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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Feb 5, 2022 18:02:08 GMT 1
"Oh my no. They pale in comparison to me." His tone suggested he was teasing but there was an underlying vanity as well. "My brothers serve at Old Oak right now. Ser Titus is an excellent jouster and a loyal brother though he's still a bit wet behind the ears." There was a fondness in Balon's voice as he spoke of his brother. There were also stories of the brothers fighting each other at the Black Tourney but whatever bad blood had existed seemed to be a distant memory. "A more chivalrous knight than I but not nearly as strong, good looking, or charming." Balon was clearly amused by his own words. "Then there is Vortimer, still a squire but following in the footsteps of his older brothers. He won the squire tournament at Highgarden. I was very proud that day." "As to those not related to me Ser Daeron Wildfire and Ser Addam Velaryon of the Companions are good men. They share my politics and Wildfire fought alongside me in the Riverlands. Both can be trusted but neither are as tall or handsome as me." For the first time, Alysanne began to think of her conversation with Balon in a more political light. Was it possible that he had sought her out more deliberately than it had appeared? His friends were noted Blackfyre supporters, and he seemed eager to introduce her. Alysanne had been coached to be reserved in her political opinions so that she would appeal to the maximum number of suitors, but it made sense that he would gamble on her being sympathetic to his cause, considering who her aunt was. "I am not acquainted with any of your friends, although", Alysanne chuckles dryly, "Not long ago, Ser Wildfire inquired as to whether I would react favorably to be being courted. At the same time that he had sent similar inquiries to half a dozen other ladies." Alysanne's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Aunt Jeyne despairs over my pride, but I will never be interested in being a man's second choice, much less his fourth or fifth." Her expression grew clouded as she continued, "I might have been the 'Plain Dragon', but I am a dragon nonetheless. A dragon doesn't stand humbly behind any lesser creature."
She suddenly realized that this might be taken of disparagement of House Blackbriar, and is quick to add, "Of course, every person would feel the same if they had the luxury of doing so. There are a few benefits to being a Bastard. And back to the original intent of your offer, I look forward to making the acquaintance of your brothers and all the rest."
When she finished her story he held out his hand for Alysanne to take, "My lady, never in a thousand years would I have believed that story considering the woman that stands before me." He gave her a reassuring look, "You are the Plain Dragon no more. In fact we need a new nickname." Balon pursed his lips in thought, "Give me time and I'll think of one." When nothing was forthcoming to Balon he gave her a sheepish smile, "I didn't say I'd have one right away." He laughed. "Free advice is the worst advice but I plan to give you some anyway. Don't let your past self dictate your future self. Be who you want to be." "That sounds very appealing advice, Ser Balon. I will consider it well, but the path to becoming that ideal self is rarely the easy one. I shall have to consider what I am willing to sacrifice along the way." She smiled lightly and her tone became less serious, "I don't know whether to look forward to this new nickname, or to dread it. Be very, very careful that I will find it flattering, my new friend." She stood quite close, placed a hand lightly on his chest to emphasize her words. Her eyes grow sultry at the contact. "That is my 'free advice' to you."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 21, 2022 9:16:13 GMT 1
Alysanne had been coached to be reserved in her political opinions so that she would appeal to the maximum number of suitors, but it made sense that he would gamble on her being sympathetic to his cause, considering who her aunt was. "I am not acquainted with any of your friends, although", Alysanne chuckles dryly, "Not long ago, Ser Wildfire inquired as to whether I would react favorably to be being courted. At the same time that he had sent similar inquiries to half a dozen other ladies." Alysanne's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Aunt Jeyne despairs over my pride, but I will never be interested in being a man's second choice, much less his fourth or fifth." Her expression grew clouded as she continued, "I might have been the 'Plain Dragon', but I am a dragon nonetheless. A dragon doesn't stand humbly behind any lesser creature."
She suddenly realized that this might be taken of disparagement of House Blackbriar, and is quick to add, "Of course, every person would feel the same if they had the luxury of doing so. There are a few benefits to being a Bastard. And back to the original intent of your offer, I look forward to making the acquaintance of your brothers and all the rest." There was a slight narrowing of the eyes when she mentioned Wildfyre's inquiry. First Ser Addam vies for Lady Lyanna's attention now Daeron has already sniffed around Sunhouse. His expression returned to normal when it was clear Alysanne was not impressed with the manner Wildfyre had gone about his business. As always, Balon continued with flattery and honeyed words, "My lady if anyone viewed you as a lesser choice after meeting you then they've clearly been hit in the head one too many times with a maul." He shared her amusement. "And knowing the reckless manner in which Wildfyre fights I can confirm that must be the case with him." For numerous reasons he felt at ease around Alysanne. "My mother and father were adamant about finding me a bride at Highgarden and the fact neither made me aware of you is an error that I will address." His smile betrayed the imperious tone of his voice. "I'm sure there'll be a few tournaments and weddings before everyone makes for Oldtown to make their opinion known on the regency. In fact my sister is set to marry Ser Preston Oakheart. I hope to see you at Old Oak." Balon paused, clearly a debate going on in his head, "In fact I'd like to invite you as a guest of House Blackbriar." A bold declaration but Balon wasn't known to be timid. "That sounds like very appealing advice, Ser Balon. I will consider it well, but the path to becoming that ideal self is rarely the easy one. I shall have to consider what I am willing to sacrifice along the way." She smiled lightly and her tone became less serious, "I don't know whether to look forward to this new nickname, or to dread it. Be very, very careful that I will find it flattering, my new friend." She stood quite close, placed a hand lightly on his chest to emphasize her words. Her eyes grow sultry at the contact. "That is my 'free advice' to you." Balon looked down to her hand then met her gaze. Those eyes... Suddenly Balon found his mouth very dry and swallowed. He licked his lips as he formulated a response. "I find... I *will* find," Balon stumbled over his words, "a suitable name for you. One that will create envy in ladies everywhere." Balon put his hand over hers, "Everything comes to she who waits." Balon didn't want the moment to end but knew he couldn't stand there forever. "Shall we return to the party? When people have drank enough I'm sure there'll be dancing. I'm not the most graceful but I know a move or two. Interested?"
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Feb 28, 2022 4:49:47 GMT 1
"My lady if anyone viewed you as a lesser choice after meeting you then they've clearly been hit in the head one too many times with a maul." He shared her amusement. "And knowing the reckless manner in which Wildfyre fights I can confirm that must be the case with him." For numerous reasons he felt at ease around Alysanne. "My mother and father were adamant about finding me a bride at Highgarden and the fact neither made me aware of you is an error that I will address." His smile betrayed the imperious tone of his voice. "I'm sure there'll be a few tournaments and weddings before everyone makes for Oldtown to make their opinion known on the regency. In fact my sister is set to marry Ser Preston Oakheart. I hope to see you at Old Oak." Balon paused, clearly a debate going on in his head, "In fact I'd like to invite you as a guest of House Blackbriar." A bold declaration but Balon wasn't known to be timid. Alysanne was taken aback by the sudden invitation. This chance encounter had felt deliciously forbidden, and she had savored every moment of it. Knowing that Balon was expressly not on the list of men she should be dangling herself in front of only made it more so. But, as much as she hated to disappoint Balon, it would be prudent to make her excuses and politely decline. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the feel of her hand on his chest. But it needed to end. Heart, be Stone, she willed. Then... she looked up and found him gazing down at her. Something passed between them, a moment without pretense. Her traitorous heart thudded in her chest, and the words she had thought to speak dried up in her throat. Balon looked down to her hand then met her gaze. Those eyes... Suddenly Balon found his mouth very dry and swallowed. He licked his lips as he formulated a response. "I find... I *will* find," Balon stumbled over his words, "a suitable name for you. One that will create envy in ladies everywhere." Balon put his hand over hers, "Everything comes to she who waits." Balon didn't want the moment to end but knew he couldn't stand there forever. "Shall we return to the party? When people have drank enough I'm sure there'll be dancing. I'm not the most graceful but I know a move or two. Interested?" "Yes," she spoke abruptly, in a voice almost to loud or sharp. The words had come unbidden. "I mean to say," she removed her hand from his chest with a measure of embarassment, "I will accept your invitation. To the wedding of your sister." Alysanne took his arm again, her touch hesitant at first, then more certain. "As a guest of House Blackbriar." Smiling, she took on an air of self-importance, and continued, "I expect that you will have thought of a suitable name for me by then. Good things do come to those who wait, but I'm not one who will wait forever." Alysanne's eyes crinkled at the corners and seemed to grow brighter as she smiled at Balon. "Let us return, then. I should very much like to dance." Yes, just dance, and save schemes and plots, manipulations and politicking for another day. Whatever the future had in store, tonight would be a reminder that life offered more than that. The sound of the music grew more distinct as Alysanne neared the ballroom, and she realized that she knew the song. She nearly pulled Balon forward, a laugh on her lips the warmth of good wine in her belly.
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