[Day 1]A Marq'd Woman [Laena & Ashara]

"Of course you can. But there's no shame in turning to family to make the handling easier. After all, I'm sure you *could* knit with just your fingers, but that doesn't mean it isn't easier when you use knitting needles."

"I met him earlier, in the Sept. For what it's worth, I feel he's the type who will follow through on his word."

Laena holds back a snort. "Ah, but Morgan is such a good conversationalist! An attentive listener, won't judge you, and will keep every confidence given. Really, there are few people who can live up to those standards."

"Most definitely." she answers, quiet enough to be part of the normal conversation, but with a changed pitch so as to be easily overheard by the milling crowds. "I met both Ser Balon Blackbriar and his father, both of whom certainly lived up to their reputations. But really, I was most impressed by Lord Marq Durwell. When you have a man so surrounded by rumour, you assume he could never live up to it. He did. He did, and then some. Intelligent, charming, knowledgeable, well-mannered, the very soul of chivalry, and most of all, interesting. I can well understand why he has so many admirers. From what I saw this evening, they are well-earned."

Marq'd Woman - Spreading Rumour: 6d6k4+7 24

Rumour planted, they continue their conversation while drifting away from the crowds, for a measure of privacy.

Laena gives a small snort at the jest, but carries the joke no further.

Laena frowns. "Honestly ... I'm not sure. He seemed interested in me, so I hope he is a prospect, but so have plenty of other women, and they have inevitably been disappointed." She shrugs. "I have made clear that I am interested, but if he wishes to sample the dough, he must buy the bakery. Given the reputation surrounding those of natural birth, I did not wish to give the wrong impression. It is up to him if he desires me under those conditions or not.

"As for the favour? If he asks, I'd be a fool not to give it, but I have not offered it yet. Attend well, Hāedar: men do not value that which they did not have to struggle to attain. If he's not prepared to even ask me for my favour, then he is not prepared to value me for my virtues." And I am not the kind of woman who will idly accept being taken for granted.

Laena gives a vicious grin, and squeezes the younger woman's shoulder reassuringly. "They do not value you *yet*. With time and attention, we will correct them."

Laena nods. "The truth will out, one way or another." she says, as if continuing on her previous statement.

Laena smiles, chuckles, and tosses her hair back. "Now you are spoken for, that may well be true." Her tone is light, but definitely carries a pleased air.

Laena mock-growls. "Learn to take a compliment in the spirit it was meant, rather than nitpicking little details." She sniffs. "Ser Quentin will be giving you plenty more if he knows what's good for him, and that's the sort of behaviour you should be encouraging."

Laena drops her voice in response, and looks Ashara right in the eyes supportively. "And you won't be, I promise. You and me, we'll handle it. But you can't make it *obvious*, or it reflects badly on the house. So you play along, for now, keeping your eyes and ears open, accepting compliments and biting back retorts. Until we find the lever. Then we use that lever to crack this deal apart, leave the Cordwayners in the mud, and we come out smelling like sweet, innocent roses." She smiles at her. "So smile, the world is watching, and you're just happily going along with things, with no idea of any shocking revelations coming in your future. Okay?"

Laena gives her a quick, supportive hug. "Thank you. Nothing of worth is achieved without sacrifice. You making small sacrifices now ensures others pay the bulk of the bill come the denouement. Remember that, and let it soothe the sting your actions cause you now."


I think we're just about done here.  If you don't raise anything new in your response, I'm happy to call /scene