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Post by Alliser on Sept 29, 2018 0:43:11 GMT 1
so she is unfazed by the rumor. No shrinking Violet here, but she probably is seeking a new husband. I doubt she would subject herself to Lord Eldon. Too much risk and too little reward. I wonder who she does have her eyes on. Maybe I should make sure she is not setting her claws in Lord Caswell. he gives a generous smile, "indeed I can only hope to find a match as good as Ser Parmen Redwyne. My Alys seems to be very content and doted upon by my son-in-law." He did not need to mention Ser Parmen's family name, as Ser Parmen's well known, but he can not help but mention his great snare that was his Son-in-law.
"As far as my Ellyn," he smiles, "Ser Robyn fancies her, that much is clear, but she would go bored and disinterested in simply marrying a household Knight. My Ellyn deserves someone strong" Robyn is well known for his strength, his role similar to Rennifer, so physical prowess is clearly not what he is referencing.
He looks around conspiratorially then whispers, "I was considering Lord Aemond Caswell, but unfortunately have not been able to make his acquaintance yet. Are you seeking to remarry? Do you have your eyes on any prize?"
Such idle chatter was not uncommon for Alliser to discuss with other Lord's, but he was not often found in the company of women for... Obvious reasons. But he had an easy air about him, despite the strangeness of the beginning of the encounter.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 29, 2018 1:32:09 GMT 1
"Happiness is the ultimate luxury." Laena observes. "Lady Alys is a lucky woman."
She gives a small smile as she believes she sees the reason for his query. "I am indeed looking for a new husband. But rest assured, for all that I believe Lord Caswell would make a great husband for the right woman, I do not believe I am that woman, for all that he rode in my honour. Very, very briefly. So do not concern yourself that your daughter will have me as competition for his hand." She considers a moment. "In fact, that match makes a lot of sense for both parties, so I can see why you would pursue it. I don't know Lord Caswell well enough to advise you if he'd be willing or not, even if I wanted to help. But I have no reason to interfere, either. And that he asked me for my favour does at least indicate he doesn't have his heart set on someone in particular."
She considers something for a few moments before dismissing it.
"So as to not be ambiguous, do not mistake my curiosity for interest, but what of your heir? While he's still young, I'm sure you need alliances, and heirs are typically among the easiest to find willing matches for. From what you're saying, he's looking to be the last of your children to marry." While you likely wouldn't be many ladies' first choice, there's enough ambitious ones who'll believe it's better to be reviled and powerful than unremarkable and powerless.
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Post by Alliser on Sept 29, 2018 1:54:38 GMT 1
"Thaddeus?" Alliser gives a good natured chuckle, "he seems to have developed the same marriage resistant fur that my brother has. Any offers are quickly deflected to another it denied outright . It is simply infuriating at times." Although Alliser's words were harsher towards his eldest son as compared to his younger, there is warmth of pride at his elder sons skill At evasion, even if it means frustrating his father plots. "I fear my son is not settling down with any women unless she is properly loyal to the prince. This had let him to spending much more time with bittersteel then seeking out a suitable bride". Unspoken was a father's frustration at his son attempting to force Alliser's hand before he was ready. t y ay 7 phantom pain resist marriage proposal tn 12: 3d6 17 she would be a great match for him, or my brother, but offering such is likely to turn her further against any further meetings. I don't think that it would flattery her at all, and make me seem desperate.
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Post by Alliser on Sept 29, 2018 6:41:24 GMT 1
Alliser waves away those concerns, staying to near politics for him to continue down that path. "So have you met Yissla yet? She gave Ortho quite the roasting I would say. However I've heard that even though he does have a black spot next to his name, he is still going to be swept up in someones team. I know Ser Mikel and Ser Roland have a special relationship. When I went to go wish Ser Mikel health after his injury Ser Roland was there. I know such topics may bore a Lady of such virtue as yourself, but have you heard if Mikel will be joining Roland's team for the melee?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 29, 2018 18:36:16 GMT 1
Laena smiles again at his question. "I have indeed met her, though much to my regret, I've yet to spend much time with her. Still, I think she's my favourite sister. I'm happy for her that she seems to have found happiness in her life as it is now." Must ... not ... ask ... if ... she's .. one .. of ... his.
"I am not surprised that competence trumps any ethical concerns. I will make sure Ser Mikel knows of this, but I am hardly a confidant of his, so I am not aware of any pre-existing deals between the two." So, you went to see Ser Mikel when he was helpless, did you? Given how close to death he was, no-one would be surprised should he have died from his injuries, and certainly none would suspect a lord who had just received a challenge for defending him of helping that process along, whatever his reputation. But unless you could prove it to House Bracken, I don't see what that would gain you. Still, worth remembering.
Interesting to note that Ser Thaddeus has been caught up by Bittersteel. From his reputation, I expected him to be better at The Game than to undermine his father like that. From reputation, he's hardly one overly wedded to the chivalric ideal. I wonder if Ser Aladale lies in the crown royalist camp? That would give Lord Alliser one deniable foot in both camps, which seems plausible.
After a few moments, she realises. ...By the Seven. Take away my father, and the current tensions, and I really don't have that much to talk about, now we've discussed our children. What else is there? The weather? That's rather desperate. Ah!
"You seem to have a good relationship with your wife." Laena observes. "Public setting or not, there are many ladies who would not feel comfortable leaving her husband sitting next to an attractive young woman, and she did it with nary a backwards glance." Of course, the alternative is she's resigned to your ubiquitous philandering, but let's not vocalise that possibility.
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Post by Alliser on Sept 30, 2018 3:11:24 GMT 1
Alliser laughs, "indeed we do. She is my guiding star, and I am lucky that my Lord proposed the match. We have been married so long that she knows me better then I know myself." A sudden memory clicked in his head, "oh yes! I simply must tell you about the festivals my wife is planning. My Seneschal Malyk came up with the clever idea of holding a maidens day festival. She was so pleased with the idea that it is all she speaks of now. Asking of colors and table runners, as well as prizes for the small folk." He grins affectionately at his departed wife, "but I swear that you get any wine in her and she needs to excuse herself, and in a hurry. She didn't used to be that way, but the Maester tells me sometimes bearing children can cause those changes."
probably should steer the conversations away from maidens and childbirth. I doubt those are things she wishes to associate with me.
He turns back towards the women sitting next to him, "did you hear about my brother downing the white stag?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Sept 30, 2018 4:29:42 GMT 1
Laena listens to him talk of the festival, but her mind catches on a name. "Malyk? He's that lunatic kitchen boy or something, isn't he?" She frowns. "Something about no-one noticing a dead chef, or similar? And ... something about a lord's manor burning down? That's him, right? How does that work? Is he not as crazy as his reputation says?"
When he mentions the white stag, her smile, which had been slowly becoming less forced, suddenly obviously became rather brittle. In a rather strained voice, she responds. "Yes. I heard about your brother catching the white stag. Because he beat Lord Bryce Bridges to it, and I'm trying to encourage him to find joy in life again. I encouraged a number of other worthy men to join him, feeling that victory in such a prestigious hunt would be a big step forward for him." After a moment's pause, she said quietly, more to herself. "He said my favour would make him succeed. Vernan was always too grounded to say something so utterly ridiculous." Despite her words, her tone implies she wouldn't have minded being the subject of more 'ridiculousness'.
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Post by Alliser on Oct 1, 2018 1:10:58 GMT 1
"Lord Bryce, I remember hearing he was searching for the stag. I did not realize you... " well damn, I didn't know she was behind encouraging Lord Bryce to search out the white stag. "Yes Malyk is quite a treat. I do not know how he does it, or even how he thinks, but his insights into peoples emotions are beyond compare. Perhaps if spoke with him about Lord Bryce it could lead to an enlightening discussion? I had not considered my wife's possibility of boredom until he approached me about the subject." You idiot, she probably thinks your being condensing towards her. Quickly think of a different safe topic.
After a moments pause, he continues, "Do you know anyone who has plans to attend the dance to be held in a few days? I know my wife is excited to have our daughter attend. She is consistently trying to have me teach daughter, claiming that I am better at dancing then the professionals I've paid to teach her to dance." A hint of pride was in his words, and assuredly he continues, "although I'm sure that there is no small amount of spousal affections coloring her vision." He self depreciates. Barely.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Oct 1, 2018 21:36:49 GMT 1
Rather than being offended, Laena puts on a thoughtful face when he suggest asking Malyk. Either she's being polite, or she's more desperate than she'd previously implied.
"You mean the dance tomorrow?" She asks with an amused smile. "I think time may be moving faster than you think if you still believe it to still be 'a few days' away." She considers. "While it's not *intended* for those who are widowed or betrothed, if it looks interesting, I may push my way in on a technicality, since technically I am both young and unwed. Might as well make my blood work for me when I can. And if I do that, likely my cousin Ashara will follow on my heels - I enjoy dancing, but she loves it. And with less competition than other dances, we both have a real chance to shine." She slightly cocks her head as she examines the lord. She's slightly surprised he claims to be such a good dancer. She'd always believed dancing capability and martial capability drew on similar skillsets for men, and Lord Alliser's failures in the latter category were legendary. Still, even if his wife was exaggerating a bit, there was no reason to not believe he had talent.
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