[D3, MA] Lady Corrine's Arrival (Closed)

Not far behind the imperious Lady Isobel, Corrine Marsten sweeps into the Great Hall to attend the feast. She has dressed modestly, in a plum-coloured velvet gown, detailed with small embroidered songbirds in gold thread. Her long, dark hair has been tamed into an elegant twist over one shoulder, braided and woven in places with ribbons and jewels to match the dress.

Lady Isobel peels off to speak with someone, and Corrine takes her seat, observing the room.

"
So many strangers,"
she thinks to herself, summoning a servant with drinks to quell her nerves.

Athelstan tries to look his best and blend in after a hard morning practice, he took a needed shower, trim his beard and pulled his hair back in a ponytail that reaches half way to his back hoping it looked well enough, he wears his courtly attire. A burgundy surcoat with hanging sleeves and silver buttons, covered by a black overcoat. and sealskin gloves, accompanied by a black leader belt with a silver buckle, and high black boots with silver trims and scrollwork.

Feeling ready he stands to the jokes of the men as he leaves the Longshore pavilion on his palfrey, looking bright red in anger making promises of punishment of it when he returns, and now more out of pride than anything heads to the Great Hall for this day proceedings. Once away from Longshore pavilion most people think him a normal noble man, now he hopes he can act the part, by exchanging idle chatter and small talk at the entrance his eyes rest upon a purple sapphire among the crowd, a young lady marching like a scared servant behind an old crony and probably a noble woman that is stiffer than a dead man... anyway he shakes his head and clears his thoughts "
Come on Athelstan, were is the courage you boast about all the damn time."


Taking a few deep breaths he follows them losing the for a moment and by the Drowned God's blessing the old lady is leaving leaving her behind and quickly walking to her place and taking a seat next to her "
Hi, my lady I apologize for barging in like this, but I think you look as lost as I am with so many strange and weird looking people"
and with a smile "
I also rather be seen next to a beautiful woman in the Hall, at least that way both us don't look like fish out of water."

Corrine is briefly surprised by his slight bluster, but smiles graciously;


"
You are forgiven, Ser. I welcome an oppprtunity to make a new acquaintance, and it is reassuring to find I am not alone in bewilderment."


She lets out a small, embarrassed laugh, shakes her head a little at her own awkwardness, then looks back at him with more composure.

"
I am Lady Corrine Marsten. Might I have your name?"

A small red tint of blush comes and passes quickly though his cheeks, she must be related to that old crony!

"
My lady"
Athelstan bows slightly "
I am Athelstan Pyke, of House Longshore and very honored to meet you and in your debt for rescuing a man in distress!"
with a grin in his face and acting the part for a moment, the turns back to look at her admiring her for a quick second "
She is something worthy of enduring all and coming to this tournament"
not knowing if he was thinking out loud or not he quickly continues talking "
I should have known I had excellent taste in picking company"
coming closer to her, he whispers "
For such a long and probably boring proceeding, if they just want to grovel for attention they should do it in private and let us eat and dance"
he stops taking a cup of wine from a passing serving girl and looks at the room filled with people.

[ooc]This will be fun[/ooc]

She noticed the bastard surname, but did not comment on it. She did not possess the contempt for bastards that most did. She had always felt it was hardly their fault.

"
In distress? I am sure you can handle yourself, Athelstan of House Longshore,"
she replied, tipping her wine cup to him in salute. "
I have heard tales of the ferocity of the Ironborn. I met your kinsman, Liefnarr, yesterday. A formidable-looking man, though pleasantly amiable. What relation are you to him?"

Athelstan is surprised for a moment"
that damn man, can be pleasant?"
nodding to no one in particular "
That man is my uncle and captain when I fight for him in our travels across the sea"
as he swings his arm in slow motion picturing the vastness of the ocean and looking at her “Ironborn are combat specialists whose weapon of choice is the axe, a fearsome weapon long associated with them. Their approach to battle is one of brute force, as they rely on pure strength, speed and steel to crush their enemies.” sipping from his wine and raising his cup “Ironborn are highly sought after for their ferocity and intimidating presence, and are often employed to hunt down bandits or pirates plaguing the land, or to turn the tide of battle in a war.” shrugging his shoulders "
I am ironborn, but to survive one has to adapt, war can't be our only trade, we must change, albeit some are slower than others and I did travel the seas and fought many battles"
not knowing if that was a proper conversation so trying to change quickly the subject "
Have you ever seen the sea?"
saying it like it is a wonder to behold.

His outpouring of information about the Ironborn almost made her laugh out loud, but she just smiled. It was endearingly awkward. A characteristic she found surprising and interesting. Neither he nor Liefnarr had fitted her idea of what an Ironborn was like.

"
I have seen the sea, though I rarely have cause to be near it. I must admit I did not cope well on the one occasion I sailed,"
she confessed, somewhat apologetically, as though she feared that fact might make her seem weak.

"
I imagine the sea must be akin to a second home to you."

"
Well most ladies are not accustomed to the rocking of the sea, like other places"
giggling to himself at his pun intended joke "
Nevertheless, the sea can always bee seen in an ironborns eyes, so we always carry it with us"
as Athelstan comes really close and opens his eyes wide ad smiles "
Or so they say"
pointing a finger to the sky as he speaks "
Yet the sea will always be our home, no matter how far we are or were we settle down"
looking at her "
Its the rolling waves and soothing sounds of the sea when you are in a beach that can soothe any ironborn, until you find the right woman to drown in for ever."
looking deeply into his cup "
So what is there to know about the Marstens?"
as he approaches to whisper other than that scary old lady that came in with you."

She giggles, glancing into the room briefly, to ensure Lady Isobel isn't watching.

"
That scary old lady is my mother, Lady Isobel,"
she tells him with a mischevious look. "
You are right to fear her. If you knew how formidable she can be, you might not have approached me!"


She takes a sip of wine.

"
Do not take that as a complaint about your presence. I am finding your company quite refreshing. But normally, if she were by my side, she would chase you off. She is very protective. It is understandable, as I am her only living child, but it can still be stifling. But I do not wish to bore you with such talk. In short, Lady Isobel runs House Marsten, though I am technically old enough to do so, as the heir. I am, however, not in a rush to take over . As for all there is to know about House Marsten, that is a long list, best told by a storyteller. I do not think I could do the family history justice."

Athelstan giggles "
By the gods old and new, you can tell she is tougher than a sword and can probably cut as deep"
which makes him shuder and he exagerates the feeling for a moment "
I don't need you House history I meant like how are the Marstens themselves?"
thinking for a second "
For example Longshores value freedom and independence, and while we are ironborn we are unique"
he smiles "
I can tell why she protects you"
looking at her and then winking "
I would also, just probably not hover over your shoulder like a vulture"
looking around the room to find many eyes like dagger piercing him with hate, which prompts him to whisper again "
For this moment apparently I'm keeping now rescuing you by sitting here from all the strange men that look at me like they are trying to kill me."
sipping some more wine and waiting for some more to be poured in his cup "
You must have no end to old farts that want you for a wife or more for your lands, how despicable."

"
My mother tends to field the hopefuls, so to speak,"
Corrine replies with amusement. "
You are one of the rarities that have ducked her gaze. Between her and those men you spy, you are either brave or foolish. Possibly both. Either way, more interesting than some puffed-up lordling."


She drinks more of her wine, studying Athelstan's face.

"
As for what House Marsten is like, we are one of the most venerable Andal bloodlines still in existence. We value honour and legacy. We are dedicated to The Seven. Our lands guard the western border of the Vale, and we believe in protecting our lands, Realm, and family. We were once a great and prosperous house, though our circumstances became difficult when both my father's male heirs died in battle, and then later an illness took him too. Things are improving now though, largely through interest in me. And you are right, there are some who would seek to access the Marsten lands through me. And yes, it is despicable."


She looked at him with a slightly challenging, though not malicious, curiosity.

"
It is surprising that you say that though, one who has made a living from taking."

"
I want to think I'm brave, or at least that's what I told my self to sit next to you, hoping that you wouldn't rebuke me before I was even done saying hi"
finally being served some more wine and sipping it.

Almost choking in his next drink of wine "
There is one big difference there to be noted but first, I believe in traditions and even as we are adapting to this way of life, I believe our culture and beliefs are part of our identity as a House, which I can understand yours, but we are also building a sept now for those that worship the 7, for we respect freedom above all and if the people want to worship the 7 they can do so freely."
finally braving another drink "
When I take, it's from those that have fought me and sought to fight me, no different than when a knight beats another in the joust and takes the losers horse, weapon and armor."
he shrugs his shoulders "
Yes we trade and at sea, you are as likely to be attacked by someone that thinks you are weak as the other way around, it's just how sea trading goes most of the time."
he rubs his chin and points at her "
I'm not like most, because I think differently than most ironborn, I believe there are good things to be learned and adapt, like value of those that work our lands, with out them, our House would be rather poor and in hard times, it won't matter how powerful a House is if the smallfolk hate you, you will be in for a hard time no matter what you do."


"
I think we share much income, and you are a very interesting woman to converse and be with"


[ooc]I hope I did that roll right, and instead of 3d6k3 I only keep 2[/ooc]
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6k3 10
[url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 3d6k2 10

Objective: Friendship
Disposition: Amiable
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 12
Drawback: Bastard
Quality: Authority
Yield = Increase her disposition towards me, for now

"
It is commendable that your people seek to better integrate with the rest of the Realm,"
Corrine replied politely. "
And I am flattered by your kind attention. However, it will likely take time and effort to change the general image of the Ironborn as you describe. As honourable a soul as you say you are, and I do believe you wish to be, I heard a worrying rumour that you killed one of your kinsmen earlier. I hope you can tell me that was mere conjecture."


She watched him carefully, her posture turning a little guarded as she fidgeted with her wine cup. She had forgotten her mother's warnings about the Ironborn in her anxiety about everyone else in the room. Athelstan was certainly charming, though now that she had settled a little, she became conscious of just how close he had edged up to her, and how it must look.

[url=Initiative][/url]: 4d6 15
[url=Persuasion - Charm][/url]: 6d6k5 20
Intrigue Defense 9
Composure 12
Disposition: Amiable
Drawback: Naive
Quality: Attractive

Athelstan looks at her "
We were practicing in the pavilion practice yard, and I have fought Roddric many times out of anger and training"
not looking sad or apologetic for what he did "
The night before we had some issues amongst all three 'brothers' and while I had a good spar with Yoren landing telling blows, when it came with Roddric, the blow he landed on me was not one of practicing there was ill will and malicious intent behind it"
shrugging his shoulders and sipping from his wine "
He forgot I was a bit sturdier than he remembers and he paid for it, for I was not willing to bet in his kindness for which he is not known"
rubbing his side still from lingering pain "
People only saw a 'deliberate' attack or accuse my other brother to convincing me to do it, but I'm not interest in a seat coveted by two weak heir, when all I wanted was to be acknowledged as their real brother and be able to call myself Longshore"
small moment of sadness

[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6k3 7
[url=Convince][/url]: 3d6k2 11

[ooc]I yield and give her the information, that roll was brutal and you would tear apart my composure otherwise, you can counter my offer or you can choose to break me XD and you will get the same info from me. I take the 1 point in Frustration to offer yield.[/ooc]

Athelstan was shadowed by Ser Florian Greysteel, as Lord Tully had placed instruction that after the morning's "
accident"
in training he must be watched.

Ser Florian is a famed tourney knight and champion, permitted to spend the day in armour while he kept a watch over Athelstan, as much for Athetlstan's own protection, given the risk of reprisals from Roddric's furious supporters.

"
I see,"
Corrine said, thoughtfully. "
So that is why you have a shadow,"
she said, glancing at Ser Florian.

She sets aside her cup and looks at Athelstan with solemnity.

"
It is a grave thing, to take a life, especially that of a kinsman. I am surprised that you seem to lack remorse. However, I know I do not understand much of the ways of the Ironborn. For all I know, that is normal. I sympathise with your desire to be acknowledged as a full member of your family, and you have done no wrong by me, so I will reserve judgement for now, but I think perhaps we should not speak more until the matter is resolved."


(OOC: I am not going to destroy you, but I am not going to raise my disposition either.)

[ooc]Sold, I take the deal![/ooc]

"
I will more than likely pay weregild for it, and his passing will be mourned, but when an ironborn dies we do not feel sad for he now drinks and feasts with our forebearers, don't you believe in something similar with the 7?"

"
There are seven heavens, and seven hells,"
Corrine replied. "
People into whichever they have earned in life. Are the Ironborn judged by the Drowned God?"

"
Yes, we are drowned to be reborn, is what we say"
drinking from his cup "
The circle of life. The Drowned God is a god of warfare and is very harsh but just in his judgement, if you die a warrior death and live honorably and with courage, you will be welcome in his halls, we return the bodies or ashes of the fallen to the sea, those deemed cowards drift forever lost and lonely"
looking into her eyes "
I still answer to the law of men, and I will see to it by the evening for I am a man of honor and courage. I will pay weregild or a trial by combat more than likely"
sipping from his cup "
I'm going to be jousting as I was announced champion of House Longshore."
looking at his escort and turning back "
I doubt I'll win the tourney but I settle for knocking a couple of knights or two and acquit myself well."

"
So, you are to be tried this evening?"
Corrine asked. "
Why not straight away, after the event? It seems strange to wait."

"
Things got strange and complicated, by the time the dust settled, the tournament festivities continue and we have to save face, so the evening is a better time while most people are still here dancing and enjoying themselves"
a sad look in his face "
I am sorry if I caused you any distress with that, I just bear the burden easier as a warrior"
drinking the rest of his cup "
I would much rather spend the time in your company having a good time and fending of your suitors like a shield, the having to go through those proceedings."

"
Fending off my suitors?"
Corrine asked with a raised eyebrow. "
The way you were huddling close to me and whispering compliments in my ear, I thought you fancied yourself a suitor too!"


She let out a little giggle, though her eyes were questioning.

"
I would never presume so, you are beautiful, and if I were to have your hand, I would have your permission first, not chase after your mother with gifts and pester you unwanted"
he smiles "
You are way more valuable than lands and gold lady Corrine, I just never fancied my self worthy enough yet, unless you choose to tell me otherwise"
shrugging his shoulders "
After all I value freedom, and your is no different than anyones."

"
Your words are fine and refreshing to hear, Athelstan,"
Corrine said, though she felt conflicted in saying it. "
If only more men thought that way. Were it not for this contentious business with you and your brothers, I would feel more comfortable with our acquaintance. I am not even supposed to speak with Ironborn or bastards, let alone one who is both. If it were up to me, I would judge people myself by how I find them..."


She trailed off, looking lost.

"
I thank you for your candour, and I have enjoyed your company, Athelstan, but you must know that I can make no promises to anyone. Even when they are charming, eloquent, and, I daresay, rather dashing."


She smiled awkwardly with a little shrug, though her eyes were anxious.

"
I never expected you to do promises, after all not to the current me. I can stop being a bastard, I will settle tonight the other problems, but being ironborn I can't do nothing about it, I was born to an ironborn House"
shrugging his shoulders "
I do not wish to make trouble for you, so I will take my leave, just remember you are worth more than you are being taken for and you will always find in me someone to count on, when the time is dire"
Athelstan stand in a single slow motion, taking lady Corrine's hand and giving it a gentle kiss "
Thank you for this time, and the new treasured memory I will keep."