[D4, ME] Consultation (Closed)

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine approached her mother cautiously, once she was sure they would be able to speak alone. She hoped that she might be able to settle some of the emnity with her mother by being conciliatory, and seeking her advice.

"
Mother?"
she greeted, her voice gentle and calm, despite her nervousness. "
May I speak with you?"

[Reader]

Lady Isobel too seemed to be striving for a gentler attitude, perhaps moved by conversations with others or Corrine's respectful approach.

Time would tell how long this attitude would last, on both sides.

"
Of course Corrine, your mother's door is always open to you."


A beat, then a smile.

"
You are all I have left in this world, we must stick together."


The words do not come easy, an unusual felling for Lady Isobel. But they do come, haltingly.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine takes a seat facing Isobel, folding her hands into her lap. Her words come less haltingly, though still they are difficult for her, fearing at any moment that the ice queen will return.

"
Firstly, I wish to apologise for angering you yesterday. You are right, we should be co-operating, and, regardless of our differences, I did not treat you with the proper respect. I ask your forgiveness."

[Reader]

"
I grant it with all my heart, but only if you will forgive my temper in turn."


Temper is all Corrine will get from her mother so far, who cannot yet bring herself to discuss striking her wilful daughter.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I will. I do,"
Corrine said gently. "
Let us put it behind us. I wanted to ask your advice. I have been approached with an offer of aid against the mountain clans, but I am sure the price is too high. Since I will have to field such negotiations myself in future, I thought I should learn from your shrewd management skills while I yet can."

[Reader]

Isobel Marsten was much more comfortable as in the traditional role of family matriarch instructing her dutiful daughter. But could such a happy charade last long between the two women?

"
You are sensible to seek counsel Corrine - the art of ruling is not to be an expert in all things, but to seek out experts and listen to their advice."


She nods, pleased with her own wisdom.

"
I will offer what aid I can here, but Sers Baelon and Kevan are both experienced military men, heed their words on this matter."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine nods slowly.

"
Very well, I will. I expect they may confirm what I already think. I hear you and Ser Baelon have secured aid against the clans. That is wonderful news. I will gladly assist, if I may. I'm not sure if you have heard anything from Lords Krieger or Lyras yet, but I think I managed to calm that matter somewhat, for the time being."


Her expression became a little awkward.

"
I also feel I should explain about the rumours that have gone around about me. I am not involved with the kinslayer. I do not want you to worry about that. I suspect the rumours to be no more than spite on his part for being rejected. I just felt I ought to let you know, so that you wouldn't fret about me or the House's reputation."

[Reader]

"
Your mother will always worry over what is said about her daughter, it is a mother's burden."


"
However, I trust your words, and need not fear for your safety."


"
What then should we do of the remaining problem, our house's reputation? Let us think of it as a test - how to tackle these rumours - best to ignore them or confront them head on?"


Lady Isobel for once manages to restrain herself for pointing out that this is exactly what she predicted would happen.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Well, one can protest too much,"
Corrine replied. "
Openly denying the rumours without being asked might make them seem like they have substance. If we treat them as though they are nothing to us, then perhaps they will be swept away with the tide of time. In the meantime, I shall ensure I am seen in more appropriate company."


She studies her mothers face for approval or disapproval.

"
Would you agree?"

[Reader]

Lady Isobel nods, satisfied that Corrine suggests an orthodox, dignified approach rather than her previous wild escapades.

"
Indeed. The accusations of base curs do not reach us in the Heavens. Being seen in more appropriate comapny is the first step to repairing this."


"
However, what if the rumours persist, would you tack them to their source? And if so, what then?"


She looks at her daughter, inquisitively.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
If they do persist, perhaps a small display of sorts might be orchestrated. Allow someone to witness a 'private' conversation, in which I demand the kinslayer stop spreading lies about me?"
Corrine offered.

[Reader]

"
Delicate, my daughter learns quickly. Take Ser Kevan or Ser Baelon with you - the are our best men and the that beast is not to be trusted."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Oh absolutely. I will ensure I am well-guarded."


She sits quietly for a moment before speaking again.

"
There was one more thing. About Ser Jon. I want you to be happy, and if he makes you happy, then I am glad for you,"
she said, kindly.

[Reader]

"
The gods are seldom so kind, but the sentiment has my thanks."


What follows is ever so slightly more brisk than Lady Isobel's normal pace, a subtle differnce a daughter can pick up on.

"
Given what we've discussed about rumours, I believe that is all that needs said on the matter."


Lady Isobel attempts to politely move the conversation on, lest her daughter leave with that topic on her mind. She has not forgotten her daughter's threat yesterday, no matter whether or not it was said in the heat of an argument. Lady Isobel does not forget...

"
Will you attend House Bartheld's ball? Now that's the kind of event a Marsten heiress should be present at."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Corrine is more than happy to move the conversation on. The tension was palpable, speaking on such delicate things, so she was glad to speak of something lighter.

"
I am indeed of a mind to attend. I think it may be just what I need to shake off recent problems. And there are potentially valuable contacts to be made,"
she nodded. "
Will you be attending too?"

[Reader]

"
Quite so dear, I shall see if I am not too befuddled to remember some dance steps and ballroom etiquette."


"
And quite right too - this is indeed an opportunity to take the lie of the land. Only a fool thinks events like these are simply for drink and dance."

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
I may not know as much as I ought to, but I do know that much,"
Corrine smiled. "
Do you have any advice for when I attend?"

[Reader]

"
Be where the party happens - move from guest to guest, get the measure of all the participants but always leave them wanting more."


"
Standard stuff for any ball."


"
For a Bartheld party? Don't be the last to leave..."


A rare lighter side from Lady Isobel, thawing as Spring approaches?

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Thank you. That is helpful. I am glad we had this talk, mother,"
Corrine said, with sincere kindness in her voice. Things had gone far better than she anticipated.

[Reader]

"
Gentle Mother, strength of women,
Help our daughters through this fray,"
bleats Lady Isobel piously in parting.

Gods, but the Marstens could be an insufferably sanctimonious lot.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

"
Soothe the wrath and tame the fury. Teach us all a kinder way,"
Corrine replies, mostly from habit and reflex, but as she speaks the words, she sees how apt they are.

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[Reader]

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