[Driftmark] Reunited (Closed)

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

[ooc: This takes place after the Velaryon arrests, and before Market Town, as Lord Benedict Marsten comes to Driftmark to retrieve his wife and newborn sons, following a request by raven from Maester Ronnel.]

The high position of the castle at Driftmark meant Corrine could see the ship hove into dock that, if Ronnel's estimate was correct, would be bringing her beloved husband to her. Still weak from being bedridden for several weeks, she sat by the window in the hastily arranged nursery, watching over the children, though they mostly slept. Having almost lost the youngest, she felt wary of leaving either of them alone.

When word came that Lord Benedict was on his way, Corrine went to her rooms, checking her appearance, and then made her way to the courtyard to greet him. She was still a bit pale and drawn from her convalescence, but she had tried to look as good as she could for him, in a simple, modest gown of light blue linen, edged and sashed with sage green. She had hung her arrowhead around her neck on a delicate silver chain, and she carried a small box, carved from driftwood, excited to present it.

[Benedict Marsten]

Lord Marsten's entourage made their way from docks, most falling well behind as the young Lord barely contains his steps from being a full sprint. Willum, at his side as they enter the courtyard, points out Lady Marsten. Ben's slightly worn visage turns quickly following Wil's gesture. His panicked eyes quickly melt to bubbling adoration and concern. Throwing etiquette to the wind he dashes across the yard, narrowly avoiding the numerous busy occupants.

Worn riding boots bite hard into the ground as he brings himself up short of lifting his Lady into the air. Instead he lightly embraces her. His hands sliding up to her slender neck. Thumbs along her jawline tilt her drawn face upwards into a frightened and passionate kiss.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

The sight of her husband makes Corrine's eyes light up joyfully, and she starts walking towards him, a bright smile upon her face. He almost takes her breath away with his ardour, and she responds in kind, though with more ladylike delicacy. She throws her arms around his waist, the box still in one hand. She stops the kiss just on the right side of decency, a whistle from one of the squires making her conscious of being observed, and she giggles shyly.

"
I missed you too. Here, this is for you."


She presses the little box into his hands, which, upon opening, is lined modestly in satin of the deep lapis blue associated with House Marsten. Ensconced within is a simple, yet elegant silver ring, featuring three small pearls set around a slightly larger lozenge of mother-of-pearl.

"
It represents the children &
I. So we'll always be with you."

[Benedict Marsten]

Stepping back he examines the exquisite gift. The familiar crooked grin grows along with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "
If we are to continue this tradition I may look like a fat merchant from the free cities, adorned with so much jewelry."


Leaning forward he plants a soft kiss on her forehead. "
Seriuosly my lady, I love it. I wish I had it with me on my visit to King's Landing."


He now takes time to examine his love more carefully. Brushing his fingers over her soft hair he cannot help but notice her weariness. Offering his arm he sets them a course for the keep. "
Why are you out here in the damp? And up and about for that matter? And where are our ... boys?"

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Consider it a work in progress,"
she laughs, in response to his comment on accumulating jewellery.

She slips her arm through his and leads him inside, towards the nursery.

"
I am a bad patient, apparently. I got fed up lying in bed. A little stroll felt manageable. And I was excited that you were coming here, of course. I was willing to stand out in the damp for that. For a little while, at any rate. I'm a lot better than I was. The first couple of weeks were difficult. It is just as well you were not here. You would have worried yourself into a stick. But, Maester Ronnel says I'll make a full recovery."


She leads him excitedly, despite her general aura of fatigue, into the room where the two infant boys are sleeping soundly. She presses her index finger to her lips in a quieting gesture to Ben as they approach the cradle. She leans on the edge lightly and looks in, indicating each of them in turn. They both look the same, in the way that most very small babies do, but Corrine seems to tell them apart easily.

"
Meet Jacyn and Jaime, your sons,"
she whispers to Ben, proudly.

[Benedict Marsten]

As Corrine leans into the cradle Ben slides in behind his Lady wife, both for support and the close physical contact he has longed for. One hand glides to a hip, the other to cover hers atop the cradles edge. The long voyage worth of growth upon his chin rest on her shoulder and tickles her ear.

His eyes draw in the sleeping infants, a uncontrollable smile parting his breard. When Corrine whispers their names a soft breath of air escapes his parted lips. That beautiful voice singing the names of his boys breaks him momentarily. For a long moment he is quiet.

"
They do remind me of Garwin and Bryan when they were babes. Let us hope they are not as mischievous as my little brothers. Or their Aunt Ellie."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

She chuckles softly, gently nudging his head with hers in an affectionate nuzzling motion.

"
Given how strongly mischeviousness runs in your family, I would not be surprised if they carry on that tradition. And I'm sure Ellie will train them well."


She turns a little to look up at her husband and smiles softly.

"
I am so happy you are here. I have longed for us all to be together again. I cannot fault the hospitality here, but I am homesick."


Her expression turned a little serious.

"
Being on my own here was frightening. Even with Maester Ronnel, the birth was long and difficult. We almost lost Jaime. Thank the Gods we all got through it safely. But I want to go home as soon as possible. With what has been happening with House Velaryon, I feel rather vulnerable here, especially with these two. I'm sorry, that must sound terribly paranoid."

[Benedict Marsten]

A swift kiss to her turned up lips, before he sighs. "
Paranoid. No. More like an Oracle. Things appear to only be growing more tense. I will feel much relief when my family are all nestled back in our mountain perch."


Ben leans into the babies, brushing his rough fingers along the smooth cheek of Jamie. So small, so helpless. Fighting for his very life before he has taken his first breath. Turning to Jacyn he tickles the soft flesh under his chin.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
What happened in King's Landing? What has transpired since we parted? There has been precious little news here, alas."


She takes his free hand gently with both of hers.

[Benedict Marsten]

"
It seems in the wake of the Sea Snakes failing health, his nephew Vaemond and supporters chose unwisely to discredited the Princess' children's claim to Driftmark."
Ben looks suspiciouly about the room, with a mild paranoia. "
They of course mentioned the Strong rumor. This infuriated the King and all hell broke loose, as they fought their way to the docks. Kevan and Baelon cut them off, but battles broke out all over King's Landing in their flight."
Ben flexively rubs the leftside of his head and winces.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine notices the wince, looking at Ben with concern.

"
Gods, what a mess. Did they escape in the end? Have they forfeited Driftmark by fleeing?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
They have been brought to justice, the Father's or the King's. Their claim held little legitimacy with the King. As it stands Lucerys, Rhaenyra's second child, by Laenor Velaryon will inherit. Though I cannot be sure. All the whether-tos and wherefores make my head spin. It was all a bit much for my first visit to King's Landing."



After one more long glance at his boys he turns back to his wife. The unrestrained hand falling to the small of her back. His head leaning in for a kiss is quickly interrupted by a scuffle outside the room. Followed quickly by the door being thrown open.

"
I will see my brother, now."
Ellie bellows back through the door at the guard, obviously not one of her favorites. She straightens and smiles, all sign of menace gone. To Ben she seems to have grown a foot. With an exquisite blue gown and her hair done much like his lady wife's, she looks every part a young noble Lady. Far from the meddling brat he recalled. Time was moving too fast.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
It's not the place to go for a quiet life. But, hopefully, things will resolve more peaceably now that an heir is determined."


Corrine smiles as Ben leans in to kiss her, but is similarly startled by the shouting. Realising it is Ellie, she relaxes, and gives her goodsister a warm smile.

"
Here he is, my dear, as you command."


She gives Ben's hand a little squeeze, indicating that he should go to Ellie. She stays by the cradle, not wanting to intrude upon the siblings' reunion, but felt the bright glow of happiness that the family was all back together again.

[Benedict Marsten]

With in two reps from Corrine, Ellie wraps her lithe arms around Ben, her face buried in his chest. He squeezes back fiercely. Then softens to stroke her hair. "
I take it I was missed."
Stepping back to smile at her. "
Have you be taking care of my Lady and your new nephews."


She smiles up teary-eyed and nods securely. Then looks to Corrine for confirmation that she has been helpful.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Ellie has been great company and a loving aunt, as always,"
Corrine beams. "
She's been very helpful with Bethany and the boys while I was recovering."

[Benedict Marsten]

A heartfelt smile lights up Ellie's tear streaked face, pleased to have her brother back and to have been thought helpful by her good-sister. "
I try, but you leave some big breeches to fill brother. Business like Lord, Stern father, smothering husband. Thank goodness she had no need for the lascivious lover part. I do not think I would have done well with that role."
Her playfulness slips out despite the somber mood.

"
You little ... you had better watch the way you talk around Corrine and the children. The last thing we need are more potty-mouths and cracked-minds like you. I hope you don't speak like this around Lady Gillian."
Ben wags his chin with a look of defeat. Looking to his Lady wife for support, smiling despite his attempts to remain serious.

Gods I love this crazy family.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine blushes at Ellie's comments about lascivious lovers, and tries, unsuccessfully, to stifle a giggle.

"
Lord Kriegar has not voiced any concerns about Lady Gillian's language, thus far,"
she replies, diplomatically. "
And do not worry, my dear husband. Your role is in no danger of usurpation. We should probably stay another day anyway, so that we can be sure things will be alright before we go home."


He recognises the warmth in her eyes that speaks what she daren't in front of Ellie, that she simply longed to spend the night ensconced in his arms once more. How long had it been? Longer than either of them wanted.

[Benedict Marsten]

"
It has been sometime since I have spent the night this close to the sea."
He tries to hide his sidelong glance at Ellie. "
A goodnights sleep would be welcome, surely."
His voice projecting a false since of joy at the thought. Though he was not sure he would get that sleep listening to the waves crash and smelling the salt air. Even his beautiful wife's loving embrace could not shelter him from the darkness the sea harbored for him. His heart did long for those arms and his loins for her warmth.

Ellie squeezed Ben tightly her fingers tracing over the circular brand on his left rib, through his shirt. She knew every inch of her poor brother's scarred body. That brand had come a few short days before their release. "
Now that I know you are well. I will leave you two rabbits to yourselves. Ronnel and me will see to having are things arranged for departure tomorrow. Home again soon."
She smiled to her brother and turned to Corrine, hugging her closely. Her deft little hands slip a small vial into her good-sister's. "
Poppy if he needs it."
She whispers softly.

"
You in charge of departure? Remember there are twins. Both Boys. My horse. The guard. Our home is that way."
Ben points in the general direction of the Mountains of the Moon.

Ellie stands with her hands on her hips, her nose wrinkling up her freckles. "
Enough smart-ass. I know what I am doing."
A clicking heel and she spins away towards the door. A crooked grin peers back over her shoulder just as she exits the room, to let them know she was not truly angry.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine beamed at the two of them. Their playfulness warmed her heart in all things.

It took her a moment to understand Ellie's tone as she whispered to her, but she returned the hug and whispered a little thanks to her good-sister.

"
Ellie can handle it,"
Corrine answered Ben, giving him a jesting prod on the arm. "
Just you wait. She'll have all the arrangements made perfectly before dinner."


She sidled closer to him, so she was lightly leaning against his chest, her hands clasping around the back of his neck.

"
Then we could have an early night,"
she added, in a slightly husky tone.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

***Some time later***

Corrine snuggled into the crook of Ben's arm, pulling the covers over them, and entwining her feet with his. She breathed deeply, and let out a contented sigh.

"
Isn't this nice? We're all together again."


She traced imaginary shapes across his chest.

"
Are you going to be alright to sleep here? With the sound of the waves?"
she asked, realising her oversight. Ellie had told her before of how he had painful memories of the sea.

[Benedict Marsten]

He matched her sigh with a deep yawn. "
After that I believe I may be able sleep through anything. I feel sorry for any who were trying sleeping previously."
He does his best to give her a reassuring smile.

"
Perhaps if they bother me I will wake you and we can drown them out."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Anyone who hears will be too polite to say anything,"
Corrine smiled. "
It's a perfect plan, my darling."


His yawn proved contagious, as she yawned herself.

"
Do wake me if you have need. Hopefully, you will be right about exertion helping,"
she added, sleepily.

It did not take long for her to doze off.

[Benedict Marsten]

Through the cloudy fog of Corrine's sleep a low singing can be heard. The words unclear but the melody familiar. The bed next to her is drenched in perspiration and empty.

Across the room in the light of a low moon, the form of her husband stands watching over his sons. His voice low and soft singing a lullaby.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

As she slowly returned to consciousness, she sat up, blinking to help her eyes adjust to the dark. Concerned, she quietly slipped out of bed and padded over to Ben, gingerly sliding her hand into his, joining him in observing Jacyn &
Jaime asleep.

"
Nightmares?"
she asked, looking at her husband's face.

[Benedict Marsten]

He streched has hand out to her as she approaches. It trembles slightly and his body is still damp and clammy. A tired smile sits beneath swollen and red eyes.

"
Yes."
His answer is quick and sealed with a squeeze of her hand.

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