|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 24, 2019 2:05:06 GMT 1
"I'm more offended you didn't mention my children in the list you mentioned. Don't tell me my dear brother has mislead me, and he's got them locked up in a basement somewhere out of sight? Or do you feel there's something *wrong* with my children?" Her tone seems serious, but there's a clear sparkle in her eyes that gives away that she's only teasing.
"As for the Red Lion?" She shakes her head. "Nay. I shouldn't answer, in case you happen to get lucky with a guess one day, but that one I'll give you. For ... reasons I do not wish to get into, it is .. currently inconvenient for him to publicly carry my favour. He does, but it is secret, just between us. The Red Lion carries my favour for there is prestige in fighting for one of royal blood. I asked, because there is prestige in having it carried by one so skilled and gallant. It is simply a mutually beneficial arrangement."
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 24, 2019 15:35:38 GMT 1
"Oh, yes, he has kept them in the dungeons and they've gone the way of feral beasts," Trystane teases back, chuckling. "But no, there is nothing wrong with them at all. I did not mean to overlook them. I was speaking of adults, but of course Sylvina and Landar are wonderful. I was actually thinking of bringing them back some presents from this trip, so your suggestions for what they might like would be useful."
He appears a little surprised by her answer to his question, almost disappointed.
"That's a pity. I actually liked the idea of you two as a match. But I suppose, now that I think on it, he doesn't really fit the information you previously gave about this mystery man. I can't envisage Robb Reyne being unable to prove himself to you or consumed by hatred. I'm glad he brought you some prestige though. You deserve to be admired and desired. And, for what it's worth, I'm sorry the real object of your affections requires secrecy. I imagine that would be somewhat unpleasant, having to maintain that."
His tone and expression invite her to talk about how it feels, but stops short of any demand for specifics.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 24, 2019 18:30:43 GMT 1
When he asks what her children might like, he gets a brief blank look, then she flushes and looks down. "Just get what you feel best. I .. I am not good at giving gifts. To me, the best gift I can give is a hug, and to tell them whatever is upsetting them at that point, they can endure it, and it, too, shall pass. Comfort and reassurance. Not really much help, I'm afraid. Maybe Aerion can give you a better idea. Unless it's an excessive amount of sweets, or something! Don't .. don't encourage him to spoil them too much. They are fatherless, with no claims. They have a hard life ahead of them. I don't want them to be thrust into the world coddled and unprepared for its viciousness. But they shouldn't be terrified and miserable throughout their childhood, either." She sighs. "Just do your best." She waves a hand back and forth. "I know that's not particularly helpful, sorry."
"Ser Robb will undoubtedly win the heart of some fair maiden who still believes in chivalry and knighthood and all that. Quite possibly even a female heir. He has the talent and gallantry required. Somehow, even if my children were to back me up, I doubt I could convince anyone I was a maiden." Her tone is rather dry. "And the less said about any claims I have, the better. Still, I comport myself well, so I am admired; I have teats, so I am desired. But 'love' is the only reason any man would want to actually *marry* me. And how many people not our siblings would actually be allowed to marry for love? The House's interests must come first."
She huffs out a breath, and shakes her head. "The situation is what it is. Compared to what I have survived, this is but a pin-prick."
Note: Ser Robb is House Reyne's champion, not it's lord
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 24, 2019 21:02:34 GMT 1
"That's actually been quite helpful. I will ensure that Aerion doesn't spoil them too much. And we'll figure out a way to make things easier for them. You'll see. Of course I want to help in any way I can."
It is his turn to puff out a breath, considering his next words, opting for a sympathetic - but to him encouraging tone.
"As for your prospects, look, I am no expert, but it seems like you're holding yourself back in some ways there. You say you have no claims, so surely that means you have nothing to lose in marrying for love. Then you don't need to worry about the House at all. And well, frankly, life is too short. You could wait forever for your fellow to prove himself, and unless he's some useless blackguard, he must have something to offer you. I doubt you would love someone who is not good for you and who doesn't make you happy, so fuck it, grab the rest of your life with both hands."
He drained his cup in punctuation.
"Though how much the relationship advice of an unmarried hedonist is worth is likely negligible."
Thanks for letting me know. I've amended the post.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 24, 2019 21:52:11 GMT 1
A small smile at his offer of helping her children. "Thank you." she offers quietly.
"I thought my first marriage would make me happy, and it didn't. I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, so I will not go into details - he certainly wasn't a *bad* man, by any measure. He just didn't make me happy, for all that I was sure he would. I suppose I'm mostly just afraid of repeating the same mistake again.
"And, sure, *I* can marry for love. Our blood lets even us women do that much. The fact that *he* is too close to the line of succession to easily have the same luxury is still a problem, even if I manage to let go of all of my issues."
She shakes her head. "Maybe you're right, and there's enough problems already without me getting in my own way as well." At least once Ser Eoric is dead, I won't be so upset over his friends' actions. She gives a small smile, and gently pats his arm. "I appreciate the support." I can't imagine Balon will let things stand as they are now, after our picnic. He'll come to me sooner or later. I'll wait and see what he says then.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 25, 2019 2:30:22 GMT 1
"That's fair enough," Trystane concedes, nodding slowly. "Not repeating mistakes is a good thing to learn to do. I've yet to learn it myself but I hear it's useful."
He gives her upper arm a short, light stroke with the back of his index finger, a small act of casual affection.
"I must say that each new thing you say to avoid identifying this man makes me more intrigued, but I will henceforth respect your privacy in the matter."
He puts a hand over his heart to emphasise his sincerity, even though he says it in his usual playfully dramatic tone. She had learned by now from observation that being casually blithe and theatrical was his default manner, but that he was usually being sincere in his words. She was also astute enough to have realised that it was often part of a set of invisible armour he wore, to shield himself from seeming too vulnerable.
"I'm sure that, if the problems sort themselves out, I'll find out eventually anyway, when you invite me to the wedding. Then, after the lovely service and gorging myself on wine at the feast, and the dancing that is pleasant enough but a bit dull, I can steal up to a balcony and get philosophically drunk with some other beautiful creature and we can bond over the absurdity of social mores and our shared love of fornication," he adds with an amused, crooked little smile, a suggestive nod to their time together at Lysette's wedding at Kingsbridge.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 25, 2019 22:25:37 GMT 1
I suspect that may not be the greatest of ideas. Depends on how many people show up, I suppose. "Only time will tell what the future brings." A small grin. "But I fear if you hope to meet another like me, you're liable to be disappointed." Unless you happen to run into the Seastar, I suppose.
"Now," putting her glass aside. "While it's been a pleasure, there's always a lot to do at a tourney. Is there another matter you wish to discuss?"
Note: it was Lysette and Ser Aemon who married. Willem is her father, and they're not Targaryen, so they can't get away with that kind of thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 26, 2019 1:45:58 GMT 1
"There is nobody like you, Laena. But as unique you may be, you are not the only woman in Westeros who shuns societal rules and enjoys fornication. Or at least I hope not, otherwise I have a life of lonely misery ahead of me," Trystane laughs.
"Just one more little thing. And I ask for your patient indulgence, as I know it's not a subject you will like. I think perhaps you may be thinking too harshly on Lynesse. What she said was unacceptable, and you are right to be angry about it, but I think she's just misguided, with a skewed view of things because of her uncle. The number of Dornish-hating people in House Blackbriar is probably poisoning her mind too. But I've been making inroads with her, trying to make her see differently, and I think it's working. I'd wager she would even apologise for what she said, if the matter were approached the right way. I've been speaking with her as part of my investigation into the Hightower situation and trying to sound out Eustace, and I think, if I keep at it, I'll have a useful contact in her that will help with the goals you & I share. I think if I privately impressed upon her the error and harm in her words, i could get her to offer you an apology, if you would want it."
Whoops! That's what I get for scanning. Edited.
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 26, 2019 3:59:49 GMT 1
While she doesn't interrupt his words, her expression turns very stern the moment he makes clear he's advocating for Lynesse, and it only gets stormier as he continues. "If she reveals that Ashara herself had utterly violated common decency against her first, I am prepared to temper my hate. Somewhat. But you shouldn't have to have a knight require multiple conversations to understand there are things that *humans* - let alone so-called *nobles* - just *do not do* at a funeral. "Had she said those words to Ashara's face while she was living, that would be different. "Had she said those words in private amongst friends, that would also be different. "But she didn't. She said them at my heart-sister's *funeral*! A woman who had done *nothing* to her!! "If you need so many talks to understand basic human dignity and decency, you are not a noble! You are not even a human!!"You are an INSECT!!!"She takes a few steady breaths, hands still gripping the arms of her chair tightly, before continuing in a calmer, but no softer, tone. "Use her as an information source how you wish. But it was not I she insulted. Until she is willing to go to the Seven Heavens - though I doubt she ever could - and apologise in person to the woman she did, do not speak to me of 'forgiveness'."
Om nom nom. Tasty scenery!  |
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 26, 2019 20:42:41 GMT 1
Laena's outburst leaves Trystane stunned into silence for a long time, just staring in embarrassed bafflement as Laena shouts in his face. He briefly glances over to the entrance, expecting the Septon to barge in, but when he does not, Trystane's gaze drops to the ground. Very slowly and carefully, after a long and tense silence, he starts to piece together a response, bracing himself for an additional tirade.
"...Forgive me, Laena... I meant no offence... though I fear there may have been a misunderstanding. Perhaps I chose the wrong words... I did not mean to imply that I have been the only catalyst for the girl's remorse, but my intention matters not when the outcome hurts you, sister, whose esteem I value so highly. I apologise unreservedly, both for my poor choice of words and for upsetting you with them. I see now how I misread the situation. As you would give Aerion the benefit of the doubt, I hope you can find it in your heart to extend it to me. I only wanted to help, and I am sorry I misjudged how to do that."
His fingers fidget with eachother as he speaks, and only when he finishes does he raise his eyes a little, though not fully meeting hers, darting back down the moment they connect. All his casual levity is gone, replaced by something between anxiety and sorrow, as though the force of Laena's anger had blasted away the layers of mannerism and composure, revealing something vulnerable underneath that nobody is meant to see.
Well done, Sand. You've fucked up yet again. Only thing you're actually good at. Two sets of royal blood and you're still an idiot!
A memory circles in his mind of Amata Blackmont screaming at him, tears streaking her cheeks as she hammers on his chest with her fists, while he cannot bring himself to deflect the blows or to even speak - not even to comfort her. Especially not to comfort her. Then one of his mother, turning away with a sob the first and only time he deliberately spoke harshly towards her. He remembers these things, and now Laena's words of hurt and anger join them, and his heart stings anew. Not long ago, before his self-imposed exile, had a man erupted at him like that, he'd have probably given them whatever fight they were looking for, or at least thrown out a languid put-down to show how little he cared for the fellow's opinion of him. But upsetting a woman, especially one he cared about, had always genuinely mortified him, even more so now that he'd seen how easily and deeply he could.
"In the name of the Maid I charge you to protect all women..."
"I am truly sorry that I have hurt you," he reiterates, and forces himself to look her in the eye.
(Small edit made because I mistakenly read Laena's "you"s as being in the second person rather than the indefinite impersonal)
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 27, 2019 1:18:52 GMT 1
Before she responds, after what must have been roughly a count of at least thirty after her tirade finished, a voice calls in from outside. "Do you need me to send in a servant to clean up any blood, my lady?"
Her stone face cracks a bit, and she snorts in amusement briefly, before calling back. "No need, Septon. Thank you." Her tone implying she's thanking him for more than the offer.
When she turns back to Trystane, her posture and tone is calmer, and more contrite. "It has been pointed out to me that the fault is not yours alone. While the matter of that ... thing is one that touches a raw wound, a lady should control her temper, not the other way around. It has done much to earn my wrath, you have not. It may deserve my wrath, but you do not.
"I accept your apology, and .. apologise myself. Your intent was good, though the execution clumsy. My rage was .. misdirected. It is clear my words upset you." She lowers her head. "I was not considerate of that in my pain. Sorry."
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 27, 2019 1:34:10 GMT 1
Trystane's expression is one of cautious relief, though still very contrite himself. He extends a hand out to her, palm up, fingers slightly curled in a beckoning posture, asking wordlessly for her to place her own hand in his.
"There is nothing you need apologise to me for, Laena."
He offers a conciliatory smile.
"I can be an arse sometimes and put my foot in my mouth and I'm sorry for that. I will try to ensure I don't make that mistake again. And you did not upset me, as such. I was just distressed about having upset you. It pains me to know I have hurt a lady's feelings, especially a lady whom I consider a friend."
|
|
|
|
Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 27, 2019 19:23:53 GMT 1
After a moment's awkward hesitation, she takes his proffered hand. "Don't worry about it." She puffs out a breath. "It may not be" she casts a glance towards the entrance "'appropriate', but letting your true feelings out like that occasionally can be ... cathartic.
"Still, let us just move on from the subject, and not touch it again. If that's it, would you mind letting the septon in as you go? He won't be happy until he's given me a sermon about how ladies should be temperate, and not let their passions control them, so I might as well get it over with now." She gives a tired look, and a shrug. "Nobody's perfect." Leaving it ambiguous as to if she's referring to herself or the septon.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 27, 2019 22:44:56 GMT 1
A little nod and a smile. A brief, light kiss of the back of her hand before releasing it.
"Understood, my lady."
He stands up, setting his empty cup aside.
"Thank you for the drink, and I hope you enjoy the wine when you get round to tasting it. I'll let the Septon in. I'm sure his relief that there is none of my blood to clean up will temper his urge to remonstrate too harshly with you."
He gives her a little bow, and takes his leave, letting the Septon know he can go in as he exits.
That's a /scene from my end. Established in PMs that Laena will follow up (offscreen) the next day with her decision on who Trystane should try to nudge towards Abelar Hightower.
|
|
