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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 23, 2018 14:51:12 GMT 1
He finally found her in the Gardens of the castle, not far from where she, unknowingly to him, had enjoyed the masquerade ball on the previous night. She looked tired, sloping on a park bench, her head covered from the sun with a silk shade, her eyelids swollen.
Aladale did not look forward to that confrontation with it being a repetition of a dispute they have had numerous times in the past and with little effect. As realistic and almost cynical his typical view opinions were, with his daughter he still held out hope that she would change.
Seeing her suffering from a hangover was not overly suprising, but he was disappointed nonetheless. She probably had taken the opportunity to sneak away given most of the noble families were at Lord Peake’s ball.
“Are we enjoying the Tourney so far like a proper lady-in-waiting? Though waiting is not your panache, is it my dear daughter? Ser Simon Tarly practically drowned in your gown, would you think that behavior reflects well on your family?”
He didn’t expect much justification of even an apology for he knew her too well. Still, he liked to give her an opportunity to speak before he’d lose his temper.
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Post by Father on Jul 23, 2018 15:15:35 GMT 1
"Lady Lyanna said to go ahead and have fun when I asked, so then it must be proper, no? I mean, I'm just a bastard and all so what would I know of that." She yawns, and leans back as if that makes all his arguments invalid.
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 23, 2018 16:05:39 GMT 1
As always, she knew where he was vulnerable and cut right to the bone. Her illegitimacy was his fault, his and nobody else's and she used it like a knight's shield to deflect any blame on her doings. It hurt him, but also made him angry. His face slightly reddened and he struggled to keep his voice calm:
"Cut that, Alena. Yes, you are a bastard and that is not something I am proud of, as you well know. You keep acting like it excuses everything, like being a bastard is the root of all your acting out. But did I not provide you with everything? I took you in, gave you a place to stay at the Tear, education and status as a lady-in-waiting, far beyond what you could have gained as a common merchant's daughter? And all I ask you in return is not to stand out so much at these events. Yes, you are no common sixteen year old lady, and I never expected that from you, but at least don't act like a Dornish whore in front of the whole court!"
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Post by Father on Jul 23, 2018 16:29:16 GMT 1
"You didn't marry mother, and so I am a bastard." She doesn't seem to care much. "I very much prefer to exist, and you couldn't marry her, so it worked out for the best, for me anyways."
"Besides, have House Levalle not always played the hand it was dealt? I could be demure and invisible, like a good daddy's little girl, and nobody would ever take note. Nothing bad would happen, but nothing good either. I would be useless. Tomorrow my choice of attire will be all forgotten, but Ser Simon will carry my ribbon, and according to the talk, he might carry it for quite some time, too."
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 24, 2018 15:56:42 GMT 1
Aladale shook his head. She was not only willful but also smart and ruthless, which made arguing with her that much harder; and she also had a point. His tone became softer as he sat besides her on the bench:
"Yes, House Levalle is known to be opportunistic, known to use any advantage available. It seems you gained that from your father.", a slight smile appeared on his face before he became serious again: "But that is also a dangerous path, daughter. One that requires caution. Because if you take it too far you'll step on somebody's toes with no conscience and no regard for an unknown girl like you.". Hesitantly, he put his hand on her shoulder: "And that I cannot let happen to you."
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Post by Father on Jul 25, 2018 0:00:50 GMT 1
"You worry too much, or maybe you just need to get yourself a wife?" She seems utterly unconcerned with her safety or the dangers of playing the game of thrones.
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 29, 2018 8:45:28 GMT 1
"This is not a game Alena! Yes it seems all fun and games at a Tourney, but behind the masks are ruthless killers sharpening their blades and waiting for the right opportunity. Lord Jon Hightower was just the first, many will follow. I implore you to be careful."
He knew it was pointless, his daughter hadn't listened to her father in a long time, but he couldn't help it, he had to try.
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Post by Father on Jul 30, 2018 16:24:12 GMT 1
"Someone killed Lord Hightower to shift the balance of power, I'm nobody important." She doesn't see the logic, or decides not to. "And you're dodging the question about finding yourself a wife, everyone knows you're far beneath Lady Tanda's station, but maybe you could seduce her? I can help."
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 30, 2018 17:24:57 GMT 1
OOC: Confusion cleared up, post can be ignored
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Post by Father on Jul 30, 2018 17:53:41 GMT 1
Ooopsie, somehow that dropped out of the post. Edited in.
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Jul 30, 2018 21:05:13 GMT 1
Aladale shook his head at that answer, boldness he could tolerate, stupidity hardly.
"My marital status is not my concern right now and it shouldn't ve yours either. If you really are looking to do something useful, you may focus on House Hightower. With the death of Lord Jon, there is an internal power struggle to be expected, maybe you can find out more about that."
It was a diversion, two really. Aladale really didn't want to talk about a wedding and while he was indeed interested in knowing more about House Hightower, he expected it to be less dangerous for his daughter than the other topics of discussion within House Levalle.
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Post by Father on Jul 30, 2018 21:56:30 GMT 1
"Well, if it were up to nuncle, you'd be standing in front of the septon years ago to say your vows, so apparently you don't want to get married." Needling him on what seems to be a spot of irritation for him appears to amuse her. "Besides, isn't that sort of thing what the mummer came along for? I attracted a Tarly with my charms yesterday, not a Hightower."
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Post by Aladale Levalle on Aug 2, 2018 12:45:32 GMT 1
"Yes, there is nothing to be added on that topic, neither from your nuncle nor from you!" He stood up from the bench, having reached the end of his patience. "Well then, do what you want, but at least keep my words somewhere in the back of your mind.", he doubted she would do that and he knew he'd be back trying to talk sense into her in a day or two, but for now he couldn't keep going. With that, he walked away without another word...
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