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Post by Father on Jan 26, 2022 21:11:18 GMT 1
"Come, sit with me and have a glass dear, this bottle is probably more than I should empty on my own this eve" Jeyne does seem to have recovered from her pregnancy that the maester had muttered a couple of times that it usually went better for those starting with children a decade earlier. Alysanne may wonder if Jeyne has started to act as if she is ten years younger than she is once the little heir had arrived, she hadn't particularly liked carrying some living thing inside of her, now she passes him over to the wet nurse whenever she grows tired of playing with the boy, he has soiled himself, needs feeding or otherwise starts crying. In her words, she now had half a year to catch up on after being "inconvenienced by her duty"
Jeyne's going to be Jeyne, Alysanne may be impressionable enough to follow the advice and nudges, or happen to think they might be good ideas to pursue, no narrator guarantees against Jeyne being a horrible person with complete disregard for Jeyne's well being and only hopes to use Alysanne as a pawn to further her own ambitions. Nor is there any guarantee that any well intended advice turns out to get Alysanne into big trouble if followed.
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Jan 27, 2022 1:31:08 GMT 1
Alysanne pasted on a neutral smile, her stomach tightening in a familiar and unpleasant way. These "talks" were becoming more frequent, and usually involved criticism disguised as motherly advice, or directions only thinly veiled as suggestions. She reminded herself (for the thousandth time) that Aunt Jeyne was the only person to ever give Alysanne any particular care or attention - at King's Landing, she was treated well but impersonally, long dismissed as unremarkable, aside from her bloodline. Jeyne was always confident that Alysanne would grow into her womanly graces, "a late bloomer, much as your mother was." And so, despite her controlling nature, Aunt Jeyne was owed all the patience Alysanne could muster.
"Of course," she replied, taking a seat in the unoccupied and less comfortable of the two chairs in the room. A sharp look reminded Alysanne to straighten her posture and cross her ankles. She took the proferred glass and sipped delicately, wondering how much her Aunt had already imbibed. The more Jeyne drank, the more unpleasant she was likely to become. Though she looked much the same to Alysanne, Jeyne frequently muttered about the changes to her own body post child-birth, even glaring at baby Emmon as if to accuse him. Alysanne didn't think she imagined the resentfulness in Jeyne's gaze as she eyed her niece up and down, frowning at the comparisons she drew between Alysanne's maiden's form and the new mother's body Jeyne was still learning to accept.
Trying not to fidget nervously with her skirts, Alysanne returned the glass to the table and widened her smile. "How are you feeling this evening, Aunt? You do look well." She hoped that Jeyne sensed none of the trepidation Alysanne was feeling. "Is there anything in particular that you wish to discuss?"
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Post by Father on Jan 28, 2022 12:59:39 GMT 1
"I had a mind to discuss you, my dear, my duties to the future Lord Cuy was too taxing to give you the attention you so deserve" Jeyne still seems to regard Alysanne as a child, although she did have a tendency to act like there were no other adult able to make decisions for themselves in all of Sunhouse. "And do you not deserve an army of suitors laying siege to Sunhouse beseeching your hand? All I heard was some rumor that Lord Eldon had suggested it while laying a hand on your thigh, that one could use enough slaps in the face in response to unlearn of such habits, and then there were gossips of your brother Daeron? Wildfyre would be a suitable match, but a Lady of ambition should always aim higher, did you not dismiss him?"
Both those things happened-ish, as in both Lord Eldon (aka Lord Piggy or Lord Abomination) and Daeron did make inquiries about the possibility back in chronicle 1, NPC Alysanne wasn't too keen on either at the time. Probably not much to go on: greatbastards.boards.net/thread/832/day-12-matchmakers-eventExact mechanics of it all I don't really remember now.
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Jan 28, 2022 21:40:15 GMT 1
Alysanne shuddered as repugnance coursed through her body at the mention of Eldron Merryweather. She could still feel the sweaty weight of his paw on her body. Daeron was certainly an outstanding option, by comparison, but still..."Daeron is a noble and practical man, if a bit passionless in his methods. But I cannot help fear that a union with another of Targaryen blook might result in children stained with the Targaryen affliction. There would need to be a very compelling reason for me to risk it."
"No doubt you are correct. I have been far too reluctant to present myself in a public fashion, and that needs to change in order to be seen as a desirable match by someone suitable. But I am in no hurry to be wed - why be hasty when the balance of power is currently in flux? It is hard to predict who will rise and who will fall in the present climate. Do you not think it prudent to weigh options carefully?"Alysanne paused, eyes flicking to Jeyne's face for a hint as to her reaction. Her aunt was accostomed to a meek and compliant response, and she didn't wish to antagonize her. "Did you have someone in mind? Or perhaps other wisdom to impart?" |
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Post by Father on Jan 29, 2022 22:01:24 GMT 1
"A practical man would not pick fights with Lord Eldon, I think, a noble one might, being a fool and a noble are hardly uncommon qualities to find next to one another" She shrugs. "I would not recommend Ser Daeron unless you actually love him enough that you consider the very real risk of sharing the fate of Lady Mya Hastwyck"
Lady Mya, as far as the story goes, had offended Lord Eldon greatly, and met her end on the journey home from Lord Peake's lands, locked up with her father, their retinue and any witnesses at the inn they were staying, and then it was set ablaze. The dead were silent as to whether they had been given the mercy of a blade before being burnt. But one could imagine that Mya might have been made to suffer extra before being burned alive. Everyone knew it was Lord Eldon of course, but no testimony or evidence to damn him had ever surfaced.
"The main reason to be in a hurry my dear is that everyone else sees a sense in urgency in marrying and siring heirs before the lords of The Seven Kingdoms starts to kill one another in the name of whichever man they think should be king, or maybe they just want to tie allies to themselves in the war to come? One by one the good prospects are claimed, Ser Willas Tyrell by your cousin Alerie, a sensible marriage of course, and perhaps being The Lady Paramount of The Reach was never an option, a lord will do well to bind his mightiest bannerman to himself. But a better example would be Ser Preston Oakheart, set to wed a girl who is merely a petty lord's niece, a pretty face I must admit, mayhaps her lack of other endowments made him notice her smile? Maybe she seduced him and he is the honorable sort?"
"Young ladies of ambition may soon find themselves squabbling over Lord Marq Durwell as all the other prize targets might soon be claimed, and that man will undoubtedly enjoy the suspicion that he have remained noncommittal for so long so that he could host a ball where dozens will be there only for the chance of wooing him. If he holds it on The Maiden's Day, Butterbumps will be giggling with glee."
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Jan 29, 2022 23:15:02 GMT 1
The proposition of throwing elbows with a score of other young ladies for Lord Durwell's attention held little appeal, despite his good looks and amiable nature. It smacked of desperation. After a decade and a half of being largely overlooked, Alysanne had no intention of begging for anyone's attention.
She recalled fondly her brief encounter with Roland Cordwayner at the Appleton Joust. If only that man wasn't claimed, she would eagerly seek out opportunities to know him better. Alysanne sighed audibly, in either resignation or surrender. "I will be guided by you, Aunt. List who you deem the most choice prospects, and I will place myself in their path and put to good use all that I have been taught." |
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Post by Father on Jan 30, 2022 12:32:36 GMT 1
Lady Jeyne could list several targets of opportunity.
Lord Durwell is worth stealing a moment with, if only to serve as a comparison to everyone else, one little flirt with him and you are far better equipped to resist the charms of others, for few are his equal in that. Jeyne also understands that the man is both discreet and a good lover, which would make falling to his charms much less dangerous to her reputation, and probably more enjoyable, than other men she might feel the inclination to slip down from the pedestal of chastity and virtue a lady is expected to demurely sit upon.
Ser Abelar Hightower would be worthy of consideration but only if he can be made regent of Hightower, the man is otherwise an unremarkable bore, undesirable qualities of a 2nd son, a little murder of young Lord Brynden might make his wife Lady Hightower and likely the most powerful woman in all of The Reach, or at least soon to be, judging by the age of Lady Margaery. Still, the young Lord Hightower, if properly encouraged to adore his aunt might value her counsel greatly when he comes of age, but giving your remaining years of youth to boredom in order to get there? Lady Jeyne would not recommend it.
Although, Jeyne would think such ambition and ruthlessness traits to be encouraged in her niece, she would prefer not to have raised a kinslayer, so perhaps Redtusk might be more interesting in such a case? One of the most impressive specimens The Reach has to offer in his own right, enough perhaps to overlook the part where he is the 2nd son, one might even be satisfied even without ruling a Great House while he travels from tourney to tourney.
The Cranes happens to be in a similar situation with an umarried second son, with the firstborn dead and his only son an infant, but Lord Erryk remains alive and is a pennypinching bore that sold his loyalties to both sides for neutrality, and the second son is a drunken lout. Maybe not too attractive.
Preston Oakheart and Aladore Florent, if their bethrothals could be cancelled, would be interesting, the first would be a good strong husband, and the second likely a shrewd one, The Florents usually are as they have always prized such qualities. Lord Eldon would be the same story perhaps, if Alysanne could stand him for long enough to produce an heir, finding the will to murder him afterwards should come easily, but perhaps not so the opportunity.
There would be Lord Appleton, him and his brothers are too busy jousting than finding wives, and probably all too happy to let Lady Appleton, should they find one, make all the important decisions for them.
There are others of interest perhaps, Ser Thaddeus Levalle, heir to a Florent bannerman allowed to go full-throated in supporting the Red Dragon, undoubtedly Lord Reynald sees the value of having insurance in case the Black Dragon falls in his eventual bid to seize the throne, not the most impressive warrior, but sometimes a lady desires someone with wits and charms, and perhaps with an instinct of self-preservation, being widowed is often a challenging situation to face. And of course, many half brothers to chose from, most of them interesting and prime candidates for being granted lands and titles in the wake of the great civil war, if they chose the winning side, that is.
But then are those to be avoided, the unloved, the blackguards. Lord Cordwayner would surely be interested, but you would have to wrangle with his mother for influence over his house, and she is a foul and prideful shrew, besides, everyone knows that she cuckolded her husband and probably had him killed, should Blackfyre and his supporters lose and be punished as traitors, you will find yourself wedded to Ser Quentin Flowers with no friends. Ser Simon Tarly, a drunkard prone to beating up his Redwyne squire and raping Bracken ladies....that would be unpleasant. The knights of Kingsbridge, while many of them otherwise impressive, should not be considered unless Lord Eldon dies first. Ser Balon Blackbriar...while any rebellion will require hard men willing to do whatever it takes, marrying such monsters is best left for others. The men that will scale The Red Keep to end the lives of Daeron the falseborn, his remaining sons and little grandsons also will be tucked away to some dreary towers and holdfast in Peake and Bracken lands, every lord needs a headsman, but he is seated in the darkest corner, out of view, out of mind.
I sometimes switch into this sort of mode of telling when I don't want to make a wall of speech, but instead summarize what is said, often it's because I'm lazy and this let's me plow through stuff faster.
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Feb 3, 2022 18:48:50 GMT 1
Jeyne's matter-of-fact rundown of possible candidates left Alysanne feeling dispirited and a bit sick. Are there truly no better options? Most of the men she listed were bland and unappealing or would require some serious scheming to break their current engagement. Redtusk, Levalle, or perhaps Lord Appleton seemed worthy of consideration. Crossing swords (so to speak) with Marq Durwell would at least be a pleasant experience, if she could get him away from his hordes of admirers. Alysanne nods at her Aunt's words, trying to keep her expression pleasant.
"As always, your insights are invaluable. In upcoming social events I will look for opportunities to make myself known to these men. I suppose that there is even value in speaking to those that are less desirable, as it will take me from being a non-entity to someone people speak of as worth pursuing."
Alysanne takes a moment to consider what she should next say. Jeyne did enjoy sharing her 'wisdom', and to be fair, her grasp of the political landscape was commendable. "There has already been much talk of whom will be raised to the Hightower regency. Do you favor any particular individual?"
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Post by Father on Feb 4, 2022 20:13:21 GMT 1
Jeyne appears to hold no candidate in high regard.
In her eyes, Ser Abelar is a foolish mule unable to see that being the eldest living son of Lord Jon does not by itself make one qualified for anything, the man is young, pompous and equating skill with lance and sword with being suitable to rule, perhaps if thinking with what's between one's legs was a good idea to begin with, such member-extensions would be useful.
Lady Rhonda is a timid mother that will do no more than commanded and expected of House Hightower, if Lord Tyrell calls his banners, she will reply, with ponderous reluctance, nothing more. Possibly not bad for Lord Hightower at all, but why should other Hightowers be of such small ambition as to limit their aspirations to serve others?
Ser Reynald is worse than the other two, easily the most competent Hightower...aside from Jeyne herself of course, "or maybe that's just the wine talking" she delivers with a shrewd smile...but he wants to bring "order" back to The Reach, but who would want bores like Lord Rowan and Daeron the falseborn...that's a lie of course, let's not discuss Alysanne's father, too much though, imagine someone who is even more bloated and depraved than Lord Piggy and put a crown on his head...hardly a suitable topic for an enjoyable eve, but the lie about Daeron's parentage is useful for those who prefer The Seven Kingdoms to be livelier and more conductive to men and women of ambition and the will to act upon it. Like us, of course. Just don't make the silly mistake of thinking any one side is purer or more gallant than the other, there are Paragons and Blackguards on either side, one just have to decide upon which Rival King to put one's hopes on.
Which leads us to Lady Melara, wholly unremarkable, but what is there to be expected from a Costayne? She chuckles at that remark, obviously not serious. She had very lose lips in her youth, something old childless lords finds attractive, the young ones prefer them virtuous and chaste, which Alysanne will do well to remember, she already has a sister of proven fertility in case a lord finds himself in need of a working womb to deliver his heirs...oh, don't look so shocked dear! The world have been created by men, for men, and we're supposed to just lie back and give them pleasure and children, the sooner a woman understands what is expected of her, the sooner she can learn how to take power in her own hands to chose the destiny that she wants rather than to have it decided for her.
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Post by Alysanne Flowers on Feb 5, 2022 18:00:59 GMT 1
"It sounds like there is no good choice then. It is a shame that you are not a candidate, Aunt. Your grasp of the political landscape knows no equal. Still, I must know...who is it that you will support, all things considered?"
Alysanne watched Jeyne with a docile expression, but she combed her Aunt's face for the smallest changes. Whatever Alysanne's decision, she knew that Jeyne's views were a good measure of which way the wind was blowing for Blackfyre supporters, and worth knowing.
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Post by Father on Feb 28, 2022 13:05:25 GMT 1
That is the problem of being a woman, considered the second choice in all such things, even when compared to obvious walking disasters.
The clever woman will hold back her support until two candidates emerge as the top contenders, then she will rally to the one she prefers. Sometimes. Other times, she will support one early to make sure her choice enters the last round, or perhaps simply block the least desirable option to be in the contest.
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