[D9, EM] Amends (closed-ish)

[Benedict Marsten]

The crowd of refugees had departed the sept at first light. A few regulars still prayed. Ben had sent a young acolyte to the Coldbrook camp with a message for Daveth to meet as soon as convenient.

He now stood pacing before the Father. He glances at the doors form time to time. Both hoping and fearing the young man he had considered his friend would be coming in any moment.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth arrived at the Sept, frowning at it from outside. Not the place I would have chosen. But it will do, I suppose.

He had a Coldbrook messenger with him, and Garret was waiting a couple of streets away, with the strict instruction that if he wasn't around when the messenger came to get him, every single Coldbrook servant who waited on him for the next year would be male. A fairly ridiculous threat, but Garret knew his brother well enough to recognise the truth behind his words. Daveth knew he'd be there.

Leaving the messenger waiting just outside, Daveth enters the Sept. He sees and walks over to Ser Benedict. He gives him a smile, but a slightly strained one - showing friendship, but also very aware of the circumstances of their meeting.

"
Ser Benedict."
with a nod, rather than a small bow. Not quite a slight, but a mandatory display of official displeasure, rather undermined by his next words. "
I heard what happened. How's Ellie- sorry, Lady Ellien - holding up?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben nods along with a slight bow, knowing his actions while warranted were inappropriate. "
Master Daveth."


Straightening his back and smiling as best a man in the crosshairs can do he speaks with more enthusiasm at Daveth's concern. "
She is well. She is .. tough. It is not her first major trauma, but hopefully her last for the for seeable future. And ... Garret?"


Ben interjects before Daveth can reply, not one to delay the inevitable. "
Daveth I apologize to you for my careless behavior last night. I would blame it on the malady in the air, my poor dreams, my jealousy, but the truth is I have nothing to blame it on but my own lack of restraint."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth can't quite hide his sympathetic look. Either you suffered that trauma along with her, or you've been suffering ever since for not being there. Still, he nods at the reply. "
Good. Frankly, Lady Ellien is the *only* actor in this whole fiasco whose actions were beyond reproach. I would not have her suffer for them.

"
Garret is fine. Well, the injury won't leave a permanent mark at least, though he's a bit upset that my supplies of milk of the poppy are so low after last night that I can't spare him any."
he replies, voice carefully deadpan. "
Franklin should hopefully come through it with nothing more than a twinge in his leg when the wind changes. And an earful from me, at least, on proportional use of force once he's off the poppy.

"
As for your apology,"
he pauses. "
Well, we'll get to that. Come on, let's grab a seat in a quiet corner. I don't want to do all this standing up."


Daveth leads Ser Benedict to a bench distant enough from others to ensure a modicum of privacy. "
I want to beat around the bush a bit to start. I appreciate you prefer the direct approach, but I ask that you indulge me.

"
Firstly, we need to both be clear on something. You are not Lord Marsten yet. But once you started walking alongside Lady Corrine, and making decisions alongside her, you might as well be. That is how you were acting, that is how you will be treated, regardless of your intentions. And something you need to be absolutely clear on is that when you're a lord, there is no singular 'you' in public. You *are* the house. Being a lord is a much bigger change from being - if you'll excuse me - a mere knight than simply having a larger armed force reporting to you. Actions done to you are done to your house, and actions done by you are done by your house. Everything you do has a *much* bigger weight and inertia than what you're used to. For every action, expect three unintended reactions. At least. For this reason, you *cannot* afford to lack restraint. You must, for every public action you do, carefully weigh up everything you know, make reasoned predictions as to what *all* the consequences will be, and only then act.

"
And yes, as that implies, you need to know as much as possible about everyone you are and might be dealing with. False or incomplete information can potentially lead to disaster. So, let's see. Tell me everything you know about Joren"
Daveth suppresses his instinctive flinch of pain at the name. "
as relates to House Coldbrook, and what conclusions you can draw from that."
Throughout, Daveth's tone is serious, but not hostile.

[Benedict Marsten]

Daveth can't quite hide his sympathetic look. Either you suffered that trauma along with her, or you've been suffering ever since for not being there. Still, he nods at the reply. "
Good. Frankly, Lady Ellien is the *only* actor in this whole fiasco whose actions were beyond reproach. I would not have her suffer for them.

"
Garret is fine. Well, the injury won't leave a permanent mark at least, though he's a bit upset that my supplies of milk of the poppy are so low after last night that I can't spare him any."
he replies, voice carefully deadpan. "
Franklin should hopefully come through it with nothing more than a twinge in his leg when the wind changes. And an earful from me, at least, on proportional use of force once he's off the poppy.

"
As for your apology,"
he pauses. "
Well, we'll get to that. Come on, let's grab a seat in a quiet corner. I don't want to do all this standing up."


Daveth leads Ser Benedict to a bench distant enough from others to ensure a modicum of privacy. "
I want to beat around the bush a bit to start. I appreciate you prefer the direct approach, but I ask that you indulge me."

Ben listens intently. He nods and follows Daveth to the removed bench. This could be goo or bad.

"
Firstly, we need to both be clear on something. You are not Lord Marsten yet. But once you started walking alongside Lady Corrine, and making decisions alongside her, you might as well be. That is how you were acting, that is how you will be treated, regardless of your intentions. And something you need to be absolutely clear on is that when you're a lord, there is no singular 'you' in public. You *are* the house. Being a lord is a much bigger change from being - if you'll excuse me - a mere knight than simply having a larger armed force reporting to you. Actions done to you are done to your house, and actions done by you are done by your house. Everything you do has a *much* bigger weight and inertia than what you're used to. For every action, expect three unintended reactions. At least. For this reason, you *cannot* afford to lack restraint. You must, for every public action you do, carefully weigh up everything you know, make reasoned predictions as to what *all* the consequences will be, and only then act."

Inwardly Ben can not help but sigh when Daveth mentions him not being Lord. By our Gods and theirs, I am. Again Ben listens having already had this talk with the wier wood and the Crone, but Daveth had the right to lecture him. Ben actually welcomed it, it was the very reason he had supported Daveth's claim and would have easily taken him on to council had things been different.

"
You are right. Your council appreciated and will be heeded."
His words are simple and genuine.

"
And yes, as that implies, you need to know as much as possible about everyone you are and might be dealing with. False or incomplete information can potentially lead to disaster. So, let's see. Tell me everything you know about Joren"
Daveth suppresses his instinctive flinch of pain at the name. "
as relates to House Coldbrook, and what conclusions you can draw from that."
Throughout, Daveth's tone is serious, but not hostile.

Ben's eyebrows raise in confusion. He had heard bits and pieces of the Tullison/Coldbrook animosity, but knew little. "
He was your younger half-brother and son of Lord Tomas and Lady Alianna. He was to be ... heir I can assume from the situation you are now in. I am sure it also caused your family much pain and turmoil. Surely he would have been the linchpin that held your ...piecemail family together. I know for certain little else. What rumor tells is he ... died at a tourney at the twins. Tilting against Ser Theomore. Hence the tension between Tullison and Coolbrook. Your accusation in the Godswood that Theomore murder him, angering Lord Dunstan."
His tone more speculative than certain. At his pauses he seemed to be searching for "
gentle"
words.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth breathes a little sigh of relief that Ser Benedict is taking his words well before replying with a nod. "
All correct, bar the last. I never said the word 'murder'. The word I used was 'killed', a word which lacks the mandate of intent that murder has, and hence is simply a clinical description of the facts. The use of the word 'murder' never existed outside of Lord Tullison's head."
he frowns slightly. "
There's an important lesson there for you, too. You'll often be warned to listen for what is not said, but whatever you do, don't forget to listen to what *is* actually said when you do.

"
Anyway,"
with a dismissive wave. "
The point is you actually have the facts you need, though I noticed you were rather unsure about some of them. In the future, consider it a red flag if you're aware of an event of that significance happening with a house you are entering any dealings with, and you do not know every detail with certainty, else there's a good chance one of those details will bite you, hard.

"
So, you have the facts you need. What you have to do is make more conclusions from them. I'll give you three clues to point you in the right directions for your thoughts. Clue 1"
holding up a finger, "
Closure. Clue two."
adding a second finger "
As above, so below. Clue three"
adding another finger "
the words 'if only'.

"
With those facts, and those clues, can you make any further conclusions?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben watches and listens becoming more confused as the Daveth continues. A look of pained thought tightens his face. These were things he was not accustomed to. At this very moment he wished Corrine or even Ellie were here. His face flushes briefly in anger at his incompetence. His doubt from the previous night creeping back up his spine.

"
Resolution. Look within and without. Regret. All my "
mere knights"
brain can reason is House Coldbrook seeks a recompense from House Tullison for their loss."
He rubs at his temples. Sleep. Damn it. I need sleep.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth leans back, shaking his head. "
This isn't about the Tullisons. If you're feeling slighted or frustrated, remember this: I am betting heavily that you and Lady Corrine can succeed at bringing prosperity to your house.

"
Ordinarily, I'd drop more clues. It's important you start getting into the habit of thinking these things through yourself, but it's been a long night, and it's not the primary purpose of this meeting. So, what was I trying to get you to deduce?

"
Clue one: closure. Have we had any? No. Therefore, have we healed? No. The wound is still fresh and raw, impacting all who remain. I bury myself in my work, Garret buries himself in women, my mother buries herself in grief, and my father ... actually, my father seems to be handling it fairly well. Maybe from his soldier background he's more used to loss. He's more distant than he was, but that's all I've seen. If it's the same in private, however, I don't know.

"
Clue two: as above, so below. A reference to the actions of the noble family impacting on the wider house. A family that is divided and fractious leads to a house that is divided and fractious. Likewise, a family that is unable to get over a tragedy prevents the house from getting over it as well.

"
Clue three: the words 'if only'. They haunt everyone from our house who was at the Twins last year. If only I'd noticed, if only I'd stopped Joren, if only this, if only that. These thoughts run through our heads constantly. Leading to feelings of guilt, and iron determination to prevent an equivalent situation recurring.

"
In short, the conclusion I was trying to point you towards was this: the disproportionate use of force to protect or avenge an attack on either of the remaining Coldbrook sons was entirely predictable and preventable. What's more, we were *lucky* with how things went. You know how rumour is. If there'd been a serious wound, which there likely would have been had Lady Ellien not nipped things in the bud, the rumour being passed around could easily have become 'Ser Benedict ran Garret through', or 'he tried to run him through, but was driven away by Garret's guards'. Something like that, with the mood we had last night, and, given what I've just told you, I'm sure you can well picture a group of guards seeking to avenge the injury, leading to others on both sides joining the melee once it starts to protect their fellows, blood and bodies hitting the ground, destroying everything we've worked for together. The only reason we *didn't* have that was dumb luck and smart sister.

"
I'm not telling you this to shame you, Ser Benedict. Or to make you angry or upset. I'm telling you this to help you understand. This is the price you have to pay for your current happiness. You have to be able to consider these things yourself.

"
Yes, you'll have Lady Corrine and Lady Ellien with you most of the time, and it will definitely be tempting to leave this to them. They're better and more practised at it. That's the trap. You do that, you'll never be able to handle the occasions when they *aren't* around. Like right now. Or last night."


Daveth leans forward intently. "
What I want from you, Ser Benedict, isn't an apology. It's a promise. That you won't take the easy way out and leave this to the women. By all means, have them lead the way, but try to do your own thinking, compare it to your lady wife's when you can, try to work out her reasoning. Discover the things you missed, so you don't miss them the next time. It will be hard, frustrating work. You'll feel stupid. Then you'll start asking for Lady Isobel's thoughts, and *really* feel stupid. But you'll only *be* stupid if you give up."

[Benedict Marsten]

Daveth leans back, shaking his head. "
This isn't about the Tullisons. If you're feeling slighted or frustrated, remember this: I am betting heavily that you and Lady Corrine can succeed at bringing prosperity to your house.

Belittled would fit.

"
Ordinarily, I'd drop more clues. It's important you start getting into the habit of thinking these things through yourself, but it's been a long night, and it's not the primary purpose of this meeting. So, what was I trying to get you to deduce?

"
Clue one: closure. Have we had any? No. Therefore, have we healed? No. The wound is still fresh and raw, impacting all who remain. I bury myself in my work, Garret buries himself in women, my mother buries herself in grief, and my father ... actually, my father seems to be handling it fairly well. Maybe from his soldier background he's more used to loss. He's more distant than he was, but that's all I've seen. If it's the same in private, however, I don't know.

"
Clue two: as above, so below. A reference to the actions of the noble family impacting on the wider house. A family that is divided and fractious leads to a house that is divided and fractious. Likewise, a family that is unable to get over a tragedy prevents the house from getting over it as well.

"
Clue three: the words 'if only'. They haunt everyone from our house who was at the Twins last year. If only I'd noticed, if only I'd stopped Joren, if only this, if only that. These thoughts run through our heads constantly. Leading to feelings of guilt, and iron determination to prevent an equivalent situation recurring.

"
In short, the conclusion I was trying to point you towards was this: the disproportionate use of force to protect or avenge an attack on either of the remaining Coldbrook sons was entirely predictable and preventable. What's more, we were *lucky* with how things went. You know how rumour is. If there'd been a serious wound, which there likely would have been had Lady Ellien not nipped things in the bud, the rumour being passed around could easily have become 'Ser Benedict ran Garret through', or 'he tried to run him through, but was driven away by Garret's guards'. Something like that, with the mood we had last night, and, given what I've just told you, I'm sure you can well picture a group of guards seeking to avenge the injury, leading to others on both sides joining the melee once it starts to protect their fellows, blood and bodies hitting the ground, destroying everything we've worked for together. The only reason we *didn't* have that was dumb luck and smart sister.

"
I'm not telling you this to shame you, Ser Benedict. Or to make you angry or upset. I'm telling you this to help you understand. This is the price you have to pay for your current happiness. You have to be able to consider these things yourself.

You are doing a damn good job.

"
Yes, you'll have Lady Corrine and Lady Ellien with you most of the time, and it will definitely be tempting to leave this to them. They're better and more practised at it. That's the trap. You do that, you'll never be able to handle the occasions when they *aren't* around. Like right now. Or last night."


Daveth leans forward intently. "
What I want from you, Ser Benedict, isn't an apology. It's a promise. That you won't take the easy way out and leave this to the women. By all means, have them lead the way, but try to do your own thinking, compare it to your lady wife's when you can, try to work out her reasoning. Discover the things you missed, so you don't miss them the next time. It will be hard, frustrating work. You'll feel stupid. Then you'll start asking for Lady Isobel's thoughts, and *really* feel stupid. But you'll only *be* stupid if you give up."

A kaleidoscope of emotions tumult through his eyes, ending on calm. "
I will make you that promise as I have already done the same with the Gods and Lady Corrine. But understand this no amount of foresight, deduction or damage to whatever House I may serve will stop me from protecting my family."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth gives a defeated sigh at Ser Benedict's words, and rests his face in his palms for a couple of seconds, before regaining some of his spirit, though he's letting his fatigue show now. "
Ser Benedict. If you think there's a single circumstance where I'd interfere with the protection of your family, hells, if you think *I* wouldn't protect them if needs be, then ... well, you're wrong. And not just for political reasons.

"
But that's not what this is about. If you genuinely felt you had to defend your betrothed's honour, you could and should have spoken with me while I was helping you look for your book. You had plenty of opportunity. Anything along the lines of 'Daveth, I'm not happy with your brother's behaviour, and wish to make that physically clear to him without causing a big incident. Can you help?' and my answer would have been along the lines of 'I'm not exactly thrilled about it myself. I probably should have kicked his ankle harder. I'll set something up for you.'. Protecting your family the *smart* way. That's what I ..."
he trails off into silence for a couple of seconds, looking down, then shakes his head angrily. "
Fuck it."
he says, in a resigned tone as he sighs.

"
I'm sick and tired of hurting those close to me through my own incompetence, Ben. I need to be better than this. It's clear my words are upsetting you, and I have the promise I wanted, so it's time to stop. I'll go send the messenger to get Garret. He's nearby, so it'll just be a couple of minutes. He's got something he'd damn well better say to you, and you've got something you'd damn well better say to him, then we can bury this and move on."
Daveth sounds drained and defeated.

(Unless Benedict says something to stop it, Daveth will send the messenger to fetch Garret, and when they return, Daveth will have a short conversation with Garret before we re-enter the Sept to resume the conversion.)

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Daveth I am not angry with you and do not suggest you would harm my family. I just wanted it to be clear that the promise only holds good under that condition. Not that it would even pertain to you or your family. As for Garret, truthfully I did not notices his actions and was not clear as to his intentions. So I could not have spoken to you of it. It was all brought to my attention later and made clear. I had no intentions of seeking him out for retribution. I understand all you say, of course in simpler terms, and intend to act in accordance with it for everyone's sake."
Ben quickly streams his words together trying to get it in before Daveth's departure, but not wanting to stop him for fear of straining him further.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth pauses, partly turned away, then slowly turns back. "
It was brought to your attention and made clear, you say? By whom, may I ask?"

[Benedict Marsten]

When will I learn to keep my mouth shut.

"
The only other person present. It was thought I had been aware when I was told. I will admit his last bout of ... inappropriate action had me on edge. I thought no way someone would be ... as blatant and dismissed it."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Oh."
Daveth replies, clearly expecting a different answer, somehow. "
I should have guessed."
his tone is more 'well, that was obvious in hindsight' than condemning, and he makes a dismissive gesture. "
Live and learn. Right. I'll go get Garret."


Daveth leaves the sept, and spends the next few minutes trying to put his mask back on. His blazing row with Loreia the day before yesterday had clearly unsettled him even more than he'd thought. That, combined with the stresses of the tournament meant his mask was more fragile than ever. Come on. One more day. Just hold together that long. You can fall apart all you like back home. For now, you have to be strong.

Before he was really ready, the messenger returns with Garret in tow. Daveth gives his brother a strained smile, knowing full well that his brother would sense the strain in his voice. "
Right. This is how it's going to go. It was you indiscreetly eyeing up Lady Corrine that started this off, so you're going to go in there"
indicating the sept "
with me and apologise to Ser Benedict for disrespecting his betrothed. Then he's going to apologise for overreacting. You shake on it, and it ends. No parting barbs, quips, jokes or puns. Then you and I are going to swear the oath that Lord Tully wants, since that's what we agreed.

"
After that, you're going to take your coin purse, go to the Painted World, and not come out until you've got your libido under control. Your extended convalescence clearly built up a need. See to it."
a pause. "
But if I get a message from the World saying that you've spent all your coin and are in debt, I'll tell them to make you work it off by washing dishes, and tell our father that you're off training to build character.

"
You may be thinking 'that's a surprisingly nice punishment'. That's because that's not your punishment, that's your treatment. Your punishment is twofold: firstly, the knowledge that it was your actions that instigated this chain of events that left Franklin with a wound that he'll take weeks if not months to fully recover from, and could very easily have lead to a feud between us and the Marstens should things have panned out a different way last night.

"
And secondly, the knowledge that you have disappointed me, brother. A young couple in new love are feeling passion as intense as they will *ever* feel. A man will never be more possessive than he will be at that time."
he points at his brother's chest. "
You should have realised that, and acted appropriately. I know the risk excites you. Get over it."

[Reader]

"
Is this the way it is between us now brother? I am the injured party here - it's just sport."


He folds his arms and fixes his brother with a level stare.

"
You are not lord yet. Why treat me as if I were some common guardsman."


"
You shame our house brother - can Coldbrook blood be washed away by Marsten and Tullison words? Fucking southerners will be laughing at us Daveth, you know it."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Remember when we made our deal, brother? And I said 'enjoy the good times while they last'? I added a word to that. A very important word. Which you agreed to. *Discreetly*. Because I knew that if you were not discreet, what happened last night was the very *least* that would happen. If you had but kept to our agreement, none of this would have happened. But you didn't, and because you didn't, an entirely predictable and preventable reaction occurred.

"
You talk of Coldbrook blood. I assume you're not talking of your face, recognising the small injury there as being far more preferable to a duel of honour which could well have resulted otherwise;
rather you're talking of Franklin's leg injury. Well, guess what? I'm *glad* he took that injury. Because that injury prevented him from striking down the de facto Marsten lord. The man who the actual head of house is quite madly in love with. Tell me, if Franklin hadn't been injured, how much Coldbrook blood would be shed, on that night and on all future nights as the near-alliance I've been building up this entire tournament instantly turns into a grief-fuelled feud. And one we'd stand no chance of winning - if you have any doubt as to that, see how many allies they've been able to gather to fight against the mountain clans.

"
Further, you contradict yourself. You start by saying that you are the injured party, as if you were the only one. But when you mention shaming our house, you show that you are well aware that an injury to pride is just as serious as an injury to body. So why claim to be the only injured party? You know full well that you injured Marsten pride first. And for a house as old and respected as the Marstens, a wound to the pride is grievous indeed. A wound for a wound, and an apology for both."


Daveth sighs. "
If you want to claim I have no right to order you around, well,"
he shrugs "
you're right. I don't. You can do whatever the hells you like. But we got into this circumstance because you didn't do what I say, and things are already this bad. Do you *really* want to see how bad things will get if you repeat your mistake? I remind you that it is because I can see the best path forwards for our house that you supported me. That hasn't changed. I love you, brother. And if I sometimes have to push you around a little bit, *know* that I do it for your good as well as the house's."


[url=I love you, brother, you're just a pain sometimes - Persuade (Charm)][/url]: 4d6 14

[Reader]

Garret clenches a fist, and for a second it may seem to an observer he intends to strike his brother.

"
I did little and less overt brother and you know it. I am more sinned against than sinning here. You wear the name I deserve, all your actions and Ser Benedict's thuggery are measured against a different standard to mine."


He sighs.

"
He is simply 'defending his honour' as a knight with a family name, while I'm no more than a violent thug and bully if I do the same."


He shakes his head, slowly won round by his brother's words.

"
Discretion then, if I must live with the double standard, but I expect you to support me, name or no name, if I'm backed in to a corner and forced to act. We are brothers by choice and allegiance even if not by blood."


He looks a little shame faced towards the end.

"
You're right about Franklin, poor shit. If I were our Father's true heir, I'd have been more concerned for his welfare. You're the right man, Daveth."


[OOC: Garret Snow moves to Dislike against Ser Benedict Blackthorne but Daveth's RP and roll calm him down moderately]

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth leans forwards and hugs his brother. "
You are my brother, Garret. Now and always. No matter what."


Breaking the embrace, he nods his head towards the sept. "
Now come on, let's put this thing to bed."
and leads his brother back to Ser Benedict, hoping that he's done enough with both sides that this will end as smoothly as he hopes.

[Reader]

Garret returns his brother's hug fiercely - Daveth seems unlikely to ever match his elder brother's strength or temperament, despite the heir presumptive's occasional red hot flashes of temper.

The bastard of Castle Grenward approaches Ser Benedict, offering a stiff apology - the words clearly are unusual to him and he seems irked, but at Ser Benedict rather than his brother.

After Ser Benedict's reply, he offers a warrior's handshake, moving to grasp Ser Benedict's forearm.

[Benedict Marsten]

"
I apologize for my ill-thought out actions. I believe that neither of us truly wish to being doing this, as we both were simply acting in our natures. I only hope we can take the wise advice of your brother and keep our emotions in check in the future to protect our families and House."
Ben's voice holds no malice or displeasure.

He returns Garret's hand shake and nods solemnly.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth lets a sigh of relief out. "
Great. Thank you both. May the next time we meet be under better circumstances. Now, come on, Garret. While we're both here, let's get this oath-swearing business done. Father said he'd already done his."


Leading Garret to the septon, they arrange to both swear before the Father, with him acting as the witness for Lord Tully.

"
I do solemnly swear that, should I become the head of House Coldbrook, for the duration of my Lordship, no man of House Coldbrook will take up arms against House Tully or its vassals without Lord Tully's express permission, save in self-defence.

"
I do further solemnly swear that when the current Lord Coldbrook's heir has an heir of fostering age, they will be sent to foster at Riverrun. Unless Lord Tully says he's no longer interested in doing so between now and then."


Assuming the oaths are accepted, Daveth leaves with Garret, and /scene.

[Septon Arlyn]

Hearing Murmurs of familiar voices talking roused Septon Arlyn. As he woke he quietly slipped out of the door to confirm what he had heard. Checking himself and ensuring that his dignity and modesty where intact he lazily rubbed sleep out of his eyes whilst opening the door to the Sept. Looking across the room he saw Daveth leaving with a participant of the melee that had gotten trounced by Ser Derrock. I Hope that was the coldbrook boy and Benedict and he made amends. There has already been enough blood shed this night, no need to add to it this morning. Looking at Benedict he saw the deep circles under his eyes, Bespeacking much of the lack of rest he received last night. I hope that he is ok, there was quite a bit of trouble last night. The Septon Gives a relieved inward sigh But at least he is alive. And hopefully any injuries he sustained will heal, be they to his body or his pride.
"
Good Moring Ser Benedict"
Proclaims the Septon, announcing his presence. "
I see you survived the night, that is a good thing. You had some of us worried last night."
The Septon nods slightly in acknowledgement of his own words. "
Aye, you even had myself concerned for ya, even if it is only because I would not want to be around that little spitfire of a sister of yours if you had gotten hurt."
He said, giving a wink. "
So tell me, how are you feeling now?"

[Benedict Marsten]

Tensing at the unannounced greeting he turns. He breaths a deep sigh when he recognizes the septon. "
Septon, good morning."


"
I am ... well in body. My spirit leaves much to be desired. I hope the evening was not to harsh for you."
Ben feels as he looks, drained.

[Septon Arlyn]

The Septon nods knowingly. "
It was a difficult time last night. It seems like with the bad dreams everyone had really set people on edge."
The Septon pursed his lips and glances around the room, noting that Lady Corrine had left. "
Your bethrothed was concerned about you last night, leaving so suddenly like you did. Your sister too appeared concerned, although she was more concerned about me sticky by big nose into business that was not mine."
He gives a slight chuckle. "
With those two by your side, I imagine that House Marsten will be quite a force to be recokened with."
His voice drops a little lower. "
So what happened last night, I saw Daveth and whom I assume was his brother leave just now. Is that the man whom Loriena almost assaulted you in here about?"
He asks with concern.

[Benedict Marsten]

With a solemn look Ben addresses the friendly septon. "
Firstly let me thank you for the care and attention you have provide Lady Corrine. For the patience extended to dealing with my sister. For these things in am indebted to you."
Ben pauses to affix the Arlyn with serious expression. "
I mean that Septon. I owe you a great deal for keeping my family safe and well."


With a heavy exhalation he continues with the tale of his misadventure. "
On my way to find my Lady and see to her safety I passed by the Coldbrook camp. It was there I spotted Garret, Daveth's natural-born brother. Earlier in the day he had been inappropriate with Lady Corrine."


Ben lowers his head and his words halt. His regret and pride battling still inside him for the right and wrong of the situation. At the moment his weariness seems much more evident.

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