[D1:LA]Good Cousins (closed)

Baelon is on his way back to his horse when he encounters a familiar face.

"
Ben?"

"
Aye."
Ben says turning away from a young groom. The mask of stoic duty drops briefly at the sight of a familiar face.

"
Baelon. Hello. Incoming or outgoing?"

"
Outgoing, but I can delay my departure a while. It would be good to talk. Shall we go somewhere a bit more... private? I feel like everything we do and say here is being observed, dissected, and judged. I'd like a break from that. I passed a hill on the way here that would do - it's only a short ride from here."

Ben's head falls and he exhales a long sigh. When his head rises he has a reassured smile. "
I could use the air and company. A break may do me some good."

Baelon gives orders for the Bloodriders to ride some hundred or so yards behind and to keep alert.
Mounting, they all ride out of Raventree Hall.

***

Atop the hill, Baelon dismounts and admires the view.

"
From up here, it all looks so peaceful, doesn't it? Not as impressive a sight as the views from Hartshorn or Caladan Hall, but peaceful."

He smiles.
"
I saw Corrine taking the bread and salt at Warrior's Seat, though I did not get a chance to talk with her - I had an appointment to keep with Ser Jorah. She looked... less pregnant. Congratulations on your fatherhood. Do you have a son or a daughter?"

Ben looks over the land. "
Looks yes, but doesn't not feel so."
None the less he seems to relax some.

At the remark about 'less ... pregnant' he laughs.

"
Thank you Baelon. A girl, Bethany."
He beams proudly. His eyes unfocused, recalling some image of his daughter.

"
Things are continuing to prosper at Caladan Hall I take it? Gwyn is well?"

"
Bethany - a good name. I suspect I'll not be childless for too much longer. Perhaps some day we should foster each others' children. My time at Hartshorn meant a lot to me, and I want to make sure that our houses stay close... but that is a conversation to have in the future, with our wives present."


He sighs.

"
I do not envy House Marsten the 'honor' of leading this assembly... no matter the outcome, there will be problems. Favor House Blackwood and there will be cries of favoritism and that House Marsten cares not for justice. Favor House Bracken and you risk shattering the Black faction in the region - possibly alienating House Marsten's royal friends. I am doubtful that whomever arranged this cared much about justice - politics is the order of the day."


He shakes his head.

"
I want to help you. If there is anything I can do - personally, politically, or militarily, please let me know."


OOC:
Intrigue
Objective: ???
Disposition: Amiable
[url=Initiative][/url]: 4d6+2 17

Intrigue
Objective: ?
Disposition: Amiable
[url=Initiative vs
Baelon][/url]: 3d6 11

"
Help at a time such as this is a double edged blade."

Baelon laughs.

"
Sure enough, though I think last year's melee showed how good we are at handling those. In all seriousness though, I'm not asking you to divulge any secrets or do me any favors. I have no hidden agenda;
we've talked before about what I want from House Marsten and you know that I truly believe that it is in House Marsten's best interest. I believe Corinne agrees."


He sighs.

"
You're a good man, Benedict Marsten, and the world would be a better place if there were more like you around. Unfortunately though, this world can be rather hostile to good men, especially good men in positions of influence. Whether you know it or not, you are vulnerable, and need someone to watch your back. I could have been the Keeper of the Gate - House Marsten's right-hand man, your sword. Instead, let me be your shield."


He shakes his head.

"
I'd bet good money that, whether you know it or not, you are already being manipulated.... and not just to influence our immediate task, either."


OOC:
Intrigue Round 1
Objective: ???
Disposition: Amiable
[url=Initiative][/url]: 4d6+2 17
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9/9
Frustration: 0

Action: Influence [url=Persuade(Charm)][/url]: 6d6+2 21 2#1d5 2 1 ->
23, +1 Disposition = 24
Assuming Ben's Intrigue Defense is still 9, that is 4 DoS x 4 = 16 -3 DR = 13 influence, which, assuming his Will is still 3, is enough to force 2 frustration.

Ben's lips form a tight circle as he expels his breath sharply. His head bobs side to side, his eyes closed tight. "
Baelon I believe your intentions are good and I appreciate your concern."


His eyes snap open as the inevitable 'but' comes. "
I am already seen as bias to house Blackwood by blood. My sword has married a Blackwood. Having a blooded Black supporter in my corner only helps to disparage my appearance as impartial. Besides, knowing your mind, having you close will only lend to you having a great impression on my decisions. I fortunately wish to make up my own mind."


He spurs Rose forward. Without looking back, so his grief can not be seen he speaks one last time. "
Thank you for the ride. Good day."



Intrigue
Objective: ?
Disposition: Amiable
[url=Initiative vs
Baelon][/url]: 3d6 11
ID: 9
Comp : 2/7
Frustration: 2/3
Action: quit

You bloody fool. I had my doubts that you could handle the politics of your position, but I really didn't want to be right. Damn Ben, you're going to be eaten alive, and you just turned your back on one of the few who could save you, and the only one who wouldn't just as gladly see you twist in the wind.

He mutters under his breath.
"
There's too much riding on this to let you screw it up. I won't let House Marsten fall because of you."


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