[Day 1: Mid Evening] Who is that!?

[Jon Cobb]

As the welcoming ceremony comes to a close, the delegations from the various houses begin to break up and mingle, and that's when Jon spots her - a tall, handsome woman, probably about his own age, with dark blond hair, blue eyes and the figure of a woman years younger. Highborn, obviously, what with the gaggle of hangers-on surrounding her. His eyes quickly scan the livery of her servants - a silver lightning bolt on black and green. Ah, House Marsten - then that must be Lady Isobel herself! Gods above, what a woman! A man could die happy in her embrace. And the Marsten lands are rich too, or so I seem to recall...

Jon starts to move toward the Marstens, but quickly stops again. Slow down, you fool - this one will not be easily impressed. Scout the terrain first, and then plan your attack! Oh hells, they're leaving already. But wait... Jon's eyes alight on the young woman who spoke up earlier, thanking Lady Alysane on behalf of House Marsten. She appears to be lingering even as the rest of the Marstens begin making their way from the hall. Another Marsten beauty! Let's hope she's as gossipy as she is lovely...

"
My lady, I hope you will forgive me for intruding on your thoughts, but I felt I must compliment you on your speech earlier. You spoke very well, even if Lady Alysane seems to have missed it. May I have the pleasure of your name?"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

After her little chat with Theomore, Gwyneth was a little distracted, but she had had long years practicing her appearances. The smile she betowed upon the grizzled warrior was as sunny as any she'd doled out over the day. And in truth, it was good that he was a stranger. She'd had just about enough of old faces and old problems.

"
Gwyneth Marsten,"
she replied with an elegant little curtsy. "
And what shall I call you?"

[Jon Cobb]

Jon returns the curtsy with an obviously overdone bow and his best roguish smile. "
Fair lady, you may call me whatever you wish, but I hearken most easily to my given name - Jon Cobb. Well, Ser Jon Cobb actually, but I suspect that there are enough Sers in your life that such a title is not apt to impress you very much."

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
Titles aren't impressive, by and large,"
agrees Gwyn amiably. "
As often as not, they're the result of the vagaries of heredity as any merit in the holder. By that measure, 'ser' is better than 'king,' because it must be earned. Don't you think?"


Her smile curved into a grin. "
But then, how much better again must be 'wrecker' than 'ser?' Surely no one carries that title without having done some rather memorable wrecking."

[Jon Cobb]

"
Well, memorable enough that there's a song or two written about the occasion."
Jon replies with a hearty laugh. "
My favorite is Wrecker at the Bridge - perhaps you've heard it? If not, there are singers aplenty here at Riverrun who'll belt it out for stag or two. Or, if you're a fearless lass, I could sing it for you myself!"


"
But enough of me for a moment. I hope you'll forgive me for being forward, but I must say I'm very surprised to find such a lovely young lady as yourself all alone on an occasion like this. I was almost certain that I would be challenged by some love-struck stripling for having the temerity to even approach you! I wonder, is there an interesting tale you'd care to share?"
Jon asks with a sly smile.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

She laughed at that, not unkindly but with genuine amusement, "
It seems a little backwards, you asking ME for an interesting story. I doubt there's any tale about me that would interest a famous knight. I do as my Lady Marsten bids, as I shall until the day I'm wed...at which point I will do as my lord husband bids. It's all very humdrum compared to jousts and battles and so on."


Her sea-blue eyes twinkled as she added, "
Unless, of course, it's not me you're asking for stories about."


The Wrecker Jon Cobb...nosing around for scraps of gossip. How delicious. What shall I feed you, hound? And can I keep you if I feed you well enough?

[Jon Cobb]

"
What a dutiful maiden you are, my lady,"
Jon replies with a friendly chuckle, "
but you do yourself a disservice. A beautiful young lady of high birth and marriageable age, yet still unwed - unbetrothed even? That has the makings of a wonderfully tragic - or titillating - tale that I would be delighted to hear!"
She's a fox, this one, he thinks to himself. Might be worth getting to know her better just for her own sake...

"
Of course, if you have even more interesting tales to tell, then I'm all ears! Perhaps we could make a game of it - a story for a story? I'll even throw in this fine Bartheld wine to help get our tongues wagging!"
Jon flashes an impish smile as he produces a wineskin and two goblets from beneath his cloak.

OOC: Would you be up for an intrigue? Jon's objective would be friendship and an exchange of information.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

(An Intrigue would be interesting...I have a nutty idea for this though, and I'm not sure the normal intrigue rules work for it. Let us see what you think, IC and OOC)

Bartheld wine...not necessarily telling. Half the wine in the Seven Kingdoms comes from their lands. But still...it could suggest something about where his loyalties lie.

She holds up her own goblet to let him pour, giving herself time to think. By the time he's filled it halfway she has an idea.

"
Story for story is safe enough,"
Gwyneth says, "
But safe is a little boring for my taste. Surely, as a man of valor you'd agree?"
She takes a sip of the wine and taps her finger against the tip of her nose. "
Lets make it a bit more of a game. A friendly one, of course."


"
We will each tell two stories. One about ourselves, and one about someone else...anyone, really. One will be true, and the other false. When all the stories have been told, we will guess which was which. Should one, or both, of us guess correctly, that one may then ask a question of the other. A question that shall be answered truly, so long as it poses no threat to loved ones and so on, of course. If the guess is wrong, well then you still have the stories to enjoy, and one you know is true. So it won't be a complete waste, regardless."


Gwyn smiled, her eyes challenging over the rim of her wineglass as she raised it as if in toast. "
What say you, brave ser?"

[Jon Cobb]

A man of valor? Oh little girl, if you only knew... Jon thinks, feeling his insides twist into a knot.

"
Brave ser, is it now?"
he replies with apparent amusement. "
My lady, have you not heard the saying - there are old soldiers and bold soldiers, but precious few old, bold soldiers? Well, I am certainly feeling my age these days, and I did not get to be an old soldier without recognizing an ambush when I see one! Here I thought to have a pleasant chat, and instead I find myself snared in a war of words and wit, for which I am woefully unprepared. You say that one story will be true, and the other false, but what surety do I have that you'll answer truthfully when I make my guess? After all, you'll be a self-confessed liar then!"
Jon retorts with mock seriousness.

"
No, if I am to play this game on your terms, it will require a greater prize than the certainty that I will have heard some amusing stories. So here is my counteroffer:"
Jon leans forward and lowers his voice conspiratorially, "
No matter who wins, you must come to a party with me! I guarantee you'll not regret it!"
he finishes, flashing a wolfish grin at his young opponent.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyneth laughs at that. "
What would be the point of the game if we lied about the results?"
she asked. "
At some point we have to accept some basic rules of civility, or else all we can do is stare mistrustfully at each other from across the room."


"
But if you need such assurances to even come to the table...so be it. But I will choose which party."

[Jon Cobb]

Gwyneth laughs at that. "
What would be the point of the game if we lied about the results?"
she asked. "
At some point we have to accept some basic rules of civility, or else all we can do is stare mistrustfully at each other from across the room."


"
But if you need such assurances to even come to the table...so be it. But I will choose which party."

"
Indeed, my lady - mistrust has prevented many a promising alliance. But it is you who suggested that we bring falsehoods into this game, not I. So, as a show of good faith, I must insist that the party be of my choosing. I can tell you this much, if it helps - you will certainly find it rife with opportunity for sport such as this...and more, if such is to your liking."
Jon drains his goblet and quickly fills it again, topping up Gwyneth's goblet at the same time.

OOC: Much as I'm enjoying the banter, is there some reason Gwyneth is making things this difficult? It's not like Jon's been either unpleasant or threatening, as far as I can tell.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

(OOC - Hee hee...from her perspective, he's being difficult. She just wants to make this more interesting, and he's trying to get her to make concessions without anything to gain? )

Gwyn got a little more serious at that. "
I was hoping this would just be an entertaining moment,"
she admitted. "
But you have to understand that I can't really put my social schedule at your disposal. It's not that I think you'd try to use it against me necessarily, but that any given event I may be called on to accompany someone, or no one. It's as a show of good faith that I say this. It would be easy to make promises now, knowing I might not be able to keep them later."


She took a sip of her wine and shook her head. "
Forgive me then. My father always told me I was too fond of making simple things complicated. Maybe it's best we just follow your original idea. A story for a story."

[Jon Cobb]

(OOC: From Jon's perspective, Gwyn comes across as a control freak, unwilling to commit to anything without having complete control of the playing field. He (i.e. me) is confused as to why that's the case. All he asked for was a friendly conversation and a fair exchange of information, but Gwyn insisted on turning it into a complicated game with no guarantee of him gaining anything more useful for playing. When he offered to play in exchange for something he wanted, and which he assumed she would enjoy (i.e. going to a party), she tried to control that as well. So yeah - color Jon (and myself) confused.)

"
My lady, I too hoped for an entertaining moment, but it seems my taste in pleasures are simpler than yours - games can be amusing enough, but at my age one comes to appreciate a pleasant chat more and more. I certainly have no wish to control your social schedule, or anything else about you, and I fear you see threats where there are none."
Jon gives Lady Gwyneth a tired smile before gulping down some more wine. Then he seems to perk up again and continues, "
So, a story for a story it is then! What story would you have of me?"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

For a moment Gwyn wanted to explain herself...but realized that it would just make an awkward situation even more awkward. Best to simply move forward and put that messy business behind them. There were other ways to make this exchange interesting.

She studied Jon 'the Wrecker' Cobb for a moment. What story to tell? He hadn't even known who she was, so he wasn't after her. He was quite old for Corrine, but she couldn't rule it out entirely. Such things did sometimes happen. Perhaps his reaction to her tale would help her figure out his aim?

"
Let me think on that for a moment. But to keep you entertained while I do, I will go first. My story will be one of love lost...and then lost again,"
Gwyn said. "
It's a sad tale, perhaps a cautionary one. It takes place in a castle floating upon the very clouds, where the people within either gaze down on the people, who like ants scurry on the earth below, or steadfastly stare into the sky wishing to be ever higher. Here in this castle we have the highborn Lady, all in black since her lord husband fell years ago. Since then she has lived only for her House, and children, and drinks only water...and eats only bread and stale cheese."


She took a breath and went on. "
One day a lordling came to call at the castle, carried there by the boat with great swans attached that lift it up and down. His business would keep him there for some time, and he had to work closely with the Lady...a task few others could stomach for long. And yet, as the days grew into weeks, and blossomed into months, a change came over her. She ate more healthily, and was even seen out in the gardens with this charming rogue of a man at her side. She even smiled for the first time in years. Gossip flitted around the castle on tiny wings like fireflies...would she wear colors again? Was the winter over?"


Gwyn gave a melodramatic sigh. "
Alas. On one of their walks in the garden, he confessed to her that anyone might have come to do this business. He had come not just for that, but also because he sought her hand. And a cloud passed over the sun. Her face turned cold and brittle, and her eyes dark. The flowers around them turned brown, and brittle, and crumbled to dust. She stood and said, 'Then our business is concluded. See yourself out.' And left him there, caught between apology and explanation. And in the end, he left. Just. Like. All. The. Others."


She let a moment of silence sneak in, then said, "
It might seem a bit more fanciful a tale than you hoped for...but remember that every story is grown around a seed of truth. I hope this tale was of some interest at least. I do not pretend to be practiced at the art of such things."


(Warning: Wall of Text follows)
(OOC - Jon's confusion is perfectly IC, I think. But I'd like to try to resolve the OOC confusion. It'd be good if we were on the same page with one another OOC. So the misunderstanding between them, as I see it, is one of a sort of mismatched system of evaluation. Gwyn felt the whole taleswapping thing was just a lighthearted fun thing, and she was honestly just trying to spice it up a little. She actually had no idea what she'd even ask Jon if she won. But Jon, justifiably, felt like he was being manuevered into a no-win situation. He was very serious about trying to get useful information from Gwyn, and felt like she was trying to snatch that away from him. This is my interpretation, of course...you're the ultimate arbiter of what he thought and felt.

So Jon then seems to think, well, I may not get anything this time then, but I can at least make sure I get another chance. So, sure we'll play your game, but you have to come to a party with me. To Jon, a party is just entertainment. You go with a girl on your arm...a few drinks, some dancing, yadda yadda yadda...it's fun. It's no big deal. To Gwyn however, a party is a Tourney field. Which party she goes to, and who she goes with, is kind of a big deal. Each one is a chance for social contests and victories and defeats, and it's one place she can really go to work and get things done. She never knows if Isobel will say to her, 'Go to the party with Lord Muckymuck and try to find out what he's up to,' or if Dunstan will say, 'Hey, sorry I've been such an oblivious little boy towards you...tell you what, lets go to this party and see what happens.'

Now of course, if something like that happens, she can just tell Jon, 'sorry lol this is more important,' but she'd much rather avoid the need to do that. I think of it a little like, imagine Jon had proposed the game, and Gwyn playfully said she'd do it, but only if she could borrow his sword at some point during the Tourney. Now, she would certainly not be intending to yank it out of his hands just before the Grand Melee...but would Jon take that risk?

So in conclusion, it seems to me it's just a thing where Jon was taking something seriously that she wasn't (the exchange of information) and she was taking something seriously that he wasn't (going to a party). And hence, the whole deal here. But that sort of situation is very human, and kind of adorable in my view. I just wanted to try to clear up with you, OOC, what was going on so there wasn't a situation where you felt I was just being unreasonable, or that that Gwyn was just some kind of crazy witch-lady.

Not that that is entirely out of the question, of course. )

[Jon Cobb]

OOC: I'll respond to the Wall of Text in a separate post, to avoid a second mammoth post in the thread.

"
A tragic tale indeed, my lady, and you told it right well. But you are correct - it is a bit more fanciful than my simple self is used to,"
Jon responds in a self-deprecating tone.

Thinking for a moment, he then continues: "
She seems a hard one, this highborn lady in your story, and perhaps unnecessarily bitter over her losses, for nothing is certain in this life but that all things come to an end, and that we mere mortals have little say in when that comes to pass. So, I have always believed that one should live for the moment, seizing each new day by the throat and wringing every drop of joy out of it. That way, when sorrows come, you will have the memory of all the good days to balance them out, and the certain knowledge that happier times can come again. How do you think that the lady in your story would react to such a line of thought?"

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

"
I would say,"
said Gwyneth carefully, "
That she might respond well to someone who acted in that way. I think in her heart, she wants to be happy again. But that man would have to tread carefully. She is still married, you see...even if to a dead man. She won't let her own wishes come between her and her duty...to his House, to his legacy, and to his memory. If she ever felt she had to choose between a suitor and those things, well then it's no choice at all. Perhaps when those things are secured in her eyes, a man who has walked that careful path and earned her love might find her ready to share all the warmth she's locked away inside her."


She shrugged. "
I'm not sure it's possible. But then again, perhaps all it will take is a man of sufficiently legendary character."

[Jon Cobb]

Re: Wall of Text

(OOC - Jon's confusion is perfectly IC, I think. But I'd like to try to resolve the OOC confusion. It'd be good if we were on the same page with one another OOC. So the misunderstanding between them, as I see it, is one of a sort of mismatched system of evaluation. Gwyn felt the whole taleswapping thing was just a lighthearted fun thing, and she was honestly just trying to spice it up a little. She actually had no idea what she'd even ask Jon if she won. But Jon, justifiably, felt like he was being manuevered into a no-win situation. He was very serious about trying to get useful information from Gwyn, and felt like she was trying to snatch that away from him. This is my interpretation, of course...you're the ultimate arbiter of what he thought and felt.

That's about right, I think. But here's the thing - since you knew OOC what I wanted, I would have preferred it if you had taken that into consideration when posting. In other words, if you felt it would be OOC for Gwyn to ever give any concrete answers to questions from Jon, I would have appreciated a heads up to that effect. That way I could have made my own decision as a player on whether or not to keep this thread alive, rather than trying to guess what was going on. You see, the sad fact of the matter is that I have limited time and energy to devote to this game, and getting stuck for days at a time in threads which won't advance any IC objectives is only going to work for me when that also happens to be what I want.

So Jon then seems to think, well, I may not get anything this time then, but I can at least make sure I get another chance. So, sure we'll play your game, but you have to come to a party with me. To Jon, a party is just entertainment. You go with a girl on your arm...a few drinks, some dancing, yadda yadda yadda...it's fun. It's no big deal. To Gwyn however, a party is a Tourney field. Which party she goes to, and who she goes with, is kind of a big deal. Each one is a chance for social contests and victories and defeats, and it's one place she can really go to work and get things done. She never knows if Isobel will say to her, 'Go to the party with Lord Muckymuck and try to find out what he's up to,' or if Dunstan will say, 'Hey, sorry I've been such an oblivious little boy towards you...tell you what, lets go to this party and see what happens.'

One of the Bartheld objectives is to throw a big party and to get as many PCs to come to it as possible. I figured that if nothing else, Jon could perhaps get a commitment from one PC to come to a party. There was nothing more sinister to it than that. And he absolutely understands what a party is to Gwyneth, hence why I wrote:
I can tell you this much, if it helps - you will certainly find it rife with opportunity for sport such as this...and more, if such is to your liking.

Now of course, if something like that happens, she can just tell Jon, 'sorry lol this is more important,' but she'd much rather avoid the need to do that. I think of it a little like, imagine Jon had proposed the game, and Gwyn playfully said she'd do it, but only if she could borrow his sword at some point during the Tourney. Now, she would certainly not be intending to yank it out of his hands just before the Grand Melee...but would Jon take that risk?

Jon doesn't use a sword, so he would have no problem with that. :;
):
IC, he probably would, if he got the sense that Gwyneth was trustworthy. However, if a PC appears to be throwing up walls around themselves all the time, making them difficult to get to know, then I as a player won't waste my IC and RL time on them. From other threads Gwyn has participated in, I really didn't expect to meet quite so much stonewalling, so your choices here came as a surprise.

So in conclusion, it seems to me it's just a thing where Jon was taking something seriously that she wasn't (the exchange of information) and she was taking something seriously that he wasn't (going to a party). And hence, the whole deal here. But that sort of situation is very human, and kind of adorable in my view. I just wanted to try to clear up with you, OOC, what was going on so there wasn't a situation where you felt I was just being unreasonable, or that that Gwyn was just some kind of crazy witch-lady.

I appreciate the effort, but I would have appreciated earlier OOC communication on Gwyneth's goals even more. :;
):

[Jon Cobb]

"
I would say,"
said Gwyneth carefully, "
That she might respond well to someone who acted in that way. I think in her heart, she wants to be happy again. But that man would have to tread carefully. She is still married, you see...even if to a dead man. She won't let her own wishes come between her and her duty...to his House, to his legacy, and to his memory. If she ever felt she had to choose between a suitor and those things, well then it's no choice at all. Perhaps when those things are secured in her eyes, a man who has walked that careful path and earned her love might find her ready to share all the warmth she's locked away inside her."


She shrugged. "
I'm not sure it's possible. But then again, perhaps all it will take is a man of sufficiently legendary character."

"
Duty is often a cruel mistress, that much is certain Lady Gwyneth, but is there no one in this lady's household to share the burden of securing the dead man's legacy? A relative perhaps, or a trusted friend?"
Jon suddenly stops and gives Gwyneth an ironic smile. "
Now I'm ruining the story aren't I? Of course there would be no relief to be found in such a tragic tale. Well, I always was one for merrier stories..."


"
And now it's getting late. Have you thought of a story you would like to hear? If not, then perhaps we could finish this game another day - feel free to call on me whenever you wish. And you really should reconsider going to a party with me. If all goes according to plan, the cream of the Riverlands nobility will be there;
some just to dance and enjoy the entertainments, and some to...trade stories."
Jon says with a sly smile.

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

Gwyneth chuckles at that.

"
I never said I wouldn't go to one with you. In fact, you can tell me your story at that time...so you know I have some incentive."


She lifted her wineglass in toast to him. "
But for now, I think your very fine Bartheld wine has me ready to find someplace to sit down before I embarass myself in front of everyone. It has been an honor, and a pleasure Ser Cobb. I wish you well in your pursuits here."

[Jon Cobb]

"
Likewise, Lady Gwyneth,"
Jon replies with a bow.

/end thread

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