[Day 9 Early Night] Last Night, seldom and solemn [Closed]

OOC: Seems we're not actually leaving on Day 9, letting us to rp some reflection on the events of the week before the day we actually depart. After some thought, I decided I'll be at the Huntsman as well. There are a couple roleplay things I wanted to address before she moves on.

Up by the counter seldom raising a cup to drink is Loreia, alone with not a single patron to bother her. Those who might have wanted to before only shoot a dirty look before paying no mind, eyes full of scorn. She leans with her arm against the counter, more relaxed and less on guard, taking a bit of a breather from a hectic week.

*The following interactions in mind(mainly concerning melee) with the people from "
Last Night"
thread*
For reference*: viewtopic.php?f=75&
t=275&
p=36689#p36689

* - updated!

[ooc: If multiple people want to interact, how should we resolve the posting order?]

After spending some time with the group, Corrine notices Loreia glancing over at her.

Perhaps she is still angry about Ben's behaviour last night. I should go smooth things over, if I can.

"
Excuse me a moment,"
she says to the others, standing and making her way over to Loreia.

"
Loreia, may I get you a drink?"

Surprised, Loreia turns her head to see someone she hadn't expected to meet in Heedle's inn. "
Lady Corrine? Oh, plea--uh, yes, thank you,"
she says, stumbling over her words. I didn't expect I'd be with you for your first visit in an alehouse, m'lady. Feelin' bold? Or, did you have some business to discuss with your betrothed?"


She seems a little distracted for one just relaxing.

Loreia Merrgal wrote:Surprised, Loreia turns her head to see someone she hadn't expected to meet in Heedle's inn. "
Lady Corrine? Oh, plea--uh, yes, thank you,"
she says, stumbling over her words. I didn't expect I'd be with you for your first visit in an alehouse, m'lady. Feelin' bold? Or, did you have some business to discuss with your betrothed?"


She seems a little distracted for one just relaxing.

"
Since Yoren suggested that I try the 'tavern experience' other night, I decided to come see what it's like,"
Corrine explains, in an amuable but slightly awkward tone. "
I came dressed like this to reveal my secret identity from the tourney. Thankfully, having not achieved terribly much meant there hasn't been a scandal,"
she adds, with a little smile.

She looks between the landlord and Loreia, realising she's forgotten something.

"
What sort of drink would you like? Everyone seems to be drinking ale, but I don't know if that's preference or because that's what taverns sell."


Corrine blushed a little with embarrassment, though there was already a pink ess in her cheeks from the ales that had been foisted upon her.

Sorry Loreia, and landlord. I have no idea what I'm doing.

"
Ah. Take a seat, relax, and I'll explain, m'lady."


"
Ale is cheap, and, at this fine tavern which serves nobles an' common people in equal measure,"
Loreia paces her words, at the same time, mindful of the innkeeper listening, "
ale is the preference for that reason alone, but it's not a bad choice. It's all about the different textures. Focus on that, an' soon you'll get used to the taste. Or, you can have a cup or two of wine an' call it a night, or cider instead - though from where I'm sittin', you may want to call it quits now. Wouldn't be proper for a lady to let too much go to her head, or so I'm told."


She knocks back half of her cup when a server comes to top it off. "
So how is Ser Benedict? Last night was such a blur, like the Stranger visited grumkins an' snarks to drive us from our beds an' poison our minds."


That may have something to do with it, but she's really asking about something else.

"
It was a terrible night, it's true. I feel terrible sbout what happened between yourself and Ben, and Garrett. Tensions were high, and Ben acted out of character. I know he regrets it too."

Loreia nods respectfully, and lays a comforting hand on Corrine's shoulder. "
Don't feel bad, m'lady. It weren't your fault. I'm just glad that him an' Daveth were able to put it to rest. Garret's yet to come down from it, but he will. As for me, I'd have happily played my role if we crossed swords, but with Daveth, it seems there's always another way. He's very taken with you - I mean, Bene--Ben, is. The two of you make a lovely couple."


Empathy TN8: "
Out of character"
? Not sure if I believe that. Hopefully becoming a lord will make it so.

"
I never thanked him for his help in the melee,"
she continues, taking her hand away and peering into her drink. She tips it to look straight into it, the cylindrical inside wall like the "
white"
of an eye(except brown), with ale forming the amber pupil in the center. "
I don't think either of us would've held out as long as we did if we didn't aid each other to even the odds, against Ser Loreth and Baelon."

Loreia picks up from Corrine's phrasing that, by "
out of character"
, her meaning is, perhaps, closer to "
didn't think before acting on a hot-headed impulse"
. She is not being dishonest, more like trying to be charitable.

"
I'm glad it could be sorted out too. We both value Daveth's friendship, and the friendship of House Coldbrook. While I was uncomfortable with Garrett's behaviour, Ben should have handled it with more decorum. Or, perhaps I should have handled the matter myself, without telling him,"
Corrine shrugs, her expression amiable, but regretful.

"
I'm heartened that you and Ben helped eachother. You both did very well. Between you &
I, I'd have rather you had beaten Ser Baelon. We need more strong, valiant women to rise to such challenges in this world."

OOC: Oh, I know she's being honest, but that Empathy test is for Corrine, not me. Loreia's thoughts were to convey the gist of the reading Corrine would get if she succeeded. What Loreia said might betray how she feels.

"
I wasn't in any shape to try. I'd have only embarrassed myself an' ended up more hurt, an' truth be told, I'd prefer yieldin' to him than to the Knight of Stones. There's always the next time."


Loreia grins askance at the young lady. For every twenty jeering southron fools, I have one of you. "
Still, your words are a welcome respite, Corrine. Before comin' here, I hadn't expected to hear them from any of the vassals of House Arryn. We also need highborn folks who'll support us valiant women."

[ooc: Ah, gotcha. Apologies. [url=Empathy][/url]: 4d6k3 14. Corrine totally gets it.]

"
Well, you shall have my support in similar future endeavours, Loreia. You're an exceptional warrior, a good person, and you've been kind to us. I like you,"
Corrine replies warmly. "
You will be welcome at Hartshorn any time."

Loreia flags a server for another cup. "
Thank you, m'lady, I like you too. I appreciate the offer. I know I said that you might want to stop, but will you join me for a toast? It's only fitting now that I've got someone to toast with, and I've been puttin' off the actual toast till now."


She hands Corrine her cup, and her smile fades as she raises her own first. "
To Ser Jon Cobb, of Flea Bottom, an' the Wrecker at the Bridge."


[Sorry if that seems a little forced, but I just wanted to get us there.]

Corrine nods, her own expression becoming solemn.

"
To Ser Jon. May he rest in peace."


And may my mother forget him.

"
Such an unfittin' end for an old war hero,"
she sighs. "
He taught me to dance. That must seem silly, but there weren't much focus on it where I used to live, not for young girls in my home village. No one I ever met'd cared to, and he was such a charming man. We were fast friends the day we met."


"
Part of me feels guilty. When he fell, I weren't thinkin' of him. I only thought of winning, an' with everything happenin', I barely made time to really mourn. He was like...the uncle I never had."
And even though I'm sad, my eyes won't cry tears when I want them to.

"
I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you lost someone you valued,"
Corrine replies tactfully. "
But, I suppose, perhaps, when it's less raw, you might be able to remember him fondly whenever you dance,"
she offers. "
I'm sure he wouldn't want you to be downtrodden on his account."

Would he? As close as she'd become to him, she didn't truly know him. Mayhaps no one did, besides the late Lord Bartheld and the Black Targaryen prince, but he might have let her know his secrets in time. I'm the same way. Her smile returns as she considers the young lady who came to talk of her own volition.

"
You're probably right, Corrine. Speakin' of valued friends, did you come here with anyone?"
I think I'm done drinking alone.

"
My cousin, Dyana, escorted me here, but we joined Ben, Ser Baelon, and Lord Dunstan. I'm sure they would welcome you, if you'd like to join us?"

Corrine smiles more broadly, and gives an affirmative nod before leading Loreia over to the table, offering Loreia the space next to her.

"
Another friend to share in our merriment, Sers!"