Re: [D7, LA] House Matters (Closed)

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Jun 13, 2015 5:22 pm

"
I certainly have high regard for Ser Jorah, and would like to help him,"
Corrine begins cautiously. "
But how would I be able to help? I would not have thought I could influence such a thing."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Sat Jun 13, 2015 11:05 pm

"
At the moment, I would simply ask you to keep alert for opportunities that we could take advantage of. I'm attempting to position Ser Jorah as a candidate both factions could accept, even if he wouldn't be the first choice of either, at the moment by influencing members of the small council from both factions.

"
Actually, if you'd be willing to loan me the support of Lady Gwyneth, with her own approval, of course, on the odd occasion to assist in my diplomatic endeavours, that would be very useful - she's been making a strong showing of her talents at various events, and I feel that my modest abilities may be insufficient to the task. I have no specifics in mind, but if that's an option I could potentially call on, I can factor that into my plans."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sun Jun 14, 2015 1:56 am

"
I shall certainly ask her if she would like to assist,"
Corrine nods. "
And I shall try to look out for opportunities, as you say."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jun 25, 2015 12:24 am

Daveth nods. "
Thank you again. Now, for the last matter I wish to cover, and for the reason my brother is here, so it is clear we are speaking with one voice in this matter.

"
You are no doubt aware of the uncertainty surrounding who will be the Coldbrook heir. Previously,"
nodding towards Ser Benedict "
Both myself and Garret viewed the other as the better choice. This has now changed, and we're now both in agreement that I'm the better choice. I intend to try and persuade my father to agree tomorrow morning, during his daily briefing.

"
However, due to our two house's ties, it would be remiss of me to pretend that this decision would have no impact on your house as well. As such, I feel obligated to give you both the opportunity to, if you wished, write a letter indicating your position on the matter, to be read during the debate, since that would be a purely Coldbrook affair."
Daveth is clearly trying to keep his tone neutral - not subtly hinting that he's trying to request support, rather it's a genuine offer, and saying 'we don't want to get involved' is a perfectly reasonable response.

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Thu Jun 25, 2015 1:31 am

Corrine listens intently, nodding subtly at appropriate points. She picks up on Daveth's hint, and constructs her response to seem more an independent offer than a reply;

"
I am glad that you two have reached an agreement. That speaks well for future stability in your House. In the time since we first spoke, I have come to regard you as a friend, so, if you believe it would help, I'd be happy to make my support of your claim known to your father. If it would not seem overbearing, of course."

She glanced at Ben for corroboration.

by **Benedict Marsten** Thu Jun 25, 2015 2:57 am

"
As I said at our first meeting I thought you would make a great leader."
He give a short laugh. "
I still believe this, but I am not sure what validity my support will lend to your claim. It is yours if you want it though."
He nods back to Corrine.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:41 pm

"
Thank you."
he gives a brief snort himself. "
Truthfully, I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make, but my claim will largely be based on my diplomatic achievements, which have been mostly focused on your house. Having something beyond my own words to back my claims up would, I hope, be useful. If you could either have the letters delivered to me by tomorrow morning, or if you'd rather, simply hand them over to me at the ball tonight."

Daveth spreads his hands. "
And that actually covers everything I wanted to raise in this meeting. So, is there anything you wish to discuss with either of us?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Fri Jun 26, 2015 12:54 am

"
I will have a sealed letter ready for you this evening then,"
Corrine nods. "
Might I ask for a read of your father's character? Just so I may tailor my words more effectively."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Fri Jun 26, 2015 1:52 am

Daveth shares a look with Garret, before they both chuckle. "
I'm probably not the best person to ask. Still, I'll do my best, and Garret can give you his view as well.

"
The first thing you should understand about my father is that he is a solider at heart, still. He is a practical, straightforward man, who appreciates brevity and clarity over flowery words and delicate speaking. If you have something to say, say it straight."

He sighs. "
There is something else you should probably be aware of, if you aren't already. The fact that makes this quite such a mess. It's not really a secret, but I'm not sure how far it's spread. Biologically speaking, I'm not his son. I'm from his wife's previous marriage, just as Garret is from his - though before they actually married. I have the name Coldbrook out of convenience, rather than any blood tie. Hence, what I'm really asking from him is for him to not pass his title onto his only remaining blood kin, but rather onto the interloper, who has not one drop of his blood, nor interest or ability in the one area that matters to him, the military."
Daveth sighs and looks dispirited, like he's losing his faith in his ability to actually accomplish the task, now he's laid it out like that.

After a few seconds, he pulls himself back together, and carries on as before. "
Do not mistake him for a fool, however. He has a sharp mind, he just views everything through a military-focused eye. That's not to say he dismisses the importance of diplomacy. He's well aware we would not have our claim on Castle Grenward confirmed, for example, without the support of friends like you, and he does understand how important that is, but..."
he waves his arms about for a few seconds, trying to grab the phrase he wants, before he gives an expressive shrug and moves on.

"
In summary, he is honourable, dutiful, and highly disciplined."
He considers for a few seconds, then shrugs again, smaller this time. "
Is that enough for you to get a good enough read of the man?"

by **Benedict Marsten** Fri Jun 26, 2015 3:17 am

"
Then that makes him an easier man to deal with truthfully. No deception, no pomp or show. Just details and facts."
Ben nods with a gruff smile. "
In my opinion that is."

He stands a bit straighter, feeling like he may know why he was also asked. He can not help but feel foolish for not having realized sooner.

I guess being a Lord may take some getting used to.

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Fri Jun 26, 2015 10:05 am

"
That is very helpful, thank you. I am glad he appreciates directness. As Ben says, that will likely make it easier to speak with him truthfully."

by **Reader** Tue Jul 14, 2015 10:01 pm

Lady Corrine Marsten wrote:"
I will have a sealed letter ready for you this evening then,"
Corrine nods. "
Might I ask for a read of your father's character? Just so I may tailor my words more effectively."

"
My brother has the truth of it, and better words than I have."

"
The same words spoken from your fair mouth and Ser Benedict's will get a very different hearing."
From another man this would seem a jest or harmless flirtation, but there was a sinister, predatory edge to Garret's manner, straying on the edge of propriety."

"
One other small matter - although my father may not seem a godly man to Southerners, there are older things than your Seven in the North. My Lord father knows that spirits watch us and have driven much of the curse that hangs over Castle Grenward. He swore to me he has seen several haunting the hall with his own eyes - my father is not one for tales."

Garret smiles at this.

"
Well, unless they're tales of vanguards, volleys and victories."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Tue Jul 14, 2015 11:56 pm

[url=Awareness (Empathy)][/url]: 4d6k3 14

Corrine notices Garrett's slightly lascivious tone, and how his eyes linger on her lips and chest, but keeps her air congenial.

"
I assure you, I have nothing but respect for the Old Gods. They may not be my own, but I can appreciate the faith of others. What do you believe about these tales though?"

by **Benedict Marsten** Wed Jul 15, 2015 2:55 am

[url=Awarness][/url]: 3d6 5 (Orokos shines on Garret again. Lucky bastard!)

Ben pauses wondering if he heard Garret correct or if it was plainly a jest. He finds it hard to read the bastard. He would make a note to watch him more closely from here on out.

As to a response all Ben can do is nod.

by **Reader** Wed Jul 15, 2015 3:03 pm

"
I am my father's acknowledged son, am I not? And a good and loyal son upholds his father's beliefs!"

Garret thumps his own chest in affirmation. The gesture seems to calm him.

"
We keep no maester at Castle Grenward, and I know there are forces in this world that even all my brother's learning cannot explain."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Wed Jul 15, 2015 3:13 pm

"
Of course. There are facets of this world that are not yet fully understood,"
Corrine agrees. "
However, I'm afraid I divert somewhat from your other point. While a good son may obey and honour his father, a good man is capable of thinking for himself."

by **Reader** Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:58 am

"
A worthy sentiment, but perhaps more easily said when one is certain of one's place."

Bastards in Westeros lacked the certainty of position of the trueborn, and Garret was not shy of gently reminding people of this.

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Thu Jul 16, 2015 6:21 pm

"
I know your circumstances, Garrett,"
Corrine replies, as tactfully as she can. "
But I am asking if you believe in these curses and ghosts."

by **Reader** Thu Jul 16, 2015 6:38 pm

"
Maester can't explain everything. Everyone knows Castle Grenward is cursed. The curse is not in question, it's whether we have the fortitude and cunning to overcome it."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jul 16, 2015 6:52 pm

Daveth coughs, slightly pointedly, at his brother's comment. "
*Almost* everyone knows."
he corrects.

by **Reader** Thu Jul 16, 2015 6:58 pm

Garret at least has the good sense and grace to look contrite.

"
Forgive, almost everyone. My brother would out maester the maesters - I believe he'll solve the riddle of the seasons and wildfire one day."
Garret sounds like he half believes it - for all of the bastard's wild ways, be believes in his more austere, rational brother.

True to form, he undercuts this praise with a joke.

"
Maybe one day is too ambitious, it might take him two days."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:46 pm

"
I am certain he is up to the task. House Coldbrook will rise again,"
Corrine replies, giving Daveth an encouraging smile.

"
So, what else may we address?"

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:12 pm

Daveth's eyebrow quirks upwards briefly at the 'again' before he schools his face back into a casual smile. "
Actually, I think that covers everything. Thank you both very much for your time, and I imagine I'll see you at least briefly this evening at the ball."

(And unless anyone has any significant parting words, Daveth and Garret will leave, /scene from my end.)

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:18 pm

"
Of course,"
Corrine replies with a graceful curtsey. "
Enjoy the evening."

[ooc: I'm happy to /scene too.]

by **Reader** Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:20 pm

A last lingering look from Garret - just seconds too long - and he departs.

[/scene at my end]

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