Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Nov 30, 2018 5:38:38 GMT 1
"But a sword doesn't win a war. But it may well cause one. She thinks, darkly. The risque part of his mind wanted to make a point and Balon wasn't quick enough to stop it, "But a sword won't straddle my face."Laena flushes at that, and looks down, but doesn't rebuke him. "I don't see her wasting time on a hunt she deems futile." And there she was thinking she'd have to infer that. Considerate of him to state his mother's opinion of his prospects so plainly. "What have I done?" he asked rhetorically, "I've made myself noticed, for better or worse. My actions have closed some doors but opened others."[...] "As I heard the story, the only reason you were in a position to help in the rescue of Ser Aladore was because you were one of the few knights who hadn't felt the search for him worth your time." She observes dryly. Well, more likely you were ordered by your cousin to stay available for when the camp was 'discovered', but what are you going to do, admit that?"Also, I thought you said you asked Lady Denyse for her favour because you were denied asking for the favour of the woman you truly wanted? "Do you remember when we first spoke, and you asked me my political leanings? I told you I would share my leaning with my husband, when I remarried. Despite how heated things have become, I have stuck with that. Because I *am* single-minded, and I am focused on finding a husband. Nothing - not even the current political situation - is worth more than that to me. Because I did not wish to close a door that I may later wish opened. Let us say I had gone for the easier path, given the Starkwood leanings, and from day 1 denounced the revolutionary movement as wanting to turn the system of royal inheritance from primogeniture to ... a popularity contest. Were ..." She clearly casts about for a name, "Ser Robb Reyne to see me and instantly fall in love, well, that would make things rather awkward, if not impossible. Had I not done that, Lord Ulbert likely would not be *happy* about me marrying someone on the other side of the political divide, but because of Ser Robb's sterling reputation, he'd *accept* it, and just hope that both parties survived the likely upcoming war, to take advantage afterwards. "At the other extreme, there are precisely two people whose conduct has been so egregious this tourney that Ser Daemon himself has felt compelled to publicly censure them. Seemingly selfless people willing to destroy themselves for the sake of a cause." From her tone, 'selfless' is considered a character flaw. She locks eyes. "Ladies look long-term when considering a husband. A man who views anything as more important than his own life, especially something dangerous, is not a good long-term prospect."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Nov 30, 2018 21:26:54 GMT 1
Laena flushes at that, and looks down, but doesn't rebuke him. Well at least she didn't slap me. Balon then had a hard time getting the image of Laena doing it to him out of his mind. "As I heard the story, the only reason you were in a position to help in the rescue of Ser Aladore was because you were one of the few knights who hadn't felt the search for him worth your time." She observes dryly. Well, more likely you were ordered by your cousin to stay available for when the camp was 'discovered', but what are you going to do, admit that?Balon cleared his lascivious thoughts when he heard Laena claim he wasn't looking for Aladore, "Well then you heard the story incorrectly, my lady." Balon wasn't very happy he'd got to a late start in looking for the heir to Brightwater but it'd worked to his advantage, "The previous night I'd made the mistake of drinking with Lord Karl (Willum) and some friends. Ser Addam and I stumbled home... early? the next morning and I passed out in my pavilion for a few more hours."I know timelines can get a little fuzzy but Balon was looking for Aladore when he was bowled over by Addam. "When I came to, the search had already begun. As I was out beginning my search I was run over by Ser Addam who told me to follow him. He went to Lord Gormon and Ser Aegor who were assembling a larger search party. For the sake of time the four of us headed out in haste to rescue him."I'll admit I'm struggling with an adequate way to IC describe OOC constraints of 4 members. "Also, I thought you said you asked Lady Denyse for her favour because you were denied asking for the favour of the woman you truly wanted? "That's both true and misleading. I was denied entry to the parade which killed my chances for my first choice. But when I learned of Lady Denyse's situation I chose her." Balon waved his hand dismissively, "I didn't want to bore you with the minutiae of my decision making.""Do you remember when we first spoke, and you asked me my political leanings? I told you I would share my leaning with my husband, when I remarried. Despite how heated things have become, I have stuck with that. Because I *am* single-minded, and I am focused on finding a husband. Nothing - not even the current political situation - is worth more than that to me. Because I did not wish to close a door that I may later wish opened. Let us say I had gone for the easier path, given the Starkwood leanings, and from day 1 denounced the revolutionary movement as wanting to turn the system of royal inheritance from primogeniture to ... a popularity contest. Were ..." She clearly casts about for a name, "Ser Robb Reyne to see me and instantly fall in love, well, that would make things rather awkward, if not impossible. Had I not done that, Lord Ulbert likely would not be *happy* about me marrying someone on the other side of the political divide, but because of Ser Robb's sterling reputation, he'd *accept* it, and just hope that both parties survived the likely upcoming war, to take advantage afterwards." "At the other extreme, there are precisely two people whose conduct has been so egregious this tourney that Ser Daemon himself has felt compelled to publicly censure them. Seemingly selfless people willing to destroy themselves for the sake of a cause." From her tone, 'selfless' is considered a character flaw. She locks eyes. "Ladies look long-term when considering a husband. A man who views anything as more important than his own life, especially something dangerous, is not a good long-term prospect." She wasn't wrong but she wasn't right either according to Balon, "Marrying an old man isn't a good long-term prospect either." He was clearly referencing Bryce. I don't know his exact age but since Bryce was married 40 years I assume he is in his late 50s at a minimum. "If you think I'm planning on destroying myself for the cause then you're wrong." He'd been censured but Balon believed it to be related to his prejudice than his overt Blackfyre support, "And selflessness isn't a bad thing. I want to be selfless to my wife and her in turn. And both of us to our children. Of course there are limits but..." he didn't really have a but. He sighed, "There is a balance to be had. Wife, family, belief in something. All of it must be weighed."Balon leaned forward, "I want a partner not a subservient wife. I want someone I can share dirty jokes with and not have her run off to the sept. I want someone who enjoys children as much as she enjoys making them. And I want a wife who understands I'm going to take a risk or two if the reward is great enough for our family."
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 1, 2018 1:56:08 GMT 1
To be clear, Laena is currently massively paranoid, and working from not-entirely-accurate stories. "When I came to, the search had already begun. As I was out beginning my search I was run over by Ser Addam who told me to follow him. He went to Lord Gormon and Ser Aegor who were assembling a larger search party. For the sake of time the four of us headed out in haste to rescue him." Ser Addam joined the search hours late, then had to actually 'find' the kidnappers, and on his return, he encounters Ser Balon 'beginning his search'. Either Ser Addam really did 'find' them pretty much immediately, or Ser Balon is trying to underplay his tardiness. Maybe a mix of both. Still, she's not looking to get into an argument over the subject, so she drops it. She wasn't wrong but she wasn't right either according to Balon, "Marrying an old man isn't a good long-term prospect either." He was clearly referencing Bryce. "And were Lord Bryce merely Ser Bryce, you would have a good point. But he wasn't. He left behind a requirement for regency which, were it to happen when it should have done, would have been enough to secure my and my children's relevance and security long after he was gone. Were he a mere knight, when he died, he would have left me with nothing but children. Delightful as they are, children without useful claims are politically more of a burden than a benefit." "If you think I'm planning on destroying myself for the cause then you're wrong." He'd been censured but Balon believed it to be related to his prejudice than his overt Blackfyre support, "And selflessness isn't a bad thing. I want to be selfless to my wife and her in turn. And both of us to our children. Of course there are limits but..." he didn't really have a but. He sighed, "There is a balance to be had. Wife, family, belief in something. All of it must be weighed."Balon leaned forward, "I want a partner not a subservient wife. I want someone I can share dirty jokes with and not have her run off to the sept. I want someone who enjoys children as much as she enjoys making them. And I want a wife who understands I'm going to take a risk or two if the reward is great enough for our family." Laena sighs internally. He's *saying* all the right things. But his actions ... "If you are not intent on destroying yourself, if you only risk yourself when the reward is great enough, then tell me: what reward did you get for the Ser Walton situation?" She waves a dismissive hand. "And I'm talking *actual* reward, to you personally. Not woolly and ephemeral things like 'gratitude', which can be given one day and forgotten the next. I'm talking about tangible rewards, or at the very least sworn promises, be it from a certain relative, or your 'friend' you meet at the Perfumed Lady." The information she had was nearing its expiry date. It was time to spend it, so she was paying particular attention to how he reacted to her last words, to see if her long-held suspicions were correct. Romance Section - Awareness (Empathy): 5d6k4 15"I want to ask an impolitic question. If you would feel compelled to challenge me over the insult to your family, please forget I ever asked. But, do you know how far your mother intends to go with the Lady Erena situation? She didn't strike me as the kind of woman to only half-commit to a course of action, so I presume the rumour was laying the groundwork for a finishing blow she's preparing to get you back into the line of inheritance, but I obviously don't know her well."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 1, 2018 6:28:51 GMT 1
"And were Lord Bryce merely Ser Bryce, you would have a good point. But he wasn't. He left behind a requirement for regency which, were it to happen when it should have done, would have been enough to secure my and my children's relevance and security long after he was gone. Were he a mere knight, when he died, he would have left me with nothing but children. Delightful as they are, children without useful claims are politically more of a burden than a benefit." "Apologies, when one becomes a knight errant I often get confused on their official title." Balon doubted the security Laena claimed she'd have if she'd married Bryce. Lord Bryce had a son and even if he was a lack-wit someone, like Ser Desmond or Ser Farman, could use him to their advantage to delegitimize any claim Laena and Bryce's children may have had. But that was all moot as Bryce was dead and not coming back. "I try not to think of children as political capital but that probably makes me naive.""If you are not intent on destroying yourself, if you only risk yourself when the reward is great enough, then tell me: what reward did you get for the Ser Walton situation?" She waves a dismissive hand. "And I'm talking *actual* reward, to you personally. Not woolly and ephemeral things like 'gratitude', which can be given one day and forgotten the next. I'm talking about tangible rewards, or at the very least sworn promises, be it from a certain relative, or your 'friend' you meet at the Perfumed Lady." The information she had was nearing its expiry date. It was time to spend it, so she was paying particular attention to how he reacted to her last words, to see if her long-held suspicions were correct. Romance Section - Awareness (Empathy): 5d6k4 15"I want to ask an impolitic question. If you would feel compelled to challenge me over the insult to your family, please forget I ever asked. But, do you know how far your mother intends to go with the Lady Erena situation? She didn't strike me as the kind of woman to only half-commit to a course of action, so I presume the rumour was laying the groundwork for a finishing blow she's preparing to get you back into the line of inheritance, but I obviously don't know her well." "Reward for what? I didn't kill him, it was an accident." Technically Balon was telling the truth. By all accounts Walton had died of a mishap, not an intentional act by Balon. "But if there is a war the royalists have been denied their best field commander. I'd say that is a tangible reward for me and all who share my views." Laena noticed Balon's eyes go wide in shock and a quick intake of air through his mouth when she mentions the Perfumed Lady. "Why don't you tell me what you think I do at the Perfumed Lady and I'll tell you how right or wrong you are."
"As for my mother before I answer that I want you to answer a question." She had been quizzing Balon for awhile and it was time he asked a question. If Laena didn't know better it sounded like Balon was a little hurt, "Do you even like me? I mean does the thought of marrying me and having children sound exciting to you at all? No political ramifications. No thought to what family and friends would think. Just you and me. Would that make you happy?"
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 1, 2018 15:14:40 GMT 1
"I try not to think of children as political capital but that probably makes me naive." "Naive, or a good person. It's a hard line to see, sometimes." "Reward for what? I didn't kill him, it was an accident." Technically Balon was telling the truth. By all accounts Walton had died of a mishap, not an intentional act by Balon. "But if there is a war the royalists have been denied their best field commander. I'd say that is a tangible reward for me and all who share my views." "For encouraging the accident to happen." She says plainly. She starts trying to think of how to point out how him considering advancing his *cause* should carry *personal* rewards, as she'd been saying, but that he would see no contradiction in his words indicated such a mental blind spot that she couldn't even begin to think of how to argue it. With an angry shake of the head, she makes a dismissive gesture with her spare hand. "Fine, forget it." Laena noticed Balon's eyes go wide in shock and a quick intake of air through his mouth when she mentions the Perfumed Lady. "Why don't you tell me what you think I do at the Perfumed Lady and I'll tell you how right or wrong you are."
Laena gives him a grin. "Oh, I know how right I am." She wags a finger at him playfully. "Naughty boy." If it was somebody he could meet publicly, they wouldn't meet there, so she was fairly confident her bluff was vague enough to work, but kept her eyes on him to see if she'd missed the mark. "As for my mother before I answer that I want you to answer a question." She had been quizzing Balon for awhile and it was time he asked a question. If Laena didn't know better it sounded like Balon was a little hurt, "Do you even like me? I mean does the thought of marrying me and having children sound exciting to you at all? No political ramifications. No thought to what family and friends would think. Just you and me. Would that make you happy?" "Do I *like* you? Yes. You're fun, easy to get on with. Smart enough to be entertaining, so long as there's no Dornish around to shut down all your critical thinking abilities. And you've been saying a lot of the right things, both here and now, and before." She sighs. "And then I turn away, and you deal with someone else, and it's like there's a stranger there. Just as Ser Farman is led about by his lust, so too do you seem to be led about by your rage against a people who have seemingly done little to nothing to you personally. I understand personal vengeance, I really do. An individual wrongs you, the urge to wrong them back is entirely natural. But you seem to be blinded and driven by an intense and visceral hatred, where only a general dislike and distrust seems to be warranted - most of the individuals involved in the incidents commonly cited are dead and buried, and none of those incidents involved you, to my knowledge." She sighs, and leans back in her chair, deflated. "I do wish we were both in a separate time. I would have been raised to believe in charming knights, to not see the political in everything. Maybe if I weren't of royal blood, I'd be less terrified of a quiet, peaceful life, without any control over my destiny. And you would hopefully just be the you I see now, not the you I hear about from elsewhere. We'd just be two young people from branches of neighbouring houses, who get on personally. And I'd be happy just being the dutiful wife, content to go where fate decrees, without fear of a single blade sending me back to dreary, empty lands with nothing but bittersweet memories and more children to care for." She frowns at the empty cup in her hand. "I perhaps should have eaten more before drinking wine. It seems to have gone right to my head."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 1, 2018 18:29:38 GMT 1
"Naive, or a good person. It's a hard line to see, sometimes." Balon agreed, "It is a hard line for sure. I accuse my brother and father of naivete quite often even though their intentions are good. But what do you see in me?" He was trying to get her to commit to calling him one or the other. Laena gives him a grin. "Oh, I know how right I am." She wags a finger at him playfully. "Naughty boy." If it was somebody he could meet publicly, they wouldn't meet there, so she was fairly confident her bluff was vague enough to work, but kept her eyes on him to see if she'd missed the mark. If she knows I've been engaging in carnal pleasures and is still here talking to me maybe I'm not doomed? Balon gave a sheepish grin, "I've been.... thanked for my actions." It was vague but clear enough for Laena to know one of his tangible rewards was of the physical variety. "But I didn't challenge him for that reason." Reason meaning sex, "I knew my skill in arms was greater than his and I'm a better rider too. The long term benefit outweighed the short term risk." Balon desperately wanted to change the topic, "The Perfumed Lady is a good place for discretion." You should join me there sometime."Do I *like* you? Yes. You're fun, easy to get on with. Smart enough to be entertaining, so long as there's no Dornish around to shut down all your critical thinking abilities. And you've been saying a lot of the right things, both here and now, and before." She sighs. "And then I turn away, and you deal with someone else, and it's like there's a stranger there. Just as Ser Farman is led about by his lust, so too do you seem to be led about by your rage against a people who have seemingly done little to nothing to you personally. I understand personal vengeance, I really do. An individual wrongs you, the urge to wrong them back is entirely natural. But you seem to be blinded and driven by an intense and visceral hatred, where only a general dislike and distrust seems to be warranted - most of the individuals involved in the incidents commonly cited are dead and buried, and none of those incidents involved you, to my knowledge." She sighs, and leans back in her chair, deflated. "I do wish we were both in a separate time. I would have been raised to believe in charming knights, to not see the political in everything. Maybe if I weren't of royal blood, I'd be less terrified of a quiet, peaceful life, without any control over my destiny. And you would hopefully just be the you I see now, not the you I hear about from elsewhere. We'd just be two young people from branches of neighboring houses, who get on personally. And I'd be happy just being the dutiful wife, content to go where fate decrees, without fear of a single blade sending me back to dreary, empty lands with nothing but bittersweet memories and more children to care for." She frowns at the empty cup in her hand. "I perhaps should have eaten more before drinking wine. It seems to have gone right to my head." Balon smiled and chuckled at her drinking comment, "Oh my dear Laena you haven't done anything rash enough yet for the wine to have gone to your head." He debated to see if the wine had really gone to her head but decided against it, for now. Balon mentally noted what she had and hadn't said. She liked him but only implied marriage with a rather large caveat. "The Dornish have been our enemy for what, thousands of years? I'm not ready to play nice and forget the monstrous things they've done. And I'm not talking about some massacre from a hundred years ago. I'm talking about their recent dishonorbale ways." Balon started counting them off with his fingers, "King Daeron I, King Baelor, the Dragonknight, Lord Walgrave, Lord Leo's father. The list is rather long and fresh."
Balon was being honest, "So at large gatherings like this do I tend to speak before my brain can think, yes. But I assure you I don't spend every waking moment thinking how to get away with murdering them. I don't belittle them with every waking breath." Balon smiled warmly to her, "Do you think I would give them much thought if I woke up every morning with you in my arms?""But talk is easy, actions matter. So what if I said I was ready to apologize to Lady Ashara for my comments." Balon was prideful and was doing his best to how contrition, "I won't apologize for knocking her over because I didn't. But I will ask for forgiveness for what I said."
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 1, 2018 22:40:44 GMT 1
Balon agreed, "It is a hard line for sure. I accuse my brother and father of naivete quite often even though their intentions are good. But what do you see in me?" He was trying to get her to commit to calling him one or the other. Laena closed her eyes in consideration for a good few moments before finally answering. "Naive." She grimaces. "Not the answer you probably wanted, I'm sure. I'm not saying you're not a good person, nor am I saying you're as ... let's say 'generally naive' as, say, Ser Roland Cordwayner. But you still see 'people' first. You're Ser In-between. Honestly, that's probably the best place to be. To look at your own children, your own flesh and blood, and the first thing you see is what claims they have, what political capital they might reap ... it is a special kind of horror I would not wish on anyone. But that is how my mother raised me." If she knows I've been engaging in carnal pleasures and is still here talking to me maybe I'm not doomed? Balon gave a sheepish grin, "I've been.... thanked for my actions." It was vague but clear enough for Laena to know one of his tangible rewards was of the physical variety. "But I didn't challenge him for that reason." Reason meaning sex, "I knew my skill in arms was greater than his and I'm a better rider too. The long term benefit outweighed the short term risk." Balon desperately wanted to change the topic, "The Perfumed Lady is a good place for discretion." You should join me there sometime. A tension releases in Laena as she finally learns all bar the final missing piece. Not that (presumably) her identity really makes a big difference, although the possibility of blackmail would have been useful. The euphoria over playing her scant pieces well enough to fill out the puzzle, at least well enough, encouraged her to be more risky. She gestured Balon closer with a finger, and leaned in herself, whispering breathily into his ear. "I know. The ladies there are willing to share their knowledge of how to best please men to those with the courage and coin to but ask." She withdraws, giving him a saucy wink as she does so. Balon smiled and chuckled at her drinking comment, "Oh my dear Laena you haven't done anything rash enough yet for the wine to have gone to your head." He debated to see if the wine had really gone to her head but decided against it, for now. Balon mentally noted what she had and hadn't said. She liked him but only implied marriage with a rather large caveat. "The Dornish have been our enemy for what, thousands of years? I'm not ready to play nice and forget the monstrous things they've done. And I'm not talking about some massacre from a hundred years ago. I'm talking about their recent dishonorbale ways." Balon started counting them off with his fingers, "King Daeron I, King Baelor, the Dragonknight, Lord Walgrave, Lord Leo's father. The list is rather long and fresh." "If by 'fresh', you mean 'at least thirty years old', then certainly. Is there a history of conflict, of treachery? Yes. It would be hypocritical of me to argue that you should implicitly like or *trust* a Dornish person, since I don't trust them any more than I trust Northerners - yes, I do recognise the irony of that, given my heritage - or, frankly speaking, anyone. Trust has to be earned on an individual basis. But there is a difference between distrust and blind hatred: one is a useful defence, the other is an invitation to be manipulated by others. Also, if you blame every Dornishman for the actions of Lord Wyl in torturing the Dragonknight, by that same logic, presumably you blame all Stormlanders for the acts of the two brothers of House Toyne who slew him? "I have a serious question for you. Say the realm collapsed after the Dance of Dragons, and the Reach, standing alone, was harder hit, utterly crippling our military power, and Dorne took advantage and actually managed to conquer us. How far would you be willing to go to free us? Because I can't think of a single thing I wouldn't be willing to do to ensure my children grew up free and proud, virtue and honour be damned." Balon was being honest, "So at large gatherings like this do I tend to speak before my brain can think, yes. But I assure you I don't spend every waking moment thinking how to get away with murdering them. I don't belittle them with every waking breath." Balon smiled warmly to her, "Do you think I would give them much thought if I woke up every morning with you in my arms?"Laena flushes again, and looks down, while tucking some errant hair back behind her ear, but doesn't answer. "But talk is easy, actions matter. So what if I said I was ready to apologize to Lady Ashara for my comments." Balon was prideful and was doing his best to how contrition, "I won't apologize for knocking her over because I didn't. But I will ask for forgiveness for what I said." There's a few moment's pause as Laena considers her answer carefully. Strangely, this was the first moment she felt he might be *serious*. She knew he was interested, certainly, but that he would make this offer still somewhat caught her by surprise. That he would (apparently) be willing to say the hardest word to someone he hated was a serious step, and she could see only two reasons. Maybe three. "I would ask if you were ready to take this step to impress me and smooth the path between you and what you seek, convince Ser Daemon you've learned from his chastisement, or to reduce tensions within your own family?" Her words may only ascribe self-serving motives to his actions, but her tone is respectful, even somewhat impressed. For the first time, she gives the matter serious consideration, rather than viewing it as an idle fancy.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 2, 2018 6:54:49 GMT 1
Laena closed her eyes in consideration for a good few moments before finally answering. "Naive." She grimaces. "Not the answer you probably wanted, I'm sure. I'm not saying you're not a good person, nor am I saying you're as ... let's say 'generally naive' as, say, Ser Roland Cordwayner. But you still see 'people' first. You're Ser In-between. Honestly, that's probably the best place to be. To look at your own children, your own flesh and blood, and the first thing you see is what claims they have, what political capital they might reap ... it is a special kind of horror I would not wish on anyone. But that is how my mother raised me." Balon was a little hurt by being called naive but it quickly dissipated when she said Roland was more so. Balon laughed louder than he planned at his "moniker". Switching briefly to Common Tongue he said while laughing, "Ser In-Between. I like it." Balon again pitied her when she talked of her mother. Switching back to Valyrian he said in a kind, soft voice, "I'd never see our children like that. And I don't think you would either." A tension releases in Laena as she finally learns all bar the final missing piece. Not that (presumably) her identity really makes a big difference, although the possibility of blackmail would have been useful. The euphoria over playing her scant pieces well enough to fill out the puzzle, at least well enough, encouraged her to be more risky. She gestured Balon closer with a finger, and leaned in herself, whispering breathily into his ear. "I know. The ladies there are willing to share their knowledge of how to best please men to those with the courage and coin to but ask." She withdraws, giving him a saucy wink as she does so. He leaned forward wondering if the wine had indeed gone to her head. As she whispered into his ear her warm breath set his senses on fire. They were so close he could smell the perfumes in her hair. But her comment... his eyes went wide with surprise. When she leaned back he virtually fell into the back of his chair. He sat dumbstruck as she winked at him. By the Seven I hope she doesn't ask me to stand and walk with her. After regaining his composure he put his elbow on the arm of his chair and rested the side of his face in his hand, "Tell me your an apt pupil."..."I have a serious question for you. Say the realm collapsed after the Dance of Dragons, and the Reach, standing alone, was harder hit, utterly crippling our military power, and Dorne took advantage and actually managed to conquer us. How far would you be willing to go to free us? Because I can't think of a single thing I wouldn't be willing to do to ensure my children grew up free and proud, virtue and honor be damned." While he felt compelled to argue how the Toynes were different than the Dornish he let the issue go. That was a conversation for another time. There were much more important things to talk about at the moment. However he did respond to her question, "It's easy for me to say this now because it's a hypothetical but I wouldn't stoop to their level. I wouldn't attack while under a banner of peace. I wouldn't lure their leaders into a trap and break guest right. I would fight to my last breath but there are some things you just don't do."Laena flushes again, and looks down, while tucking some errant hair back behind her ear, but doesn't answer. There's a few moment's pause as Laena considers her answer carefully. Strangely, this was the first moment she felt he might be *serious*. She knew he was interested, certainly, but that he would make this offer still somewhat caught her by surprise. That he would (apparently) be willing to say the hardest word to someone he hated was a serious step, and she could see only two reasons. Maybe three. "I would ask if you were ready to take this step to impress me and smooth the path between you and what you seek, convince Ser Daemon you've learned from his chastisement, or to reduce tensions within your own family?" Her words may only ascribe self-serving motives to his actions, but her tone is respectful, even somewhat impressed. For the first time, she gives the matter serious consideration, rather than viewing it as an idle fancy. Seeing her flush again he smiles. Was tucking the hair behind her ear a tell? Embarrassed? Wanting? Shy? He hoped to find out. When she asked for his reasons he answered immediately, "You, Ser Daemon, my family. That is the order of importance." Knowing that answer might surprise, if not shock her, he explained, "I do it to let you know that I'm serious. As I've come to know you I want you mind, body, and soul. Second I do it for Ser Daemon because even though he was vague on who I should apologize to after Ser Jasper my confrontation with your cousin is well known. And whatever happened, I should've shut my mouth and walked away. As for my family.... I'm not really doing it for them." He wondered what Shiera might think. If anything he needed to start thinking how he'd frame this to her as an advantage for himself and the Blackfyre cause.
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 2, 2018 15:00:07 GMT 1
Switching back to Valyrian he said in a kind, soft voice, "I'd never see our children like that. And I don't think you would either." When he said that, Laena realised that he'd misunderstood her words, that he still didn't really understand who he was chasing. Still, she doesn't push the matter - the idea that this might *actually* happen was too new, she hadn't decided on how much she wanted it to, she merely filed away the thought in case she wanted to end the matter in the least acrimonious manner. "Thank you." She responds instead. He leaned forward wondering if the wine had indeed gone to her head. As she whispered into his ear her warm breath set his senses on fire. They were so close he could smell the perfumes in her hair. But her comment... his eyes went wide with surprise. When she leaned back he virtually fell into the back of his chair. He sat dumbstruck as she winked at him. By the Seven I hope she doesn't ask me to stand and walk with her. After regaining his composure he put his elbow on the arm of his chair and rested the side of his face in his hand, "Tell me you're an apt pupil."Laena gives a modest shrug. "If you manage to actually *succeed* in this plan of yours, I'll *show* you. Barring that," she looks into the bottom of her cup at the final drips of wine, dips her forefinger into them, then withdraws it, and lifts her finger in front of her face, so the drip slowly slides down her finger towards her palm. "That question will just have to haunt. your. dreams." When the drop was most of the way down her finger, she locks eyes with Balon intently, sticks out her tongue, and slowly and sensuously licks up her finger without breaking eye contact, licking up the wine. When she reaches the tip, without bending her finger, she rotates it towards her face slightly, and envelops the tip in her mouth, creating a tight seal, as she slightly bobs her head up and down on the tip briefly. Finally, she withdraws her finger, and breaks eye contact, before idly placing her cup back on the table. "Good wine." She casually notes, as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened. Teasing him like this was probably not wise, but it had been quite a while since she'd been so openly admired by a man even approximately her own age. It made her feel sixteen again. "It's easy for me to say this now because it's a hypothetical but I wouldn't stoop to their level. I wouldn't attack while under a banner of peace. I wouldn't lure their leaders into a trap and break guest right. I would fight to my last breath but there are some things you just don't do." So once again, you are Ser In-between. Morally flexible, but with definite limits. I can work with that. She simply nods acknowledgement of his answer. When she asked for his reasons he answered immediately, "You, Ser Daemon, my family. That is the order of importance." Knowing that answer might surprise, if not shock her, he explained, "I do it to let you know that I'm serious. As I've come to know you I want you mind, body, and soul. Second I do it for Ser Daemon because even though he was vague on who I should apologize to after Ser Jasper my confrontation with your cousin is well known. And whatever happened, I should've shut my mouth and walked away. As for my family.... I'm not really doing it for them."She did indeed raise a querying eyebrow when he placed her above his idol Ser Daemon, but listened carefully to his answer. Perhaps unwittingly, he'd given her a very important piece. "Ser Daemon asked you to do that?" She confirms. "If I may interpret that, to the best of my knowledge, he did not ask Ser Otho to do the equivalent when he rebuked him. To my mind, that means that, unlike Ser Otho, he views you as redeemable. But, while I agree apologising to my cousin is a good and useful step, it means little if, afterwards, you continue as you were before. That puts a lie to your apology, and, if I may be permitted to speak on my brother's behalf, rather goes against the *spirit* of what he asked of you. If I may be frank, the chances Ser Daemon actually *cares* about my cousin are roughly nil. The apologies are about *you*. About Ser Daemon doing what he can to make you a better man. But no-one, not even him, can force you to change. There are ways to advance your cause without looking bad doing so." She hesitates but a moment before pressing on with words which she knew may anger him. "Or alienating your family. You may say you're not doing it for them, and I'm not privy to your internal situation, but, given how they spoke of you, and how you spoke of them, if you leave things hanging which shouldn't be, matters unburied and left to rot, there may come a time soon, when it is too late, that you regret doing so. Regardless of how things turn out, I would not wish that on you."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 2, 2018 20:27:45 GMT 1
Laena gives a modest shrug. "If you manage to actually *succeed* in this plan of yours, I'll *show* you. Barring that," she looks into the bottom of her cup at the final drips of wine, dips her forefinger into them, then withdraws it, and lifts her finger in front of her face, so the drip slowly slides down her finger towards her palm. "That question will just have to haunt. your. dreams." When the drop was most of the way down her finger, she locks eyes with Balon intently, sticks out her tongue, and slowly and sensuously licks up her finger without breaking eye contact, licking up the wine. When she reaches the tip, without bending her finger, she rotates it towards her face slightly, and envelops the tip in her mouth, creating a tight seal, as she slightly bobs her head up and down on the tip briefly. Finally, she withdraws her finger, and breaks eye contact, before idly placing her cup back on the table. "Good wine." She casually notes, as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened.
Teasing him like this was probably not wise, but it had been quite a while since she'd been so openly admired by a man even approximately her own age. It made her feel sixteen again.The previous mental imagery of straddling was nothing compared to what he was watching. His head came out of his hand and he sat upright as she began. His other hand gripped the arm rest so hard it felt like the wood would shatter in his grip. The world around him shrunk until all he could see was Laena's finger and face. If they'd been anywhere but a library the temptation to pick her up and take her right then and there might've been too great to resist. When she was done he had troubling finding words. "Not fair."
He drained the remainder of his cup to help regain his senses. "Oh I'm going to succeed, the fucking Doom could come to Westeros and that wouldn't stop me." It was Balon's turn to tease, "I just hope you don't have anywhere to go afterwards." He was serious as he could be, "You wont' be able to walk."So once again, you are Ser In-between. Morally flexible, but with definite limits. I can work with that. She simply nods acknowledgement of his answer. She did indeed raise a querying eyebrow when he placed her above his idol Ser Daemon, but listened carefully to his answer. Perhaps unwittingly, he'd given her a very important piece. "Ser Daemon asked you to do that?" She confirms. "If I may interpret that, to the best of my knowledge, he did not ask Ser Otho to do the equivalent when he rebuked him. To my mind, that means that, unlike Ser Otho, he views you as redeemable. But, while I agree apologizing to my cousin is a good and useful step, it means little if, afterwards, you continue as you were before. That puts a lie to your apology, and, if I may be permitted to speak on my brother's behalf, rather goes against the *spirit* of what he asked of you. If I may be frank, the chances Ser Daemon actually *cares* about my cousin are roughly nil. The apologies are about *you*. About Ser Daemon doing what he can to make you a better man. But no-one, not even him, can force you to change. There are ways to advance your cause without looking bad doing so." She hesitates but a moment before pressing on with words which she knew may anger him. "Or alienating your family. You may say you're not doing it for them, and I'm not privy to your internal situation, but, given how they spoke of you, and how you spoke of them, if you leave things hanging which shouldn't be, matters unburied and left to rot, there may come a time soon, when it is too late, that you regret doing so. Regardless of how things turn out, I would not wish that on you." "I know you don't track my actions," he let out a short laugh, "well, except for one place in particular, but after my confrontation with Lady Ashara I've been fairly quiet in that regard. Since then I've been more positive in my public veneration of those that support Ser Daemon. Ser Jasper was the exception." While that was true, one could wonder if Balon just hadn't been presented an opportunity. Plus his rescue of Ser Aladore had provided him plenty of fodder to talk about. "There is a divide in my family. It doesn't take a Master of Whispers to know that. As to my brother and father, we may argue and in the case of Titus fight but at the end of the day I hope we'll resolve our differences." Balon got back to her earlier question, "As to my mother and what you asked I simply don't know what she'd do. If she was that vicious and concerned about me inheriting I imagine she would've acted much sooner. Maybe if I was a little more pessimistic I'd say she's waiting for a more opportune moment; say the middle of a war." He sighed, thinking to his conversation with Shiera where she told Balon what it'd take to ensure no future rebellions when Daemon won. "I don't want to inherit anything that way." Balon was referring to child killing, "Plus my father is very much alive. He would inherit before I did."
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 3, 2018 0:25:44 GMT 1
He drained the remainder of his cup to help regain his senses. "Oh I'm going to succeed, the fucking Doom could come to Westeros and that wouldn't stop me." It was Balon's turn to tease, "I just hope you don't have anywhere to go afterwards." He was serious as he could be, "You wont' be able to walk."Laena permits a slightly smug smile. "I'll hold you to that, come the wedding night. In return, I hope your back heals quickly. Dragons are known for their claws." She lightly taps her carefully-maintained fingernails on her chair arms meaningfully. "I know you don't track my actions," he let out a short laugh, "well, except for one place in particular, but after my confrontation with Lady Ashara I've been fairly quiet in that regard. Since then I've been more positive in my public veneration of those that support Ser Daemon. Ser Jasper was the exception." While that was true, one could wonder if Balon just hadn't been presented an opportunity. Plus his rescue of Ser Aladore had provided him plenty of fodder to talk about. Laena nods. "There are a lot of admirable traits in Ser Daemon, and those close to him." she acknowledges, deciding not to push the matter further right now. "There is a divide in my family. It doesn't take a Master of Whispers to know that. As to my brother and father, we may argue and in the case of Titus fight but at the end of the day I hope we'll resolve our differences." "If I may: a lot of men seem to be bad at both revealing their emotions, and reading those of others. If you feel there could be any doubt at all, I encourage you to, next chance you get, tell them both simply that, for all your political differences, you love them both, and that won't change. You may feel awkward saying something like that straight out, but after the divisiveness of this tourney, I feel it's worthwhile, just to be sure." "As to my mother and what you asked I simply don't know what she'd do. If she was that vicious and concerned about me inheriting I imagine she would've acted much sooner. Maybe if I was a little more pessimistic I'd say she's waiting for a more opportune moment; say the middle of a war." He sighed, thinking to his conversation with Shiera where she told Balon what it'd take to ensure no future rebellions when Daemon won. "I don't want to inherit anything that way." Balon was referring to child killing, "Plus my father is very much alive. He would inherit before I did." Laena nods. "Yes, it wouldn't flip your house's loyalties in time for the war, it would simply set you on the path to inherit - hopefully - many years in the future." She drops the matter, but continues to ponder if his mother shares her son's moral qualms.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 3, 2018 6:05:26 GMT 1
Laena permits a slightly smug smile. "I'll hold you to that, come the wedding night. In return, I hope your back heals quickly. Dragons are known for their claws." She lightly taps her carefully-maintained fingernails on her chair arms meaningfully. Pain and pleasure. Not unexpected from one with Targaryen blood. "My stamina is exemplary, my lady. I will endure." he said with a playful smirk. He held up a finger in warning, "But beware, my charm is such it might compel you to share what you've learned before we leave Highgarden." He gave her his own wink. Laena's flirting had emboldened Balon's tongue and it was clear he was quite eager to see what she was capable of. "If I may: a lot of men seem to be bad at both revealing their emotions, and reading those of others. If you feel there could be any doubt at all, I encourage you to, next chance you get, tell them both simply that, for all your political differences, you love them both, and that won't change. You may feel awkward saying something like that straight out, but after the divisiveness of this tourney, I feel it's worthwhile, just to be sure." Laena nods. "Yes, it wouldn't flip your house's loyalties in time for the war, it would simply set you on the path to inherit - hopefully - many years in the future." She drops the matter, but continues to ponder if his mother shares her son's moral qualms. Balon was angry with his family's actions but that didn't change the fact he loved them. But saying so aloud? That might be difficult. "We usually have breakfast together and I'll try to tell them tomorrow." As always (perhaps as a defense mechanism) Balon added a joke, "I want them to know I love them before I beat them senseless in the melee."Balon nodded as Laena talked about inheritance. He knew Shiera was capable of something like that but it was his mom. Despite her faults he saw the good in her. Balon changed the subject to a different woman, "Here we are talking about our possible future but we've gotten away from the present. Lady Meadows." he paused for a brief moment, "Please come to me if you need help. I'll be more than happy to protect your backside if you feel it necessary. I enjoy looking at it." Balon's eye showed surprise, "I said that out loud, didn't I?"
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 3, 2018 11:57:17 GMT 1
"My stamina is exemplary, my lady. I will endure." he said with a playful smirk. He held up a finger in warning, "But beware, my charm is such it might compel you to share what you've learned before we leave Highgarden." He gave her his own wink. Laena's flirting had emboldened Balon's tongue and it was clear he was quite eager to see what she was capable of. Uh-oh. Laena was well aware of how well she handled temptation, and she did *not* trust his discretion. "Oh?" She arches an eyebrow. "Could it be you don't have the mental stamina to match your physical? Or, for all your promises, do you not have faith in your ability to seal the deal, so will seek a sample as a consolation prize? Or perhaps you merely wish to entertain yourself by starting a rumour that a feral shadowcat is prowling the streets of Highgarden, attacking passing knights?" "We usually have breakfast together and I'll try to tell them tomorrow." As always (perhaps as a defense mechanism) Balon added a joke, "I want them to know I love them before I beat them senseless in the melee." She gives a small smile, and nods approval. Balon changed the subject to a different woman, "Here we are talking about our possible future but we've gotten away from the present. Lady Meadows." he paused for a brief moment, "Please come to me if you need help. I'll be more than happy to protect your backside if you feel it necessary. I enjoy looking at it." Balon's eye showed surprise, "I said that out loud, didn't I?" Hmmm. He *is* talented, and were he to stand for me, it could help smooth the way. If I want to. She smiles and shakes her head ruefully. "You are incorrigible!" Then, more seriously. "I will remember your offer, thank you."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Dec 3, 2018 21:27:01 GMT 1
Uh-oh. Laena was well aware of how well she handled temptation, and she did *not* trust his discretion. "Oh?" She arches an eyebrow. "Could it be you don't have the mental stamina to match your physical? Or, for all your promises, do you not have faith in your ability to seal the deal, so will seek a sample as a consolation prize? Or perhaps you merely wish to entertain yourself by starting a rumour that a feral shadowcat is prowling the streets of Highgarden, attacking passing knights?" She was right from a certain point of view. Their marriage wasn't going to be easy to achieve and after what she'd said and *did* over the course of their conversation he had no desire to wait for the wedding night. Still, he'd phrased it as if she was the one who might lose control, "I said *you* might be compelled to act. After all you've just came out of mourning," for an old man, "and you clearly have some... built-up energy that needs releasing. I'm a handsome, strapping young man and I'd understand if your ability to resist my charm was in a weakened state." He gave a playful shrug, "I know the double standard that comes with that kind of activity but I'd keep it a secret, just like I know you'll keep my evening whereabouts quiet.""A shadowcat, eh?" he laughed at the notion, "I saved the heir to Brightwater it'd only be fair if I saved the smallfolk from a dangerous hunter."
Hmmm. He *is* talented, and were he to stand for me, it could help smooth the way. If I want to. She smiles and shakes her head ruefully. "You are incorrigible!" Then, more seriously. "I will remember your offer, thank you." "Seeing you smile makes me happy." That was the truth. He nodded when she thanked him. "I'd love to stay here with you all day but I am exhausted from earlier events. I think going to Highgarden's baths later this evening to relax for a few hours sounds delightful." He was very specific. Was that a dare? He switched back to Common, "If you could speak with your cousin I'll speak with her at her earliest convenience."
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Laena Pyre
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Post by Laena Pyre on Dec 4, 2018 9:56:22 GMT 1
"I said *you* might be compelled to act. After all you've just came out of mourning," for an old man, "and you clearly have some... built-up energy that needs releasing. I'm a handsome, strapping young man and I'd understand if your ability to resist my charm was in a weakened state." He gave a playful shrug, "I know the double standard that comes with that kind of activity but I'd keep it a secret, just like I know you'll keep my evening whereabouts quiet." Romance Section - Lascivious resist - Will (Ded) - TN12: 4d6 16 Good grief! What is it with my constantly rolling really well on my self-control rolls? Not that I'm complaining... Laena smirks. "You've been spoiled by your 'friend' believing their legs should spread like cheap honey. *My* body has value, meaning it has to be *earned*, and by more than a few pretty words." She frowns, and her voice turns serious. "And while I'm on the subject, I have no objection to what you did before committing to this course, but now you are committed, should you meet your 'friend', you have a choice - clothes on then, or balls off later, *when* I find out. You want me? I'll give you a chance. But you have to be ... dedicated." Deliberately using his own word back at him. Her intense gaze makes clear that she is not joking about her territoriality, though after a moment, a small smile quirks the edge of her mouth. "Plus, should you succeed, I want you nice and frustrated come the wedding night." He switched back to Common, "If you could speak with your cousin I'll speak with her at her earliest convenience." She likewise switches back, and nods, slightly hesitantly. "I'll speak with her. ...But I should probably warn you, she is quick to anger and slow to forgive. It may not ... go entirely smoothly. I .. just ask you remember that she is important to me."
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