[Day 3: Mid Evening] Safety Dance (Open)

[Jon Cobb]

Having concluded his business with Daveth, Jon returned to the feast.

The meeting with Lord Tomas isn't for a while yet, so I should still have time to make something of the evening, Jon mused, while scanning the great hall for potentially interesting companions. There was no sign of Lady Isobel, but his eyes were drawn to a tall, blonde, young woman wearing a finely cut gown of green and black, and currently unattended. Hello, who's this? Another Marsten beauty? And without an escort? There's a story to be heard there, I'll wager. And lots to see while listening, he thought, eyeing her appreciatively.

Straightening his dark green and red doublet, he made his way over to introduce himself. "
Good evening, my lady. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance before. I am Ser Jon Cobb, though some prefer to call me Wrecker Jon."

[Dyana Marsten]

Discreetly stretching her legs after a respite from much dancing, Dyana is taken by surprise by Jon's arrival, and looks up from her curved position to him with a half-gaping mouth and a blank stare. "
I... ahm, of course!"
To her credit, she's quick to straighten herself up and offer the knight a curtsey. "
Wrecker Jon, yes, of course. We've all heard the song, I believe, Ser."
She smiles honestly at him, taking his measure with a quick glance. He's older than she'd imagined him, but then again, tales tell the story of brave youth, not the fattening years that come later.

"
I am Diana Marsten, and thankfully no one has yet dared give me a nicknamer around here. Naturally, the pleasure is mine, Ser Jon. How are you enjoying the festivities?"
She says with a faintly weary look. She needed a bit more stretching, still.

[Jon Cobb]

Discreetly stretching her legs after a respite from much dancing, Dyana is taken by surprise by Jon's arrival, and looks up from her curved position to him with a half-gaping mouth and a blank stare. "
I... ahm, of course!"
To her credit, she's quick to straighten herself up and offer the knight a curtsey. "
Wrecker Jon, yes, of course. We've all heard the song, I believe, Ser."
She smiles honestly at him, taking his measure with a quick glance. He's older than she'd imagined him, but then again, tales tell the story of brave youth, not the fattening years that come later.

"
I am Diana Marsten, and thankfully no one has yet dared give me a nickname around here. Naturally, the pleasure is mine, Ser Jon. How are you enjoying the festivities?"
She says with a faintly weary look. She needed a bit more stretching, still.

"
The festivities have been most interesting, Lady Dyana, thank you for asking,"
he replies, returning her smile. "
And how are you enjoying them? Forgive me for saying so, but you appear a little...weary?"


"
And you're a Marsten, you say? I met a Gwyneth Marsten not two days ago. Are you perchance a close relative of hers?"

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Oh, I am drained by overindulging, in fact. I've never attended a feast so long, nor danced so much in my life."
Dyana's smile widens, and she begins to recover the last missing shred of her composure.

"
You've met Gwyneth? She is my younger sister. I trust she made a good impression, Ser? She can have a temper sometimes."
She waves off her own chuckle.

[Jon Cobb]

"
What a pity! I myself love dancing, but if you have had enough for the day I shan't badger you for a dance now,"
Jon replies with what appears to be genuine regret.

"
Your sister? Well, that certainly explains why you seemed so familiar. I hope you won't think me forward if I say that your family seems to produce a surfeit of feminine beauty - your sister, yourself, and I hear that Lady Corinne is also a great beauty."
Jon's tone is frank, his expression betraying nothing but honest admiration. "
And yes, Lady Gwyneth was a most interesting acquaintance - I didn't notice the temper you speak of, but she was quite guarded during our conversation. I fear she suspected mischief on my part when all I sought was to pass some time trading stories. But no doubt we will speak again - I still owe her a story of her choosing!"
Jon laughs.

"
Now, Dyana Marsten, you said that no one has dared give you a nickname yet - and that's quite an unusual thing to say. It implies that you are deserving of a nickname, but also that you would not take kindly to being given one. And that, in turn, implies that men should fear your wrath..."
Jon pauses for a moment, studying Dyana intently. A mischievous smile suddenly brightens his lined face. "
Ha - I do believe I know why that would be! Will you humor me by answering a question? When parrying with a longsword, does one do so with the edge or the flat of the blade?"

[Dyana Marsten]

"
What a pity! I myself love dancing, but if you have had enough for the day I shan't badger you for a dance now,"
Jon replies with what appears to be genuine regret.

"
And I shan't deny you a dance if that is your wish, Ser."
Dyana smiles suggestively. "
I may be weary, but I am not one to lack stamina."

"
Your sister? Well, that certainly explains why you seemed so familiar. I hope you won't think me forward if I say that your family seems to produce a surfeit of feminine beauty - your sister, yourself, and I hear that Lady Corinne is also a great beauty."
Jon's tone is frank, his expression betraying nothing but honest admiration. "
And yes, Lady Gwyneth was a most interesting acquaintance - I didn't notice the temper you speak of, but she was quite guarded during our conversation. I fear she suspected mischief on my part when all I sought was to pass some time trading stories. But no doubt we will speak again - I still owe her a story of her choosing!"
Jon laughs.

She chuckles at Jon's impression of her sister. "
Well, perhaps my experience with her colors too much of my perception. She sometimes has a temper with me, but a new acquaintance would certainly fare better than a sibling, no?"
She curtseys a second time to Jon's compliment. "
Thank you, Ser. If I may say so myself, I think the Marstens have too much feminine beauty for our own good. I refer to, I'm sure you know, the lack of men in our house. My aunt and the girls are desperate to find matches. Pah!"
The woman's beam turns into a reserved giggle.

"
Now, Dyana Marsten, you said that no one has dared give you a nickname yet - and that's quite an unusual thing to say. It implies that you are deserving of a nickname, but also that you would not take kindly to being given one. And that, in turn, implies that men should fear your wrath..."
Jon pauses for a moment, studying Dyana intently. A mischievous smile suddenly brightens his lined face. "
Ha - I do believe I know why that would be! Will you humor me by answering a question? When parrying with a longsword, does one do so with the edge or the flat of the blade?"

"
Ser Jon, you... you look too much into this matter. It was merely a loose word, a matter of speech uttered only for my not knowing it would fall prey to such close scrutiny. No one here should fear my wrath."
Dyana crosses her arms, frowning at Ser Jon for just a moment.

"
And that would be the flat."
She smirks deviously.

[Jon Cobb]

"
And I shan't deny you a dance if that is your wish, Ser."
Dyana smiles suggestively. "
I may be weary, but I am not one to lack stamina."

"
I do not doubt your stamina, Lady Dyana. You are young, and I am growing old. I have no doubt you could dance me into an early grave should you wish it!"
Jon replies with a roguish smile. "
But I can think of far worse ways to meet the Stranger, so my lady - would you do me the honor of this dance?"

She chuckles at Jon's impression of her sister. "
Well, perhaps my experience with her colors too much of my perception. She sometimes has a temper with me, but a new acquaintance would certainly fare better than a sibling, no?"
She curtseys a second time to Jon's compliment. "
Thank you, Ser. If I may say so myself, I think the Marstens have too much feminine beauty for our own good. I refer to, I'm sure you know, the lack of men in our house. My aunt and the girls are desperate to find matches. Pah!"
The woman's beam turns into a reserved giggle.

"
Pah! Lady Dyana? I take it then that you are not desperate to find a match? Or is it that there are suitors, but none who appreciate you for who you are?"
Jon replies with a knowing smile.

"
Ser Jon, you... you look too much into this matter. It was merely a loose word, a matter of speech uttered only for my not knowing it would fall prey to such close scrutiny. No one here should fear my wrath."
Dyana crosses her arms, frowning at Ser Jon for just a moment.

"
And that would be the flat."
She smirks deviously.

"
Forgive me then, fair lady. Too much time spent at the court in King's Landing has apparently accustomed me to seeking hidden meanings even where there are none. And given your answer to my question, I for one would fear your wrath, for in answering it so very well, you have also confirmed my suspicions. You are not just any Marsten - you are the fearless warrior woman of the Vale I have heard about, who brings battle to the mountain clans, protecting her people and her land as any true knight should."
Jon stops dancing for a moment and bows. "
Dyana Marsten, it's an honor to meet you,"
he continues without a hint of irony.

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Pah! Lady Dyana? I take it then that you are not desperate to find a match? Or is it that there are suitors, but none who appreciate you for who you are?"
Jon replies with a knowing smile.

"
Some of both, Ser."
Dyana says after contemplating the question for a brief moment. "
I am not averse to the idea of marriage, though I am averse to what suitors have appeared so far. They number few near those that approach my sister, and my cousin, and my aunt, however. Their endless quest for a match is where the 'pah' resides, if you will."

"
Forgive me then, fair lady. Too much time spent at the court in King's Landing has apparently accustomed me to seeking hidden meanings even where there are none. And given your answer to my question, I for one would fear your wrath, for in answering it so very well, you have also confirmed my suspicions. You are not just any Marsten - you are the fearless warrior woman of the Vale I have heard about, who brings battle to the mountain clans, protecting her people and her land as any true knight should."
Jon stops dancing for a moment and bows. "
Dyana Marsten, it's an honor to meet you,"
he continues without a hint of irony.

This time Dyana's appreciation comes not in a third curtsey, but in a bow just as deep as Jon's own. "
As is my honor to meet you, Ser Jon Cobb, the Wrecker at the Bridge, and to accompany you in dance."
Somehow she makes the transition between a bow and a ladylike hand offered forwards seem graceful and rehearsed.

After they are engaged, she resumes their conversation with a satisfied, honest grin. "
So, you did hear of me, after all, Ser. I have to ask, did you truly believe a basic notion of parrying is so out of a lady's scope that a correct answer would be proof of my identity, or was it merely a question to indulge that which you were already certain of? Because if it was the former, then I am far more removed from court than I thought myself to be. I don't expect someone like my sister to be able to deflect a savage cut, but... certainly she wouldn't guess the edge?"
The woman chuckles at the thought of her sister in swordfight, all the while studying Jon's face with her deep emerald eyes.

[Jon Cobb]

"
Some of both, Ser."
Dyana says after contemplating the question for a brief moment. "
I am not averse to the idea of marriage, though I am averse to what suitors have appeared so far. They number few near those that approach my sister, and my cousin, and my aunt, however. Their endless quest for a match is where the 'pah' resides, if you will."

"
Well, I cannot say that I am surprised to hear that there are fewer suitors beating a path to your door than to your sister's or cousin's. I know few men who would have the courage to seek out a woman who is their equal or better at arms and court her. And I know fewer still who would not try to persuade her to lay down her arms and be more...ladylike...before they would marry her. Do I guess correctly that this has been a common failing amongst your suitors so far?"

After they are engaged, she resumes their conversation with a satisfied, honest grin. "
So, you did hear of me, after all, Ser. I have to ask, did you truly believe a basic notion of parrying is so out of a lady's scope that a correct answer would be proof of my identity, or was it merely a question to indulge that which you were already certain of? Because if it was the former, then I am far more removed from court than I thought myself to be. I don't expect someone like my sister to be able to deflect a savage cut, but... certainly she wouldn't guess the edge?"
The woman chuckles at the thought of her sister in swordfight, all the while studying Jon's face with her deep emerald eyes.

"
My dear lady, it may be the quality of the women I have most often associated with, but I fear they could not have answered my question correctly, and even if they could, they would not have done so for fear of seeming unladylike. Perhaps things are different in the Vale, though - I shall have to ask your aunt when next we share a morning stroll,"
Jon replies with a crooked grin.

His steel grey eyes meet Dyana's gaze without flinching, as he answers the rest of her query. "
As for your identity, I confess I had strong suspicions as soon as you gave me your name. You are as graceful and lovely as your sister, but if one knows what to look for, there are signs all about your form and figure that you lead a far more...active...life. Those shoulders, for instance, did not come about from playing the harp. The strength I feel in your arms did not come from putting quill to paper, and the calluses on your palms are not the result of practicing needlework. All of which led me to suspect that you must be either a washerwoman in disguise, or the battle maiden of House Marsten I had heard rumors about!"
Jon finishes with a playful smile.

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Well, I cannot say that I am surprised to hear that there are fewer suitors beating a path to your door than to your sister's or cousin's. I know few men who would have the courage to seek out a woman who is their equal or better at arms and court her. And I know fewer still who would not try to persuade her to lay down her arms and be more...ladylike...before they would marry her. Do I guess correctly that this has been a common failing amongst your suitors so far?"

I'll be damned, this man is of a keener mind than I'd give his looks credit for. One or two obvious guesses is expected, but it starts to feel like I'm being shadowed.

"
Well, mostly right, yes, Ser."
Dyana answers between flourished steps. Hear weariness was gone by the time the two began their waltz. "
Though I must say it's the other way around. Fewer men seek me than try to change me. You'd think they waste their nerve on the courting, and none is left to try and make me put down arms. I must say, however, that you are very sharp at guessing correctly."

"
My dear lady, it may be the quality of the women I have most often associated with, but I fear they could not have answered my question correctly, and even if they could, they would not have done so for fear of seeming unladylike. Perhaps things are different in the Vale, though - I shall have to ask your aunt when next we share a morning stroll,"
Jon replies with a crooked grin.

His steel grey eyes meet Dyana's gaze without flinching, as he answers the rest of her query. "
As for your identity, I confess I had strong suspicions as soon as you gave me your name. You are as graceful and lovely as your sister, but if one knows what to look for, there are signs all about your form and figure that you lead a far more...active...life. Those shoulders, for instance, did not come about from playing the harp. The strength I feel in your arms did not come from putting quill to paper, and the calluses on your palms are not the result of practicing needlework. All of which led me to suspect that you must be either a washerwoman in disguise, or the battle maiden of House Marsten I had heard rumors about!"
Jon finishes with a playful smile.

"
Ha, my aunt will assure you I'm an anomaly. She doesn't approve of what I do, though I'm sure part of her is glad for both the help and the diversion. Better a cousin fighting off mountain clans than one trying to subvert her daughter and claim the house, yes?"
She shakes her head contentedly.

"
You have me caught, Ser. No lady's gown is left unwashed after passing through these hands."
Dyana squeezes Jon's own in jest, then sighs as if letting go of any presumptions. "
I'll admit I have little love for harp or quill, and I won't brush the needlework subject."
She chuckles. "
Then I'll believe that your identifying me was correctly guessed from those hints. Are you always so inquisitive, Ser Jon? I've seldom met men more curious than yourself at thin tourney, and I did meet some asking-types."

[Jon Cobb]

"
Well, mostly right, yes, Ser."
Dyana answers between flourished steps. Hear weariness was gone by the time the two began their waltz. "
Though I must say it's the other way around. Fewer men seek me than try to change me. You'd think they waste their nerve on the courting, and none is left to try and make me put down arms. I must say, however, that you are very sharp at guessing correctly."

"
I shall take that as a compliment, my lady, but in truth it required no great skill. You are a maiden of high birth, from a family of ancient pedigree, but you have chosen a path that is almost unheard of for a woman of your station. Any nobleman that would dare entertain the thought of courting you is likely to be of a similar station, and thus thoroughly...marinated...in the traditional ideals of high society. And if such men have one thing in common, it is that they prefer their women ladylike - even submissive. It takes no great leap of logic to understand that few such men could find it in themselves to respect the choices you have made and to accept you as you are."

"
Ha, my aunt will assure you I'm an anomaly. She doesn't approve of what I do, though I'm sure part of her is glad for both the help and the diversion. Better a cousin fighting off mountain clans than one trying to subvert her daughter and claim the house, yes?"
She shakes her head contentedly.

"
You have me caught, Ser. No lady's gown is left unwashed after passing through these hands."
Dyana squeezes Jon's own in jest, then sighs as if letting go of any presumptions. "
I'll admit I have little love for harp or quill, and I won't brush the needlework subject."
She chuckles. "
Then I'll believe that your identifying me was correctly guessed from those hints. Are you always so inquisitive, Ser Jon? I've seldom met men more curious than yourself at thin tourney, and I did meet some asking-types"
.

"
And now I am the one who is caught, my lady,"
Jon responds with a sheepish smile. "
You see, I am a terribly shallow man at heart, and I must confess to having an insatiable love of two things in particular - stories and the...umm...fairer sex. Now, in my younger years I would often pursue a woman for her beauty alone, but as I grew older I came to realize that mere beauty could not hold my interest for long. I found that I much prefer the company of women with stories to tell, for the simple reason that time spent with an interesting woman is never wasted, even if all that occurs is a dance and a little verbal fencing,"
Jon continues with an impish look at Dyana.

"
When I first laid eyes on you, I was curious as to why such a beautiful woman would be unescorted on an evening such as this. And of course, the only way to find out was to ask, hence my many questions. Now I know the answer, and my hope that there would be an interesting story behind it has been more than fulfilled - you are a fascinating woman, Dyana Marsten, and that is a rare and precious quality,"
Jon finishes with an appreciative smile at his dancing partner.

OOC: Edited post to hopefully make Jon seem a little less...creepy.
Anywho, I'm having a grand time with the back and forth, but we should probably be wrapping this up, unless you want to go on the offensive and start interviewing Jon? Perhaps one or two shorter posts each and - if you're game - setting up a future meeting? Jon is certainly interested in seeing more of Dyana.

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana's emerald eyes scan Job's impish look in search of any second intentions. They find none, or seem not to.

Satisfied, she widens her smirk. "
You are about to embarass me with such praise, Ser. Am I to understand you have more that you would share with me than a dance and a little verbal fencing?"
An eyebrow wryly raises, and then immediately lowers. "
I've seen admitted suitors cajole less, Wrecker Jon."


[OOC: Sorry for the way shorter post than normal, though you did ask for it. Dyana won't interview Jon right now, and as we approach day 5 it's best we get to the end of the thread, yes! If you want to find out if Dyana is game for a future meeting, well... ask her? :;
): ]

[Jon Cobb]

"
Ha! I will not believe you are so easily embarrassed, fair Dyana,"
Jon replies with a warm smile. "
Though I admit I wouldn't mind seeing you blush - I'm sure a little color on your cheeks would be most becoming! As for sharing, I would only ever share with you that which you ask of me, but I'm sad to say that I have an appointment this evening that I dare not miss, so further sharing must wait."


The dance comes to an end, and Jon gently takes both Dyana's hands in his own. Looking straight into her eyes he says, "
Lady Dyana, thank you for a most entertaining evening. I am very happy to have met you, and would be delighted to see more of you. May I hope to do so at a time and place of your choosing?"

[Dyana Marsten]

"
It is I who must thank you, Ser, for the dance. Weary though I might have been, it surely lifted my spirits."
Dyana offers a single nod. "
Of course we may meet again! In fact, I have an idea that could be most entertaining, if you have the spare time to indulge. Will you attend the Bartheld ball? I believe it is in two days... we could meet then and there, see if you can bring some color to my oh so pale countenance."
She grins at him, returning his look.

[/scene after response?]

[Jon Cobb]

Jon laughs out loud at Dyana's suggestion. "
My lady, that is a delightful suggestion, and I can guarantee you that I will be at the ball, but do remember that it is a masked ball. What if I mistakenly end up bringing color to the cheeks of some other fair maiden, never realizing my error until the ball ends and the masks come off! Will you not leave me some clue as to how I might know you?"


OOC: This is mostly Jon teasing, but it would be amusing if you could think of something for Jon to keep an eye out for...just in case. No need to give me the hint in this thread - PM me when you've thought of something, or start a new thread if you want others to know. Oh, and since our thread is day 3, the ball is three days from now, on day 6.

/scene after a suitably witty comeback from Dyana?

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Of course it is a masked ball, Ser. Why did you think I found the notion entertaining?"
She smiles deviously. "
I am sure you will manage, however. I've seen your keen mind put to work, coming up with things unsaid and noticing matters concealed. I'll see you then, Ser Jon."
With a curtsey, she retreats, not before sending a last look his way.

"
If it proves difficult, though, seek the argent bird, Wrecker."
She winks and makes herself scarce.

[OOC: /scene!

And Dyana wasn't sure of the day of the ball, so that's alright. Thanks for the scene, Jon!!]

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