[D7, LE] Re-convening (Closed)

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Speaking with Ser Jon Cobb and Nathaniel Mason leavrs Corrine feeling thoughtful, and unsure of herself.

Perhaps I should have kept to lighter subjects.

She seeks out Ser Benedict, hoping for solace, advice, and, of course, a dance.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben is in mid conversation with Maester Haelis as he spies Corrine. He trails off in his sentence a smile taking over his lips. Upon noticing her lost look the smile is replaced by concern. He begs Haelis' pardon and moves to her.

"
My lady, is all well?"
He can not help but smile as he approaches his hand outstretched to brush her cheek

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She walks gladly up to him, allowing him to stroke her face.

"
Hello, my dear. Having a good evening?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Yes"
he gives her a mischievous grin. "
now that we have been reunited."


A mock look of distress plays across his face. "
I have listened to conversations about plants, horses hooves, and of course political gossip. Is this is all these balls are about I have been missing little."
He laughs, enveloping her hand into his.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She smiles amusedly.

"
What subjects would you rather discuss?"

[Benedict Marsten]

His eyes narrow briefly in thought. "
Well I guess my topics would find the same reception with those I spoke with. Perhaps I need to find like minded individuals. It is hard to find someone to discuss my ancestors with surrounded by all you Andals."
He laughs.

"
And speaking of blades or arms right now seems inappropriate."
He smiles again and gives a wink. "
Hunting, how about hunting."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Hunting is a perfectly acceptable topic,"
Corrine replies with a knowing smile. "
Though, I may be of Andal blood, but I am happy to discuss your heritage, the Old Gods, or similar. I'm sure the Northerners would be amenable to that too."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
If your, your mothers man has not worn you out may I have the next dance? I will remind you though my skills here may be lacking."
He gestures to the dance floor.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Of course,"
she grins, taking his hand. "
I'd love to. He certainly didn't wear me out, though it seems he is looking to be Dyana's man, rather than my mother's."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Oh."
He says with a surprised look as he extends his bent arm to escort her to the dance floor.

"
I think Isobel would have been more fitting, but every man chases the wrong game at some point. Can not say I wish him luck. The last thing house Marsten needs is to lose another able fighter."
He smiles as he awkwardly tries to position himself for the dance.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I've had words with him about not hurting either of them. I don't trust him an inch, but we have to deal with him as part of dealing with the Barthelds,"
Corrine shrugs, then gently and subtly manipulates Ben's stance into a less awkward one as they position themselves to dance.

"
From speaking with Dyana, she seems dubious about his suit, which is reassuring. However, she seems unsure about our friend Daveth too, despite my attempt at an encouraging nudge."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben smiles at her almost unperceivable guidance. "
I believe if he commits to something he would not do so lightly. Take for instance his stance on Fendrel, he worked that diligently. Ser Jon's choice in woman previously has been a little ... wanting though I admit."


Stepping into the lead he attempts to use what grace and agility he has developed in the yard to appear fluent. "
Now Daveth, that would be a match. If any two completed each other, it would be them."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
From what I have observed, I do think they are very complementary, yes,"
Corrine agrees, stepping lightly with Ben's lead. "
I do hope she will see that Daveth is a keeper. Certainly better than Jon, whom I perceive to be something of a rolling stone. About Jon though, he is no longer pushing for Ser Fendrel. Apparently, Fendrel &
Davain have resolved their dispute, and now all of House Bartheld is aiming to have Lord Brom pardoned and reinstated. What make you of that?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
That looks to be a temporary bandage on a festering wound. Unless Brom were to officially declare an heir once reinstated. From what folks at Mountains Reach say, he is a congenial fellow."
His crooked smile turns up unexpectedly. "
Lady Yve would be glad to hear of his return to his duties. Though from what I am told he has kept most of her other suitors at bay."


His unattended hand begins to drift as they move through the dance. His eyes repeatedly lingering on Corrine's neckline.

"
Lord Brom's close relation with House Tullison may be beneficial. What will happen with the Swan girl that was to marry the heir?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I honestly don't know,"
Corrine replies, clearly reaching for certainty in a chaotic situation. "
You are right that Brom will have to choose an heir if he is pardoned. If only we could speak with him directly. Do you think Lady Yve or Ayleth Swann could shed light on the situation?"


She keeps his hand from becoming awkwardly idle by holding it on her waist, keeping him moving, her own movements flowing around him, only guiding him subtly when needed.

[Benedict Marsten]

He again smiles at Corrine's veiled assistance. "
Its as I said Brom's pardon only covers a mess. What if he will not return? What if the two heirs have reached their own agreement? There is much to know. I think lady Ayleth probably knows little. The poor girl doesn't even know who she is to marry. Lady Yve may enlighten us on Brom but little else without good reason."


"
If you wish I can send our own personal gossip about tomorrow to see what she can dig up. It seems to have become a favorite game of hers."
He rolls his eyes. "
No doubt from her time spent at Mountains Reach."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
That sounds like a good idea,"
Corrine concurs. "
I intend to have the council meet early tomorrow morning, to discuss the matter. I told Ser Jon Cobb that I would give him an answer before the melee. I hope you will attend the meeting. You have steered me well, so far."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
If you wish me to be there then I will be."
His eyes manifest his pleasure at being asked.

"
Barring any unforeseen damning information against Brom I would say that it is a done deal."


He clears his throat and displays a devilish grin. "
How was your conversation with Ser Jon Roxton and Nathan? I take it that was not your first encounter."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I agree. The more,the merrier, I hope."


Corrine's step was buoyant and her movement flowing, gently encouraging Ben to step more confidently and surely, as hesitance was the enemy of a dancer.

"
I have met Nathan before. Despite his political leanings, he seems a thoroughly pleasant man. Ser Jon Roxton was quiet, but he seems nice. They said they look forward to visiting Hartshorn. What do you think of them?"

[Benedict Marsten]

He picks up his steps moving more engagingly. Hoping to compliment his graceful partner.

"
Ser Jon I have not had the pleasure of meeting, but as for Nathan we met on our way to the tournament. He is quite charming and a very good singer. It would also appear obviously good at what he does, to have secured such a companion as Bold Ser Jon."


He laughs quietly. "
I am not sure what your mother will think of Nathan coming to Hartshorn, but she is no longer Lady Marsten so ..."
He smiles knowingly at her.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I'm sure she will disapprove, but we shpuld try to assuage her. I'm not sure how yet. There must be a way to sell his presence as a good thing for the House."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben scrunches his face in thought. "
Ser Jon Roxton carries a bit of a reputation, perhaps being his companion will suffice. If not I would recommend craftier and more deceptive minds then mine."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
That is a start. We can fall back on that in the absence of anything better."


She smiles sweetly at him.

"
I'm so lucky. To have a man that is wise. Not just a pretty face, though you are that too,"
she mused, with a coy look.

[Benedict Marsten]

He blushes and speaks in a jovial tone. "
I think someone has had too much wine."


"
I would be the lucky one. To have such a great partner to make me look like a competent dancer and gorgeous on top of that."
A flirtatious wink and crooked smile accompany his words.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She blushes and giggles girlishly, a little more bounce in her next step.

"
I may have had a fair bit of wine, but it does not change the truth. I shall stay my hand though. I don't want to have to be carried to my tent,"
she laughs.

[Sponsored content]