Re: [D7, ME]A simple offer (Closed-ish)

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
Our perspectives on your announcing you wish to be heir?"
Gwyneth asks, a little skeptically. "
Are you sure that's the best moment to bring us in? It feels a little..."


She paused, rolling words around in her brain to see which tasted the best.

"
...insecure. And bear in mind, I don't say this in judgement of you in actuality. Only in the appearance it creates when you stand before your father and his advisers, state, 'I know you have your doubts about me, but I want to lead this House...and here to give me their approval are two members of an entirely different House."


Gwyn smiles encouragingly. "
I understand, I think, what you mean to accomplish with it. Demonstrating the value of diplomacy, and planning, and all the things you bring to the House. You want to show him the results of your skill, as represented by our support. I'm only concerned he may misread the subtext of the act."


She glances over at her fiance'. "
Baelon, you're a man of the sword. How best to make a fellow man of the sword recognize the value of the plowshare?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
This is why I'm glad you're here to discuss this with. You understand what I'm trying to do, but if there's a way for my father and I to misunderstand each other, based on past experience, assume we'll take it."
he looks to Ser Baelon for his response to Lady Gwyneth's question.

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
In truth, if Lord Tomas does not see the value in diplomacy, it is probably best not to try to convince him on those grounds."

He considers the situation.
"
It might be best to separate the two events - and reverse the order. Speak with Lord Tomas about offering us the banner house - perhaps leave out that you have already made the offer, emphasize my value to House Coldbrook's military operations rather than our value as diplomats. Then later Gwyneth and I will talk with Lord Tomas on the subject, and at the same time express our favorable impression of you, and how lucky he is to have a son like you, and so forth. Then, after we have warmed him to you, you can join the conversation and declare that you wish to be named heir. Doing so while we are already there means we can add our voices in support of you without it looking like you brought us along to overwhelm him."

Even if that's essentially what you are doing.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn nodded.

"
That does seem better. A live frog dropped in boiling water will hop straight out...but the same frog will happily boil to death if the water starts out merely warm, and is brought to a boil by inches. When you speak to him next, talk about Baelon's performance in the joust...by then I'm sure the melee will have taken place as well...and mention our role in the new alliance between Marsten and Coldbrook. Ideally there'd be time to actually have such talk reach his ears from a number of carefully arranged sources...but he is not known for bending his ear to rumors anyway so this may be as good as we can get."


"
Talk about the idea of a banner House...but since that's something only the Lord can do, I wouldn't say you intend to do it yet. Simply plant the seed. The goal of all this is so that when Baelon and I visit him later, he will immediately think back on what you've said about him...making him more likely to view Baelon's words favorably, and he'll be assessing Baelon as a possible banner Lord without even meaning to be."


She smiled and took hold of Baelon's hand.

"
Then we'll be in a position to water those seeds you planted, so that when you make your announcement he may already have started to think along those lines himself. As long as at that moment, Garret does not contest your claim...I think you'd have as good a chance to be accepted as you could ever have. If we all play our parts right, Lord Tomas might even think it was his idea."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth shakes his head. "
Unfortunately, I don't think that will work in this case. The banner house has already been discussed, and it's currently being left to the heir to decide who gets it. Lord Tomas is fully aware of it as an option."
he quiets his voice to make absolutely sure no-one else can hear. "
And I fear that should we decouple the two, so that the decision is his, the first thing he'll do is offer it to his old friend, Ser Jon Cobb. Who I neither like nor trust, and since I'd be the liason, that's a recipe for disaster right there.

"
Also, my apologies if I mislead you. I don't mean to say that my father doesn't see the value of diplomacy entirely, merely that he sees everything through a military-centric lens. He does recognise that we wouldn't get our possession of Castle Grenward confirmed if it weren't for my diplomatic efforts, and he does view that as important. He just views military matters as being more important.

"
And ..."
he hesitates. "
He's not a fool. And being so indirect runs the severe risk of him realising what's going on, and that'll really hamper my efforts - he appreciates bold, direct action. Counter-intuitively, I feel that the closer what I do is to a full frontal charge, the better, as the more he'll respect my efforts."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
Hmm."
Gwyn nodded slowly. "
All right then, you know him the best of us. As far as the banner house goes, when do you need to hear our decision by in order to make this idea work?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth shrugs. "
Honestly, I can wait a while. Nothing says the heir has to decide immediately, but if we're going to be waiting months, I'd probably get increasing amounts of heat from my father about 'wasting resources'.

"
There's something more to add to the situation. I didn't mention this before as I didn't want it to come across as pressuring you to support me, but Lady Corrine and Ser Benedict have also agreed to support my claim. In a letter, as that's what I asked for. But you made a good point about that. So, if you can come up with a fairly direct method to convince my father that doesn't come across as insecure that would involve them as well, I can speak with them and see if they'd be willing to accept the change."


(OOC: I would have mentioned this earlier, save for OOC reasons I didn't know this before. Also, this gives us the excuse to bring in Lady Corrine &
Ser Benedict to the thread if we wish.)

[Baelon Drakeson]

Baelon squeezes the hand that Gwyn slipped into his, tenderly, affectionately.

"
Yes, people do seem to love Jon, for some reason. I did as a child, but he was 'Wrecker Jon, the Hero' and I grew up surrounded by soldiers who lived because he held that bridge."

Though some of the stories they told were about friends sacrificed in the process rather than the greatness of the sole survivor... though I was too young to understand the implication back then.
"
When I met him again last year though... it became clear to me that he lives off of his past rather than seeking to live up to it. Not the best quality in a leader."

Daveth shrugs. "
Honestly, I can wait a while. Nothing says the heir has to decide immediately, but if we're going to be waiting months, I'd probably get increasing amounts of heat from my father about 'wasting resources'.

"
There's something more to add to the situation. I didn't mention this before as I didn't want it to come across as pressuring you to support me, but Lady Corrine and Ser Benedict have also agreed to support my claim. In a letter, as that's what I asked for. But you made a good point about that. So, if you can come up with a fairly direct method to convince my father that doesn't come across as insecure that would involve them as well, I can speak with them and see if they'd be willing to accept the change."

"
It might be better if we do not wait... and that we do not appear in person with Corrine and Ben. Simply put, you wouldn't want to give the impression that you had become a Marsten lackey. Your father needs to see that you are able to stand on your own..."

I certainly know what that is like.
"
...and that you are as strong a man and as good a leader as your brother ever could be. That in time you will be able to make House Coldbrook far more than it is now: a lone northern house surrounded by Riverlanders, strong in arms lest you be crushed under a rising tide of envious Andals. Be bold but not brash. Don't present yourself as needing to prove anything - make it look like it was nonsensical to doubt you in the first place."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth nods, thoughtful. "
That sounds like good advice."
a small smile. "
Harder to do than to say, but if I can't walk the talk, I don't deserve the position."
he ponders a minute. "
From what you're saying, it might be better if I don't mention your support at all, unless I feel the need. Particularly because of my intentions with regards to the offer of land. Use the letter from Lady Corrine and Ser Benedict to prove that I can form strong, useful bonds with other houses, and leave the rest to my own talents."


He nods to them both. "
Thank you. I think I'm clearer in my methods, now. Seems a shame to have your talents available and not use them, but I suppose some battles we have to fight ourselves.

"
And since you've raised the subject, without wanting to rush you, when do you feel you'd have an answer for me about my offer? For your information, unless you have a serious objection, I intend to inform Lady Corrine that I've made that offer to you when we talk this evening. I've no intention of making it look like I'm trying to steal you behind her back."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine tentatively approaches, black &
argent skirts swishing, arm-in-arm with Ser Benedict.

"
May we join you?"
she asks in a breezy, cheerful tone.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth blinks slightly at Lady Corrine's timing, then quickly and quietly mutters. "
Two hundred gold dragons?"
to no-one in particular. After a second of looking around semi-hopefully, he turns to receive the new arrivals with a smile. "
Lady Corrine, Ser Benedict. Of course, it's always a pleasure."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben's mouth opens in a small laugh and jokingly ask. "
Already taking bribes for meetings are you? 200 gold dragons may be a little steep."


Looking to the others he bows casually. "
Ser Baelon. Lady Gwyn."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Are you alright, Daveth?"
Corrine asks light-heartedly. "
You seem a little stunned. I hope we haven't intruded."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn laughed and curtsied to Ben;
a reflexive response to his courtly bow.

"
He's just a bit floored,"
she explains merrily. "
We were just talking about talking to you. Daveth has a proposal for Baelon and I, and it's something you need to hear about as well."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine's eyebrows raised slightly, her eyes becoming keener with interest.

"
Oh really? Excellent! Please, do elaborate."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
The chosen heir of House Coldbrook can allocate land for a banner house to an individual of their choosing. I want it to go to Ser Baelon and Lady Gwyneth, since I feel their talents would really help one of my house's key weaknesses. I was speaking with them to see if they were interested, and was just commenting that I wanted to discuss it with you as well, as I have no intention of poisoning the relations between our houses by attempting to steal away your family behind your back.

"
Since you turned up mere moments after I named you, I thought I'd try my luck to see if I could replicate the feat."
a smile and a shrug. "
Hopefully you can't blame me for trying."

[Baelon Drakeson]

"
A second offer of a banner house in one day. I must say when I woke up this morning I had not anticipated anything like this."

No, this morning I had little in mind but thoughts of death... and making sure it wasn't one of ours.
He smiles.
"
Of course, as I told Dunstan earlier, I told Daveth that I cannot give him an answer immediately. For one, I think that Gwyn and I need to discuss it some length tonight... but first, I we should talk with the Lady of House Marsten about it... alone? Ben, I apologize for asking to separate you from your betrothed at an event such as this, but I think it would be best if the three of us were free to discuss the offers privately... and your presence with Dunstan earlier does indicate that at this time your loyalties are still primarily with House Tullison... as I suppose they should be, until you are formally released from your vow of service and join House Marsten officially."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Ah."
Daveth brightens. "
That works out. I was going to ask you for some more background information on the clans, Ser Benedict, since I feel my information is sadly lacking in detail for a foe my house will be facing soon enough, if you'd be willing to discuss such a subject for a few minutes on an occasion such as this?"
Daveth asks, in an attempt to soothe any potential sting from Ser Baelon's words.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine gives Ben a reassuring smile and squeezes his hand, a small nod her only indication that she encourages him to go with Daveth.

"
I am certain that Ser Benedict's guidance will be invaluable,"
she says congenially to Daveth.

She then moves closer to Gwyneth and Baelon.

"
Let us talk. I had something I wished to discuss with you both too."

[Benedict Marsten]

Feeling spite and contempt crawling up his spine to the base of his neck, he slaps his free hand there in an attempt to squash it. A forced smile etches across his face.

"
Certainly Daveth any thing for a friend."
He squeezes Corrine's hand back.

"
Though I may not have all the information you desire I will answer what questions you have."
He turns to head off with Daveth.

He is just being protective. He is just being a prick. He is just being protective. His hand vigorously rubs at the nape of his neck.

[Baelon Drakeson]

[OOC: to be clear, this happens after Ben and Daveth have left]

What just happened? He can't be both a Tullsion and a Marsten on an issue like this... and trying would only bring him and others heartache.
Baelon shrugs.
"
Ben's bruised ego aside, this is a situation in which Marsten and Tullison interests may conflict. I for one will be feel more comfortable without wondering if my words were going to be relayed back to House Tullison... and this way Ben can't be put under pressure to do so. Shall we head outside where we can have a little more privacy?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

[OOC: to be clear, this happens after Ben and Daveth have left]

What just happened? He can't be both a Tullsion and a Marsten on an issue like this... and trying would only bring him and others heartache.
Baelon shrugs.
"
Ben's bruised ego aside, this is a situation in which Marsten and Tullison interests may conflict. I for one will be feel more comfortable without wondering if my words were going to be relayed back to House Tullison... and this way Ben can't be put under pressure to do so. Shall we head outside where we can have a little more privacy?"

"
Certainly. Lead on. Ben is fine. He'll understand,"
Corrine asserts, and follows on.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
He's very...clingy, isn't he?"
Gwyn asked as they went to another private spot. She chuckled to herself on realizing that so far she'd spent more time in quiet, out-of-the-way places at the ball than actually at the ball itself.

Ah, the terrible price of being so popular.

Not that she was complaining. This was, after all, much more interesting than just cavorting around. There'd be time for that later.

"
Not in a bad way, I mean. Maybe because you're still new to one another. So what did you have for us, Corrine? Is House Marsten looking at founding a third banner house?"
She laughed at that, though it kind of felt like that kind of thing was possible at this point.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine frowns a little at both Gwyn and Baelon;


"
He's not clingy,"
she answers quietly, though she unconsciously folds her arms. "
As far as he and I are concerned, Marsten business is his business as much as mine now. He deserves more respect than that."


And you should know better, Gwyneth. I love you, but that's my husband you are being patronising about.

She unfolds her arms and clasps her hands, her voice gentle again;


"
I understand your reasoning, Baelon, but please, in future, don't exclude Ben like that. I don't hide things from him, so it's not as though sending him away like a servant will keep him from learning what we have spoken about. You can trust him,"
she tells both of them sincerely, her expression earnest.

She takes a quick breath in and out, then waves her hands a moment, as though dismissing the subject;


"
But let's not dwell. It is done. Onto business! I don't have any intention of setting up a banner house, but I do have an offer to make."


Her tone becomes more friendly and optimistic, and she addresses Baelon specifically;


"
Ser Baelon, it is my wish that you become Keeper of the Gate for House Marsten, and both yourself and Lady Gwyneth each take a place on my advisory council."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyn had to try very hard not to burst out laughing. Not just because of the irony of the situation, but because of the adorable little pout on Corrine's face. As much as she loved her cousin, it still tickled her to get a rise out of her.

"
I'm sorry, coz...I was only teasing Ben, and you. No disrespect was meant. But Keeper of the Gate! You're not going to make our decisions easy, are you?"
Now she did laugh, and stepped sideways to bump shoulders with Baelon, and squeezed his hand.

"
That is a great honor you're offering us. And I'm sure Isobel must be thrilled at the thought of me sitting on your council."


Another wave of mirth washed over Gwyn at that thought. Try to get rid of ME, will you? Now see what happened? Ha!

That alone was almost worth walking away from a banner House for. Maybe.

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