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

by **Benedict Marsten** Sat Jul 04, 2015 3:14 pm

"
Notes on transition. I think I can handle that. Though this transition is ... unique."
He gives a hopeful smile.

"
There are few weirwoods left the Vale. Those that are left are ancient groves, but the clans are nomadic. They would claim no Godswood as theirs. There has been peace with the clans, a truce created by the Marstens in the past. I myself have been thinking along those same lines. Perhaps we with my lady wife in attendance we can discuss an attempt at some sort of peace. As for the rest of your questions, yes there are others better suited."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Sat Jul 04, 2015 4:40 pm

Daveth nods. "
Thank you."

"
And regarding peace, much as it my habit to stick my nose in everything, this is likely a situation in which I cannot contribute much - I will not be joining the expedition, even as a healer, for my house cannot survive that long without me."
he states that a simple statement of fact, rather than a boast. "
It is simply obvious even to me that unless you intent is to entirely eradicate the clans, which sounds like a futile endeavour, at some point, a peace must be made with those who remain. Not at the moment - they clearly view you as weak at the moment. Show them what happens when they make you angry, then negotiate.

"
I clearly don't know much about them, but if survival is their primary driver, then I'm sure you're considering options like paying some of the clans off, in food or clothes or whatever they lack, to act as a buffer between you and other clans."
a smile and a shrug. "
Find out what they want, and use it against them. Basic negotiation tactic, resulting in a win-win situation. My favourite kind. And the one most likely to end up in a lasting peace."
a sly look. "
And as a martial man of the old gods, I suspect you may end up playing a more prominent role in the deal-making than might be usual. Be a good way to prove your worth to your new house, as well."
a smile and a friendly slap on the shoulder. "
No pressure. If it works, it's thanks to you, if it doesn't,"
he shrugs. "
It's just the clans being the clans. What can you do?"

by **Benedict Marsten** Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:37 pm

Ben give Daveth a warm smile. "
I am happy to be helpful to you for a change."

"
What you say is all very true. I am glad to hear it from another's mouth though, makes it seem more likely the right way to go. As for my role, I will do what I can and what I feel best. They will still see as enemy regardless of my faith, but I will try."
His words are sincere and hopeful.

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Jul 04, 2015 7:21 pm

Lady Corrine Marsten wrote:"
Very well,"
Corrine nods, with an uncomfortable feeling that she got much of that discussion wrong.

Best to flee for a while. Let the dust settle. I've clearly made a bad impression.

Gwyn smiled at Corrine. "
Thank you, Corrine. We're going to give this serious thought."
She glanced sidelong at Baelon;
her smile turning just a little too impish for her words. "
Baelon and I will be very busy tonight, I can tell."

Then she was serious again. "
Keeper of the Gate, and seats at your side...those are not small honors, and won't be things we walk away from easily.I'm glad you decided to tell us now. But we've kept you from Ben long enough, I think. And the Grand Ball awaits, yes?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Jul 04, 2015 7:34 pm

Gwyneth Marsten wrote:
Lady Corrine Marsten wrote:"
Very well,"
Corrine nods, with an uncomfortable feeling that she got much of that discussion wrong.

Best to flee for a while. Let the dust settle. I've clearly made a bad impression.

Gwyn smiled at Corrine. "
Thank you, Corrine. We're going to give this serious thought."
She glanced sidelong at Baelon;
her smile turning just a little too impish for her words. "
Baelon and I will be very busy tonight, I can tell."

Then she was serious again. "
Keeper of the Gate, and seats at your side...those are not small honors, and won't be things we walk away from easily.I'm glad you decided to tell us now. But we've kept you from Ben long enough, I think. And the Grand Ball awaits, yes?"

"
It does, yes. Enjoy the rest of the evening, both of you."

Corrine nods to them both congenially, then sweeps off into the throngs.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:44 am

Benedict Blackthorne wrote:"
What you say is all very true. I am glad to hear it from another's mouth though, makes it seem more likely the right way to go. As for my role, I will do what I can and what I feel best. They will still see as enemy regardless of my faith, but I will try."
His words are sincere and hopeful.

"
War is simultaneously both a failure of and an extension of diplomacy. Unless you plan on the total annihilation of your foes, and I cannot come up with an instance where that is a wise option, even if it were a possible one, you should always war with your diplomatic goals in mind, else your war will prove futile, no matter how well you fight."

Daveth gives an impish grin. "
Of course, I would say that."
he spreads his hands wide. "
I'm a diplomat."

(OOC: I've said all I really want to here, if Lady Corrine wishes to return now, that's fine with me, and I'll move on to speaking with Lady Dyana.)

by **Benedict Marsten** Sun Jul 05, 2015 1:19 am

"
Aye, but even I, a warrior, know that what you say is correct, as I am sure my Lady w-Corrine will. Speaking of my Lady, I should probably go get a dance before it is to late."

He puts out his hand in farewell. "
I am sure we will be seeing each other again Daveth. Good evening."

OOC: /left scene after/if any final words from Daveth

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Sun Jul 05, 2015 2:47 pm

"
No doubt we will, Ser Benedict. I look forward to it."
he shakes his hand with a smile. "
Two last questions before you go, however: firstly, do you happen to have on your person the letter of support we discussed in the library earlier? And secondly, do you have any idea where Lady Dyana might be at this point?"

by **Benedict Marsten** Sun Jul 05, 2015 3:01 pm

"
Yes of course."
He draws the letter form inside his tunic.

As he places it in Daveths hand, he grins mischievously at him. "
She entered with her sister and Lady Corrine just prior to your meeting. She could not have gotten far. If I see her I will direct her to you."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Sun Jul 05, 2015 3:31 pm

"
Thank you."
Daveth says, tucking the letter away safely. "
A pleasure, as always. Good fortune to you, Ser Benedict."
and Daveth leaves to try and locate Lady Dyana.

by **Dyana Marsten** Mon Jul 06, 2015 3:49 pm

Daveth Coldbrook wrote:"
Thank you."
Daveth says, tucking the letter away safely. "
A pleasure, as always. Good fortune to you, Ser Benedict."
and Daveth leaves to try and locate Lady Dyana.

Who is, in fact, not too far away, glancing around the room intently as if searching for something. Dressed in a gown of black silk and a myriad of silver jewelry. Dyana's arms are crossed beneath her breasts and she wears a slight frown.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Mon Jul 06, 2015 10:07 pm

After just a few minutes of methodical searching, Daveth manages to spot Lady Dyana, and for a moment, his step falters and his breath catches, while he can feel the blood rushing both to his cheeks, as well as somewhere rather lower, feeling to be in such quantities as to leave precious little for the rest of his body, while his eyes dance over her body with more energy than he displayed even the previous night.

Down, boy. Larger head needs to be thinking right now. he ineffectually commands.

Well, I hope you can command other bodies better by the time you're lord, since it appears your ability to command your own is so lacking.

That's the woman I kissed, right out in public. he thought in awe. That's the woman whose family I've declared my intent to. That's the woman-

-who will die of old age before you do anything more, the way things are going. Less thinking, more acting, please. Chop, chop!

It's probably your absence that has her so put out, leaving her in suspense like that. Very cruel. I approve. Just don't leave it too long. Or drool too much.

Swallowing to wet his dry throat, Daveth feels the blood slowly leaving his cheeks, at least, and steps forward to meet with her.

"
Lady Dyana."
he greets her, briefly kissing her hand if it was extended to him. "
You're looking particularly stunning this evening. My apologies for making you wait. Are you well?"

by **Dyana Marsten** Wed Jul 15, 2015 9:55 pm

Dyana looks absent-mindedly at Daveth when he approaches, as if caught so deep in her own musings that she did not fully realize who he was. When he speaks, though, her eyes widen for just a moment before she offers both an outstretched hand and a startled smile.

"
Daveth!"
She goes on with far less formality than he did, and the curve of her lips became more natural and assured at his compliment. "
Making me wait? I was just... I didn't even know if I would see you today or not!"
She chuckles. "
I am fine! Only... there was a servant, with wine, and he was to bring me a glass - I'm in a dire thirst for wine today... but... he seems to have absconded entirely!"
Her lips pout ever so slightly, and her eyebrows crease likewise, in playful and softly inebriated indignation.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:27 pm

"
So, a man was to return to you, but instead left you wondering as to when or if he would return? Sounds like a cad and a bounder."
Daveth replies, voice dripping irony at the deliberate hypocrisy. "
More seriously, he was probably waylaid. It's very hard for a servant to say 'no' to a direct order. However, I did happen to pass a servant with wine and glasses but a moment ago as I was looking for you. If we are quick, we can catch him before he goes far. I do not know if he's the same man, but in circumstances like this, I prefer to be the hunter."
with an amused smile, and leaving the final sentence ambiguous, he offers her his arm.

by **Dyana Marsten** Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:36 pm

She grins at his deliberate irony, but at the suggestion, she frowns further, and looks around them searchingly. "
I wouldn't want to not bere when he comes back. It was a, uhm, very specific wine. Not the same ones they're passing around. I don't think he was supposed to let me, or any guest, catch a whiff of it. Maybe he got caught?"
Her eyes widen in fear for a moment, but then she chuckles and waves a hand dismissively.

"
If he's not coming, though, I can't just stand here like a tree all night! Let us go to your man, then, mighty hunter!"
She passes her arm in his promptly, and tugs him forward good-naturedly.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:26 pm

Daveth smiles mischievously back. "
Oooh. I smell a hint of conniving at play. I'm shocked. Shocked!"
a hand mock raised to his forehead before he carries on in a quieter, but still playful, voice. "
It sounds delightful. We shall be but a moment here, then return, for my curiosity is piqued, to say the least."

He looks around where he saw the servant. "
Ah, there."
nodding towards the man through the crowd.

Within moments, they both have wine glasses in hand, and are walking more sedately back to where they met. "
So. When last me met, I told you that I needed to think and pray on what we discussed. To carefully consider what it changed, and how much. That I have now done."

Having returned to their position, Daveth quickly checks for any eavesdroppers before continuing, his voice lowered, but intense, and looking Dyana right in the eyes, so she can see his sincerity.

"
I heard everything you said. I understand what you meant. And I dismiss none of it.

"
But it changes nothing.

"
Dyana?"
he holds her hand between them in one of his. "
I am determined to have not just your hand,"
tapping the back of her hand with his free hand, "
but your heart as well."
tapping the air a few inches over her heart with the same hand. "
I do understand that, at best, this will not be easy. But I believe things of great value are worth struggling for. And so long as there is room for doubt in your heart, so long as you 'do not know', I will believe in and fight for you to one day say both 'I can', and 'I do'."

Aaaand now she turns around and says she's not interested in a man who can't handle violence without feeling sick.

(OOC: Hope I didn't jump ahead too much, but I figured we should probably get to the meat of the conversation sooner rather than later.)

by **Dyana Marsten** Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:30 pm

Dyana is laughing gleefully at Daveth's mock shock, and when the two of them return with glasses of wine - hers already a sip or two ahead of his -, she seems very pleased with herself, for whatever reason.

The Coldbrook begins to talk more sober matters, however, and her mirth diminishes. By the time he's finished, her face is serious, if a bit flushed - if by his words or the drink, hard to tell. Her tone still has an underline of her bright mood to it when she speaks, though. "
Well, Daveth. I think it is a wonderful thing that you could make up your mind so thoroughly, and so quickly;
"
she says as someone who's listing things, "
but I h-..."

Their conversation is abruptly halted by the approach of a young serving man, who bows to Dyana incessantly, again and again, as he speaks. "
I'm sorry, my lady. I'm sorry. Oh I'm so terribly sorry. I couldn't find the wine, I'm sorry. In truth, I could, I'm sorry, but I couldn't bring it to you. I'm sorry. The cook saw me enter the cellar, I'm sorry, and then when he called out to me. I said I was sorry..."

It goes on, and Dyana is blinking at him wordlessly.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:24 pm

Daveth looks flatly at the servant for a few moments before deciding to come to his rescue. "
Well now, it was a difficult task, at which you tried you best. No-one can fault an honest effort, so let's say no more about it. No doubt you have other guests to see to."
he adds, pointedly.

Once the servant has left, Daveth turns back to Dyana. "
Now, I believe you were in the middle of telling me that your position of careful neutrality on the matter hasn't changed since last we spoke?"
he asks, with his smile turning into a slightly cocky grin.

by **Dyana Marsten** Thu Jul 16, 2015 10:05 pm

"
Yes, me Lord, of course me Lord, I'm sorry me Lord!"
The servant bows hastily three more times before leaving without another glance back. It would seem he was told to apologize and then return to the kitchen, perhaps for some sort of punishment.

Dyana looks at the man leave, then turns to Daveth with a congenial look of restrained laughter... which doesn't hold long. Even as he gives her a cocky grin, she's lost in mirth, her earrings jingling and her hairdo almost falling apart. She even leans a hand on him for support for a moment, and when it eventually fades, her eyes are teary.

"
Oh, Daveth."
She says, still half-chuckling, wiping away a tear. Her face is even more flushed now, and she takes a longer sip from her glass of wine. "
Ahm, ha, careful neutrality. Of course."
She shakes her head into focus, returning to the matter at hand, and gives him the sincerest smile he'd likely seen all day. "
Are you sure of your words, Daveth? They aren't light ones. You could be getting into a mess very hard to crawl out from."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Thu Jul 16, 2015 11:00 pm

Daveth actually pauses before answering. It was a serious question that deserved more than a spur-of-the-moment answer. Still, before too long, he looked up to give his answer.

"
I am no seer. I cannot tell if I will grow to regret this decision in time. All I can judge my actions by is what my head and heart tell me. And they tell me that what you say is true: If I go down this path, it will be messy, and probably awkward, and at least occasionally surprising, for the both of us. And yes, it will quite likely be difficult to extricate myself should my heart grow faint later on.

"
But they also tell me that they think you will be worth it. As do I.

"
So yes, Dyana. I am sure of my words. For better or worse, I commit myself to this tangled, messy path before me."
a smile and a wink to break the tension, and he lifts his glass in a small mock toast. "
Be gentle."

by **Dyana Marsten** Fri Jul 17, 2015 7:19 pm

Dyana takes him up on the small mock toast, touching her glass to his. "
Very well, then Master Daveth Coldbrook."
She gives him a wide, open-mouthed smile after sipping more of her wine. Her cheeks looks actually red by now. "
If you're so sure of yourself now - though not as sure as to not avoid making sure I know you are no seer, and might be wrong..."
She chuckles a bit, and eyes him up and down as someone who's considering wares to purchase.

"
If you're so sure, then what I can I possibly do? I'll allow you to court me."
Her eyes smile at him even more than her mouth, and an eyebrow perks up inquisitively. "
Go on."
She gestures at him with her glass.

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:14 pm

Daveth lets his smile turn slightly smug. "
Well, as it happens, I've prepared a little gift for you. It's certainly audacious, so I hope you like it."
his smile looses a bit of its confidence. "
Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll actually be able to follow through, but I've pushed things as far as they can go from my end, so we'll just have to see.

"
I remember you saying you'd prevented three hundred, two and forty mountain men from reaching Marsten lands, and I also noted that you listed your sister first in the list of those you'd protected.

"
What if she was absolutely, entirely safe from the mountain clans, for the rest of her life? Would that let your heart rest a little easier?

"
I have offered her and Ser Baelon the position of a banner house under House Coldbrook."
he holds up a hand in a forestalling gesture. "
I don't wish to mislead you here. I would not do it were it not a good move for our house, but as it happens, it's such a good idea for our house, I'm kicking myself that I didn't come up with it previously on those grounds. But I didn't. I came up with it while thinking of how to gain your favour. Which I hope it does. If they accept. Which I hope they do."
Daveth bites his lip to try and stop his nerves from making him babble further.

by **Dyana Marsten** Tue Jul 21, 2015 6:55 pm

Dyana's pleased smile slowly transitions into an expression of open-mouthed surprise with a hint of said smile, which in turn becomes a sort of shocked frown as he elaborates. A chuckle of disbelief comes out, at last, when he starts babbling and losing his line by the end of it all.

"
You're... what?"
Still incredulous, she blinks at Daveth several times, trying and failing to let the information sink in entirely. "
Banner house? Do you have the authority? What even..."
Her eyes narrow, her head cocks to the side, and her lips form an "
o"
as they search for words. It looks as if she was squinting at the sun, all the while trying to understand why it was so bright.

"
Daveth, I don't know what to say. I... really don't."
She shrugs, and gives the same dry chuckle as a moment before. "
What did they say? Gwyn mentioned none of that to me. Was she... did she seem inclined to accept it? Happy at the prospect, or anything? What did Baelon make of it? Isn't he a royal bastard?"
Her eyes dart to the side, looking at nothing in particular, as if seeking confirmation in the depths of her mind. She looks back at him quickly enough. "
I... if Gwyneth is willing to accept your most surprising offer, and if it makes her happy, it would be a worry lessened for sure, Daveth.

"
Though it's not all, of course. I may have mentioned my sister in some sort of... I don't quite remember. But I worry for my cousin, and the people at the hold, and for the folk at Hartsbridge as well. I mean, I'm not asking that you do anything about it - I had not an inkling that you would do what you are saying you have done, even -, but I think it's important you know my heart lies with all of them, and rests only with all of them, each night."
She frowns at her wine, and gulps the remainder of it in a single go. As the tingling descends, she suppresses a shiver. "
It would be good to know she is safe and happy, though..."

by **Daveth Coldbrook** Tue Jul 21, 2015 7:53 pm

"
Well, I didn't want to get into all the detail on the initial presentation, but to fill you in a little more - no, I do not have the authority. Yet. And this was made clear to them. Basically, whoever is declared heir may assign the banner house as they see fit. It was going to be going to Ser Jorah, but our efforts are now aimed at getting him into the Kingsguard, so land would actually be a detriment to him.

"
Tomorrow morning, I intend to push the matter of the inheritance with my father. With luck, I'll be able to make the formal offer after that, but there's always the possibility that he'll be stubborn, so it may be delayed a bit.

"
I don't know if they'll accept, to be honest. They sounded interested, but they also had other offers already open, and possibly more to come. All they promised was that they'd consider it, though they were definitely both pleased at getting the offer. And I imagine that Lady Gwyneth didn't mention it to you before because I only told her a few minutes ago.

"
Of course. I don't mean to imply that you don't care for all the other people at Hartshorn."
a small smile and chuckle. "
I simply do what I can. It's a gift, not a miracle.

"
Nor is it without drawback. Starting any house is hard work, so it will not be an easy life I offer her. And the land has a bit of a bandit problem. Unlike the clans, they do not attack settlements or forts, but they still need to be cleared out, and law applied, which will be a lot of work for Ser Baelon, combined with his lordly duties. Once he assumes power, probably after the clans have been beaten well back from Marsten lands, he'll probably be on the lookout for experienced leaders of men who he can trust to help do that."
Daveth's tone is slightly too obviously forced to be casual.

by **Dyana Marsten** Wed Jul 22, 2015 8:38 am

As Dyana listens to Daveth's long exposition, color slowly returns to her face. She has another glass of wine by the time he's saying how he'd just told Gwyneth.

"
Well, all in all, I can say... I've been courted before, but it's not often that politics are so present in it. By which I mean, in the courting itself!"
She chuckles, and begins on a crude, smug imitation of Daveth. "
Well, of course my methods may sound unorthodox to some, but I assure you that in doing this, I was merely trying to yadda yadda..."
She trails off, then points her tongue out at him and blows out, the obstruction making an annoying noise. It's clear she's a little more than a bit drunk by this point.

"
I'm sorry."
She says, giggling. "
I appreciate what you're trying to do. Seeing to my family is a lovely gift, and better than I could expect from any other man in here."
Dyana lowers her face ever so slightly, smiling up at him despite the small height difference. "
If it all works out, you have made me happier with your actions tonight. And if it doesn't go as expected, well... I still see your effort, and you have won my favor. Congratulations!"
She gives him a mock, feeble clap against the hand holding the wine, though it's not supposed to mock him, per se.

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