Re: Marsten Arrival at Caladan Hall (Closed)

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:15 am

"
But would that be enough to turn you away from supporting the Princess?"
Gwyn asks skeptically. "
From the surface at least, Kerry seems like a relatively minor matter. The worst that I can see it coming to, assuming Baelon and I completely botch it, is that Baelon's reputation for womanizing is reinforced and I'm embarrassed, and there's a relatively minor scandal and that's that. I suppose if Myles is angry he might challenge Baelon or try to annul his marriage or something equally ridiculous and the truce could fail."

She's quiet for a moment, then adds, "
And it would seem to be Baelon's fault."

"
Maybe minor was a poorly chosen word. But that does still represent the worst case situation. If Isobel has a hand in it, which is only one possibility, it's more likely that it's a blow against Baelon and I than an attempt to change your loyalty. Whatever she has brewing for that, we've yet to see, I imagine. So let turn the board around and look at the pieces from her vantage."

Gwyn got up and let a servant place another chair at the table. She thanked him as he bowed, a boy of not more than fifteen or sixteen summers, and sat down as he hurried off.

"
What would it take to make you renounce the Princess, Corrine? What compromise would you rather turn away from her than make? Be harsh when you think. Be without mercy."

"
Be stone."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:26 am

"
Stone..."
Corrine echoed, her gaze falling upon the grey stones of the battlements.

"
I... It's hard to say. I support her more because of what she represents. Strength in independence, rather than slavery to tradition. A fairer future for women everywhere. Not to mention that the King chose her, and his word is law."

She chewed her lower lip anxiously, her hands instinctively going to her bump, as though protecting the lives within.

"
I suppose I might be deterred if I believed it would ruin House Marsten, or endanger Ben or our children. Or if the King publicly changed his mind, though I would want to know why. Or perhaps if the Princess was to do something I found morally repugnant."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:35 am

Gwyn nodded. "
Well, they don't control the King, and while they could frame the Princess...or perhaps just try to color what information you get about her activities...that seems unreliable."

"
The best way would be to put you in a situation where you must choose between your political allegiance and the well-being of your House and family."

She looked away, tapping at her bottom lip. "
Blackmail maybe, though that would require either you or Bennedict to misbehave...or be caught in a convincing fraud of misbehaving."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:40 am

"
Ben's loyalty to me is unquestionable. He would never do anything to hurt me,"
Corrine replied. "
But framing might be possible. But how would that make me change my allegiance?"

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:46 am

"
He wouldn't have to DO anything,"
Gwyn reminds Corrine gently. "
It would just need to seem like he did. It wouldn't be easy, especially since Isobel wouldn't want to hurt the House more than necessary. But I absolutely believe she would be willing to risk a great deal of hurt to spare the House the indignity of choosing the wrong side in this."

"
As for framing...well, suppose you got a reliable report from someone you trusted that the Princess was afraid she'd gotten Greyscale, and was trying to cure the condition by bathing in the blood of virgins or some such thing? Of course, that's ludicrous...but my point is that everyone has a limit to what they can accept from someone they owe fealty to. A breaking point where the cost of keeping their oath becomes too great for their loyalty to that oath."

Gwyn waggled her eyebrows. "
Just ask Lord Kriegar about that, if you need more detail."

"
Buuuuut...even though you're underinformed, you're also not so naive as to believe claims like that easily. It would take time, I think...a constant trickle of ill rumors and reports about the Princess. And in the end, since you're more loyal to the black cause than the black ruler even then it might not work."

"
Hence me thinking that forcing your hand in a more vulgar fashion would be a better course of action for them."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:06 am

"
What happened with the Kriegars was a tragedy, and it was my mother who made the decision then,"
Corrine responded, regretfully. "
Though I do not know if I would have done much differently. I like to think I would have found a way to protect both Houses. After all, as you have reassured me before, I've achieved things no Marsten has in decades, if ever. Not since Petyr the Conciliator has there been peace with the clans, and the House has never been fully ruled by a woman. That's why I feel so strongly about the Black cause. I don't see how anyone could change that, besides actively threatening my loved ones."

She shook her head, scolding herself inwardly.

"
But that's the problem, isn't it. I cannot see what my enemies are planning. I don't even really know who they are. One of my best friends is a Green, and there are sevrral Blacks that would gladly see me fail. What does mixing black and green make? Brown? Darker green? Whatever it is, I feel like those lines are so blurry that it is hard to know who to trust or how to do the right thing."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:14 am

"
Mmm, well, maybe take a closer look at your Green friends?"
Gwyn suggested. "
It's easy for friends, or family, to decide they know what's best for you...to decide to push you to a course more to their liking because they feel it's for your own good. Or to 'regretfully' betray you because 'you left them no choice.'"

"
When I brought up the Kriegars, I was only making the point that loyalty to one's lord only goes so far. Nothing more."

"
In any event, yes...you don't know. Worse, it seems you're still unclear on the difference between a personal enemy and a political enemy. I suspect you have very few personal enemies...but you have many political ones, and I'm afraid you may be surrounding yourself with them because of your confusion about that very essential difference."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:25 am

"
You are probably right, as usual,"
Corrine agreed, with a weak but affectionate smile. "
In sheltering me from the harshness of the world, my mother rather neglected to teach me how to survive in it. I think I only have one Green I'd call a friend, Nathaniel Mason, though by assiciation I suppose I think well of Ser Jon Roxton. Septon Arlyn has always struck me as decent. And I get on alright with Lady Bartheld, I suppose. Lord Bracken was relatively mild with me. All others I have been wary of. Polite, congenial, as best I could anyway. Some have not treated me with respect. Though that's not unique to Greens."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:42 am

Gwyn nods at that.

"
There's a difference between personal enemies and political enemies too,"
she notes. "
You don't have to hate someone, or be hated by them, to find yourselves at cross-purposes. Nathaniel...that's the 'Bartheld Whore,' yes? I'm led to understand he's more formidable than his years and occupation would suggest. And of course the Septon is a decent man...but he's quite capable of working against you if he feels it's for the greater good. I've seen that principle in action in him personally."

She leans forward across the table. "
You don't have to isolate yourself...in fact, it's a bad idea to do that. Just...don't let your respect for them, and friendship with them, blind you to the political realities of the situation. Any time you deal with them, be as aware of their motivations as you can be. Why does Nathaniel do what he does? What drives him? If you don't know, find out. The same with the Septon. And so on. It won't be a perfect shield, but it will help warn you if there are obvious conflicts of interest."

"
A good example, for demonstration purposes."
Gwyn grins. "
Me. Go on. Try it on me."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:01 am

"
You?"

Corrine looked quizzically at her cousin. She cleared her throat and made an attempt.

"
Erm... well... You..."

She blushed with embarrassment. Some of the things that sprung to mind were uncomfortable.

"
You love Baelon, and Mikael. You find motherhood scary, but you also feel intensely protective. You know Baelon can handle himself, so you don't cling to him desperately. You like knowing things other people don't, and you keep people thinking you're not quite as clever as you actually are, so they will underestimate you. You have ambitions... perhaps to elevate your House to greatness? You advise and indulge me because I'm like a lost child in a world you know well, so you feel a bit sorry for me. You despise my mother, and want to strike back at her for how she treated you and your father. You worry about telling me that, because you fear backlash from me. You love me, but if there was a conflict of interests, you would choose your own. You let Baelon disrespect me during the royal investigation because... because..."

She realised she had lost composure, and took a deep breath.

"
I'm sorry."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:23 am

"
It's all right,"
Gwyn soothes. "
That's why we're doing this. You're not wrong on any of those points. But I think you're being soft on me."

She looks away, at the stars overhead, and the arc of the moon slowly climbing into the sky.

"
You never mentioned my father, or mother,"
Gwyn says after a moment. "
And I don't think you quite grasp what Isobel really is to me, though that's not your fault."

"
What drives me though, is not the same as just the things I love, and the things I hate."

"
What drives me is spite."

Gwyn looks back down from the sky, at Corrine. "
Why did I drag my heels with Dunstan, finally turning away from him just as it was won? To spite Isobel and her plans for me."
She smiles. "
A lot of my spite is for her, I admit. But not just her. I spite my mother and father, for leaving me. I spite everyone who sees me as the simple thing I used to present myself as. I take their pity or contempt, I take their quiet condemnations, and I set each thing on fire inside me. Each coin I save for my House. Each kiss I steal from Baelon. Every letter to every man and woman who, somewhere in the Riverlands, is watching where I want...each of these things I do not do to prove myself, but as a rude gesture back at anyone who doubted me, or worked against me."

She pauses, then adds, "
I have some spite for you too, you know. I love you as a sister, and I want you and your House to prosper and be safe, but I also want to outdo you. I say this because you NEED to understand that no one is ever entirely on your side. Knowing what drives a person gives you some idea of when, and how, you can be allies...and when you must be enemies. Quite aside from any personal feelings you may have...for better or for worse."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:36 am

Corrine nodded in understanding as Gwyn spoke, though it cut her when the words were turned in her direction.

"
I suppose I assumed that you had only love for your father, since you named your son after him. I'm sorry that I didn't know as much about you as I should. It is not a lack of love."

She sighed and fidgeted with a silver ring on her left index finger.

"
If it helps, you probably will outdo me,"
she said, miserably. "
You're smarter and more astute. I am sorry that I make you feel that way though."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:49 am

"
It's nothing you did wrong,"
Gwyn assures Corrine. "
You can't help that you were the daughter of the house...that Isobel cared only for you, and treated me as if I had a plague I might give you. None of that was your fault. But remembering it still makes me want to be better than you. To rub it in your mother's face that she picked the wrong one."

She smiles wistfully. "
Believe me, I know it's unfair, and makes no sense. And normally I'd never trouble you by telling you. But now...now I feel that hurting you this little bit is for your own good. So I'm not so different than your mother now. Or your other friends. Except that you and I agree on our political affiliations, and they and you do not."

"
But that one difference can lead to a great DEAL of practical difference. Just...try to be aware. In any given moment, ask yourself...what is this person doing this for? What is their aim, their goal? See them as they are, to the best of your ability. Isobel is not just your mother. She is the last rock of a mountain that you are trying to destroy. I'm not sure you understand that, from her eyes. Marsten isn't just what it is NOW for her. It's what the years leading up to now have made it. When you took over, the traditions of the Andals and the history of the House were obstacles that threatened to destroy it...so you brushed them away. For Isobel, those things ARE House Marsten. And in the short time since you took over, you've been gleefully chipping away ever more at those roots that she's so carefully tried to tend."

"
Is it any wonder that she works against you now? Not because she doesn't love you, but because she DOES. She is trying to save you from your own folly as she tries to save the House from the same. What wouldn't Isobel do to protect you? Even if it meant hurting you a bit?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:56 am

"
I wouldn't say gleefully. I took over out of duty, not ambition. But I suppose that is of little consequence. I suppose that's just my hurt pride defending itself with distracting minutae."

She sighed sadly, and reached for Gwyn's hand.

"
I will remember your advice. Thank you."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:05 am

Gwyneth reaches out to take hold of Corrine's hand, and squeezes it.

It felt to her that Corrine was pulling away...and while it wasn't a surprise, it was hard to see.

But what did I expect? You can't learn in ten minutes what takes years. And we're different people. Maybe what works for me will never work for her. Maybe she has to make and solve her own mistakes before she finds out. I just hope they don't cost her, and her allies, dearly.

"
I feel like I owe you an apology. You asked for help, I gave you a lecture. On reflection, maybe that's not what you need from me. So...Corrine, what do you want me to do to help you?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:14 am

"
No, no, it's alright. I need to learn. I appreciate your advice. You know me, too emotional. It was a lot to take in. And these two aren't helping,"
she added, briefly patting the bump. "
I'm exhausted all the time so little things feel so much worse."

She squeezed Gwyn's hand.

"
Please promise me that you won't turn on me. Any disputes or conflicts, please talk with me first. I have lost too many family members already,"
she beseeched Gwyn tearfully.

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:27 am

"
Of course I promise that,"
Gwyn says with a smile, slightly teary eyed. "
I'll always talk to you first."

"
Corrine...if it's advice you want, here's a piece of practical advice for you. Find someone who you can trust to handle these sorts of things for you. Someone like Sam was. Learn as much as you can, but I wouldn't recommend relying on just yourself. I'll tell you if I discover anything that's related to your House, but I can only spare so many eyes...and it's good policy not to depend on someone from outside your House. Even someone you trust."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:38 am

"
I will. I am trying to find someone. I'm not sure who to choose. But I do know that I need to find someone quickly. Perhaps we're wrong about Sam and he'll come back, but we haven't had a letter in months, and, as you say, I can't rely on myself for the work he would normally do. I suppose I dragged my heels because I didn't want to think we'd lost Sam."

She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes.

"
We started this conversation with you asking me for help. So, what can I do to assist you?"

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:43 am

Gwyn looks nonplussed for a moment as she runs the conversation back in her mind.

"
I...think...didn't we start out with me asking you how you were doing, and then I told you about Lady Kerry...and that somehow led to...all this?"
She shrugs. "
I can't think of anything offhand I'd ask you for, except to help me keep an eye on Isobel if you can. And, of course, to promise that when we're in the stands in the Tourney, you'll give me a sharp pinch if I ever start talking about anything depressing or business-related."

She grins.

"
All else aside, this is a celebration. Lets put our problems behind us for a day or two, and just enjoy ourselves a little, yes?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:57 am

"
Sorry, I mistook your intention in the matter with Lady Kerry. I will share anything I learn.

Corrine perked up a little, more out of will than a genuine lift in mood.

"
And yes, we should be celebrating. We may have to pinch eachother a bit, but it will be worthwhile. I'm rather regretting not having a tourney for Bethany, but perhaps it will be easier to justify if one of these little ones is a boy."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:58 am

Gwyn laughs. "
That's not a very Black thing to say now, is it?"
she teases, giving Corrine's hand a playful squeeze. "
Maybe little Beth will inherit."

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sat Nov 05, 2016 4:12 am

"
She's my heir. I know that. But you know how other, less enlightened people are."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Sun Nov 06, 2016 5:02 pm

Now Gwyn dissolves into laughter.

"
Enlightened! That certainly describes us. Enlightened."

She sighs and favors Corrine with a fond smile. "
Enlightenment is for the likes of the Setons and Septas. We must be earthly, you and I."

"
So what is your plan for moving forward now?"

by **Lady Corrine Marsten** Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:33 pm

"
Although becoming a Septa is sometimes tempting, my plan is to enjoy my time here, make a fuss of you &
Mikael, then go home and recruit someone to pick up where Sam left off."

by **Gwyneth Drakeson** Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:24 pm

Gwyneth nods at that and says, "
Be careful. If there was a plot to rid you of Sam, it almost certainly accomplished two goals. The first was leaving you vulnerable to shadowy dealings and intrigues, but the second...was putting you in a position where you absolutely needed to replace him as quickly as possible."

She nods slowly. "
I would say...be very suspicious of a choice that seems too easy in this matter. A spymaster who belongs to another can not only steal your secrets, but ensure you hear only lies. Be sure, and do not choose until you are no matter how dire things may feel. If you want help, you have but to ask and I will offer what assistance I can."

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