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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 15, 2018 19:43:15 GMT 1
Laena is sitting in the library, leafing through a book on art history, so that she may hopefully contribute something at Lady Rhonda Tyrell's art appreciation evening. Of course, her main purpose here is to meet the Septon, as they'd discussed the day before; but since having children, she'd learned to multi-task, particularly during her time away from them, as much as possible.
She'd considered trying to locate one of the Septon's works to read instead, but given that she didn't know where to look for it beyond 'Religion', wouldn't make sense of it if she could, and that the pandering would have been nakedly transparent, decided to stick with something actually useful to her.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 16, 2018 2:14:34 GMT 1
The door to the library creaks and groans as Septon Abelar enters, a grating announcement for a grating man. He's dressed as usual, in the white robes of the faith, a black cloak folded over his arm, and woven rainbow belt about his waist. "Well-met Laena," he offers as he walks to meet her beside the tall bookshelves. He looks to be in a slightly more foul mood than he was yesterday--no doubt not unrelated to Ser Balon's accusations against Ser Walton Wyl. For a man as practiced in denunciation as the septon, it must be an unfamiliar place to be upstaged by the likes of Ser Balon Blackbriar. "I believe you wished to discuss something to do with the Starkwoods?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 16, 2018 2:56:21 GMT 1
"Well met, Septon Abelar." She stands to greet him, though immediately gestures towards a chair opposite hers. "Do you mind if we sit?"
Once they are both settled [be it standing if he requests, or sitting], she begins. "Yes. Specifically, about the relationship between Blackbriar and Starkwood. Things have not been well between our houses, at least since the Dance. Regardless of how much eventually comes of it, troubled times are ahead. Lord Ulbert has told the house that he wishes for peace between our houses. To thank them for taking me in after my husband's passing, and supporting me in my time of need, I have taken the task upon myself to pave the way for this endeavour.
"I spoke with Ser Donnel, Lady Shiera, and Lady Erena over lunch today, about this - with all understanding that no-one present had any authority to speak on behalf of their house, rather it was an opportunity to speak openly and frankly about issues that formal channels can not discuss so freely."
Her face flickers into a frown. "And I realise I've probably done you a disservice. While I did not wish to overwhelm the lunch with too many people, I realise now that I invited the others to a picnic in the beautiful sunshine, accompanied by the laughter of children, and good food. While you get dim windowlight and a dusty library. It was just the kind of place I thought of when thinking about you, due to your scholarly background. But you are human, you presumably enjoy food - in moderation - like the rest of us. You mentioned specifically how you found children delightful, and here I meet you without mine. Your expression and reputation are so severe, I didn't associate you with 'fun' of any kind, but presumably you do have fun on occasion, you just ensure it is of a form pleasing to the Seven, while those who prefer a less-pleasing form of fun fail to understand the distinction, and spread a reputation of you hating all fun.
"It must be lonely to be you." she whispers quietly, before realising what she just said, and blushing completely, while looking rather flustered. "I'm sorry, Septon. That was far too personal of me. I meant no offence."
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 16, 2018 4:03:57 GMT 1
Abelar takes a seat, brushing a strand of hair out from his dark eyes. Once they are both settled [be it standing if he requests, or sitting], she begins. "Yes. Specifically, about the relationship between Blackbriar and Starkwood. Things have not been well between our houses, at least since the Dance. Regardless of how much eventually comes of it, troubled times are ahead. Lord Ulbert has told the house that he wishes for peace between our houses. To thank them for taking me in after my husband's passing, and supporting me in my time of need, I have taken the task upon myself to pave the way for this endeavour. The septon's words are chosen carefully here, amenable to either Fire or Blood. "I spoke with Ser Donnel, Lady Shiera, and Lady Erena over lunch today, about this - with all understanding that no-one present had any authority to speak on behalf of their house, rather it was an opportunity to speak openly and frankly about issues that formal channels can not discuss so freely." He almost says more, but decides better of it. Her face flickers into a frown. "And I realise I've probably done you a disservice. While I did not wish to overwhelm the lunch with too many people, I realise now that I invited the others to a picnic in the beautiful sunshine, accompanied by the laughter of children, and good food. While you get dim windowlight and a dusty library. It was just the kind of place I thought of when thinking about you, due to your scholarly background. But you are human, you presumably enjoy food - in moderation - like the rest of us. You mentioned specifically how you found children delightful, and here I meet you without mine. Your expression and reputation are so severe, I didn't associate you with 'fun' of any kind, but presumably you do have fun on occasion, you just ensure it is of a form pleasing to the Seven, while those who prefer a less-pleasing form of fun fail to understand the distinction, and spread a reputation of you hating all fun. Though the septon will not admit it, he clearly enjoys inflicting holy punishment on those unlucky enough to have their sins aired in his presence. "Gluttony is an oft-overlooked sin, though Lord Merryweather is laboring hard to make it great again. I find that taking my meals simple wards it off, just as rising with the dawn keeps one from falling to sloth. Of course, I understand I am much alone on this path, so I do not begrudge you your special meal." Gesturing to her, he offers a rare compliment. "Clearly, you are no Lord Merryweather."
Remembering that her apology relates to the library and his reputation, the septon waves those off as well. "I have spent many an hour in a library, though I rarely do so anymore. After some years, I decided it is better to be out among the people seeing events firsthand than writing about them later. No doubt you are correct about the sinful in our society claiming that I hate all fun. It is in their nature to cast that stone.""It must be lonely to be you." she whispers quietly, before realising what she just said, and blushing completely, while looking rather flustered. "I'm sorry, Septon. That was far too personal of me. I meant no offence." Abelar's eyes widen a bit in surprise. He clearly was not expecting her to speak of such things. "I--there is no offense taken, my lady." He leans back a bit, as if uncomfortable speaking as a man instead of as a septon. "It is true that my vows require a certain solitude. I have no wife to warm my bed, and no children to carry on my name after I my body returns to dust and my soul meets the hereafter." His eyes drift upwards and he takes on a thoughtful look as he searches for his next words. "But in other ways, I am the less lonely than some of our most celebrated lords and ladies. My duties bring me to the humblest towns and hamlets, to walk among the smallfolk; to hear of their dreams, defeats, joys, and triumphs. These are men and women too rough to even serve as a servant such as yourself. Men and women who were born in squalor and disease, who toil all their lives, only to see it all dashed in a long winter or petty border war." His eyes return to hers, having found his answer. "And despite enduring this suffering and ruin, they still believe. They keep the faith, say their prayers, take the lash when necessary, and honor the gods." He returns to a more comfortable rest in his chair. "Though my path may be a lonely one at times, I have met more of these folk than most lords and ladies have--I've conducted hundreds of weddings and taken thousands of confessions, all in dirty hovels or on dusty roadsides. Witnessing their faith gives me strength to carry my vows, even when they feel heavy." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 16, 2018 16:16:31 GMT 1
"I too see discord on the horizon, and hope that our houses can weather in peace with one another." The septon's words are chosen carefully here, amenable to either Fire or Blood. She smiles. "I'm glad to hear that. Are there particular matters you wish to be taken account of, for such an accord to be pleasing to the Seven?" Gesturing to her, he offers a rare compliment. "Clearly, you are no Lord Merryweather."She smirks briefly. "I believe such comments are referred to as 'damning with faint praise', Septon." Though her tone is wry, rather than offended. He returns to a more comfortable rest in his chair. "Though my path may be a lonely one at times, I have met more of these folk than most lords and ladies have--I've conducted hundreds of weddings and taken thousands of confessions, all in dirty hovels or on dusty roadsides. Witnessing their faith gives me strength to carry my vows, even when they feel heavy."Emboldened by the severe man before her answering rather than rebuffing her comment, she continues. "You talk of all these people you meet, and how you help them with their faith." She takes a breath before continuing. "If it is not too bold to ask, how many of them would you consider your friend? Any of them? How about Lord Jon himself? You're reputed to be close to him. Could he be a friend? Or would making *anyone* your friend compromise your ability to judge them fairly in their actions? You act as a support, as strength, as confidant, for so many people. So many people. Do you have *anyone* in the mortal realm you yourself can turn to for such?" Her eyes are wide and voice soft with compassion. |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 16, 2018 23:50:14 GMT 1
She smiles. "I'm glad to hear that. Are there particular matters you wish to be taken account of, for such an accord to be pleasing to the Seven?" His steeples his fingers. "I'm glad you asked. The Starkwoods keep a weirwood grove. I will not call it a godswood, for only false gods may be found there. The Andals destroyed nearly all of these demon-faced trees when they brought the Seven to Westeros. Lord Starkwood would please the Seven by reducing it to kindling." He does not explain how this would assist in the accord. Emboldened by the severe man before her answering rather than rebuffing her comment, she continues. "You talk of all these people you meet, and how you help them with their faith." She takes a breath before continuing. "If it is not too bold to ask, how many of them would you consider your friend? Any of them? How about Lord Jon himself? You're reputed to be close to him. Could he be a friend? Or would making *anyone* your friend compromise your ability to judge them fairly in their actions? You act as a support, as strength, as confidant, for so many people. So many people. Do you have *anyone* in the mortal realm you yourself can turn to for such?" Her eyes are wide and voice soft with compassion. The septon shifts in his seat uncomfortably, fussing with the fraying ends of his woven belt. "My duties require that I maintain a measure of distance between myself and those whom I counsel. As you say, undue attachment could interfere in matters of sin and punishment. This is why highborn septons leave their names behind and are rarely sent to minister to their houses of birth. It is true that I am close to Lord Jon--as close as his family--but I would hesitate to name him a friend, in the way others might."
He seems to realize how pathetic he sounds and continues, reframing his words. "Of course, I love him as though I too were a Blackbriar, and we place great trust in each other. But I no longer partake in the sorts of friendly things I might have done before taking my vows--drinking, speaking of women, jesting . . . forgiving. Men and women speak their secrets to me when they are ready to face the chastisements of the Seven. It is not my place to sop up their tears on my shoulder without condition. That would rob from them the only forgiveness worth having: that of the gods." He throws up a hand in resignation. "Of course, this removes me from certain spaces. Such is the price of duty."
"I keep the Seven as my closest confidants, but there have been others over the years. Other septons for the most part. I travel to the Starry Sept in Oldtown when my duties allow me to, and make my confession there." His eyes return to Laena. "And do you find yourself adequately supported at Starkwood? I imagine loneliness must loom large in a widow's mind." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 17, 2018 0:46:39 GMT 1
His steeples his fingers. "I'm glad you asked. The Starkwoods keep a weirwood grove. I will not call it a godswood, for only false gods may be found there. The Andals destroyed nearly all of these demon-faced trees when they brought the Seven to Westeros. Lord Starkwood would please the Seven by reducing it to kindling." He does not explain how this would assist in the accord. Laena's face doesn't change as he makes his statement. "Well, I will certainly pass your desire on to Lord Ulbert - the decision is his, after all, but I would expect you to have to compromise on that issue. The weirwood has not been a religious symbol for a long time, but a cultural one, tying us back to Brandon the Builder, and our house's role in the Battle for the Dawn. To burn the wood would be a grave insult to all of Lord Ulbert's ancestors. And while I'd be perfectly happy insulting his father, generally speaking, the line has been good, honourable men, who deserve respect in death, as they did in life. "Of course, I love him as though I too were a Blackbriar, and we place great trust in each other. But I no longer partake in the sorts of friendly things I might have done before taking my vows--drinking, speaking of women, jesting . . . forgiving. Men and women speak their secrets to me when they are ready to face the chastisements of the Seven. It is not my place to sop up their tears on my shoulder without condition. That would rob from them the only forgiveness worth having: that of the gods." He throws up a hand in resignation. "Of course, this removes me from certain spaces. Such is the price of duty." "Is that what the Seven truly want, Septon? For the best and most pious of us to live such isolated lives, denying a key part of what makes us human? To judge the lives of others, but never live themselves? To sublimate their personality, replacing it with Their own. Does such a thing truly make the Seven ... happy?" her tone is genuinely questioning and compassionate, rather than challenging. His eyes return to Laena. "And do you find yourself adequately supported at Starkwood? I imagine loneliness must loom large in a widow's mind."She nods. "I have my brother, and Ashara. And my two children, of course." A sad smile. "I still miss.ed him, of course. Terribly, some days. But kids, especially kids missing their father, demand a lot of attention, which helped get me through the days. My brother and I are close; we grew up together, first in King's Landing, then the Starkwood lands, then finally in Highgarden. It was only when I married at sixteen that we finally didn't see each other regularly. Seeing him again was ..." she smiles gently, "good. He'd grown up a lot during the four years I was married." Her smile turns into a grin, "Though however old he gets, he'll always be my younger brother, and I'll probably always look out for him. And Ashara," her smile softens again, "sweet Ashara. I worry about her, too. I know she's a woman grown now, but she still seems so young and innocent to me. So confident that she knows how the world works, and I fret that once she steps outside Starkwood lands, the world will chew her up, and spit her out." "So, while I missed my husband, and I missed being married, I at least had people who I cared about, and who cared about me around me." Her face falls. "I can't even imagine what it would be like if I had none of them around me. Or how much worse the grief would be were we married ten times as long." she adds, almost to herself. |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 17, 2018 4:18:53 GMT 1
Laena's face doesn't change as he makes his statement. "Well, I will certainly pass your desire on to Lord Ulbert - the decision is his, after all, but I would expect you to have to compromise on that issue. The weirwood has not been a religious symbol for a long time, but a cultural one, tying us back to Brandon the Builder, and our house's role in the Battle for the Dawn. To burn the wood would be a grave insult to all of Lord Ulbert's ancestors. And while I'd be perfectly happy insulting his father, generally speaking, the line has been good, honourable men, who deserve respect in death, as they did in life. "Is that what the Seven truly want, Septon? For the best and most pious of us to live such isolated lives, denying a key part of what makes us human? To judge the lives of others, but never live themselves? To sublimate their personality, replacing it with Their own. Does such a thing truly make the Seven ... happy?" her tone is genuinely questioning and compassionate, rather than challenging. The septon draws himself up a bit taller. "To be human is to be fallen; every man is born in sin, every man must choose his way. If the men and women of the cloth were to drink deeply from the chalice of companionship, we would fall even further into temptation and sin. Only through asceticism can we hope to purge ourselves of these desires. This has always been our way. No families, no wives, no children. It does please the Seven. So it is written in the Seven-Pointed Star." So many scholars have said, although that reading is more inference than text. The septon does not address the fact that many holy men have been known to take lovers and even father children. No doubt he has opinions about them. She nods. "I have my brother, and Ashara. And my two children, of course." A sad smile. "I still miss.ed him, of course. Terribly, some days. But kids, especially kids missing their father, demand a lot of attention, which helped get me through the days. My brother and I are close; we grew up together, first in King's Landing, then the Starkwood lands, then finally in Highgarden. It was only when I married at sixteen that we finally didn't see each other regularly. Seeing him again was ..." she smiles gently, "good. He'd grown up a lot during the four years I was married." Her smile turns into a grin, "Though however old he gets, he'll always be my younger brother, and I'll probably always look out for him. And Ashara," her smile softens again, "sweet Ashara. I worry about her, too. I know she's a woman grown now, but she still seems so young and innocent to me. So confident that she knows how the world works, and I fret that once she steps outside Starkwood lands, the world will chew her up, and spit her out." The septon's cheeks harden just a bit when Laena speaks of reuniting with Aerion, though he does not speak of what troubles him. Could it be that the septon prefers the crown, and distrusts Great Bastard knights? Or does he suspect Aerion and Laena of indulging in the foulest Targaryen tradition? Instead, he responds regarding Ashara. "With the right husband to protect her, you need not fear. What do you make of Ser Quentin? I confess I do not know him well.""So, while I missed my husband, and I missed being married, I at least had people who I cared about, and who cared about me around me." Her face falls. "I can't even imagine what it would be like if I had none of them around me. Or how much worse the grief would be were we married ten times as long." she adds, almost to herself. The septon nods, then cuts right to the chase. "And if you had been married ten times as long, you would be well past your childbearing years and mayhaps you too could live by our vows. But it is not so. You mentioned that you seek a husband. Have you decided whom to grant your favor?" |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 17, 2018 15:29:47 GMT 1
"Consigning the weirwoods to the axe would be sufficient. Perhaps his lordship could fashion a great table, chair, or dais from the white wood. Such a gesture would be appreciated at Gyldenhaal." "And if House Starkwood refuses to dishonour its ancestors so, will you stand in the way of peace between our houses?" Her tone is carefully neutral as she asks. The septon draws himself up a bit taller. "To be human is to be fallen; every man is born in sin, every man must choose his way. If the men and women of the cloth were to drink deeply from the chalice of companionship, we would fall even further into temptation and sin. Only through asceticism can we hope to purge ourselves of these desires. This has always been our way. No families, no wives, no children. It does please the Seven. So it is written in the Seven-Pointed Star." So many scholars have said, although that reading is more inference than text. The septon does not address the fact that many holy men have been known to take lovers and even father children. No doubt he has opinions about them. "A harsh path, indeed, if it requires you to scourge away your humanity in order to walk it properly." She too refrains from speculating as to how many could actually honestly walk such a path. "With the right husband to protect her, you need not fear. What do you make of Ser Quentin? I confess I do not know him well." Laena carefully purses her lips before answering. "I, too, cannot claim to know him *well*, but I have heard a few things. Mainly, that when he opens his mouth, his mother's words come out. When he swings his arm, it is his mother's will behind it. He is an obedient instrument of his mother's will. Maybe Ashara will be able to find some spark of 'him' that has yet to be quashed and bring it to life, but I have heard of no such thing so far. Truthfully, it is not him who worries me so much, as Lady Maegelle herself. While Ashara described her as being perfectly courteous to her face, rumour says that she's utterly furious over the arrangement. And once Ashara is wed, she'll be completely in Lady Maegelle's power, since it's well-known who truly runs House Cordwayner. To live under the power of a woman who hates you with every fibre of her being, and who clearly already feels no remorse or shame over violating the laws of the Seven by subverting the authority of the Lord of the house ... I trust you can see why such a thought has me feeling uneasy, to say the least." The septon nods, then cuts right to the chase. "And if you had been married ten times as long, you would be well past your childbearing years and mayhaps you too could live by our vows. But it is not so. You mentioned that you seek a husband. Have you decided whom to grant your favor?"She gives a rueful smile. "Septon, I can only give my favour to a knight who asks. Who I give my favour to is largely dependent on that, though I do have a short list of 'preferred candidates'. Though forgive me if I wish to keep them close to my chest. What if none of them ask me, and I choose someone else? There are always more ears than you think within hearing range, and should word get back to the man I chose that I did not truly want him," she shakes her head, "he would rightfully feel aggrieved, which is poor payment for carrying my favour." |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 18, 2018 3:26:49 GMT 1
"And if House Starkwood refuses to dishonour its ancestors so, will you stand in the way of peace between our houses?" Her tone is carefully neutral as she asks. The septon is silent for a long moment. "My counsel to Blackbriar on such a matter would depend on several factors, the Starkwoods' lax piety being one of them. Removing the bark-faced gods would satisfy me on that count, but so could other gestures. Sending a child to join the Faith would ease my concern, as would appointing additional septons to your lord's chamber . . . I am a good matchmaker when it comes to marrying priest to house. It all depends on the circumstance and terms of the so-called peace. We have peace now, but you speak of something more than that." No doubt, the septon would take great pleasure in directing the appointment of a new Starkwood septon, likely one carefully chosen for hardness and zeal. Laena carefully purses her lips before answering. "I, too, cannot claim to know him *well*, but I have heard a few things. Mainly, that when he opens his mouth, his mother's words come out. When he swings his arm, it is his mother's will behind it. He is an obedient instrument of his mother's will. Maybe Ashara will be able to find some spark of 'him' that has yet to be quashed and bring it to life, but I have heard of no such thing so far. Truthfully, it is not him who worries me so much, as Lady Maegelle herself. While Ashara described her as being perfectly courteous to her face, rumour says that she's utterly furious over the arrangement. And once Ashara is wed, she'll be completely in Lady Maegelle's power, since it's well-known who truly runs House Cordwayner. To live under the power of a woman who hates you with every fibre of her being, and who clearly already feels no remorse or shame over violating the laws of the Seven by subverting the authority of the Lord of the house ... I trust you can see why such a thought has me feeling uneasy, to say the least." The septon nods. "I met Lady Ashara yesterday in the great hall, to congratulate her on her betrothal. What you tell me per'aps explains her reluctance to speak of Ser Quentin. But tell me this--if Lady Maegelle rules over her husband and son, who put in motion this betrothal, which she so clearly detests?"She gives a rueful smile. "Septon, I can only give my favour to a knight who asks. Who I give my favour to is largely dependent on that, though I do have a short list of 'preferred candidates'. Though forgive me if I wish to keep them close to my chest. What if none of them ask me, and I choose someone else? There are always more ears than you think within hearing range, and should word get back to the man I chose that I did not truly want him," she shakes her head, "he would rightfully feel aggrieved, which is poor payment for carrying my favour." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 18, 2018 4:16:23 GMT 1
The septon is silent for a long moment. "My counsel to Blackbriar on such a matter would depend on several factors, the Starkwoods' lax piety being one of them. Removing the bark-faced gods would satisfy me on that count, but so could other gestures. Sending a child to join the Faith would ease my concern, as would appointing additional septons to your lord's chamber . . . I am a good matchmaker when it comes to marrying priest to house. It all depends on the circumstance and terms of the so-called peace. We have peace now, but you speak of something more than that." No doubt, the septon would take great pleasure in directing the appointment of a new Starkwood septon, likely one carefully chosen for hardness and zeal. "Hmm. Obviously, I can't commit to anything, but they at least sound like ideas that can be negotiated with. Tell me, one idea that was gently floated about at lunch to built trust between the houses was an exchange of people. From my side, I mentioned that Sylvina was fast approaching the age where she should be fostered elsewhere, and I do wish that it be a place that continues the work to raise her as a proper, pious lady. Were this idea to be realised, would you be satisfied by teaching her of the Faith yourself, or at least choosing her teacher, if you lack the time personally? "And you are correct, that 'peace' is not really the correct word. The exact wording, as best as I recall was 'put to rest the old enmities with the Blackbriars'. 'Trust' is, I suppose what we are truly seeking to achieve, rather than 'Peace'. The times ahead will be difficult enough without both of us glaring at our neighbour." "But tell me this--if Lady Maegelle rules over her husband and son, who put in motion this betrothal, which she so clearly detests?" Laena leans forward, holding a finger up in emphasis, and whispers "Septon, *that* question, probably more than any other, keeps me awake at night. Rumour says it's her husband. But that makes no sense. *Why*? Everything that he's let go, all the power he's let her have, and he puts his foot down on *this*? It makes no sense. No sense whatsoever. There *has* to be something else. Some ..." she waves her hands about briefly in agitation "...thing. And I have no idea what." She leans back in her seat, dejected. "I may have the blood of kings, but I am just a woman. All I can do is listen to rumours, and fret." |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 19, 2018 4:28:03 GMT 1
"Hmm. Obviously, I can't commit to anything, but they at least sound like ideas that can be negotiated with. Tell me, one idea that was gently floated about at lunch to built trust between the houses was an exchange of people. From my side, I mentioned that Sylvina was fast approaching the age where she should be fostered elsewhere, and I do wish that it be a place that continues the work to raise her as a proper, pious lady. Were this idea to be realised, would you be satisfied by teaching her of the Faith yourself, or at least choosing her teacher, if you lack the time personally? The septon is clearly touched that Laena would consider him a proper teacher. Some ladies are not so indulging. "I often share duties when it comes to the religious instruction of the young. I have so many other duties, but I always make time for a regular lesson, to ensure that the child is progressing properly.""And you are correct, that 'peace' is not really the correct word. The exact wording, as best as I recall was 'put to rest the old enmities with the Blackbriars'. 'Trust' is, I suppose what we are truly seeking to achieve, rather than 'Peace'. The times ahead will be difficult enough without both of us glaring at our neighbour." Laena leans forward, holding a finger up in emphasis, and whispers "Septon, *that* question, probably more than any other, keeps me awake at night. Rumour says it's her husband. But that makes no sense. *Why*? Everything that he's let go, all the power he's let her have, and he puts his foot down on *this*? It makes no sense. No sense whatsoever. There *has* to be something else. Some ..." she waves her hands about briefly in agitation "...thing. And I have no idea what." She leans back in her seat, dejected. "I may have the blood of kings, but I am just a woman. All I can do is listen to rumours, and fret." Abelar is clearly intrigued as well, his dark eyes alive with energy. "And someone is slandering Lady Ashara. It all stinks to the seventh heaven. I have half a mind to get to the bottom of this--could you do me the kindness of informing me if you learn anything significant? Rumors are not without value, as they are often planted with purpose." His face twitches briefly. "I have little and less regard for those who would impugn a maiden's honor for some fleeting profit. They have much to answer for." He leans back again, mellowing slightly. "We may be able to unmask Ashara's shadowy accuser. But that only tells us who hates the betrothal, not who initiated it. It could have come from the Starkwood side as well, which you may have more insight into than I do." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 19, 2018 9:38:52 GMT 1
She nods. "Good, then I am hopeful our lords will be able to find a path forward to advance this trust, which we both agree will be a good thing for our houses."
She nods more firmly at the Septon's request. "I'll happily inform you of anything significant I find, if you're willing to do the same.
"I admit, I mislike the thought that Ashara may have enemies within the house. Though I suppose I cannot afford to ignore the possibility entirely. More likely to my eyes is that, for all that Lord Ulbert is a great man, and a skilled Lord, politically, he is ... honest and straightforward. The exact kind of person someone with trickery on their mind would seek to exploit. After the mismanagement of his father, Lord Ulbert greatly desires new alliances for the house, to reduce our isolation. A marriage alliance with the Cordwayners' heir would be *just* the bait required to entice him into action without probing deeply enough to uncover any corruption underneath. Were Ser Quentin not the heir, I would worry for Ser Symon's life, as well." She adds the last as an afterthought, almost to herself.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 22, 2018 20:21:06 GMT 1
"We are agreed then." Glancing up at the window, Abelar judges the time of day. "Do I have your leave to go, my lady?"
[/scene?]
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 22, 2018 20:24:39 GMT 1
She gives a professional smile. "Of course. Thank you for your time, Septon Abelar."
[/scene]
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