[D12]Old Mander River Just Keeps Rolling Along (closed)

"I understand.  The world can seem very grey; sometimes dark.  I'm sure to Lady Lyanna the world seems very dark indeed.  When dark is all around us it can take effort to see the light, but it is there if we look for it.  I once saw a blood soaked mercenary brave roaring flames to save a child.  I've seen ruthless highwayman save a women from being raped.  I know of thieves who use some of their ill-gotten gains to fund Septs, orphanages and poor houses."  He sighed.  "But I understand what you say.  The world can seem very grey when so many choose to ignore the dark and do not look for the light. 

I think though, you are charitable that any Knight would have done the same.  There were many Knights at the shore laughing and making crude remarks.  Their character was on display for all to see.  In the case of Ser Aladore, many Knights would not concern themselves with the affairs of another House unless they were sure there was glory to be had or they might profit by it.  Few indeed were the Knights that came to Lord Eldon's defense just because he is who he is.  Your opinion of Dorne is well known, Ser Balon, but you did not let that stand in your way of doing what was right.  After Lyanna was on the shore you could washed your hands of this affair, but you did not.  You chose to stay with Lady Ashara and Lady Lyanna to protect them and ensure their safety.  Given the behavior of many Knights this tourney, I think you are in the minority."

He looked away at the mention of Lord Jon, deep regret in his eyes.  "I was in the right place and the right time to save Ser Jon.  The Seven told me something was wrong, but the party had distracted me and I didn't realize the danger till it was too late.  Had I listened better, had I not been distracted, had I been more on guard and realized there were vipers at this tourney, perhaps Lord Jon would still be with us."  He shook his head.  "But as you say, we cannot change the past and wishing will not make it so.  Had I throttled Abelar on the steps of the Sept as I wished to when I first saw him a week ago hundreds would still be alive today including Ser Donnel, but then I would have been hanged and would not have been here to help save Jorah or Lady Lyanna.  Even our failures sometimes have a purpose.  Reflection on the past is important but only so we can move forward wiser men.

I know Ser Imry very well.  I watched him grow from boy to manhood.  He is a man chased by many demons, mostly of his own making, like so many of us.  Perhaps if he allowed others to help him fight those demons he would be a better man, but for that he would have to show weakness and most men are loathe to do so.  I know very little of Lady Lyanna; only that she fell into a dark river on the death of her Father and has been swept along by the current ever since.  I tried to help her, but I was prevented from seeing her, and so many have failed her she might not have brung herself to trust me in any case. 

The Levalle name carries a deep prejudice.  Some of it justified, much of it a confection invented by others so they may feel better about themselves.  Most of the good I have done in my life has been done quietly without fanfare or scrutiny; small threads pulled here and there to make lives better or reduce harm.  When this story is told, you and Lady Ashara will be held up as heroes, and well deserved, while I doubt my name will even be mentioned."  He shrugged.  "It does not matter.  I do what is needed because it is needed, not for glory or reward.  I admit I would like House Levalle's reputation to be something at least slightly resembling the truth, but that is likely a luxury I will never have."

"Perhaps I already have.  Perhaps it is not I, but you that are in the right place and time, Ser Balon."

The Senechal regarded the Knight curiously.  "You are a Knight that is well respected.  Perhaps Ser Imry would listen to you when he might not others.  I cannot speak for Ser Imry, but my feeling is that he cares little for Lyanna, perhaps not much more about his lands.  You see, the marriage was arranged by his Father, Lord Levalle, and I think he has always resented that.  He is a man that would grasp glory for himself and pursues it almost to the exclusion of everything else.  Such a man does not like to have things handed to him.  Perhaps that he did not earn his wife or his lands hurts his pride.  I am also not telling any secrets to say he and his Father are not on good terms.  Perhaps being the son of 'Lord Spongeholder' hurts his pride as well.  People do many terrible things for the sake of pride.

You are also on very good terms with Lord Florent.  It may be that he would also listen to you when he might not others.  The situation as it stands needs to be addressed.  There are many solutions, but I don't think ignoring the problem is one of them.  My understanding is that Knights are to protect the defenseless and the innocent.  I doubt there are many more defenseless or innocent than Lyanna Levalle.  Perhaps the Seven have placed you and Lady Ashara, not only to save her from the Mander, but the darker river she find's herself in.

I expect Lady Ashara will get to the truth of the matter.  I also expect she will not allow the situation to stand, nor should it.  You are both clever.  I am sure a solution can be determined between the two of you.  I will certainly assist as much as my duty and loyalties allow.  I don't think any of us want the alternative."

"Yes, Ser Balon.  I understand who I am talking to.  Contrary to popular belief, respect and agreement are two entirely different things.  People can still respect you and disagree with some of your views.  I don't agree with your view of the Dornish.  I don't agree with your supporting those who desire war, but my disagreement is likely not relevant to you and certainly not relevant to the current situation, unless you feel working with Lady Ashara is an impediment.  That has not seemed the case up to this point.

My understanding is that Ser Imry only bedded Lady Lyanna recently when his manhood was called into question.  Given that, I doubt his pride will allow him to admit otherwise, whether he successfully performed or not.  Given his drunken state at the time, his performance might be called into question, but not by one such as I.  Perhaps he was so drunk he does not fully recall the events of the evening.  I suppose an annulment would be possible if Lady Lyanna had fled prior to consummation.  He might be more amenable if the fault was widely considered hers and not his.  Of course if the marriage were annulled he would lose Greendew.  He has not shown much interest in the lands, but often people don't care about things until they lose them.  Of course, as Seneschal of House Levalle I must look after Ser Imry's interests, so I could never council or approve such an annulment and potential embarrassment."  The Mad Master smiled.  He was fully aware that he had just eschewed any kind of annulment, while pointing out exactly how to go about it.  "Of course if someone were to convince him this was the proper course, Lord Levalle would have to reluctantly agree to his decision.

As to who would marry her should the current marriage be annulled, I admit I had not given it much thought to this point.  I believe that love is the foundation of marriage, not politics, although I understand that such a view is not preferable or practical to the nobility.  Ser Imry has chosen to ignore the many benefits of being married to Lady Lyanna, not the least of which an attractive wife, fertile lands and the good will of House Florent.  Most men would show more appreciation."

He was suggesting that Ser Balon talk Ser Imry and Lord Florent into releasing Lyanna from the marriage.  Whether he does this out of compassion or personal gain, the effect is the same.  He was not suggesting you marry her, although he has no objection to the idea.