The Seeds of Growth

[Benedict Marsten]

A curtain wall had been started on the northern wall of castle Hartshorn to house the new Godswood. Inside the castle would have taken from the occupancy room in time of war and some more devout followers of the Seven may have found it blasphemous. The north gate exiting the castle was seldom used as the nearby terrain was hazardous. The builders had been busy with not only the wall but preparing the soil and planting the seedlings provided by House Coldbrook. Gardeners and various forestors had put in work to make it not only functional but exquisite.


Ben had been told to steer clear of the area and had done as asked. Today would be his first look at the freshly started project. He stood outside the northern gate freshly cleaned and dressed after a long day of drilling. Shifting his weight from foot to foot he stared at the heavy wooden gate. Devin and Marq stood watch and pretended not to notice the Lords anxiousness.

"
Waiting on Lady Corrine, my Lord?"
Devin, the blonde-haired, sun-bronzed guard asked.

"
Yes Devin. We spend half our time chasing a woman and the other half waiting on them."
Ben said playfully.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Shortly, Lady Corrine breezes toward them, a distinct spring in her step as she approaches, giving her husband a radiant smile. When she reaches him, she kisses him on the cheek lightly.

"
Sorry for keeping you waiting. I got caught up speaking with Septa Heloise."


She glances at the two guardsmen and smiles politely;


"
Devin. Marq. Good afternoon,"
she greets them cordially.

"
M'lady,"
they reply in unison, with respectful nods.

"
Ready to have a look at our newest project?"
she asks Ben, taking his hand.

[Benedict Marsten]

With a gratified smile he returns her kiss on the cheek and takes her arm in his. Giving the guards a knowing grin, he turns back to Corrine.

"
Of course. I am curious to see how things are progressing."


The two guards set to opening the unbarred door for their Lord and Lady.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

A little path has been laid, leading from the doors, up to a pedastal, bearing a plinth with the sigil of House Coldbrook, and a few words, eloquently stating that the Godswood was a wedding gift to Lady Corrine and Lord Benedict Marsten by Lord Daveth Coldbrook, in the year 124AL.

Beyond the dedication, the landscape has been mostly laid out, only the wall to be finished, a few rocks cleared, and the rest of the paving stones laid. Though in it's infancy, the Godswood the space will become is apparent and evocative. Wildflowers have begun to grow in the patches of untended grass, imbuing the air with a sweet scent.

Corrine leads Ben to the centrepiece - a wide open space, ringed by the little path, in the middle of which is planted a small weirwood sapling. It stands barely three feet tall, it's slender trunk pale and vulnerable-looking.

"
I know it looks a bit titchy just now, but it has all this growing room,"
Corrine explains, gesturing with her free arm.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben's face is inquisitive as he eyes the path and the Coldbrook monument. Staring off at the wildflowers and start of the wall an unpretentious expression claims him. When they reach the heart tree his eyes drop along with his heart.

He had seen Godswood and wierwoods before, but this one was special. He would get to watch it grow and its stories would be his stories. His children and their children would sit beneath the shade of its red leaves.

Turning to Corrine he smiles lovingly. "
We all start out small a weak. Thank you for this."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She smiles lovingly up at him, holding his arm cosily.

"
Indeed. With care and time, it will become mighty. It will grow along with our family."


She releases his arm and steps round to face him.

"
Speaking of which, I thought you would like to know that it has been confirmed;
I'm carrying a child."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben nods his agreement to the growth of the tree. His jaw drops and eyes narrow in disbelief at her following sentence though. Shaking his head he pivots and pulls her into his arms.

"
A child? Our child."
His grin stretches his face to it's limits. Joy bubbles in his wide eyes.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Yes,"
she replies joyously, wrapping her arms around him as he embraces her. "
Alys Rivers spoke truly. The Gods must have seen fit to bless us while we were at Riverrun, judging by what I'm told about how far along I seem to be. In about half a year, we'll have a son or daughter."


She kisses him tenderly, holding him close, her heart brimming over with love.

"
Even more good news for your parents, when they arrive. Ellie too, when she gets back."

[Benedict Marsten]

With a flurry he pulls her in tight and lifts her off her feet to spin around, her dress cascading out behind them. Even when he dizzies and stops he does not set her to her feet, but sways drunkenly in place.

"
A child!"
He kisses her. "
We must tell everyone!"
Another kiss. "
Oh, Ellie is going to be soaring!"
A long deep kiss. "
Names, rooms, arrangements..."
A look of concern creeps onto his cheerful face. "
... what of healers? Will Septa Heloise be enough? We've no maester. Should I send for assistance?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She giggles as he spins her, giddy as a little girl, though she clings tightly to him when he stops, feeling a little unsteady.

"
Alas, we cannot afford a maester of our own at the moment. After Leopold was dismissed, Mother invested the money he was being paid elsewhere, and I am loathe to relinquish any of our holdings."


She sighs, a little regretfully;


"
I confess though, I am not sure the good Septa will be enough, at least for me to feel confident in being safe. She's a capable woman, but I don't think she is experienced in delivering babies. I thought of asking to borrow Leopold, but Mother would have a fit. I wonder if Maester Haelis is reachable. If he hasn't been scooped up by someone else yet, perhaps we could make an arrangement. What do you think?"


She had not noticed herself getting a little babbly, and she sounded slightly anxious.

"
I just want it to go well. I want myself and the baby to be safe."

[Benedict Marsten]

"
If we can not bring competent healers to us we will go to them."
His voice is strong and sure. His determined face a calm reassurance.

"
I will do everything I can to assure the safety of you both."
His face softens again and he gently sets her feet to the ground. His strong hands sweeping around her hips to her stomach. His eyes drop down her torso to her midsection.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Now that he was observing with more closeness, there did seem to be a very slight swell to her belly. Seeing her every day had possibly made it harder to notice, but there it definitely was. The early blossom of new life.

She puts her hands over his gently and regards him with adoring eyes;


"
I know you'll keep us safe. I must confess though, I'm rather nervous."

[Benedict Marsten]

He gently lets his hands caress every inch of her "
bump"
. Gazing into her eyes with a fiery determination he simply nods.

"
All will be well. You will get to be the great mother I know you will be."


His head turns momentarily back to the gate. Then back to her with a sly grin. "
Who can we tell first?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She grins back playfully;


"
Who do you want to tell first? My mother and Dyana should be among the first few to know, but, other than that, we can tell everyone if you want. I had planned on writing to Gwyn later. I thought we could save a surprise for Ellie though. I want to see her little face when she first hears, rather than sending a letter. She'll be back in six weeks anyway."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben's face fills with unbridled joy. He opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out. Shaking his head and grinning he tries again. "
Isobel. Lets tell your mother. An heir will surely make her happy."


His eyes close tightly. Then spring open abruptly, filled with wonder. He quickly drops to his knees, coming to eye level with Corrine's abdomen. With his lips inches from her navel he speaks softly. "
You are a Godsend. You will be loved deeply. I can not wait to meet you."


Smiling up from his knees, he gives his wife a wink.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine giggles shyly, stroking Ben's hair affetionately, meeting his loving gaze.

"
I'm eager to meet them too. I hope your parents will be pleased by the baby too. And the new Godswood."


She takes a sudden deep breath and sighs happily;


"
It's exciting. A bit scary, not least of all because it's new, and we have a war to win first, but very exciting."


She takes his hands and pulls him to his feet again, embracing him tightly.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

[ooc: six weeks later]

Corrine &
Ben excitedly await Ellie's return home from her stay with House Kriegar.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ellie and Gillian ride at the head of Lord Krieger's, personal guard, the Red Swords. The chat idly with the commander and his captain as they make their approach to Hartshorn. As they approach the bustling castle they arrival is loudly announced.

Pudy comes bustling into the council room where Corrine and Ben sit with Gareth going over ledgers. "
She's here! She's here!"
Composing himself and easing his labored breathing from the short run up the stairs he clears his throat.

"
My Lord. My Lady."
he bows to each in turn. "
Lady Ellien and Lady Gillian have arrived. Along with Lord Krieger's personal guard.

Gareth smiles amusingly at the smitten boy.

Ben jumps from his chair and heads for the door before slowing and returning to over protectively help Corrine to her feet. His eyes glimmering with anticipation.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I'm pregnant, dear, not crippled,"
Corrine laughs, but dutifully takes his hand and walks with him to greet the arriving party.

When she lays eyes on Ellie, her smile become a joyful grin, and she waves excitedly.

"
Welcome back, Ellie!"
she exclaims as the riders all stop. "
And greetings to you, Lady Gillian, Sers."

[Benedict Marsten]

When Ellie spies her family her eyes widen and she abruptly ends her conversation mid-sentence. Leaping from her horse unceremoniously she sprints to them.

She quickly collides with Ben. The momentum spinning the two of them around. Pulling away she dives at Corrine wrapping her arms around her waist and burying her head against her chest.

Ellie instantly notices both swells, the belly and breasts. She pulls back and looks up suspiciously at Corrine. She says nothing though, not sure whether it was married life's few extra pounds or fingers-crossed a niece or nephew.

"
Greetings my Lord and Lady Marsten."
Gillian smiles warmly at Ellie's actions having grown use to the girls antics and enthusiasm.

The two soldiers return the greeting and dismount and help Lady Gillian down from her horse. Then disperse to give orders to their men.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine ushers Ellie &
Gillian into the council chamber, and has servants bring them food and drink while others take their things to their rooms.

"
We've missed you so much, Ellie. Your parents are out riding just now, but I'm sure they'll be back in a little while. They'll be so glad to see you too. i hope you had a pleasant trip."

[Benedict Marsten]

Ellie tears of a hunk bread a at brings it to her mouth, but halts just short. "
It was great. Sword Hall is very nice. It doesn't take a day to go from one end to the other like Mountains Reach and I bet this place does."
Her eyes scan the high vaulted ceilings.

Gillian politely waits for Lady Corrine to be seated before eating. "
It was very nice having her there. She is an ideal companion."
She smiles mischievously at Ellie.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Good. I am very glad you both had a pleasant time. I must admit, I've never tried to ride across all of our lands before, so I am not sure precisely how long that would take. Our lands are considerable though. We should go exploring sometime. There are some beautiful views I could show you both, if you are interested in riding."


She glances at Ben, her eyes excited, eager to tell Ellie their news, but unsure if now was the time.

[Benedict Marsten]

Ben nods his concurrence and affirmation for Corrine to spill the beans.

"
Ohh! The Maidens Veil. Father tells me it is one of the Seven's most beautiful gifts. I have never seen a waterfall."
Gillian's composure drops slightly in her excitement.

Ellie smiles wickedly. "
We good go at night and go for a ... swim."


Gillian blushes in response.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine raises an amused eyebrow at Ellie, then smiled at Gillian;


"
Your father speaks truly, dear. It is astoundingly beautiful. We definitely will go to see it. Take a picnic too, make a day of it. Next clear day, we will do that. I'm eager to show you the land."


She took a deep breath, unable to conceal her beaming smile;


"
I'm also eager to tell you some good news. You are going to be an aunt."

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