[D2, Late Morning] Surprise Invitation (Closed)

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan wound his way through the maze of tents. He had been surprised by the note he had found on returning to the Painted World, but his innate curiosity had finally won over his good sense. There was quite a bit of difference between dealing with nobles on his turf and dealing with them on theirs. He was dressed simply and conservatively, but with quality. Many of the guards, and sworn swords probably took him for a servant or squire going about his master's business. Finally he arrived at his destination, a large and gleaming white tent displaying House Bartheld arms. The two guards at the entrance nodded, and after one briefly stuck his head through the flap, Nathan was bid to enter. He was obviously expected.

Nathan stepped in, took a quick glance around to ascertain his surroundings, and bowed. "
Lady Ayleth. You wished to speak with me?"

[Reader]

Nathaniel has seen all sorts in his line of work, but Lady Ayleth Swann was genuine beauty. Men would no doubt die for her even if she wer not a key playing piece in House Bartheld's succession, promised to the rightful lord and heir to House Bartheld now Lord Brom had abdicated, or been forced out, depending on who you asked.

Despite her relatively exalted status, she favours Nathaniel with a curtsey.

Silver white hair falls down to a simple grey dress, with an onyx Swann pin on the breast to secure a black cape.

"
My thanks for your prompt arrival Nathaniel, this is a matter for discretion and I am told you are a paragon of this quality."


One of Ayleth's handmaidens offers Nathaniel a choice of water or wine, Lady Ayleth sips a goblet of water at this early hour.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan accepts a glass of water and gives Lady Ayleth's handmaiden a smile and a nod in thanks. He sits, after first waiting for Lady Ayleth to be seated.

"
Certainly, discretion is necessary to my profession. My job is to lighten the burden of others, not add to them. There are those who do try to profit from the secrets they hold. Aside from being extremely bad manners, it can lead to an unnaturally short life. How can I help you Lady Ayleth? I can make you no promises till I have heard your need, but I can at least assure you that our conversation will go no further."

[Reader]

"
I place myself in your hands on what I am about to ask, I must be sure I can trust you."


Lady Ayleth seems keen to determine if Nathaniel is trustworthy, but hamstrung by a slightly snobbish attitude to the lower classes.

Initiative: [url=Status (Initiative)][/url]: 5d6 21
Intrigue defence: 12
DR: 5 (Dislike) {Ayleth is Haughty and has to start here]
Composure: 9

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
You must decide for yourself if you will trust me, Lady Ayleth."
Nathan waits, not sure how he can prove his trustworthiness, or even if he wanted to.

Dispostion: Indifferent (DR4)
Initiative: Eloquent
Objective: Friendship
[url=Lady Ayleth - Exchange 1 - Withdraw][/url]: 4d6k1 17 {Sorry.. should have been keep 3]
Intrigue Defense: 17
Composure: 9

[Reader]

Ayleth paused thoughtfully, almost seeming to speak to herself as he plotted her next course of action.

"
You must understand I am in a precarious position."


Initiative: Status (Initiative): 5d6 21
Intrigue defence: 12
DR: 5 (Dislike) {Ayleth is Haughty and has to start here]
Composure: 9
Action: [url=Awareness (Empathy)][/url]: 5d6k3 15 +1D to Persuasion/Deception for the rest of the intrigue

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I do, my Lady. Your position is untenable. You are caught in a situation not of your making, that must be a heavy burden. I can only say that it is not a situation I would like to find myself in. You called me here for a reason, so you must feel there is something I can do to help you."


Exchange 2

Disposition: Indifferent (DR4)
Initiative: Eloquent
Objective: Friendship
Intrigue Defense: 17
Composure: 9

[url=Lady Ayleth - Exchange 2 - Read Target][/url]: 3d6 15 [OOC: Booya!]


Edit.. LOL.. great minds think alike.

[Reader]

"
You are truly as astute as they say,"
says lady Ayleth, but her words are undermined by a slight tone of condescension.

Initiative: Status (Initiative): 5d6 21
Intrigue defence: 12
DR: 5 (Dislike) {Ayleth is Haughty and has to start here]
Composure: 9
Action: Perusade (Charm) [url=Persuade (Charm)][/url]: 7d6k5+1 20 = 21 post reroll
Result = 4 - 4 DR = 0 damage to composure

Nathaniel's read target succeeded.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan smiles. "
I may not know why you called me here, but it is common knowledge what weight you bear. If it would help, let me say that if I was in your position, I would choose Davain. That may surprise you, and if you would not agree, perhaps we have nothing to talk about."


Exchange 3

Disposition: Indifferent (DR4)
Initiative: Eloquent
Objective: Friendship
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9

[url=Lady Ayleth - Exchange 3 - Persuasion (Convince)][/url]: 6d6k5 29 [Um, wow]

4DoS 12 Composure before DR

[Reader]

"
This is indeed a surpise. Why Davain? I have heard rumours he is a cold, austere man, much unlike his family."


Initiative: Status (Initiative): 5d6 21
Intrigue defence: 12
DR: 5 (Dislike) {Ayleth is Haughty and has to start here]
Composure: 2 (9)
Action: [url=Persuade (Charm)][/url]: 7d6k5+1 28
Result = 4x4DoS = 16 - 4DR = 12 damage to compsure
- If Nathaniel is defeated, his dispostion will improve (as normal for charm) plus her objective is service: keep her confidence.

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Anyone might be considered cold or austere compared to other Barthelds."
smiles Nathan. "
What I hear is that he is a good man who cares for his people. From what I understand, many of the Bartheld guests have taken far too many liberties with Bartheld hospitality. I may live in a brothel, Lady Ayleth, but I don't expect my Lord to. I would certainly not object to some prudent management and leadership. Does he object to his people availing themselves of... entertainment? Or does he simply object to that entertainment taking place on his front lawn?"


[Yield Offer: +1 step to Disposition, I will keep her confidence, in exchange for +1 step in Disposition from Ayleth]

[Reader]

[Sold if you'll move two steps as she's magnetic and a true defeat moves you three steps and gives her +1D to next intrigue! She's willing to move to indifferent instead of you simply taking frustration and quitting]

[Nathaniel Mason]

[Okay. I'll move the two steps. She hasn't tried to hammer me with Shield of Reputation, so I'm giving her that as a point in her favour.]

[Reader]

[OOC: done]

Lady Ayleth seems satisfied that Nathaniel can hold his tongue.

"
Decorum is important, if people are to expect their lords, true. But Bartheld influence seems to depend on friendship, and guests may look askance if the Barthelds do not partake alongside them, but instead stand back in judgement."


"
Ser Fendrel has a warmer reputation, although I confess not to knowing him well."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Lady Ayleth, we both know that hospitality does not need to mean excess. The Tullys are hosting Houses from across the Riverlands and the Crownlands. Do they expect their guests to drain their cellars dry? Do they expect their guests to behave unseemly in their home? No. I understand they Tully's are being quite modest in their offerings and following every decorum of a host. If any guest expects more, the Painted World is there to satisfy those desires, as it should be.

A friend that needs to be bribed with wine or women is no friend that House Bartheld should want or need. True friends are mutual, and any true friend of Lord Davain should have his interests at heart as much as his own. There will be disagreements of course. We all have friends that perhaps embarrass us occasionally, or have flaws that we must overlook, but no true friend of House Bartheld would turn their back on the House simply because a degree of moderation is being asked.

As far as Ser Fendrel's warmth is concerned, he should put it to good use by supporting his rightful Lord, instead of using it to undermine him. I am sure that your warmth will compensate for a certain... reservedness of Lord Davain. If you would like, and he is willing, I could help him with that. I promise I won't break him... although I might have to bend him a little."
Nathan finishes with a broad grin.


[OOC: Nathan is now Friendly, so he is going to talk fairly freely.]

[Reader]

"
You speak well Nathaniel, your candour is appreciated."


A hint of snobbery sneaks through - her words are sincere, but Lady Ayleth has led a sheltered life. She smiles in a warm response to Nathaniel's grin, at least.

"
Such eloquence is rare outside the grandest houses and best educated. Your tutors are to be congratulated."


"
Tully modesty speaks to worth restraint, but a lord must be open-handed. The wicked may even spread rumours of financial trouble and strife should a lord fail to be sufficiently... lordly? Ser Fendrel is known to reward his friends - I must confess that I have had enough of austerity at House Swann."


House Swann's infamous failure to pay Johanna Swann's ransom is still the stock in trade of many balladeers in Westeros, even though it is now several decades in the past.

A polite smile, then a furrowing of the brow.

"
What of each man's character? Perhaps in your trade you have seen each man's qualities with women? A man may show his true face in your world, while mine is hidden by etiquette's shield."

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan shrugs. "
Both men seem to genuinely seem to have the best interests of the House at heart, although while Davain looks to his obligations to the common people, Fendrel casts his eye to the nobles and House Bartheld's place on the larger stage. Both styles have their place, I suppose, but being one of the common people, some might say extremely common, it's understandable that I might lean towards the former. Their qualities with women seem self evident to me. Davain appears to have a more modest view, while Fendrel, again, casts his eye to a larger field."


Nathan leans forward and regards the young woman. "
My opinion doesn't really matter does it, and I doubt you asked me here for my opinion. What is your opinion? It is you that will have to marry one of these men. Have you made a choice? Has anyone even bothered to ask you which man you prefer, or have they all expected you to do your duty and marry whichever one wins."


He leans back again and lifts his water to his lips. "
If you haven't made a choice, Lady Ayleth, I am afraid I will not be able to help you, for three reasons. The first is that I must have a clear and defined goal if I am to help you. The second is that if you are not sure which one is best, as close as you are to these men, how can you expect the Lords and other nobles I have contact with to support one or the other. The last, and probably most important to me, is that I will not help you shackle yourself to either man to spend the remainder of your life in a loveless marriage. My duty, and I do have a duty to my profession, is to bring happiness to people.

Politics aside, which man would make you happy, Lady Ayleth."

[Reader]

"
Well spoken - did you perchance spend time at the Citadel?"


Lady Ayleth is keen to place Nathaniel, he defies the neat categorisation she is used to.

"
My choice is safety and security, freedom from a miser's purse strings. My husband shall not be dull and he shall protect me."


"
Financial security and then entertainment would make me happy - I am not so silly a girl as to dream of love."

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan sat back in his chair with a sigh. It was clear that the young woman was going to neatly evade all the sensitive questions, which would make it all the more difficult to help her.

"
Well, Lady Ayleth. If you are looking for safety and security, then Davain would be your obvious choice. His desire to train young men and secure the House holdings is fairly well known. While he is prudent with the House's treasury, I don't think I would call him a miser, although that may be a matter of perspective. Fendrel probably with disagree.

If you are looking for entertainment, then Fendrel would be your best choice. He seeks to throw Hart Houses' doors open to noble guests again and return to House Bartheld's reputation of lavish hospitality. He would certainly not be a miser in the regard. How safe and secure that will make you, I cannot say.

So, what is your choice Lady Ayleth? You are an intelligent woman, you know that you have to make a choice, and that choice will play a strong role in the victor."

[Reader]

"
I fear it would be impolitic to speak too early - I must get to know my suitors better. I fear for an unhappy wedding night and a poorer marriage if I am caught advocating one man over another only for the spurned candidate to prevail."


"
Still, you have given me much and more to think on."


A polite smile, and a curtsey as the conversation nears its end.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan looked at the woman for a very long moment, shrugged. "
You think you have that kind of time? You don't. I expect the situation will be decided before the end of the Tourney, and it seems it will be decided without you."
He rose.

Intrigue (My turn)

Objective: Information
Disposition: Friendly (DR3, +3 Pers)
Initiative: Eloquent
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9

Action: [url=Lady Ayleth - Exchange 1 - Convince][/url]: 5d6k4+3 [url=BoA][/url] 27

4 DoS (12 -4= 8 Composure)

[Reader]

Lady Ayleth looked on the very of departing in a fit of pique, not used to being spoken to so forcefully. The proud young noblewoman paused, perhaps waiting for Nathaniel to say something to give her cause to stay...

[OOC: normally double intrigue in threads not allowed, but negotiating a potential yield given good roleplay, good roll and to say sorry for delay in starting day 3! Yield negotiations ongoing via PM]

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan gave the Lady a soft smile. "
Lady Ayleth, what most people do not realize is not making a choice is also a choice, and often those who choose to not make a choice get their choices made for them. I would not want to see that happen to you."


He sighs and looks thoughtful. "
Whatever Davain may or may not be, he is still the Heir to House Bartheld. I would ask you to accompany him to the Great Feast tomorrow. It will give you an opportunity to get to know the man better, it will show your solidarity with the House as a whole, it will put some of the more venomous tongues to rest at least for a short time, and perhaps you can help him be more comfortable in a situation he is unused to. He is a good man, but perhaps you can show him how to be a great one."

[Reader]

"
Ruling on who the heir to House Bartheld appears to be a matter for lords and maesters rather than a mere woman, sadly."


She smiles, knowing she's with a new friend.

"
However, you are right about the path not taken. I shall call on Davain and arrange to accompany him to the feast."


[/scene - Lady Ayleth will accompany Davain and sit with him at the feast]

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