll run out of Moon Tea eventually." He gave her a playful pinch in an attempt to cheer her up. She gives but a small smile at the pinch. "All you can do, I think, is keep to your word that your reckless actions are behind you. I can only be a mother to them when I can provide stability, and I can't do that if I fear your actions could lead to them becoming orphans. Or worse, endangered themselves." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 4, 2019 7:45:08 GMT 1
Laena starts when he says that. "Wait, what?" The puzzlement clear on her face. The fear that her memory is playing tricks on her better hidden. Balon paused for a moment, suddenly unsure if he'd remembered Aerion's words correctly. "At Whitewalls I spoke with your brother after he'd defeated me in the joust. We were talking about family and I'd asked him about you. He said one of his favorite memories of you was shortly after the birth of Lander." Balon looked at her with his own confused look. "You were in a garden with both your children. Ser Aerion said that was one of the last times you were truly happy. Was... was he mistaken?" Laena considers a moment, before shaking her head. "The Riverlands is your first major test. Can you survive all the enemies your blind recklessness has caused? As time passes, your - hopefully - more temperate behaviour, and others' bad behaviour, will draw more attention away from you, but you are still in great danger for now. I don't want them to like someone then immediately lose them." She gives but a small smile at the pinch. "All you can do, I think, is keep to your word that your reckless actions are behind you. I can only be a mother to them when I can provide stability, and I can't do that if I fear your actions could lead to them becoming orphans. Or worse, endangered themselves." Balon nodded before adding dryly, "It'll be hard enough for you to get over me I should pass." He decided to share his idea with her, "I was thinking of giving your daughter a doll that looked like you. Long silver hair, maybe a blue circlet sewn on and something else that says, This is Laena Pyre and this doll acts. You know, something to remind her of you for while you're away." Balon shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe it sounds silly but if you're worried about them and how they perceive you a thoughtful gift would go a long way. If you don't want them becoming attached to me perhaps you should do it." "As for me. I won't lie and say my tongue doesn't get me into trouble but I've managed to stay in one piece... and that was before I made friends in powerful places." It was obvious he was admitting he'd made some mistakes but believed his talent and allies would help see him through the worst of it. "I've been trying to make better decisions. It doesn't always work out," That's a fucking understatement, "but I'm getting there. When the fighting in the Riverlands starts I plan to carry myself in a chivalrous manner." Balon hoped when the time came he actually followed through on his promises. "This might seems like a stupid question but what is stability to you?" Balon turned thoughtful, "I know the literal meaning but what does it look like to you. Lords and ladies are being killed in the Reach. The Riverlands is about to catch fire. And that's not even considering Ser Daemon and the King. How long do you think you can travel the Reach?" |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 4, 2019 21:35:06 GMT 1
Balon paused for a moment, suddenly unsure if he'd remembered Aerion's words correctly. "At Whitewalls I spoke with your brother after he'd defeated me in the joust.As soon as he said that, he confusion cleared, relief clear on her face. "We were talking about family and I'd asked him about you. He said one of his favorite memories of you was shortly after the birth of Lander." Balon looked at her with his own confused look. "You were in a garden with both your children. Ser Aerion said that was one of the last times you were truly happy. Was... was he mistaken?" She shakes her head with a smile. "No. I just had no memory of telling you of that time. I should have considered that my brother had told you of it first, but my first thought was ... well, it doesn't matter." She pats his chest. He decided to share his idea with her, "I was thinking of giving your daughter a doll that looked like you. Long silver hair, maybe a blue circlet sewn on and something else that says, This is Laena Pyre and this doll acts. You know, something to remind her of you for while you're away." Balon shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe it sounds silly but if you're worried about them and how they perceive you a thoughtful gift would go a long way. If you don't want them becoming attached to me perhaps you should do it."Laena considers it for a few moments. "That sounds nice. I'm not sure if I want Sylvina to emulate me too closely, though. She won't have the same freedoms I do. A more ... passive lady may be happier with the lot she will end up with." She doesn't seem to happy about the idea, but is clearly trying to be realistic about her children's future. "Still, a custom doll to remind her of me while I'm away sounds like a fine idea." She smiles at him. "I think you'll make a good father, when the time comes." "As for me. I won't lie and say my tongue doesn't get me into trouble but I've managed to stay in one piece... and that was before I made friends in powerful places." It was obvious he was admitting he'd made some mistakes but believed his talent and allies would help see him through the worst of it. "I've been trying to make better decisions. It doesn't always work out," That's a fucking understatement, "but I'm getting there. When the fighting in the Riverlands starts I plan to carry myself in a chivalrous manner." Balon hoped when the time came he actually followed through on his promises. Laena nods. "That's good. Taking a few ransoms of people your cause would prefer dead would do wonders for your reputation." "This might seems like a stupid question but what is stability to you?" Balon turned thoughtful, "I know the literal meaning but what does it look like to you. Lords and ladies are being killed in the Reach. The Riverlands is about to catch fire. And that's not even considering Ser Daemon and the King. How long do you think you can travel the Reach?" "That's not a stupid question. It is in fact, very relevant. In this case, 'stability' means a family, a home. One we're not going to lose to a man's heart giving out. Or having a sword rammed through it. "For now, the only people inclined to seek my death are the Cordwayners, and even then, they'd be better suited to focusing on Ser Roland. My neutrality means that neither side benefits from my demise, and no-one moves up in inheritance should I pass. Therefore, I only need to really worry once open warfare breaks out, and the smallfolk are driven to banditry and worse. Or should I publicly take a side. But until either happens, I should be largely safe." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 6, 2019 7:45:42 GMT 1
She shakes her head with a smile. "No. I just had no memory of telling you of that time. I should have considered that my brother had told you of it first, but my first thought was ... well, it doesn't matter." She pats his chest. At first Balon was going to let her comment pass but he wanted her to trust in confiding in him. Giving her a reassuring squeeze he asked, "What is it? You can tell me." He gave her the top of her head a kiss. "Opening yourself up is scary, remember?" Laena considers it for a few moments. "That sounds nice. I'm not sure if I want Sylvina to emulate me too closely, though. She won't have the same freedoms I do. A more ... passive lady may be happier with the lot she will end up with." She doesn't seem to happy about the idea, but is clearly trying to be realistic about her children's future. "Still, a custom doll to remind her of me while I'm away sounds like a fine idea." She smiles at him. "I think you'll make a good father, when the time comes." Balon beamed with pride when she said he'd make a good father. "I told you I'd raise Sylvina and Lander as my own and I'll do what I can to ensure they get a say in what becomes of them. You said Lander loves to explore and has a tendency to *run off*. If he still enjoys that when he grows up I'll see to making him the Master of the Hunt or something that lets him spend his time in the Starkwood. As for Sylvina she won't have the same freedoms as you but if she wants to marry for love I think she'd be in a good position to do so. Don't you?" Sylvina didn't have lands tied to her and *if* Balon gained Lordship over Gyldenhaal alliances would be made from their childrens' marriages, not the daughter of a dead landed knight. Laena nods. "That's good. Taking a few ransoms of people your cause would prefer dead would do wonders for your reputation." "That's not a stupid question. It is in fact, very relevant. In this case, 'stability' means a family, a home. One we're not going to lose to a man's heart giving out. Or having a sword rammed through it. "For now, the only people inclined to seek my death are the Cordwayners, and even then, they'd be better suited to focusing on Ser Roland. My neutrality means that neither side benefits from my demise, and no-one moves up in inheritance should I pass. Therefore, I only need to really worry once open warfare breaks out, and the smallfolk are driven to banditry and worse. Or should I publicly take a side. But until either happens, I should be largely safe." Balon let out a short chuckle, "To be perfectly honest I have no idea how dowries work with Great Bastards. Having additional coin would be nice in case Lady Erena wants some sort of compensation for our union." Balon had always assumed leaving Gyldenhaal would be enough for Erena to approve of a marriage but he'd found out how wrong he was at Highgarden. The next time her spoke with her he needed to bring something to barter with; gold was a good start. "You might doubt me but I have a plan to make sure you're safe both before and during the war. And before you ask, it doesn't involve you staying at Starpike safely locked away while you churn out babies for me." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 7, 2019 21:56:12 GMT 1
At first Balon was going to let her comment pass but he wanted her to trust in confiding in him. Giving her a reassuring squeeze he asked, "What is it? You can tell me." He gave her the top of her head a kiss. "Opening yourself up is scary, remember?" She snorts lightly at his last comment, before turning both serious and melancholy. "When someone is diseased, typically they can tell. It may be curable or not, but at least they can tell there is a problem. The thing about madness is that the insane cannot recognise it in themself. "What is madness? It has so many forms, that the only real way to encapsulate them all is to simplify it down to 'someone who thinks and acts outside of established conventional norms'. And what am I? I'm a woman with freedoms. A woman who people not married to me listen to. A woman with *power*! And society accepts that. "How, then, can even an independent observer establish a person is mad, if society itself is mad?" She sighs slightly. "My mother was convinced my fate was to be like her - used up by the king, then cast aside. And she, in her own way, tried to prepare me for that fate. To be as her. Unwed. Unstable. A bad parent. When I was given the opportunity of my legitimisation, I seized it and didn't let go. I promised myself I'd take everything I'd been raised to believe would never be mine. I'd be a good wife, a good mother. "I wouldn't be alone. "And I definitely, absolutely, wouldn't be the *whore* she tried to groom me into being. "And I did those things. That's the main reason I rushed into marriage at 16. "Then ... everything kind of fell apart. I stopped being a wife. "Once I started travelling, I basically stopped being a mother. Certainly a good one. "And here I am, right now, naked, in the bed of a man who is not my husband, who regularly gives me expensive gifts. "So, you see, I am not only acting outside of *society's* conventional norms, but also my own. Every step made for seemingly good reasons. Each thing seemingly sane and rational. "But the fear is always there that it is not. Bastards are born of lust and lies. I fought against the curse of that blood for a time, but look at me now - disguising myself to sneak into your bed." She clenches her fists. "How can I know whether or not I am similarly losing against the curse of my father's blood? It is not a foe that I can see, or fight in any conventional manner. "So, when you so casually talked of a thing which, in that moment, I did not think you should know, I feared the worst." Balon beamed with pride when she said he'd make a good father. "I told you I'd raise Sylvina and Lander as my own and I'll do what I can to ensure they get a say in what becomes of them. You said Lander loves to explore and has a tendency to *run off*. If he still enjoys that when he grows up I'll see to making him the Master of the Hunt or something that lets him spend his time in the Starkwood. As for Sylvina she won't have the same freedoms as you but if she wants to marry for love I think she'd be in a good position to do so. Don't you?" Laena leaned her face into his chest. "Mmmm. Sounds good." Her voice firms. "But he'd better love her back, and take proper care of her." She rails without much energy. "You might doubt me but I have a plan to make sure you're safe both before and during the war. And before you ask, it doesn't involve you staying at Starpike safely locked away while you churn out babies for me." She raises her head curiously. "So, you've established what it *isn't*. Now you've mentioned you have a plan for my future, how about you tell me what it *is*?" |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 14, 2019 7:54:01 GMT 1
She snorts lightly at his last comment, before turning both serious and melancholy. "When someone is diseased, typically they can tell. It may be curable or not, but at least they can tell there is a problem. The thing about madness is that the insane cannot recognize it in themself. "What is madness? It has so many forms, that the only real way to encapsulate them all is to simplify it down to 'someone who thinks and acts outside of established conventional norms'. And what am I? I'm a woman with freedoms. A woman who people not married to me listen to. A woman with *power*! And society accepts that. "How, then, can even an independent observer establish a person is mad, if society itself is mad?" Balon let out a chuckle, "Plus if everyone is mad doesn't that mean no one is?"He smiled when she mentioned lords listening to an unwed woman, "Come now I thought we were both realists. Men have the power and bear the mantle of leadership but we know they listen to wise counsel, even if it's from a woman. *Especially* one with royalty in their veins. You've heard the rumors about Lord Leo and his mother's advice. Is she mad? Is Lord Leo?" he asked rhetorically. She sighs slightly. "My mother was convinced my fate was to be like her - used up by the king, then cast aside. And she, in her own way, tried to prepare me for that fate. To be as her. Unwed. Unstable. A bad parent. When I was given the opportunity of my legitimisation, I seized it and didn't let go. I promised myself I'd take everything I'd been raised to believe would never be mine. I'd be a good wife, a good mother. "I wouldn't be alone. "And I definitely, absolutely, wouldn't be the *whore* she tried to groom me into being. "And I did those things. That's the main reason I rushed into marriage at 16. "Then ... everything kind of fell apart. I stopped being a wife. "Once I started travelling, I basically stopped being a mother. Certainly a good one. "And here I am, right now, naked, in the bed of a man who is not my husband, who regularly gives me expensive gifts. "So, you see, I am not only acting outside of *society's* conventional norms, but also my own. Every step made for seemingly good reasons. Each thing seemingly sane and rational. "But the fear is always there that it is not. Bastards are born of lust and lies. I fought against the curse of that blood for a time, but look at me now - disguising myself to sneak into your bed." She clenches her fists. "How can I know whether or not I am similarly losing against the curse of my father's blood? It is not a foe that I can see, or fight in any conventional manner. "So, when you so casually talked of a thing which, in that moment, I did not think you should know, I feared the worst." Balon was referring to her brother and clearly not any Starkwood, "while you go out to try and secure them a better future." As she mentioned nudity he began stroking her back again and rested his hand on her butt cheek, "You may fuck like a wild animal but you're no whore. It's not like you go about laying down with any knight that whispers sweet things in your ear. I can see how me giving you gifts might look to an observer but this isn't a quid pro quo. You're not a prostitute. What we do may have started in lust but it's evolved to something much more."
"Lust and lies, hmmm? Losing the fight against your *curse*?" Balon was trying to comfort her. "Are you pregnant? Do you sneak into my bed solely for sex?" He gave her butt a reassuring pat. "You are Laena Pyre and you are unique. You may be going against society's norms but sometimes they're wrong and this is one of those times. There are a dozen reasons why we keep our relationship secret and none of them have to do with madness. If anything I think it has to do with love. Not that's an emotion that'll make you act crazy." He laughed. Laena leaned her face into his chest. "Mmmm. Sounds good." Her voice firms. "But he'd better love her back, and take proper care of her." She rails without much energy. She raises her head curiously. "So, you've established what it *isn't*. Now you've mentioned you have a plan for my future, how about you tell me what it *is*?" How he planned to ensure mutual affection was something he'd work out in a decade or so. "As for us. I've thought about where I can go to maximize my talents and yours. Lord Florent offered me a place at Brightwater and I considered taking it but thought, why not aim higher? An what is higher than that; Highgarden. I've made enough friends in high places and garnered enough clout that I may be able to get a position of prestige at Highgarden once the fighting int he Riverlands ends. Lord Leo has a Master at Arms and a Captain of the Guard but he'll need more strategic minds for the war to come. A marshal or something of a similar nature. I believe I can attain that position.""As to you, you may call them your little gossip circles but with time I think you could act as a Master of Whispers of sorts. Think of the political capital you could build with an information network centered in Highgarden. Furthermore if you were decide you wanted to help my cause you'd be immensely rewarded for providing them critical intelligence on unforeseen enemies.""And most importantly I can think of few places more protected than Highgarden. A perfect place for your children to ride out the war in safety." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 14, 2019 23:06:18 GMT 1
"Your definition of madness is..." broad, exaggerated, ....mad? "robust. You're acting outside of conventional norms but we're not living in conventional times, are we? Can you think of an instance where any king legitimized dozens, if not hundreds of his bastards? This is unprecedented." Balon let out a chuckle, "Plus if everyone is mad doesn't that mean no one is?" Laena frowns, taking the matter more seriously than he was. "Perhaps. Or perhaps, if enough madness is gathered, it is contagious, like a disease. The maesters say it's not, but as you say: this situation is unprecedented." She seems idly thoughtful, rather than pushing the idea. He smiled when she mentioned lords listening to an unwed woman, "Come now I thought we were both realists. Men have the power and bear the mantle of leadership but we know they listen to wise counsel, even if it's from a woman. *Especially* one with royalty in their veins. You've heard the rumors about Lord Leo and his mother's advice. Is she mad? Is Lord Leo?" he asked rhetorically. Laena gives a small sigh. "Fine, I misspoke. 'Married or related to'. It's one thing to listen to your mother or grandmother. Quite another to listen to the rest of us." She scrunches her nose. "But maybe it is as simple as 'royal blood'. Even if it comes with no actual power, it has intrinsic power - that's how it could dominate the dragons." She's clearly mulling the idea - not completely sold, but willing to go with it for now. "You stopped being a wife but not by choice. You haven't stopped being a mother. In fact you made a tough choice. You left them in the care of a good person," Balon was referring to her brother and clearly not any Starkwood, "while you go out to try and secure them a better future." As she mentioned nudity he began stroking her back again and rested his hand on her butt cheek, "You may fuck like a wild animal but you're no whore. It's not like you go about laying down with any knight that whispers sweet things in your ear. I can see how me giving you gifts might look to an observer but this isn't a quid pro quo. You're not a prostitute. What we do may have started in lust but it's evolved to something much more."
"Lust and lies, hmmm? Losing the fight against your *curse*?" Balon was trying to comfort her. "Are you pregnant? Do you sneak into my bed solely for sex?" He gave her butt a reassuring pat. "You are Laena Pyre and you are unique. You may be going against society's norms but sometimes they're wrong and this is one of those times. There are a dozen reasons why we keep our relationship secret and none of them have to do with madness. If anything I think it has to do with love. Now that's an emotion that'll make you act crazy." He laughed. She snuggles up closer to him as he says that. "Thank you." She murmurs into his chest. Then, with a small smile, she continues. "I knew I kept you around for *something* other than just sex." She teases. "As for us. I've thought about where I can go to maximize my talents and yours. Lord Florent offered me a place at Brightwater and I considered taking it but thought, why not aim higher? An what is higher than that; Highgarden. I've made enough friends in high places and garnered enough clout that I may be able to get a position of prestige at Highgarden once the fighting in the Riverlands ends. Lord Leo has a Master at Arms and a Captain of the Guard but he'll need more strategic minds for the war to come. A marshal or something of a similar nature. I believe I can attain that position.""As to you, you may call them your little gossip circles but with time I think you could act as a Master of Whispers of sorts. Think of the political capital you could build with an information network centered in Highgarden. Furthermore if you were decide you wanted to help my cause you'd be immensely rewarded for providing them critical intelligence on unforeseen enemies.""And most importantly I can think of few places more protected than Highgarden. A perfect place for your children to ride out the war in safety." Laena 'tastes' the idea for a few moments before responding. "That sounds like a good, solid plan." She's sure to keep the surprise out of her voice. While it's something his aunt may choose to get in the way of, she supposes that she could probably see what she could do to smooth the path for both things he wants, and an angle she could use to do so forms, at least vaguely, within moments. "I highly doubt I could be master of whispers. That is a position of not just great competence, but also great trust, and Lord Leo has little reason to trust me. Still, I have many fond memories of that place, and you are right that it is perfectly suited to a lady of my talents. A good place to raise children, as well. "We shall just see in what state you return from the Riverlands in. Layered in honour and glory, I hope." She smirks. "Hopefully some gold, too." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 15, 2019 7:40:20 GMT 1
Laena frowns, taking the matter more seriously than he was. "Perhaps. Or perhaps, if enough madness is gathered, it is contagious, like a disease. The maesters say it's not, but as you say: this situation is unprecedented." She seems idly thoughtful, rather than pushing the idea. Seeing her frown gave him pause. He hadn't taken her concern seriously and why would he? It's not like she'd ever displayed signs of... Oh shit. I remember her "episode" at Highgarden. He put his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet with his. "I understand your concern. You come from a dynasty that has its fair share of heroes and villains. Pious and depraved. Genius and madness. Maybe the ability to control dragons has it's side effects I don't know. But what I *do* know is you're not mad. Period." He leaned in for a kiss. "If you were I'd be able to tell. A gut feeling, a hunch, something would whisper crazy. I don't get that from you." He gave her a loving smile, "But what I do get is assertiveness, boldness, cunning, bravery, beauty, passion, and most importantly; love."
He moved his hands to her hips and guided her on top of him, "The only thing I worry about is you discovering a sense of prudence and moving on from me."
Laena gives a small sigh. "Fine, I misspoke. 'Married or related to'. It's one thing to listen to your mother or grandmother. Quite another to listen to the rest of us." She scrunches her nose. "But maybe it is as simple as 'royal blood'. Even if it comes with no actual power, it has intrinsic power - that's how it could dominate the dragons." She's clearly mulling the idea - not completely sold, but willing to go with it for now. She snuggles up closer to him as he says that. "Thank you." She murmurs into his chest. Then, with a small smile, she continues. "I knew I kept you around for *something* other than just sex." She teases. He pointed to her head. "No amount of intrinsic power will help you if you're a dullard that provides bad counsel time after time. Even if there is resistance by some simply because of your sex if you're right enough they will listen to you." Balon shrugged, "And if I'm wrong we'll find out soon enough. Who knows, your power might finite and only last until the end of the war." It was something Balon hadn't considered much. What use would the Great Bastards have afterwards? When she teased he smiled and deadpanned, "Yes you also keep me around for gifts. Speaking of!" He begrudgingly got out of bed and walked over to the wardrobe without bothering to put on clothes. "I've been thinking about what to get you. The jewelry looks wonderful on you but there are only so many body parts to adorn. I imagine there comes a point where it becomes gaudy and what you have now adds an..." Balon looked for the right words, "elegant beauty to your already stunning body." He turned to open the wardrobe and retrieved his newest gift. "This might be a little warm to wear right now but I'm thinking long term." He pulled out a winter white ermine long coat with an upside down chevron pattern. "When I think of balls, feasts, and social gatherings, I can picture you in this and know you'll stand out in the crowd." He motioned for her to come try it on. "It's incredibly soft. It's not *supposed* to be wornin the nude but I think you'll appreciate it."Laena 'tastes' the idea for a few moments before responding. "That sounds like a good, solid plan." She's sure to keep the surprise out of her voice. While it's something his aunt may choose to get in the way of, she supposes that she could probably see what she could do to smooth the path for both things he wants, and an angle she could use to do so forms, at least vaguely, within moments. "I highly doubt I could be master of whispers. That is a position of not just great competence, but also great trust, and Lord Leo has little reason to trust me. Still, I have many fond memories of that place, and you are right that it is perfectly suited to a lady of my talents. A good place to raise children, as well. "We shall just see in what state you return from the Riverlands in. Layered in honour and glory, I hope." She smirks. "Hopefully some gold, too." He said it with such confidence that he believed it to be a forgone conclusion. "What does Lady Rhonda think of you? A kind word from her could go a long way once you've proven your ability to glean truths from the shadows of the Reach."
"I've made bad choices, you know that, but I've pledged to become better. To fight and win the right way. When the fighting is over I hope to make my friends, family, and *you* proud." He smirked too, "And with all that ransom I might get you something too. Maybe." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 15, 2019 22:24:12 GMT 1
"I understand your concern. You come from a dynasty that has its fair share of heroes and villains. Pious and depraved. Genius and madness. Maybe the ability to control dragons has it's side effects I don't know. But what I *do* know is you're not mad. Period." He leaned in for a kiss. "If you were I'd be able to tell. A gut feeling, a hunch, something would whisper crazy. I don't get that from you." He gave her a loving smile, "But what I do get is assertiveness, boldness, cunning, bravery, beauty, passion, and most importantly; love." "Mmmm." She moans, pleased, when they finish the kiss. "I can and have stood alone. A matter of pride. Of practicality. Of necessity. It's .. nice to have you to set my heart at ease on that matter, for I admit, I fear it more than death itself. For death is merely an end to all that you *could be*, while madness destroys all you *are*, and you are likely to damage if not destroy all you *have done*." When she teased he smiled and deadpanned, "Yes you also keep me around for gifts. Speaking of!" He begrudgingly got out of bed and walked over to the wardrobe without bothering to put on clothes. Laena nakedly admired his back and backside he walked away, pleased smile on her face, which quickly reduces to a smaller one just as he turns around. "I've been thinking about what to get you. The jewelry looks wonderful on you but there are only so many body parts to adorn. I imagine there comes a point where it becomes gaudy and what you have now adds an..." Balon looked for the right words, "elegant beauty to your already stunning body." He turned to open the wardrobe and retrieved his newest gift. "This might be a little warm to wear right now but I'm thinking long term." He pulled out a winter white ermine long coat with an upside down chevron pattern. "When I think of balls, feasts, and social gatherings, I can picture you in this and know you'll stand out in the crowd." He motioned for her to come try it on. "It's incredibly soft. It's not *supposed* to be worn in the nude but I think you'll appreciate it." Her mind instinctively recalls her words to Lord Marq at their first meeting at the Black Tourney. 'I want silk and fur, gold and silver'. Fur may be amongst the least of her wishes, but she's no less pleased to have it fulfilled. Smiling, she carefully pours herself out of bed, and holds up a stalling finger. "One moment." Weaving across the room to where she's dropped the cleaning cloth she'd wrapped her tiara in, she quickly uses it to clean off the worst messes, to avoid staining her new clothes on their virgin use. After that, she saunters over to Balon, turns her back to him, and offers her arms, to encourage him to dress her in his gift, withholding verbal judgement until she's wearing it. "Then we shall find a way to get him to trust you." He said it with such confidence that he believed it to be a forgone conclusion. "What does Lady Rhonda think of you? A kind word from her could go a long way once you've proven your ability to glean truths from the shadows of the Reach." A slightly awkward smile crosses her face. "If she remembers me at all, it is likely remembering a ... difficult youth. First impressions count for a lot, and I was ... 'rough', let's say, when I first managed to escape my mother. As I grew older, I .. smoothed out." And got better at hiding my antics. "But if you are looking for a spymaster, I imagine she'd look for someone .. else. Oh, don't misunderstand, I think she *likes* me. But a house like the Hightowers would undoubtedly already have a spymaster, so I doubt I'd be supplanting them any time soon. "Supporting them, perhaps." She shrugs. "Rest assured, a woman of my talents will always find a way to make herself useful at a place like Highgarden." "I've made bad choices, you know that, but I've pledged to become better. To fight and win the right way. When the fighting is over I hope to make my friends, family, and *you* proud." He smirked too, "And with all that ransom I might get you something too. Maybe." She gives a smug smile back. "Oh, you'll get me *something*. You enjoy my reactions too much to resist. But maybe, if you return with enough honour to bury your mistakes in people's memories, you'll be able to give me something truly special." she hints, with a wink. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 19, 2019 8:08:40 GMT 1
"I can and have stood alone. A matter of pride. Of practicality. Of necessity. It's .. nice to have you to set my heart at ease on that matter, for I admit, I fear it more than death itself. For death is merely an end to all that you *could be*, while madness destroys all you *are*, and you are likely to damage if not destroy all you *have done*." His implication was obvious. "While true it's made you a stronger person I think the whole," Balon took her hands in his and squeezed them, "will be greater than the sum of its parts." It was now clear to Balon that madness was a serious concern of hers and he mentally noted to start paying attention for any signs of it. "I promise you if I think you're turning mad I will protect those you love from you." He caressed her cheek. "But I don't think it'll ever come to that."Smiling, she carefully pours herself out of bed, and holds up a stalling finger. "One moment." Weaving across the room to where she's dropped the cleaning cloth she'd wrapped her tiara in, she quickly uses it to clean off the worst messes, to avoid staining her new clothes on their virgin use. After that, she saunters over to Balon, turns her back to him, and offers her arms, to encourage him to dress her in his gift, withholding verbal judgement until she's wearing it. It was Balon's turn to admire his lover's form though he was far less subtle. The fact he found such beauty in something as unflattering as Laena wiping herself down said much about his devotion to her. As she offered her arms to him he slid them into the sleeves of the coat. He'd felt how soft the ermine fur was so he could only imagine how if felt on a nude body. He stepped back and gave her an approving look. "Now *I* think you'd be perfectly fine to wear this and nothing else but society would disagree." Balon's mind had already moved on to the next gift he'd get her. "What are some of your favorite colors?" He had a slyly, not wanting to give away anything to what he had in mind. A slightly awkward smile crosses her face. "If she remembers me at all, it is likely remembering a ... difficult youth. First impressions count for a lot, and I was ... 'rough', let's say, when I first managed to escape my mother. As I grew older, I .. smoothed out." And got better at hiding my antics. "But if you are looking for a spymaster, I imagine she'd look for someone .. else. Oh, don't misunderstand, I think she *likes* me. But a house like the Tyrells would undoubtedly already have a spymaster, so I doubt I'd be supplanting them any time soon. "Supporting them, perhaps." She shrugs. "Rest assured, a woman of my talents will always find a way to make herself useful at a place like Highgarden." She gives a smug smile back. "Oh, you'll get me *something*. You enjoy my reactions too much to resist. But maybe, if you return with enough honour to bury your mistakes in people's memories, you'll be able to give me something truly special." she hints, with a wink. Balon nodded along as Laena explained her relationship with Lady Rhonda. "I don't doubt Lord Tyrell has a spymaster but if we find that individual to our.. dissatisfaction we can look to replace them with you." There was several ways to go about doing that but Balon didn't feel the need to share them at this moment. "Even if you don't supplant them it doesn't mean you can't *enhance* House Tyrell's capabilities. In times like these every ear to the ground and eyes in the shadows helps."Images of Riverthorn flashed through his mind as she winked. "I do enjoy your reactions." he admitted. "It feels good to know you share this part of you with me and no one else." Balon wrapped his arms around her, "With skill and a little luck," he patted his locket, "we'll win and when we come home it'll be with heads held high and wagons full of gold." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 19, 2019 22:04:30 GMT 1
"I promise you if I think you're turning mad I will protect those you love from you." He caressed her cheek. "But I don't think it'll ever come to that." A small nod and a quiet "Thank you." are the only response she can offer. He stepped back and gave her an approving look. "Now *I* think you'd be perfectly fine to wear this and nothing else but society would disagree." Before turning to face him, she carefully arranges the coat to tease, but not reveal, her nipples, using a stroke down her chest to hold it in place as she turns. "It's certainly soft and comfortable." She carefully takes a deep breath in and holds it, as she folds her arms behind her head, making the most of what cleavage she could muster. "How does it look on me?" She looks to his eyes for a true answer. Balon's mind had already moved on to the next gift he'd get her. "What are some of your favorite colors?" He had a slyly, not wanting to give away anything to what he had in mind. She gives a sly smirk. "You need ask?" She pauses but a moment before answering. "Black and Red. Particularly with clothes, predominantly black shows off my skin and hair wonderfully, with small dashes of red to strategically draw attention where I wish. The converse can also work to draw attention, but the red doesn't compliment my skin so well generally, I find." Balon nodded along as Laena explained her relationship with Lady Rhonda. "I don't doubt Lord Tyrell has a spymaster but if we find that individual to our.. dissatisfaction we can look to replace them with you." There was several ways to go about doing that but Balon didn't feel the need to share them at this moment. "Even if you don't supplant them it doesn't mean you can't *enhance* House Tyrell's capabilities. In times like these every ear to the ground and eyes in the shadows helps."Laena avoids laughing out loud at Balon's confidence in being able to neutralise House Tyrell's spymaster. She considers letting it slide, especially since the second plan he proposed seemed fair and achievable, but decides challenging him on his more wild ideas would likely be good for him. Or maybe he'll surprise her with a workable plan. That would be a pleasant surprise. "Spymasters hardly advertise their role. For a house as powerful as House Tyrell in particular, they'd put a lot of effort into concealing their identity, and be highly competent at doing so. How would you identify them?" Images of Riverthorn flashed through his mind as she winked. "I do enjoy your reactions." he admitted. "It feels good to know you share this part of you with me and no one else." Balon wrapped his arms around her, "With skill and a little luck," he patted his locket, "we'll win and when we come home it'll be with heads held high and wagons full of gold."She leans into the hug. "To the world, I must be a dragon. Impervious to harm. Strong. Bold. Terrifying. I must also be a lady. Graceful. Refined. Polite. Virtuous. It is nice to simply be a young woman every once in a while." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 25, 2019 9:19:04 GMT 1
Before turning to face him, she carefully arranges the coat to tease, but not reveal, her nipples, using a stroke down her chest to hold it in place as she turns. "It's certainly soft and comfortable." She carefully takes a deep breath in and holds it, as she folds her arms behind her head, making the most of what cleavage she could muster. "How does it look on me?" She looks to his eyes for a true answer. Some people were practiced in the art of deception. To lie convincingly, to hide their true intentions, to mask their reactions. Not Balon though. He was straightforward to the point of being brutish. Had the look he gave Laena been in public, ladies would've fainted and brothers would've issued duels to protect their sister's virtue. Even if Balon had somehow been able to hide his eye's desire, other parts of his anatomy responded that were impossible to control. He moved in close to her, resting his hands on her hips, "Exquisite. Beauty personified." He leaned in for a long passionate kiss. "Lord Gormon once told me in Essos there were dozens of gods that were worshiped. What I see before me is most likely one of them." Laena could feel the heat radiating from him. Balon moved his hands to find a way under the coat, "As much as I like seeing you in this, it'll have to come off now. We don't want to make a mess of it." She knew exactly what Balon had in mind. And she knew him well enough that he wouldn't be denied. She gives a sly smirk. "You need ask?" She pauses but a moment before answering. "Black and Red. Particularly with clothes, predominantly black shows off my skin and hair wonderfully, with small dashes of red to strategically draw attention where I wish. The converse can also work to draw attention, but the red doesn't compliment my skin so well generally, I find." He said with a grin. "Hmmmm." His eyes seemed to brighten as an idea popped into his head. "Yes... you'll like that a lot." His talk of Essos had sparked something and what he had in mind was fit for royalty. And after all, Laena was of royal blood. "And what pray tell, do you want attention drawn too?"Laena avoids laughing out loud at Balon's confidence in being able to neutralize House Tyrell's spymaster. She considers letting it slide, especially since the second plan he proposed seemed fair and achievable, but decides challenging him on his more wild ideas would likely be good for him. Or maybe he'll surprise her with a workable plan. That would be a pleasant surprise. "Spymasters hardly advertise their role. For a house as powerful as House Tyrell in particular, they'd put a lot of effort into concealing their identity, and be highly competent at doing so. How would you identify them?" Balon wriggled his nose in thought. "It would take time but even the most deadly Shadowcat can fall prey to the right trap."She leans into the hug. "To the world, I must be a dragon. Impervious to harm. Strong. Bold. Terrifying. I must also be a lady. Graceful. Refined. Polite. Virtuous. It is nice to simply be a young woman every once in a while." Balon held her tight, kissing the top of her head, "I want this Laena, not the one you're forced to be in public."Besides the Spymaster part I don't have much left for our scene. |
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