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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 6, 2019 17:58:51 GMT 1
Once the party was in full flow, the White Walker disappeared into the catacombs and made her way to a specific chamber where she'd stashed an alternate costume, something to darken the area around her eyes, a washcloth, and a bowl of water. And so, she became The Ghost, the reminder that past sins don't always remain buried. A loose, diaphanous gown with extra-wide sleeves covered everything even a Septon would wish, but any man pressed against her would feel as if she were naked. When done, she leaves through a different door than she entered.
Now, the Ghost was haunting a particular prey. Fortunately, she knew the best bait. So, she made sure to linger near the Dornish queen Nymeria. Sure enough, the lure of a proud Dornishwoman brought her prey straight to her. Ser Balon.
I really do need to fix his predictability, as useful as it is in this instance.
As he begins his berating of the former Queen, The Ghost moves to intercept.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 6, 2019 23:28:31 GMT 1
And so, she became The Ghost, the reminder that past sins don't always remain buried. A loose, diaphanous gown with extra-wide sleeves covered everything even a Septon would wish, but any man pressed against her would feel as if she were naked. Now, the Ghost was haunting a particular prey. Fortunately, she knew the best bait. So, she made sure to linger near the Dornish queen Nymeria. Sure enough, the lure of a proud Dornishwoman brought her prey straight to her. Ser Balon. As he begins his berating of the former Queen, The Ghost moves to intercept. Balon had been drinking wine, lots of it. And with each drink he found himself less able to stare at the plethora of scantily clad women and instead was distracted by one woman in particular, Nymeria. I can't concentrate with this filth here. Balon had been debating which whore he was going to bed. Both Florys the Foxes were tempting for different reasons. Then there was the Rose of Red Lake with those legs he wanted to wrap around him. But of all the women the she-lion intrigued him the most. Will she claw my back? It was an odd thought to have but even in his inebriated state he knew where the thought had originated from. Balon downed the remaining bit of wine in his cup and decided it was a good time to let Nymeria know why she wasn't welcome, even if she was a hired whore. He strode up in his dog costume, his shirtless chest puffed out in an attempt to assert his authority over the Dornish slut, "Look everyone a Dornish whore! But I repeat myself." He had a smug look on his face, "How could anyone find *this*," he waved his hand at her body, "attractive. Her skin looks like worn leather." Out of the corner of his eye he saw a ghost approaching him. He turned, not knowing what to expect from the oddly over dressed party goer. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 7, 2019 14:14:23 GMT 1
PlaB - TotF - Seduce Ser Balon: 7d6k5-1 14Laena loves subtlety. Its elegance and grace. Its beauty. But sometimes, it simply is not the right tool for the job. "Don't waste time with that harlot, my lord." She purrs, traces of Highgarden in her accent, as she doesn't stop until her chest is pressed right against his, her face buried in the crook of his neck. The press of her breasts reveals every detail through touch. She raises her right knee, and rubs her inner thigh against his crotch, feeling his eager hardness. She purrs in satisfaction at her discovery. "Waste time with this one, instead." Unlike Ser Balon, she remembered their prior bedding perfectly well, and used the knowledge to her advantage, giving a quick lick and breath onto a sensitive point on his neck.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 7, 2019 20:59:44 GMT 1
Balon's attention remained focused on the Ghost as she pressed herself up against him. A harlot that says 'my lord' instead of 'mi'lord'. When she had approached him the gown had made it appear she was naked underneath. Her chest against his confirmed it and Balon smiled as she nuzzled his neck. When she licked the sensitive part of his neck he automatically tilted his chin up and his neck stiffened as he was momentarily immobilized by a wave of pleasure. His wine soaked mind failed to question how the woman knew of its existence. "What we'll be doing isn't a waste of time." There was a predatory smile on his face. Ghost returned the smile and took him by the hand, leading him away from the party. As she led him away Balon turned one last time towards Nymeria, a sneer of contempt on his face. Disgusting. He turned his attention back to Ghost, fantasizing about what laid beneath her costume. I'll find out soon enough.When they reached the edge of the party he tried something very forward. Using Ghost's wide sleeves to his advantage he hid her hand with the extra material as he guided it into his breeches where she discovered that he too was free of small clothes. She turned her head with an approving smile and instead of letting go, led him down into the cellars. By the Seven I'm both figuratively and literally being led by my cock.When they were alone he pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the back of her neck. With a quickness that surprised Balon she turned to face him and kissed him passionately. Balon picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him, writhing against his body as if she was in heat. Sans words they used a series of grunts and moans to find their way to a secluded area where they greatly enjoyed one another. ************************************** Balon laid there with his hands behind his head, taking deep breaths, in the nose, out the mouth. He was trying to force his heart to slow it's beating. Thank the Gods Laena doesn't mind me sleeping with other women because this lady... He was having trouble finding accurate descriptors. He took one arm and draped it over Ghost, gently caressing her lower back. I need to know who this is. If she's like this every time I. Need. To. Know.
Balon cleared his throat, "I'm not going to lie. You're the best I've had in a long time and I want to do this again. What do I need to do to convince you to reveal yourself to me." Balon chuckled, "More than you already have."Intrigue Initiated Goal: Convince Ghost to reveal her identity. Disposition: +5 (Friendly) Composure: 11 ID: 11 DR: 2 Special mechanics worked out off camera. Ghost of Liaisons, Initiative, Status (Reputation), - Wine: 4d6k3-2 7 |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 7, 2019 22:35:06 GMT 1
Goal: Talk honestly with me about any 'special lady' you have. Disposition: +2 (Amiable) Composure: 12 ID: 14 (12 once Read) DR: 3 TGoLP - Intrigue Initiative - Status (Reputation): 7d6k5-1-1 14 I have Initiative The hand stroking her lower back causes The Ghost to wiggle in pleasure, feeling him still twitching inside her, which sets another shudder off through her body. By the Seven, that was good. For those few moments, she could forget her worries, forget *herself*, and just enjoy the sensations. Boneless, she rests her head on his bicep, forehead resting on his shoulder. "You have seen all of me there is to see, My Lord. A whore who knows a thing or two, nothing more. Such as the fact that a man does not get as good as you are without a lot of practice. But you say I'm the best you've had in a long time. Do you not have a 'special lady' back home to ..." while speaking, she licks her right index finger, and begins playing with his nipple using it ".. practice with?" TGoLP - R1 - Influence - Persuasion (Act) - TN11: 7d6k5+2-1 26 Whelp! That's 4 DoS straight off the bat! 16 Influence - 2 DR = 14 Influence taken, leaving you on -3. ...Wow. That was a *very* lucky roll. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 7, 2019 23:08:01 GMT 1
Goal: Convince Ghost to reveal her identity. Disposition: +5 (Friendly) Composure: 3/11 Frustration: 2/3 ID: 11 DR: 2 Ghost of Liaisons, Who are you?, R1, Persuasion (Convince) + Disposition + Wine: 5d6+1 19, 2 DoS, 6 - 3 DR = 3 Composure lost.We know where this ends but let's see if I can make it to round 3, lol________________________________________________________________________________________________ Balon smiled as she played with him, "I'm no master of whispers but I'm smart enough to know you're no whore. Whores don't say *my lord*, they don't carry themselves the way you do, and they certainly wouldn't still be laying here with me." He gave her butt a gentle squeeze. He experienced a brief moment of deja vu but brushed it aside. "And there's more to see." With his other free hand he brought her head up and stroked her cheek. "Your face. You have a wonderful smile and sparkling blue eyes," Haven't I seen those before? "I want to see the whole thing." He leaned forward and gave her a kiss, "I want your name because this needs to happen again."Special Lady... Balon shifted ever so slightly, "Uhh, yeah. No. Kinda. I'm not married if that's what you're asking." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 7, 2019 23:58:29 GMT 1
Goal: Talk honestly with me about any 'special lady' you have. Disposition: +2 (Amiable) Composure: 9/12 ID: 14 (12 once Read) DR: 3 [Your ID goes down to 7 with 2 Frustration taken, so I doubt you'll make it to Round 3, I'm afraid.] TGoLP - R2 - Influence - Persuasion (Act) - TN7: 7d6k5+2-1 21 3 DoS 12 Influence - 2 DR = 10 Influence Taken. Yup, you can't absorb that.
"And yet, no woman would be here tonight who was not a whore. We may not all be paid with Lord Eldon's coin, but those who aren't merely seek payment in .. alternate coin." She clenches her muscles around him and wiggles a bit to emphasise her point, letting out a soft moan when she does. "Either way, at the end of the night, the whores go away, either back to their brothels, or back to the repressed instincts of proper ladies. And in both cases, neither are seen by polite society. Ever." Her voice is firm, but not harsh. "Still, maybe, if the Seven smile upon you, another opportunity will arise. All things are possible while we still both draw breath." She allows. "A man's first answer is often the most honest, though his last may be the most accurate. It sounds to me like there's a lady you're sweet on, but you're not married to. Are her eyes looking elsewhere?" She lowers her head slightly, and kisses his other nipple. "Are your families insisting you marry others? So few can marry who they please. I love the romances. Always have. But it's so rare they can manifest in reality." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 8, 2019 0:42:00 GMT 1
Falcon punched into defeat!___________________________________________________________________ "And yet, no woman would be here tonight who was not a whore. We may not all be paid with Lord Eldon's coin, but those who aren't merely seek payment in .. alternate coin." She clenches her muscles around him and wiggles a bit to emphasise her point, letting out a soft moan when she does. He went to say something but lost his train of thought when she clenched. Instinctively he put his hands and her hips and helped her along. "Either way, at the end of the night, the whores go away, either back to their brothels, or back to the repressed instincts of proper ladies. And in both cases, neither are seen by polite society. Ever." Her voice is firm, but not harsh. "Still, maybe, if the Seven smile upon you, another opportunity will arise. All things are possible while we still both draw breath." She allows. He relented on his request as anonymity seemed very important to her. Another Lady Jeyne. Is that what I can expect from now on? It was a depressing thought. "What you do with your tongue is divine so perhaps the Gods will smile on us again and arrange a rendezvous." He lightly teased. "A man's first answer is often the most honest, though his last may be the most accurate. It sounds to me like there's a lady you're sweet on, but you're not married to. Are her eyes looking elsewhere?" She lowers her head slightly, and kisses his other nipple. "Are your families insisting you marry others? So few can marry who they please. I love the romances. Always have. But it's so rare they can manifest in reality." He shifted uncomfortably. This was probably the first time he talked about a woman while being inside another. "I'm sweet on a lady, yes. But she doesn't feel the same way I do. She likes me but love? No, not currently.""I don't think her eyes are looking elsewhere. In fact I know she's received no offers of marriage except mine." There was an odd comfort talking to a stranger, the ability to share thoughts knowing they had no idea who you were. "Her family doesn't care much about her if you ask me. And my family opposes it as well." Shiera because she didn't trust Laena and Erena for political reasons. "There's nothing more I'd like to do than sweep her off her feet and carry her to the bed chamber but it sometimes feels like the world plots against us."Balon sighed, "I chose her for romantic reasons. I understand her pragmatism, she's already been widowed but that doesn't change the fact I know in my heart we belong together. Having children, gaining lands, taking on the world." Balon tried to keep a clear line of thought while she played with him. "Me the romantic, who'd of thought it." He continued to slowly move her hips, forgetting about who was under the mask.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 8, 2019 1:52:43 GMT 1
"If she's widowed, she's already lost her life once. I would suggest that what she's after more than anything is .. stability. A promise that you're not going anywhere. I don't mean like not looking at other women - all men fuck around on their wives. If she's been married, she knows that for sure. I mean ... well, bluntly speaking, not dying. You talk of 'taking on the world'. I bet you when you say that, she's thinking that for every man to rise, another has to fall. And how can she know which camp you'll fall in? ...Has she said anything to you about taking fewer risks?" She frowns. "No." She corrects herself. "Not fewer. *Smarter* risks. Or anything along those lines?"
"Also," she idly plays with his chest muscles "meaning no insult to either of you, you do have to take a long, hard look at the both of you and sincerely ask if she's worth it. If both your families are either apathetic or against it, that's a significant obstacle. It could well be significantly easier to simply find an alternative woman. One who may not even be a widow. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you're the only man she's known? ...What makes her so special?" Her tone implies that her final question is not rhetorical, she's genuinely curious.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 8, 2019 7:18:24 GMT 1
"If she's widowed, she's already lost her life once. I would suggest that what she's after more than anything is .. stability. A promise that you're not going anywhere." Balon chuckled, "I think stability would drive her crazy but I take your point." He went back to gliding his fingertips up and down her back. "She had stability at the house she was a part of and she chose to leave. What she's set out to do is anything but stable. It's risky. It's dangerous." It was clear by his tone he worried about her. "And the Kingdoms are on the brink of war, it'll be some time before things are *stable*." He thought back to his conversations with Laena, "I told her waking up with her in my arms every morning was what'd make me happy. If that isn't a promise I'm not going anywhere I don't know what is.""I don't mean like not looking at other women - all men fuck around on their wives. If she's been married, she knows that for sure."
"NO." There was an adamant finality to his instantaneous response. "Having fun while single is one thing. Cheating on my wife, especially one I married out of love is not who I am." ...bluntly speaking, not dying. You talk of 'taking on the world'. I bet you when you say that, she's thinking that for every man to rise, another has to fall. And how can she know which camp you'll fall in? ...Has she said anything to you about taking fewer risks?" She frowns. "No." She corrects herself. "Not fewer. *Smarter* risks. Or anything along those lines?" She idly plays with his chest muscles... Balon thought back to his last conversation with Laena, "She wanted me to stop using these so much," he flexed his chest while she played with it, "and start using my head and eyes more. She told me if I'm going to take risks there should be a tangible reward." What was it she said... gratitude today, gone tomorrow? It was something like that."...meaning no insult to either of you, you do have to take a long, hard look at the both of you and sincerely ask if she's worth it. His response was instant, "She is."If both your families are either apathetic or against it, that's a significant obstacle. It could well be significantly easier to simply find an alternative woman. One who may not even be a widow. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you're the only man she's known? he trailed off for a moment while he considered what he was going to say next, "Do you know when my lord's wife told me in no uncertain terms they had no interest in the union I thought about killing her." He tsk'd at his own admission, "We were standing on a ledge and it would've been so easy to do." There was a hint of shame in his voice, "It makes me sound obsessed but I'm not. I just see what others don't. As to marrying a woman who'd stayed untouched before marriage? It's nice but not a deal breaker. What matters is she stays faithful after our vows.""What makes her so special?" Balon shrugged his shoulders, "How do you explain color to a blind man?" He took a deep breath trying to elaborate on Laena, "Think of sunsets. They happen every day and most people ignore them. But if you stop and actually watch one they're beautiful. Magical even. The sky comes alight with a riot of colors you can't find anywhere else. That's her. Everyone walks by ignoring her but if they actually stopped to take the time and really look they'd see what I see. She's beautiful, she's smart, she thinks I'm funny." While he'd been describing Laena he realized he'd become aroused again. Well that has to be awkward for Ghost. Say something flattering. " She's not perfect. I'm sure after having children her breasts aren't as perky as yours." He pressed Ghost tight against himself to emphasize his point. "And I'd only be able to have about four kids with her before she became too old but while beauty fades, our love would remain." There were some warning signs Balon had picked up on but he chose to ignore them. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 8, 2019 17:12:53 GMT 1
Balon chuckled, "I think stability would drive her crazy but I take your point." He went back to gliding his fingertips up and down her back. "She had stability at the house she was a part of and she chose to leave. What she's set out to do is anything but stable. It's risky. It's dangerous." It was clear by his tone he worried about her. Her stroking stills momentarily when he mentions the word 'chose'. "Not many ladies get to choose their fate." She observes. "Not wanting to know too much, but is she one of the Great .. one of partially-royal blood?" She amends quickly. "NO." There was an adamant finality to his instantaneous response. "Having fun while single is one thing. Cheating on my wife, especially one I married out of love is not who I am." "Hmm. Maybe it's different when you marry for love." She concedes. "I don't think I've ever seen that with my own eyes. "But, hypothetically speaking, say you achieved your dream and did marry her, and she was, at this point, utterly full with child. Moody, demanding, and in no mood for 'play'. And at this time, I returned, by chance, and offered you more of what we just had: no complications, discreet sex, which she will never hear of. Are you saying that, even in these circumstances, you would not stray?" "I could get killed in a tourney tomorrow or in the war to come or ten years from now of a winter chill. I can't promise her I won't die but I can promise her I'll be faithful and loving." Balon thought back to his last conversation with Laena, "She wanted me to stop using these so much," he flexed his chest while she played with it, "and start using my head and eyes more. She told me if I'm going to take risks there should be a tangible reward." What was it she said... gratitude today, gone tomorrow? It was something like that. The Ghost nods. "So, she cares. But she's ... wary. It sounds like she wants you to prove yourself to her. She wants to believe. Do you think you can do it? I mean no insult - it's a question of temperament more than competence. To use your head to think clearly, your eyes to see clearly, you have to deny your passions." She chuckles. "And you are a *deeply* passionate man, as my body will attest." "I've looked into alternatives. I think there comes a time when our window closes for good but..." he trailed off for a moment while he considered what he was going to say next, "Do you know when my lord's wife told me in no uncertain terms they had no interest in the union I thought about killing her." He tsk'd at his own admission, "We were standing on a ledge and it would've been so easy to do." There was a hint of shame in his voice, "It makes me sound obsessed but I'm not. I just see what others don't. As to marrying a woman who'd stayed untouched before marriage? It's nice but not a deal breaker. What matters is she stays faithful after our vows." Her hand stills momentarily when he mentions the thought of kinslaying. "Probably best you did not. Publicly murdering women is rather frowned upon. So, what *is* your plan? You say she's left her family, so they're not a concern, but it sounds like yours still are. Even if you do manage to win her over, it means nothing if you can't get your Lord's permission. How will you overcome that?" Balon shrugged his shoulders, "How do you explain color to a blind man?" He took a deep breath trying to elaborate on Laena, "Think of sunsets. They happen every day and most people ignore them. But if you stop and actually watch one they're beautiful. Magical even. The sky comes alight with a riot of colors you can't find anywhere else. That's her. Everyone walks by ignoring her but if they actually stopped to take the time and really look they'd see what I see. She's beautiful, she's smart, she thinks I'm funny." While he'd been describing Laena he realized he'd become aroused again. Well that has to be awkward for Ghost. Say something flattering. " She's not perfect. I'm sure after having children her breasts aren't as perky as yours." He pressed Ghost tight against her to emphasize his point. "And I'd only be able to have about four kids with her before she became too old but while beauty fades, our love would remain." There were some warning signs Balon had picked up on but he chose to ignore them. Ghost chuckles darkly. "Oh, you are *so* gone for her. So, why don't others see what you do, would you say? Men naturally flock to beauty, after all. The children you mentioned? The widowhood? Or something else?" |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 8, 2019 21:58:27 GMT 1
Her stroking stills momentarily when he mentions the word 'chose'. "Not many ladies get to choose their fate." She observes. "Not wanting to know too much, but is she one of the Great .. one of partially-royal blood?" She amends quickly. The wine had loosened Balon's lips and he focused as he chose the right words to say. "You're right, few women get to choose their own fate. She's one of the lucky ones that gets to determine her own destiny." He didn't outright admit she was a Great Bastard but there were few others that'd been granted the kinds of privileges Laena enjoyed. "Hmm. Maybe it's different when you marry for love." She concedes. "I don't think I've ever seen that with my own eyes. "But, hypothetically speaking, say you achieved your dream and did marry her, and she was, at this point, utterly full with child. Moody, demanding, and in no mood for 'play'. And at this time, I returned, by chance, and offered you more of what we just had: no complications, discreet sex, which she will never hear of. Are you saying that, even in these circumstances, you would not stray?" Balon smiled as he talked, "is different. It's something that's so rare it deserves to be treasured." Balon subconsciously started massaging her as he talked. "I'm loyal, to a fault some would say. If I dedicate myself to something I don't veer from the course." The admission explained his devotion to the Blackfyre cause. "It holds true for marriage. If she is willing to bear my children and all the difficulties associated with it she deserves my loyalty."
"To your hypothetical I'll raise the stakes. You could show up with Shiera Seastar and tell me one of you was going to start at my bottom, the other the top, and meet somewhere in the middle and I'd say no." Balon prayed he never had to deal with that hypothetical. He gave her butt a pinch, "So better get me while the getting's good."The Ghost nods. "So, she cares. But she's ... wary. It sounds like she wants you to prove yourself to her. She wants to believe. Do you think you can do it? I mean no insult - it's a question of temperament more than competence. To use your head to think clearly, your eyes to see clearly, you have to deny your passions." She chuckles. "And you are a *deeply* passionate man, as my body will attest." It was an honest answer. "My passions get the better of me sometimes." That was a nice way to say he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "But if I choose to do something I'm thinking about if it benefits me and if so by how much." The current conspiracy he was involved in helped him in no way whatsoever so clearly he wasn't doing a great job. "She doesn't want me to destroy my reputation for the gain of others. She's right too."Her hand stills momentarily when he mentions the thought of kinslaying. "Probably best you did not. Publicly murdering women is rather frowned upon. So, what *is* your plan? You say she's left her family, so they're not a concern, but it sounds like yours still are. Even if you do manage to win her over, it means nothing if you can't get your Lord's permission. How will you overcome that?" Ghost chuckles darkly. "Oh, you are *so* gone for her. So, why don't others see what you do, would you say? Men naturally flock to beauty, after all. The children you mentioned? The widowhood? Or something else?" Killing Jon and Erena didn't really bother him. Joffrey though... "I went about things the wrong way the first time. So sure of myself that I never considered they'd disagree. But the best thing to happen is for my lord to have more children. The more they have the farther away from inheritance I am. Maybe then they'll agree." Balon let out a frustrated sigh, "Of course the further away from inheritance the less I have to offer. I don't know if *this* is enough." He guided her hand below his waistline to explain his meaning. "The next time I'm near home I'll stop and see what, if anything, I can do to convince them. Some sort of bargain." "People see what you've said. Widowed with children. No alliance to be gained through marriage. The house she belonged to was insignificant. She's pretty so it isn't her appearance that's a detractor. I think it boils down to her low worth as political capital, not as a woman. I see a capable woman. A courtier with the cunning and skill to to go far." |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 8, 2019 23:48:31 GMT 1
Way to go idiot. You might as well tell her Laena's name and last known location. The wine had loosened Balon's lips and he focused as he chose the right words to say. "You're right, few women get to choose their own fate. She's one of the lucky ones that gets to determine her own destiny." He didn't outright admit she was a Great Bastard but there were few others that'd been granted the kinds of privileges Laena enjoyed. Ghost nods. "A dangerous woman, then. I hear that ladies like that are never fully tamed. Never quite housebroken. There is a ...restlessness in them. A fire in the blood. Are you prepared for that? To never fully know peace?" "To your hypothetical I'll raise the stakes. You could show up with Shiera Seastar and tell me one of you was going to start at my bottom, the other the top, and meet somewhere in the middle and I'd say no." Balon prayed he never had to deal with that hypothetical. He gave her butt a pinch, "So better get me while the getting's good." She gasps lightly, then chuckles at the pinch. "I've never heard of a man refusing the Seastar. Presumably, when it happens, she doesn't leave enough to bury." She doesn't sound entirely convinced he'll keep to his word on that, but is willing to accept the answer. "I don't know..." It was an honest answer. "My passions get the better of me sometimes." That was a nice way to say he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "But if I choose to do something I'm thinking about if it benefits me and if so by how much." The current conspiracy he was involved in helped him in no way whatsoever so clearly he wasn't doing a great job. "She doesn't want me to destroy my reputation for the gain of others. She's right, too." "Then there may come a time when you have to choose between sacrificing your passion for her, and your passion for ... well, everything else." She snorts lightly. "Not unusual for one of her kind to ask such a high price. Not unusual for mere mortals like us to be destroyed trying to pay it." "I went about things the wrong way the first time. So sure of myself that I never considered they'd disagree. But the best thing to happen is for my lord to have more children. The more they have the farther away from inheritance I am. Maybe then they'll agree." Balon let out a frustrated sigh, "Of course the further away from inheritance the less I have to offer. I don't know if *this* is enough." He guided her hand below his waistline to explain his meaning. "The next time I'm near home I'll stop and see what, if anything, I can do to convince them. Some sort of bargain." "Bargains are good. Bring the right goods, and almost anything is possible. Every man has his price. But I would say, if it's love. If it truly is love, this," she caresses gently "will be enough. Love and power would be better, of course, for one of her kind. But, and maybe this is just my love of romances coming through, better love without power, than power without love." "People see what you've said. Widowed with children. No alliance to be gained through marriage. The house she belonged to was insignificant. She's pretty so it isn't her appearance that's a detractor. I think it boils down to her low worth as political capital, not as a woman. I see a capable woman. A courtier with the cunning and skill to to go far." After a few moments' consideration, she speaks softly. "I may have just misspoken. If she's capable but unappreciated, and she left her house, she likely wishes to prove herself. To the world." She hides her smile against his chest, but pats his chest with her spare hand. "I think you picked a wild one. You'll likely need love, power, and determination to tempt her in." A dark chuckle. "I wish you luck. I think you'll need that, too." |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 9, 2019 8:03:39 GMT 1
"So." Balon tried to bring it all together, adding a touch of sarcasm, "My special lady wants stability because of her past, but is also restless. Love should be enough, but it'll probably take power too of which I have none. I can acquire power but it'd involve risk which she doesn't want me to subject myself to else she become a widow again. She'll think I'll cheat the second I'm able because," he adds in a mocking voice, "because that's how men are."
"Once the coming war is over I'd sacrifice my passions for her but if we wait until the last banner dips it'll be too late. Of course I have no idea if she feels the same way about me. The romantic says she'll come to the realization she does. The realist says no. She wants to prove herself to the world, but it's dangerous and she's already proven herself to me." Balon paused before remembering, "Oh and I need luck too... You make it sound so easy."
Balon was quiet for a moment, "My mind is jumbled. Part of me wants to just take her the next time we meet. Give her the passion she's almost certainly never experienced. Let her know that she isn't just some passing fancy and I love her. Together we'd make each other stronger." He added quietly, "The other part of me... fuck I don't even know what the other part wants."
"What would you do? Have you ever experienced something like this?"
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 9, 2019 16:51:48 GMT 1
She chuckles at his summary. "Mostly right. And she probably feels she's being *reasonable*. You must take risks, but the risks must be well-considered. You must see matters apart from her dispassionately enough to make smart choices, but see her passionately enough that she believes in your fidelity.
"One thing I would clarify, so as to not mislead you: you may *believe in* and follow a cause, so long as you do not do so blindly. No cause involving men is entirely just or honourable. If you believe yours is, your passions still blind you. Only by seeing and accepting the flaws of your cause can you make good choices for both yourself and it. You could probably seriously impress her by making a good argument against your cause, pointing out all its flaws, then turn things around and make a solid argument as to why your cause is still worthy, despite that." She smiles. "You know, easy stuff like that."
She slaps his side gently. "You were the one who fell for a dragon. Most of us mere mortals have more sense." She considers his question carefully before answering. "I thought I had feelings like that. A while back. I thought he was *perfect*. But the family didn't like him, so he went elsewhere. And I learned subsequently that he wasn't anything like what I thought. Paradoxically, there's a certain liberation in the lack of freedom we have. It means when things don't work out, I can cast the blame elsewhere, curse my family. 'I had no choice.' 'It's not my fault.' You don't have that luxury.
"So, what would *I* do? I'd give up. I'd obey my family. That's what's expected of me. That's what's been drilled into me since birth. Sneaking off for a night when I'm supposed to be praying all night in a sept is as far as I'm willing to push things. I'm attractive, good in bed, and I've scratched below the surface enough to know a thing or two; but despite all that, I am *ordinary*, and I don't consider that a bad thing. Most people are. But for someone without power to woo a dragon takes someone *extraordinary*. Few have the potential for that, and fewer still accomplish it. And I know myself well enough to know I'm not among their number.
"Only you can determine if you are."
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