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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 22, 2019 9:09:12 GMT 1
With heart beating most intemperately in her chest, Lynesse sought out her chosen quarry, a man as dangerous, and as valuable, as any might be to her chosen designs. FAF Audience Lord Eldon: 5d6k4+9 22 Which I believe would be a failure under normal circumstances. Are these circumstances unusual enough to vary that expectation? |
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Post by Father on Sept 22, 2019 16:07:20 GMT 1
Though powerful, Lord Eldon is not one as highly sought as other lords considered his peers, besides, Lady Lynesse does happen to be a lovely young lady, which makes it easier to get his attention, and a lady that he likes, and seems less averse than others to please him with her body, if balking at the prospect as much as they all do. But vulnerable ladies could be exploited even so, sometimes all that was needed would be the right leverage. Though he is not such a slave to his vices to think that she comes to offer herself to him, or even be prepared for it. But she must want something, and that means she must have something to offer in return. Lynesse is shown in and welcomed warmly, though when it comes to Lord Eldon, that does not mean that a young maid escapes the plight of enduring his hungry eyes undressing her without even an attempt to conceal the obvious interest in what's beneath her skirts and bodice. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 24, 2019 7:17:48 GMT 1
Lynesse endured the stares. These at least she expected. Again, she wondered at her chosen course. It was bolder than strictly necessary, and directly in the face of almost all counsel she had received. Greetings Lord Eldon, she began, her voice relaxed and quiet, knowing that at the very least she could rely on his attention. “We spoke before, in my uncle’s presence about the possibility of friendship between us. I thought now, in your present state of difficulty in a hostile camp that we might do so again.”
“When I was nine, my uncle bought me a gift from the Summer Isles, a young serpent worn by some of the nobles and royalty of that land as living garment, like a scarf,” she ran her palm gracefully over the back of her neck as she recalled this, a gesture that might seem idle, but also happened to draw the eye. “My father of course objected to this, fearing that the beast might do me harm, but my uncle assured him that the beast bore no venom and indeed had had its fangs removed lest it prove a threat. It would likely not survive the winter snows, regardless. My father, urged by my grandfather, relented, and permitted me to keep it.”
“I genuinely adored the creature, for the eager gleam of its eye and the rainbow stripe of its hide, but in the weeks that followed I became perplexed by its strange behaviour. Each night it would stretch out across my carpet, straight as an arrow. Such behaviour made it more likely to lose more heat than had it curled up, so I thought it an aberration, and consulted the house Maester. Naturally we were both shocked to discover in one long forgotten tome that this breed of serpent did not poison its victims, but strangled and consumed them whole, and that the beast was measuring itself against me, to see if it had grown large enough to consume me while I slept. My Uncle plead ignorance, having been misled by the trader, though he is not prone to such mistakes.
"
"As you can see," she smiled, gesturing broadly to herself, "I am no longer nine, and though I remain young, I am no stranger to the art of survival, or the sight of someone being measured as a next meal."
Initiative FAF - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 17 FAF - Free Action Breeding: 7d6k5+1 26 I have Eldon’s disposition as +5 from events, which would make it at least 7 with attractive, or 8 with attractive and courteous, plus whatever is achieved here. I don't *think* it was already 9 or more, which would make this a wasted free action. ID: 12 DP: 6 [Dislike] Composure: 12/12 Goal: A strategic alliance on my terms [no marriage, public hostility, assistance against existential threats, Lynesse in House Hightower.] |
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Post by Father on Sept 24, 2019 13:41:41 GMT 1
Lord Eldon's comment that Lynesse would be a very tasty treat might have been something that most women would blush and smile and ask if he really thinks so if it was Farman who said it in the way he had spoken to her at Whitewalls. The way Lord Eldon said it while hungrily licking his lips and blatantly ignoring the elevation which her eyes finds themselves at is characteristically repulsive. He is not about to make this exchange comfortable for her. Whether this is a deliberate ploy to be able to elicit a high prize for his favor or he just happens to be is usual repulsive self, who can say?
26 is 2 DoS..which is sufficient to get his DR down to 1. Free Deception: 7d6k5 20 +1 to passive results. Initiative: 9d6k6 25ID: 15 DR: 1 Composure: 12 Objective: Make Lynesse agree to do some heavy lifting on his behalf in exchange for him lifting a finger. Bargain: 7d6k5+2 233*5-6=9 influence dealt Lynesse can optionally take advantage of his drawbacks to include the pleasures of her flesh in the bargain, which would make him ID 12 and DR 0. But that would by far go on top of the list of of the most gut-wrenching moments of Great Bastards. And if she lifts her skirts but once, he'll come to expect her to do it again and again, and public discovery will savage her reputation so thoroughly that all of society will expect her to take holy vows as a septa. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Sept 30, 2019 0:16:26 GMT 1
A long cold shiver ran up Lynesse’s spine. Much that she ventured here rested on the assumption that beneath his violent hedonism, Lord Eldon had a strong streak of self-preservation, a cunning disposition, and an enjoyment of outwitting and outmanoeuvring his enemies with tricks and deception. Do you disagree, with my assessment, my Lord?
When I saw you and Ser Daeron setting your wills against one another, at first I thought the whole thing a farce, and that you had somehow drawn a dragon into your employ. I thought you might have paid the man to bellow and thunder and flap his wings in your direction, only to be outwitted and outmanoeuvred at every turn by your cunning, as you did at Whitewalls when he attempted to enter the lists with you, only for your champion to face him in your place. And then Ser Waters proved the issue, and reminded all Rivermen and Reachmen present of his great victory over Ser Daemon at Summerhall. Surely, I reasoned, the man is in Lord Eldon’s employ, and only takes on the façade of opposing him so that Lord Eldon might benefit, for that was the sure result.
But then of course, I spoke with him. A poor habit I am learning to regret with all of those who leave an impression upon me, as they so often fail to live up to expectation.” She remarked, with feigned levity,” I learned that he was simply what he appeared, his most simplistic, self-righteous self.Naturally, this only heightened you in my estimation for strategic thinking, Lord Eldon, for you had gained all of the benefits of using Ser Daeron as your foil, without owing the man a thing.” Here it was not difficult to draw upon some true feeling, for Lord Eldon had gained the upper hand in most of his encounters with Wildfyre. It did set my mind to wonder though, at the missed opportunity. Of what you might have gained from someone like Ser Daeron, deep in midst of many plots against you due to their known, public enmity for you. Might such a man, such an ally," she corrected herself, "prove useful when the more competent foe, the patient adder waiting in the long grass, moves against you, as perhaps they have begun to, here?" She stated this assertion with less confidence, making it clear that this was a hazarded theory, rather than a true supposition. Since word spread that Ser Eustace planned to negotiate a marriage contract with, all manner of folk have approached me with some feigned interest in the plights besetting my house, when in fact their interest was you, and in most cases how they might thwart or undermine you. I was at the trial in Oldtown, Summerhall, Whitewalls, and I saw your defences tested at each.
I could be that ally to you, Lord Eldon.Initiative FAF - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 17 FAF - Free Action Breeding: 7d6k5+1 26 ID: 12 DP: 6 [Dislike] Composure: 3/12 Goal: A strategic alliance on my terms [no marriage, public hostility, assistance against existential threats, Lynesse in House Hightower.] R1 Action: FaF r1 Emulate Convince with Act: 6d6k4+1 22 for 2 Degrees 2*4=8-1=7 Composure |
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Post by Father on Oct 8, 2019 12:07:17 GMT 1
Eldon would actually much prefer not to have annoying Lord Starling with daughter and knights prey upon the romantic dreams of gallantry to set the rabble with their fool notions of chivalry and virtue against him. But he and Lynesse knows better, no? He leans forward to touch and squeeze her shoulder in a way that might have been intended as encouraging comfort from a friend, but even such a gesture that man can manage to turns into an invasion of her dignity. Neither can truly have friends with such enemies as they have, he continues, while forcing her to be the one to push his hand away, enjoying the company of others very much so, but friends? No. But their eyes would be opened to the only true rule of life, nothing is given, and everything is there to be taken for those who are able and willing to do so. And the only thing that truly can prevent a man from taking something is the threat of another taking away what he already has if he tries, his possessions, his status, his opportunities, his loved ones.
ID: 15 DR: 1 Composure: 5/12 Objective: Make Lynesse agree to do some heavy lifting on his behalf in exchange for him lifting a finger. Bargain: 7d6k5+2 223*5-6=9 influence dealt |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Oct 12, 2019 1:27:40 GMT 1
Eldon's implication that violence, even death, might be a fair retort to the accusations against him horrified Lynesse, even as she found herself agreeing with the grim logic behind his words. "The Starling's have offered you grave offence Lord Eldon, and by my count you have proven their accusations false, at Summerhall, at Whitewalls, and soon perhaps," she emphasises the uncertainty, "here at Goldengrove. Your champions have won duels, but you have never received apology, which all must admit, is a further insult to your august House. It strikes me that the men and women of House Starling, like the Starling itself, are prone to making a great deal of noise without concern for their small size.""If you were to appear the more conciliatory of the two parties, perhaps inviting Lady Starling to Longtable that she might offer you the apology your victory at Summerhall deserves, you would find yourself in the position that the Starling's must either shoulder their pride and submit, or unconscionably provoke you by refusing to honour a duel of Honour in the King's own court, earning the ire of houses they might otherwise shelter behind, such as the Fossoways or Florent. Such a provocation would isolate them, and justify a sterner recourse on your part if properly executed, thus leading to the Starlings submitting themselves to you, whatever their response to your formal request for apology.""Of course that would be a proper course of action only if you settled on the Starling's as being worthy of such a recourse. Despite the songs they are singing, they are not the authors of your current troubles, for they are far too proud and dignified, and far too obvious" Lynesse remarked with perceptible disdain, "to stoop to such false accusation. They are, of course, merely a tool in this instance, to cheer loudly for your apparent guilt and mutiliation. The Hastwyck's are tools themselves, though they at least know the lies of their own words.""So if enemies are to prevent us from becoming friends Lord Eldon, then I must ask whether this enemy is the sword that threatens your throat, or the man that swings it? I would prove myself a worthy friend in either instance, but I am curious at your preference."
Initiative FAF - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 17 ID: 12 [retrospectively 15 due to nature of Eldon’s requests] DP: 6 [Dislike] Composure: 4/12 [-4 from R1, -4 from round 2] Goal: A strategic alliance on my terms [no marriage, public hostility, assistance against existential threats, Lynesse in House Hightower.] R2 Action: Influence R2 Action - Emulate Convince with Act + Glory: 7d6k4+1 20 for 2 Dos= 2*4=8-1=7 Composure
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Post by Father on Oct 12, 2019 15:20:04 GMT 1
The Starlings would find little difficulty in turning down such an invitation Eldon notes, the opinions of knights yet to be weaned off the illusion of gallantry being as they are. For the Starlings to rightfully learn their place would require a very harsh lesson, presently one that cannot be properly given without greater cost than they are worth. The Hastwyck's, though, are more vulnerable and their scheme can be turned around to show whichever other House that thinks to follow their example that not only will there be a high price to pay, but the one they derisively call Lord Piggy happens to turn the dirt they throw into treasure, oh yes. There are many lords and knights that will happily take gold or the support of such of their peers who do to offer Eldon favors. His wide predatory grin brought forth by such thoughts is something out of a story of horror, he notes that no lady has yet to become such an ally. His gaze sizes her up as a morbidly obese shadowcat savoring the sight of a meal. Whether the images in his head as to what he intends to inflict upon his enemies has made the desire which is enkindled by her mere presence is set ablaze, what at first could be waved away as an innocent touch to the shoulder now becomes bolder and more intrusive, though this may just as well be him testing how far Lynesse is willing to let him go, how desperate she is, what her other options are like without him. Politely but firmly pushing his hand away now might be a show of strength, or just putting up boundaries, allowing him to continue to push those boundaries only to stop him right before he crosses into territory even a Dornishwoman is like to think to be an improper advance by one yet accepted as her paramour could make him a deal more agreeable to offer his assistance, but with him, he is like to push past were he was last stopped on their next meet.
ID: 13 DR: 1 Composure: 2/12, 1 Frustration Objective: Make Lynesse agree to do some heavy lifting on his behalf in exchange for him lifting a finger. Bargain: 7d6k5+2 253*5-6=9 Glory needs be reported as per standard procedure. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Oct 13, 2019 1:10:14 GMT 1
Lynesse pushes his hand away in a firm gesture, neither sudden nor violent, but decided. She smiles, as though Eldon's breach of propriety were no more than a playful gesture, misjudged. Though her situation is fraught, she had picked her moment for the opportunity it presented, not out of abject desperation. My Lord's favour is so highly sought will likely have his pick of Lady's to wife, of Houses Cordwayner, Levalle, or even Peake, with the first two eager enough for his patronage that they might even be encouraged to a match with his natural son Ser Addam Flowers, a match likely to lend itself to a merry household indeed," Lynesse responded, a little sickened at the implication of her own words. She nodded in agreement at his words regarding Hastwyck and Starling, The Hastwyck's false accusation shames the Seven, and the gods will see them chastened for their false words. In this matter then I would be an ally toward both you and the Seven if I was to offer some assistance.
But we must not overlook your personal safety in a rush to justice. It may just so happen that I am acquainted with a witness to the falseness of Lady Hastwyck's words, who could be readily compelled to speak the truth of what they know. The trial as well would give us a chance to make our public emnity known, to better serve a private friendship. "But in such matters I would be putting myself at risk of public notoriety, of making enemies of those who count themselves your own, Lord Eldon. In the direst of situations I would be putting my own life on the line to safeguard yours, as surely as your champion and sworn swords have done in the past." Lynesse had no intention of dying for Lord Eldon, but there were certainly those who would see her harmed for supporting him. "That is a difficult obligation to cleave to, knowing that my uncle, among others has designs upon my brother, my person, and my house, and that he might at any given moment see me bundled off to Dorne to marry his cousin, Lord Blackmont, as seems his intention from his actions at Whitegrove." Lynesse felt she had offered much, and it was time to discuss what her support to Eldon was worth to him - and Lynesse silently prayed that it was not slight, given the mortal danger that loomed over him.
Initiative FAF - Initiative: 5d6k4+1 17 ID: 11 [+3 from Requests, -4 from frustration DP: 6 [Dislike] Composure: 3/12 [2/4 Frustration] Goal: A strategic alliance on my terms [no marriage, public hostility, assistance against existential threats, Lynesse in House Hightower.] R3 Action: Faf - Round 3 - Using Act to Emulate Convince: 6d6k4+1 16 for 1 Degree = 4-1=3 Damage to Composure Offer Compromise: Lynesse will offer her witness [herself] testimony to Eldon, offer minimal support for his guilt, pave the way for some uncertain revenge against the Hastwyck's [with an expectation that dirtying her hands privately may be a part of her obligations to him going forward, against serious/existential attacks on Eldon's person]. Lynesse would also assist Eldon achieving a match from the three ladies mentioned. - Eldon will be obliged to offer practical assistance against Ser Eustace, and to assist her with her plans in House Hightower, though not taking anything like the same risks of exposure as Lynesse has offered. We seem to be quite close here in terms of what Lynesse and Eldon expect from the relationship, with both having taken two frustration by the end of Round 3 [and Eldon likely to win next round, with Lynesse having a solid chance at victory if he does not]. Even if Eldon rejects the offer and defeats Lynesse, hopefully he is obliged to do a little more than originally offered. |
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Post by Father on Oct 13, 2019 21:48:28 GMT 1
His pick of a wife? His pick among ladies whose fathers, he pauses with a malevolent grin, or uncles for that matter, have a concern for their well-being that disappears entirely from view once their ambitions are laid bare. Eldon notes with no small measure of pride that his girth and reputation is due to indulging his desires, not sloth or stupidity, no. He knows that most ladies secretly dream of the courage to speak such words in his presence as Lady Delia, were it not for her brother's great selfless service to House Merryweather, Lord Eldon would have seen fit to have her punished as well. It is not because of any malice, he assures Lynesse in a manner that seems genuine enough, although admittedly, it would not be without a great deal of pleasure to him. No, it is about setting an example. A lord that is not feared is not like to remain lord for long. Especially if he is not loved. Particularly if he is reviled.
But there is always a question of what the dear lady desires to have. Eager as she is to foil her own uncle in having another lady in Eldon's marriage bed.
Mmm, not exactly how he envisions this to work, sell your soul to evil and you'll be dancing forever. A reasonably even bargain result would mean Lynesse first does a favor to him, then she'll be owed a favor, scale being largely such that if she does something for him, then he'd do something for her that would require him to exert about the same effort to aid her as he might have to do in order to get the original favor done with his own resources.
ID: 11
DR: 1
Composure: 3/12, 2 Frustration
Objective: Make Lynesse agree to do some heavy lifting on his behalf in exchange for him lifting a finger.
Action not yet taken.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Oct 14, 2019 3:07:49 GMT 1
My Uncle has not earned his epithet of "The Vulture" lightly and in marrying me well I think he seeks to be rewarded twice - once for making the match, and a second time by eventually installing himself as regent over my husband's house - over the corpse of my future husband if needs be. This allows him to disguise his hunt for a great regency as a hunt for a good match for myself, and to naysay all alternatives as inferior under the subterfuge of protecting my interests. This is well shown in his choice of suitors for my hand my Lord, you are a powerful Lord, but many would blame your many enemies if you were to take ill with poison, not your wife's husband. Or Lord Blackmont, who Ser Eustace would be a strong candidate for regent in the case of a son by me inheriting, and would indeed place Ser Eustace one step closer to inheriting in his own right.
Ser Eustace offers my hand in marriage as a cloak, beneath which waits his patient dagger, my Lord, and so I hope you do not take offence that this gives me pause.
In seeking an alternative that he cannot manipulate in this way, I have sought a match that will not leave Ser Eustace in a position to assert power over a regency himself in the case of my husband's demise, and yet would be considered advantageous enough that he could not gainsay it.
Her tone here was considered and thoughtful, indicating a mind tending toward strategy, rather than personal amity or preference. "Were Ser Abelar to become the regent of House Hightower, he would be such a match, and in the position of Lady Hightower in name and fact, if not in law, I would be able to settle outstanding debts within my family, and offer leal support for my true friends."
Tit for tat favours is certainly workable, with Lynesse having volunteered a few options, and being willing to consider those mentioned in PM's. Eldon offering his voice [or those of his surrogates in Oldtown if he prefers] to those supporting Ser Abelar and not interfering with her seeking a match with Ser Abelar would be concrete goals she is asking for in return that seem to cost Eldon little, with the hope of storing up enough favours for some direct support against Eustace at a later point. Some of the favours being discussed do not seem easily achievable by Eldon without exerting some effort, and so Lynesse would count on genuine effort, if not actual risk-taking on his part.
Is such a thing workable?
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Post by Father on Oct 14, 2019 21:13:10 GMT 1
Eldon has a separate theory, Ser Eustace is a man of ambitions, but not one to take such a high risk as that. His nephew and niece stands in the way of him retaining control over House Daverhyl, besides, Eldon's sister Kyra would without a doubt seize the regency of Longtable, anyone with the talents to actually assassinate Lord Eldon would be aware of this. And anyone who can afford the price of the faceless men? Eldon makes sure not to offend any of those. No, the risk Lynesse faces is a marriage where she would be no obstacle to Ser Eustace in the event of young Kyle's sudden demise. Eldon thinks that surely Ser Eustace can offer him enticing gifts and favors to come to an arrangement where he may remain as regent until Eldon's second son by Lynesse comes of age, her uncle would be an old man by then.
As it happens, he thinks it best if Lynesse plays along with the little game of obeying the wishes of her uncle in not offending Eldon publicly, it so happens that men of Ser Eustace's ambitions and willingness to truly act upon them are rare enough that one should not squander the opportunities that a relationship with such a one might offer. Better to make her seem outwardly loyal, hmm? She could of course privately confess to the sort of horrors she must endure at the meetings her uncle demands that she has with him, claiming to Eldon's enemies that she overheard villainous schemes or that he in a moment of careless boasting revealed his intentions, and though she is dutiful to family, she also has a conscience and a pious soul, no? Neither of which allows such plots to come to fruition?
In fact, Eldon thinks that this might be exactly how to teach the lesson that attempting to frame a man of Lord Merryweather's power and influence is a very, very bad idea. Though he needs to ponder it some more, perhaps Lynesse would be happy to return for continuing the discussions of friendship between Longtable and Mustard Hall? He must also compose a letter to Ser Eustace complementing him on his clever niece and offer some other suggestions, surely she would be so kind as to deliver it? A nice dinner, with delicacies and the finest Arbor vintage, surely Lynesse might come around to consider becoming Lady Merryweather? The power and influenced wielded from his side must be tempting, no? And Eldon is a very considerate man, a good husband that will protect her much better than some fool of a knight most like to die on the field for one dragon or the other. Red or Black, when dragons fight, everyone else tends to die, whether for or against. Eldon appears to find his japing fun, and more than likely enjoys the revulsion it brings, among other things, Eldon can boast about being a very experienced lover, there will be none of the clumsy fumbling about trying to figure out which part goes where. Only pleasure.
Should be reasonably doable. Those things are mostly items that would take time for him to get moving on while the two favors on top of his list are best performed before leaving Whitegrove (but neither item can really be brought up in this conversation).
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Oct 20, 2019 11:52:57 GMT 1
I could make an attempt at such subterfuge, though it would be a more difficult thing in Ser Eustace’s case, for in truth I feel little amity for my Uncle,” she replied, implicitly giving Eldon greater merit by comparison. It would be a mummer’s show Lord Eldon, and with you as the sole audience. She raised an eyebrow at the notion of such a shared intimacy.
But such docility will make some suspect me of double dealing, doubly so when on occasion I have taken your part. Perhaps there is a middle ground, where a public break would be avoided, but the rumour mill would be given good reason to think I seek to extricate myself from the union, allaying those snakes who seek you harm, and might include me in their confidence if they think me so disposed.
She had something in mind, but would see if he was receptive.
She had hoped to deflect or put to rest talk of a union between them, but this did not seem to be the case. Here she wore another's mask, a face that might rightly belong to a greater Lady, perhaps Lady Laena, who rode Meraxes, rather than Lady Lynesse, who rode a shy bay pony.
You speak to me of the influence of Lady Merryweather when in the previous breath you anticipate my brother’s removal from Mustard Hall. Lynesse walked a tightrope here, for she risked giving Eldon great power over her. Begging and pleading would only diminish her in Eldon’s eyes, and cast her further in the mold of victim.
If you believe I would look favourably on the death of my brother so that my second son could rule in Mustard Hall then you have gravely misjudged my fidelity to my family, and thereby my value as a wife.
And if I am to believe that you would settle for the second son of our union ruling in Mustard Hall, then I have gravely misjudged your ambitions.
Ser Eustace will see me married to one High Lord or another, that much seems clear, and it is my intent that my sons will find themselves in positions of strength throughout their rule, so that they shall not suffer such offence and tribulation as my brother and I have been made to. In you, Lord Eldon, I count a serious contender, a man of significant means, whose gaze is undimmed by sentiment and whose eyes are opened, as mine are, to the naked machinations of power. The necessity of it, if one is to live life by one's own stars.
Her voice grew softer and harder, yet likely unmenacing to a man of Lord Eldon's experience and cunning. Make no mistake, I shall make of my husband an unmatched power in the Reach, or in Dorne if needs be. I shall render to him a power unassailable, and cast down his enemies by fair means or foul. I shall see such terror sown in the hearts of his enemies that his scions are feared even in their cribs, lest they cast the mere shadow of his presence, for in the merits of fear we are of a like mind.
I shall devote myself to him in every deed, and tend to him knowing that every lewd, salacious tryst; every unfathomable perversion that the gods deem fornication, they also render holy in the bonds of matrimony, where the wife's position is to honour and obey, and a woman's nature is to glory in the partnership. I shall render him sons and each shall rein in greater station than my father’s rightful seat of Mustard Hall.
These words sprang easily to her lips, for in the darker moments in the days following her parent's demise she had hastily and ill-advisedly sworn to pursue this much and more on her mother's seven-pointed star to see justice done.
Her words returned to their usual lyrical tenor, with none of the severity that came before. If such a union is unappetising to you, Lord Eldon, then I pray you seek a bedmate among the Levalle's, Cordwayners, or Peake's, and I shall be a true friend in bringing it to fruition, as I shall be a true friend to you in putting fear in the hearts of your enemies. But if this," she gestured to herself, but invoked her previous description by doing so, "would suit you better, then send letters to my Uncle as formality dictates, but know that I will be bound by my own word alone, and expect a higher price for my brother's life, and a greater prize for my second son, than the hall of a minor Lord. " She hoped to provoke in Eldon a curiosity about what she had in mind, and a willingness to humour her, foolish girl child though she might otherwise seem, for the brazenness of her words.
She is going to push for some degree of public break, even if it amounts to no more than the appearance that she offered her testimony in exchange for him breaking negotiations with Eustace, and he outwitted her by denying her offer and calling her as a witness anyway, knowing that her piety would forbid her from bearing false witness. This serves both of their reputations well, without being the serious acrimony that was previously discussed. She would present as a hostile, though dutiful witness.
Its clearly a bit of a gamble, but if he is keen to keep marriage negotiations open, then rather than shut them down, she is going to try to open side-negotiations that offer more than Eustace can.
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Post by Father on Oct 21, 2019 18:37:11 GMT 1
Whatever Lynesse's intent, Eldon interprets it as a proposition, or at least so pretends. Noting that if Lady Lynesse puts it that way, perhaps he also should invite Ser Eustace to Longtable for the negotiation of the dowry before she changes her mind? For a lady of Lynesse's beauty and fierce spirit, all she desires would be achievable through what Longtable has to offer. What better way to exact revenge upon Kingsbridge by toasting the ascension of their second son to it's lands and titles? It is hard to tell whether he is genuinely intrigued or simply playing along. Either way, he very much enjoy the way the conversation has turned.
Of her desire to have some sort of public break with her uncle, he simply waves away with a jest about how much he enjoys private performances by lovely ladies, though she need not put on such an elegant gown for his sake, his tastes are far more simple as regards the apparel a lady wears.
Mostly, he's just an asshole pushing her around and putting her on the spot just because he can, and testing how desperate she is, but it serves his purposes for Lynesse to appear the obedient (however reluctant) niece as far as Eldon is concerned. The IC is framed around the fact that a certain matchmaking hasn't happened yet, meaning that Eldon at this juncture wants to retain the possibility of dangling the marriage prospects in front of Eustace. If things goes according to plans someone else has only partially set in motion, that will change. His dinner invitation is basically his pretext to meet again for discussing how she might help him with a few plots, marriage talk, letters and all the rest is him having his fun.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Oct 24, 2019 0:57:59 GMT 1
Eldon sought advantage in their next meeting that he could not achieve here. In Longtable he would have every advantage, and in Eustace she would lack every defence.
By your will, she agreed amicably, retreating from her confrontational persona as quickly as she had adopted it. Though the more my uncle knows of the goals we might share, the more he might be tempted to seek his share of the spoils. She did not urge him to silence, for he seemed to revel in gaining leverage at every opportunity. He had the power to betray her at any moment, of this she was all too aware, but she had ventured a great deal here on the presumption that he would see value in their arrangement.
I may bring with me another as guest and shield, a man as practical and ambitious as Eustace, but less inclined to look upon the meat on your own plate with avarice. A man, I think, who has done you some small service in the past.
Time skip seems great, although I will seek clarification over some particulars in ooc. The final comment is to open the possibility of Balon accompanying her to a future meeting, as this was discussed with him in a few separate threads, and Lynesse may gain from being able to demonstrate connections to other movers and shakers.
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