[Day 3, LA]Two Odd Ducks (Open-ish)

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: usual deal of public location, so there's nothing physically stopping interruption, but...)

So, here I am, in probably - no, definitely - the most extravagant and impressive feast I've ever been to, and quite possibly ever will do, and all I can think is I'd sooner be curled up on a pile of good northern fur in front of a fire, reading a book. Still, his face displayed no sign, showing just his usual polite, friendly smile as he helped raise people's impression of house Coldbrook, one dance at a time.

Taking a short breather from his dancing, he noticed a tall woman standing idle. Wait a minute, that's the other Marsten woman. What was her name? ...Lady Dyana, that's right. I wonder if she'd like to dance

You think you can keep up? She's a Marsten, you're a Coldbrook. You'll just embarrass yourself and your house.

Maybe. But isn't she the one with martial interests? Maybe she'd enjoy speaking with a Coldbrook?

A Coldbrook who *isn't you*, perhaps. You can't even wield a butter knife properly.

Hmm. Maybe you're right. There are political implications as well, given our potential for future involvement. If I were to cause offence-

Will you just grow a pair and fucking ask to her dance! Preferably before someone else does, or you both die of old age! Sometimes, the desire to dance is enough, and fuck anything that gets in your way.

Before he even realised he'd come to a decision, Daveth found himself already across the intervening space, greeting the woman, a friendly smile on his face. "
Lady Dyana Marsten, correct? My name is Daveth Coldbrook. Might you do me the honour of the next dance?"


(OOC: and sorry, that's me done for the day. Head is killing me.)

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana shifted her head to the side, as if feigning skepticism, but at the same time smirked cordially. She took in the young Coldbrook - short, little meat on his bones, a proper but unworked posture - hardly what she'd expect from the stock of a militant house. She didn't know much about the family from Grenward, though, and tried to keep an open mind about it.

"
You're the first to recognize me and actually try to brave a dance, Master Daveth."
She nearly hesitated at the "
Master"
. Usually noblemen were Sers, but she could stake a bet this one wasn't, unless she was getting bad at this sort of thing. "
And to reward that bravery would be my honour."
She says, letting him take her hand and guide her to the beginning of a dance.

She'd been dancing and feasting for hours now, and was beginning to get tired, but hopefully dancing with Daveth wasn't as taxing as it had been with some other partners.

"
So, Coldbrook, the cursed house, hm?"
Dyana says between steps, a cordial smile and an unsettling lack of tact. "
I'd figured you taller, you know, though no less daring."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
You're the first to recognize me and actually try to brave a dance, Master Daveth."
She nearly hesitated at the "
Master"
. Usually noblemen were Sers, but she could stake a bet this one wasn't, unless she was getting bad at this sort of thing. "
And to reward that bravery would be my honour."
She says, letting him take her hand and guide her to the beginning of a dance.

"
Unless you have a reputation for literally biting the heads off your dance partners should they put a foot wrong that I'm unaware of, I have no excuse for my gender's shocking lack of judgement in this matter."
Daveth replies in a rather dry tone as he begins leading her. While he was a competent dancer, and considerate enough to lengthen his steps, Daveth lacked the grace and finesse to really show off - it was strictly rhythm, he didn't make it cry or sing.

"
So, Coldbrook, the cursed house, hm?"
Dyana says between steps, a cordial smile and an unsettling lack of tact. "
I'd figured you taller, you know, though no less daring."

Daveth chuckles at that. "
Ah, pay no heed to the chattering of smallfolk. There is no curse."
he says, confidently. "
I have investigated these strange sounds, and found nothing more dangerous than loose boards, and nothing scarier than"
an old couple having sex in a storeroom "
some people avoiding work in a quiet corner. I have also investigated the previous residents, and said some rather unkind things about their ancestry, to see if I could provoke a reaction."
he smiles and gives a small shrug. "
Nothing."
a momentary pause, then he adds. "
I apologised to them afterwards. As they weren't haunting the castle, the words were uncalled for.

"
As for my appearance, well, there's a story to that, but the short version is that I was born Daveth Oberyn, and only became a Coldbrook for the purpose of familial unity when my Lady mother married Lord Coldbrook. And as for my daring, our house's motto is 'Never falter', one that I always try and live up to."
And fail as often as I succeed, but let's keep that bit quiet. Daveth gives a considering look to Lady Dyana. "
Some astute observations, there. I fear I may have found the reason for my gender's skittishness - no man wishes to be seen as transparent before an attractive lady."
from his tone and slight smile, this is clearly both a light-hearted jest and a compliment, rather than a serious comment.

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Unless you have a reputation for literally biting the heads off your dance partners should they put a foot wrong that I'm unaware of, I have no excuse for my gender's shocking lack of judgement in this matter."
Daveth replies in a rather dry tone as he begins leading her. While he was a competent dancer, and considerate enough to lengthen his steps, Daveth lacked the grace and finesse to really show off - it was strictly rhythm, he didn't make it cry or sing.

"
The way most of these men avoid me, you'd nearly think I bit one of theirs' heads at the table, and was still soaked in blood."
She follows his lead gracefully, though it's evident she has no technique to it, and merely drifts her feet to wherever it feels they should be. It's not so bad. "
I danced with others, of course, but they were either mocking me, or didn't know who I am. Your gender's foolish, you know?"
She remarks with a grin.

Daveth chuckles at that. "
Ah, pay no heed to the chattering of smallfolk. There is no curse."
he says, confidently. "
I have investigated these strange sounds, and found nothing more dangerous than loose boards, and nothing scarier than"
an old couple having sex in a storeroom "
some people avoiding work in a quiet corner. I have also investigated the previous residents, and said some rather unkind things about their ancestry, to see if I could provoke a reaction."
he smiles and gives a small shrug. "
Nothing."
a momentary pause, then he adds. "
I apologised to them afterwards. As they weren't haunting the castle, the words were uncalled for.

"
As for my appearance, well, there's a story to that, but the short version is that I was born Daveth Oberyn, and only became a Coldbrook for the purpose of familial unity when my Lady mother married Lord Coldbrook. And as for my daring, our house's motto is 'Never falter', one that I always try and live up to."
And fail as often as I succeed, but let's keep that bit quiet. Daveth gives a considering look to Lady Dyana. "
Some astute observations, there. I fear I may have found the reason for my gender's skittishness - no man wishes to be seen as transparent before an attractive lady."
from his tone and slight smile, this is clearly both a light-hearted jest and a compliment, rather than a serious comment.

"
But if there were no ghosts to hear your words, Master Daveth, who did you apologize to? The castle walls?"
She jests lightly before spinning to his trained but bland leads. And as she returns, she places a hand on his chest and locks their gaze once again, her emerald eyes staring into his. "
You think they falter and feel vulnerable around me, is it?"
Dyana lets silence hang for just a moment. "
Perhaps we need more Coldbrooks around here, then. How many of your house have come?"
She raises an eyebrow astutely at Daveth, as if her words had more meaning than she let on.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
"
I danced with others, of course, but they were either mocking me, or didn't know who I am. Your gender's foolish, you know?"
She remarks with a grin.

Daveth grins back. "
I say 'quirky'. And are you claiming that women do not have 'quirks' of their own? A bold claim, but sadly one I am much too much of gentleman to contest."
He replies with a wink.

"
But if there were no ghosts to hear your words, Master Daveth, who did you apologize to? The castle walls?"
She jests lightly.

"
I asked my gods to pass my apologies on, actually. So, to a tree, rather than a wall. Much more sensible."
While his answer is clearly serious at its core, he is aware of and playing to the absurdity of the situation to non-believers.

As she returns, she places a hand on his chest and locks their gaze once again, her emerald eyes staring into his. "
You think they falter and feel vulnerable around me, is it?"
Dyana lets silence hang for just a moment. "
Perhaps we need more Coldbrooks around here, then. How many of your house have come?"
She raises an eyebrow astutely at Daveth, as if her words had more meaning than she let on.

Daveth meets her eyes as he answers, legs momentarily on autopilot. These are the eyes of someone with the will to defy Lady Marsten. Strong within and beautiful without. I should be cautious. "
Our family numbers but four souls, Lady Dyana, all of whom are present. Myself, my brother,"
Well, might as well see how she reacts to it now "
Garret Snow, and our parents."

[Dyana Marsten]

Dyana and Daveth continue their flowing waltz through the Hall. Where he puts insipid motion, she brings light grace, and where she falters on precision, he leads with aptitude. Though neither is a remarkable dancer, the duo is better than the sum of its parts.

Daveth grins back. "
I say 'quirky'. And are you claiming that women do not have 'quirks' of their own? A bold claim, but sadly one I am much too much of gentleman to contest."
He replies with a wink.

"
That claim came not from my lips, Master Daveth, but your own."
She jibes back to him. "
Mine thinking of your kind's foolishness does not exempt women from failure, no. I, in fact, think women can be much worse than men when it comes to quirkness. We are, however, of a sharper mind."
The banter of light insults would not relent while they kept wading through subjects in so unseeming a manner.

"
I asked my gods to pass my apologies on, actually. So, to a tree, rather than a wall. Much more sensible."
While his answer is clearly serious at its core, he is aware of and playing to the absurdity of the situation to non-believers.

"
Oh, naturally."
Why, for a moment even, had I not considered his gods who live in trees? "
I find trees are apt listeners, and better talkers than we suspect. Many a tale you believe whispered only to the woods end up in unsavory ears, for some reason. They gossip, I tell you."
Her light-hearted jest betrays no disrespect to Daveth's beliefs, but no awe of them either.

Daveth meets her eyes as he answers, legs momentarily on autopilot. These are the eyes of someone with the will to defy Lady Marsten. Strong within and beautiful without. I should be cautious. "
Our family numbers but four souls, Lady Dyana, all of whom are present. Myself, my brother,"
Well, might as well see how she reacts to it now "
Garret Snow, and our parents."

Dyana, for some reason, licks her lips as Daveth explains the Coldbrook presence. She shows little more reaction to mention of Garret than to any of the others. "
My house isn't blessed with numbers, either, and we are all gathered here, too. If your kin is anything like you, meeting them should prove far more pleasant than common talk suggests. Then again, that is true of more than one of us, is it not?"
She smiles softly.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
That claim came not from my lips, Master Daveth, but your own."
She jibes back to him. "
Mine thinking of your kind's foolishness does not exempt women from failure, no. I, in fact, think women can be much worse than men when it comes to quirkness. We are, however, of a sharper mind."
The banter of light insults would not relent while they kept wading through subjects in so unseeming a manner.

Daveth drew in a breath through his teeth in mock shock at her last words. "
Ooooh! That sounded like a challenge to the honour of my gender. Have you the courage to back your words up on the Cyvasse board?"
from his smile, it's clear he took no actual offence, and fully expects her to have the requested courage.

"
I find trees are apt listeners, and better talkers than we suspect. Many a tale you believe whispered only to the woods end up in unsavory ears, for some reason. They gossip, I tell you."
Her light-hearted jest betrays no disrespect to Daveth's beliefs, but no awe of them either.

"
Even gods need hobbies, I suspect."
he replies deadpan, before turning slightly more serious. "
But they are genuinely good listeners. Once you've gotten over the strangeness of the fact that you're talking to a tree, anyway. I found them a great help when I first arrived at Castle Grenward, and many times since."

Dyana, for some reason, licks her lips as Daveth explains the Coldbrook presence. She shows little more reaction to mention of Garret than to any of the others. "
My house isn't blessed with numbers, either, and we are all gathered here, too. If your kin is anything like you, meeting them should prove far more pleasant than common talk suggests. Then again, that is true of more than one of us, is it not?"
She smiles softly.

(OOC: Attempting to read what the reaction means - against your passive Deception: if you have 3+ deception, I fail, basically):
[url=Attempting to read Dyana's emotions][/url]: 3d6 10
"
My kin are rather variable, though I doubt you'd find any objectionable. My Lady mother helped fight off bandits while my Lord father was off campaigning, so fear no judgement from any of us.
"
And you shame me that you even need to ask that question. I have not only been greatly enjoying our conversation, I appear to still be attached to my head. Which really goes to show quite how little 'common talk' knows. Maybe if it did a little less talk, and a little more listen, it would be wiser."

[Dyana Marsten]

Daveth drew in a breath through his teeth in mock shock at her last words. "
Ooooh! That sounded like a challenge to the honour of my gender. Have you the courage to back your words up on the Cyvasse board?"
frm his smile, it's clear he took no actual offence, and fully expects her to have the requested courage.

"
I am afraid, Master Daveth, that I know of such foreign entertainments in but name, and even then only passingly. If you are willing to disclose the rules beforehand, however, I'd be glad to give you a hard time on the board."
Dyana, in fact, barely knows what Cyvasse is, but sounds confident of her ability to learn.

"
Even gods need hobbies, I suspect."
he replies deadpan, before turning slightly more serious. "
But they are genuinely good listeners. Once you've gotten over the strangeness of the fact that you're talking to a tree, anyway. I found them a great help when I first arrived at Castle Grenward, and many times since."

Noticing the change in tone, Dyana lowers her own voice to speak in a more sober manner. "
Naturally, I am happy you are able to find comfort in your faith. Few I know can truly say they have achieved the same."

(OOC: Attempting to read what the reaction means - against your passive Deception: if you have 3+ deception, I fail, basically):
[url=Attempting to read Dyana's emotions][/url]: 3d6 10
"
My kin are rather variable, though I doubt you'd find any objectionable. My Lady mother helped fight off bandits while my Lord father was off campaigning, so fear no judgement from any of us.
"
And you shame me that you even need to ask that question. I have not only been greatly enjoying our conversation, I appear to still be attached to my head. Which really goes to show quite how little 'common talk' knows. Maybe if it did a little less talk, and a little more listen, it would be wiser."

[OOC: There doesn't seem to be much more than dry lips to Dyana's reaction, but Daveth could just notice she's interested in the news. If she has an agenda, though, is anyone's guess.]
"
Wise are your own words, Coldbrook. You seem to be a decent and capable man. I wish common talk would listen to that about you, rather than more unsavory matters. But, enough of that, as you are right. Cast preoccupations aside, and focus on leading me through this hall, yes?"
Dyana asks with a provocative smile.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
I am afraid, Master Daveth, that I know of such foreign entertainments in but name, and even then only passingly. If you are willing to disclose the rules beforehand, however, I'd be glad to give you a hard time on the board."
Dyana, in fact, barely knows what Cyvasse is, but sounds confident of her ability to learn.

"
Ah. My apologies. My Lord father brought back the board and rules from one of his campaigns as a gift for my brother many years back. I had perhaps overestimated its popularity. Feel no obligation to meet my challenge on such unfamiliar ground. Still, if you are curious to learn, it would be my pleasure to teach you."


He gives a slightly mischievous grin. "
And if you wish to propose an alternative field for me to defend the honour of my gender on, I'm open to suggestions."

"
Wise are your own words, Coldbrook. You seem to be a decent and capable man. I wish common talk would listen to that about you, rather than more unsavory matters. But, enough of that, as you are right. Cast preoccupations aside, and focus on leading me through this hall, yes?"
Dyana asks with a provocative smile.

Makes me wonder just how bad my reputation is according to 'common talk'. But to ask would kind of undermine my point.
"
That sounds sensible, Lady Dyana. However, you have just reminded me of something. I am unclear what your situation is like here, but if you happen to be short of sparring partners who are both willing and able to push you, I suggest you seek out Loreia. She's one of our guardswomen here. She's a good person, a skilled fighter, and not one to go easy on her partners for any reason."

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Ah. My apologies. My Lord father brought back the board and rules from one of his campaigns as a gift for my brother many years back. I had perhaps overestimated its popularity. Feel no obligation to meet my challenge on such unfamiliar ground. Still, if you are curious to learn, it would be my pleasure to teach you."


He gives a slightly mischievous grin. "
And if you wish to propose an alternative field for me to defend the honour of my gender on, I'm open to suggestions."

"
I'd be delighted to learn. I know it is a game from the Free Cities, isn't it? Myr, or was it Volantis?"
Dyana shakes her head as if failing to agree with even herself. Daveth's mischievous grin is mirrored by a softer one from the Marsten woman. "
I'm afraid the field where I can most aptly challenge men as an equal is the battlefield, Master Daveth. On all others, either of us could fall short."

Makes me wonder just how bad my reputation is according to 'common talk'. But to ask would kind of undermine my point.
"
That sounds sensible, Lady Dyana. However, you have just reminded me of something. I am unclear what your situation is like here, but if you happen to be short of sparring partners who are both willing and able to push you, I suggest you seek out Loreia. She's one of our guardswomen here. She's a good person, a skilled fighter, and not one to go easy on her partners for any reason."

"
A sparring guardswoman - one of the guardswomen? That's a sight I have yet to see, you know? A contingent of guardswomen."
Dyana chuckles as they drift. "
I am not looking for sparring partners, though I'll admit that sounds like an intriguing proposal. I've yet to decide how I'll spend my time at this tourney, to be honest. What about you, Master Daveth? What has been keeping you occupied?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
I'd be delighted to learn. I know it is a game from the Free Cities, isn't it? Myr, or was it Volantis?"
Dyana shakes her head as if failing to agree with even herself. Daveth's mischievous grin is mirrored by a softer one from the Marsten woman. "
I'm afraid the field where I can most aptly challenge men as an equal is the battlefield, Master Daveth. On all others, either of us could fall short."

Oh, crap. It's been so long since I looked up its origins. I think she's right that it's from the Free Cities, but which one?
[url=Remember info about Cyvasse][/url]: 4d6 10 (OOC: Yeah, didn't have to, but thought I would. Assumed difficulty of 9, given the fairly limited number of options.)
"
I think you're right, Lady Dyana. I believe it originates from Volantis. How it got from there to my father's hands would no doubt make a strange tale, but it's not one I know.

"
Well, forgive me if I decide to not face you on the battlefield to prove my gender's mental sharpness. I fear that may prove rather self-defeating, for my personal talents lie elsewhere."
he sighs mock-dramatically. "
I suppose the satisfaction of my wounded honour will have to wait until I have trained you properly in Cyvasse, and we can have a fair match."

"
A sparring guardswoman - one of the guardswomen? That's a sight I have yet to see, you know? A contingent of guardswomen."
Dyana chuckles as they drift. "
I am not looking for sparring partners, though I'll admit that sounds like an intriguing proposal. I've yet to decide how I'll spend my time at this tourney, to be honest. What about you, Master Daveth? What has been keeping you occupied?"

"
My apologies."
with a small smile. "
As entertaining as that image was, I should have more accurately said 'one of our guards, who is a woman'. Even in the North, we do not have an entire contingent of them."
a pause, and he frowns. "
Except on Bear Island, maybe. But that's a complicated case."
he shakes his head in dismissal. "
No matter. How have I been spending my time? Mostly acting in my position of the chief diplomat of house Coldbrook - meeting people, making connections, smoothing over diplomatic incidents,"
causing diplomatic incidents, "
as well as representing my house in various formal events, that kind of thing. But I've also been doing research to help me in my position as substitute maester, trying to get our raven network up to scratch. The library here is incredible."
a slightly wistful smile before he snaps back into the present. "
So, yes. I've been keeping myself pretty busy."

[Dyana Marsten]

"
I think you're right, Lady Dyana. I believe it originates from Volantis. How it got from there to my father's hands would no doubt make a strange tale, but it's not one I know.

"
Well, forgive me if I decide to not face you on the battlefield to prove my gender's mental sharpness. I fear that may prove rather self-defeating, for my personal talents lie elsewhere."
he sighs mock-dramatically. "
I suppose the satisfaction of my wounded honour will have to wait until I have trained you properly in Cyvasse, and we can have a fair match."

Dyana narrows her eyes to two slits as she scrutinizes whether or not the 'mental sharpness' remark was baleful or good-humored. She doesn't even try particularly hard to conceal that, but is quick to drop the issue and perk at the prospect of a fair match. "
I will indulge you then, Master Daveth, as soon as you deem me capable. Do you want to put stakes on this?"
She offers dangerously.

"
My apologies."
with a small smile. "
As entertaining as that image was, I should have more accurately said 'one of our guards, who is a woman'. Even in the North, we do not have an entire contingent of them."
a pause, and he frowns. "
Except on Bear Island, maybe. But that's a complicated case."
he shakes his head in dismissal. "
No matter. How have I been spending my time? Mostly acting in my position of the chief diplomat of house Coldbrook - meeting people, making connections, smoothing over diplomatic incidents,"
causing diplomatic incidents, "
as well as representing my house in various formal events, that kind of thing. But I've also been doing research to help me in my position as substitute maester, trying to get our raven network up to scratch. The library here is incredible."
a slightly wistful smile before he snaps back into the present. "
So, yes. I've been keeping myself pretty busy."

"
Hm, I should've imagined. Still, you'll forgive me for fantasizing a bit? Not that an unit of guardswomen is a dream of mine, but it was an entertaining thought indeed."
Dyana shrugs at herself, their steps now moving in unison almost as an afterthought. Daveth would surely be a good match on a bowl, she mused. "
Substitute maester?"
Her tone rises slightly at the question, and she seems genuinely interested at this that was picked among the mentioned activities. "
Have you been to the Citadel, Master Daveth? Or would that be Maester-in-Waiting?"
She jests harmlessly, giggling lightly as she goes. "
Are you learned, then?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Dyana narrows her eyes to two slits as she scrutinizes whether or not the 'mental sharpness' remark was baleful or good-humored. She doesn't even try particularly hard to conceal that, but is quick to drop the issue and perk at the prospect of a fair match. "
I will indulge you then, Master Daveth, as soon as you deem me capable. Do you want to put stakes on this?"
She offers dangerously.

As far as Dyana can tell, the comment was entirely good-humoured, merely batting back the pseudo-insult, while finding humour in the irony of a man of his limited martial abilities attempting to prove his intelligence through a duel with a vastly superior opponent.
He chuckles at her offer. "
You haven't even had your first lesson, and already you want to set stakes? Courageous, I grant you, but probably premature. There'll be plenty of time to set stakes before that time. Whether that be simple coin, or something more interesting."
with an enigmatic smile.

"
Hm, I should've imagined. Still, you'll forgive me for fantasizing a bit? Not that an unit of guardswomen is a dream of mine, but it was an entertaining thought indeed."
Dyana shrugs at herself, their steps now moving in unison almost as an afterthought. Daveth would surely be a good match on a bowl, she mused. "
Substitute maester?"
Her tone rises slightly at the question, and she seems genuinely interested at this that was picked among the mentioned activities. "
Have you been to the Citadel, Master Daveth? Or would that be Maester-in-Waiting?"
She jests harmlessly, giggling lightly as she goes. "
Are you learned, then?"

(OOC: I don't know what you mean by 'Daveth would surely be a good match on a bowl'?)
"
Ah, nothing so grand. Truth be told, I've not even seen the Citadel. I am entirely -well, almost entirely- self-taught, from books, study, and whatever little teaching I could persuade from those more learned. Our house doesn't have a maester, so I fill in their roles in the healing arts, scholarly knowledge, and communications systems as best I can. I don't doubt a real maester could do better, but I'm genuinely proud of what I have been able to do, given our circumstances."


Courage, Daveth! You have nothing to lose except your balls!

Debatable.

"
Of course, that's born partly out of necessity."
he gives a considering look. "
My brother says that those who follow the martial path are called to it, rather than consciously making a decision. They see or become aware of something that will not stand, as long as they do. Would you say that's true, in your experience?"

[Dyana Marsten]

As far as Dyana can tell, the comment was entirely good-humoured, merely batting back the pseudo-insult, while finding humour in the irony of a man of his limited martial abilities attempting to prove his intelligence through a duel with a vastly superior opponent.
He chuckles at her offer. "
You haven't even had your first lesson, and already you want to set stakes? Courageous, I grant you, but probably premature. There'll be plenty of time to set stakes before that time. Whether that be simple coin, or something more interesting."
with an enigmatic smile.

Dyana offers the Coldbrook a firm nod. "
I like my duels interesting, Master Daveth, especially when they are to settle feuds between genders. I choose my own risks, and I must add, so far it's been paying off."
She cocks her head up in defiance. "
If you'll stop trying to trick me into giving it up, I'll pretend I did not notice your fear here. What do you say?"
She then winks at him playfully.

(OOC: I don't know what you mean by 'Daveth would surely be a good match on a bowl'?)
"
Ah, nothing so grand. Truth be told, I've not even seen the Citadel. I am entirely -well, almost entirely- self-taught, from books, study, and whatever little teaching I could persuade from those more learned. Our house doesn't have a maester, so I fill in their roles in the healing arts, scholarly knowledge, and communications systems as best I can. I don't doubt a real maester could do better, but I'm genuinely proud of what I have been able to do, given our circumstances."


Courage, Daveth! You have nothing to lose except your balls!

Debatable.

"
Of course, that's born partly out of necessity."
he gives a considering look. "
My brother says that those who follow the martial path are called to it, rather than consciously making a decision. They see or become aware of something that will not stand, as long as they do. Would you say that's true, in your experience?"

[OOC: So sorry! My brain stopped working for a moment there. Should've been ball, not bowl. Brainfart. I'll go ahead and say english is not my first language, see if that earns me some points!!]

Dyana's eyebrows pull together as she hears Daveth's list of accomplishments. "
Proud as you should be. I don't think I know any single person that dabbles in even one of those subjects to a reasonable degree, outside of actual maesters. Commendable, I'd say."


Two more steps to the side, a flourished spin, and two steps back, she answers his last question. "
Absolutely. As with anyone's life, there have been many reasons for me to do what I do, from incentive to personal interest and aptitude, but... you are aware of the situation of the Vale, I'm sure. We're always besieged by mountain clans. I lost two of my male cousins in battle with them, and the third one fell to plague with my uncle, leaving the women to see to the House as we are now. I swore I'd see their raids ended, and while I'm far from achieving that, I must say I've had success in fending their attacks away. That's been so for years now."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Dyana offers the Coldbrook a firm nod. "
I like my duels interesting, Master Daveth, especially when they are to settle feuds between genders. I choose my own risks, and I must add, so far it's been paying off."
She cocks her head up in defiance. "
If you'll stop trying to trick me into giving it up, I'll pretend I did not notice your fear here. What do you say?"
She then winks at him playfully.

"
Trick? Fear?!"
he repeats in mock outrage. "
Oh, my lady,"
with a sad shake of his head "
you are swiftly adding to the comeuppance you are sorely due. Let us begin your training two days hence. No doubt between now and then you'll be able to come up with more ways to make things interesting, since you claim to choose your own risks."
a playful grin. "
I look forward to hearing what you come up with."

[OOC: So sorry! My brain stopped working for a moment there. Should've been ball, not bowl. Brainfart. I'll go ahead and say english is not my first language, see if that earns me some points!!]

Dyana's eyebrows pull together as she hears Daveth's list of accomplishments. "
Proud as you should be. I don't think I know any single person that dabbles in even one of those subjects to a reasonable degree, outside of actual maesters. Commendable, I'd say."


Two more steps to the side, a flourished spin, and two steps back, she answers his last question. "
Absolutely. As with anyone's life, there have been many reasons for me to do what I do, from incentive to personal interest and aptitude, but... you are aware of the situation of the Vale, I'm sure. We're always besieged by mountain clans. I lost two of my male cousins in battle with them, and the third one fell to plague with my uncle, leaving the women to see to the House as we are now. I swore I'd see their raids ended, and while I'm far from achieving that, I must say I've had success in fending their attacks away. That's been so for years now."

(OOC: No worries. Not like I've never done worse, and I don't have that excuse. )

Daveth smiles in gratitude at her compliments, then nods, thoughtful, as the song nears its end. "
Then we each are as we feel we need to be for the sakes of our families. The man without a martial bone in his body from the house of soldiers, and the woman without a delicate one in hers from the house of propriety."
a friendly smile to rob his words of their sting, and he carries on as if proposing a toast. "
Two odd ducks. May our houses be ever stronger from our baffling ways."


(OOC: Woo! Worked the thread title into the conversation. I win! )

[Dyana Marsten]

"
Trick? Fear?!"
he repeats in mock outrage. "
Oh, my lady,"
with a sad shake of his head "
you are swiftly adding to the comeuppance you are sorely due. Let us begin your training two days hence. No doubt between now and then you'll be able to come up with more ways to make things interesting, since you claim to choose your own risks."
a playful grin. "
I look forward to hearing what you come up with."

"
Then let it be so."
Dyana offers him a single, firm nod, which is marred but seconds later but the hint of a smile wriggling itself into her countenance. "
Two days hence, you teach me. Before long, you'll lay defeated, and the deal will be interesting to me only."

Daveth smiles in gratitude at her compliments, then nods, thoughtful, as the song nears its end. "
Then we each are as we feel we need to be for the sakes of our families. The man without a martial bone in his body from the house of soldiers, and the woman without a delicate one in hers from the house of propriety."
a friendly smile to rob his words of their sting, and he carries on as if proposing a toast. "
Two odd ducks. May our houses be ever stronger from our baffling ways."


(OOC: Woo! Worked the thread title into the conversation. I win! )

[OOC: You do win! Good job, Ser. ]

Not a single delicate bone in my body? I'd say, hardly so, but... I'll take it as a compliment. Delicate bones tend to break when caught by a maul.

Then again, sturdy ones tend do to the same.

"
May them both be so, Master Daveth."
As if complementing their words, the song reaches its finale, and they follow through with a rather impressing move for the mediocre dancers they are. Baffled by the success, Dyana claps to herself in light glee. "
That went well! Better than expected, too. I thank you for the dance, Daveth."
She drops the honorific this once, curtseying to him like a proper lady.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth gives a bow in response, the formality only marred by the grin across his face. "
It was my honour and my pleasure,"


Do I dare? 'Master' is a courtesy only. It's not quite the same.

Precedent says 'no'.

Just fucking say it, or regret it forever!

"
Dyana."


(OOC: And I think that's /scene, at least from my side.)

[Dyana Marsten]

With a last enigmatic smile and a wave, Dyana excuses herself from the /scene.

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