[Day 3: Late Morning] A Morning Stroll (Closed)

For the second time in two days, Jon found himself following the path to the Marsten camp, but today there was an extra spring in his step. Thud-thud-thud, his maul beat the time to his march. He could not help but look forward to this morning's exercise, even if it meant that he was passing up his usual late breakfast.

Arriving at Lady Isobel's pavilion, he spoke to the guards: "
Good morning, gentlemen! Would you please inform Lady Isobel that Ser Jon Cobb is here for our morning stroll, and to continue yesterday's enlightening discussion."

Lady Isobel Marsten emerges from the tent, as before greeting him with a formal curtsey.

"
Ser Jon, it is kind of you to call on me again. A lady should not go unescorted, it is kind of you to facilitate my trips round the grounds."


[TN 8 awareness to spot something interesting, 1 DoS = one bit of info 2 DoS = an extra bit of info]

[url=Awareness][/url]: 3d6k2 9 Yay! Got through by the skin o' me teeth! = 1 DoS

Jon bows gallantly to Lady Isobel, drinking in her face and form.

Did she just blush? She did! Jon smiles inwardly, allowing himself a small moment of triumph. But there's something else, too. Something's bothering her...

"
My lady, it is a pleasure and an honor. Shall we continue where we left off yesterday?"

She takes Jon's arm.

"
We shall indeed - what boon could a war hero such as yourself need from a widow such as myself? I fear the situation should be reversed,"
she says in jest, but with the same tense undertone Jon detected earlier.

Jon smiles at Lady Isobel's jest.

"
My lady, as you will recall, we were discussing Brom Bartheld's current difficulties, and how a loyal friend might help him extricate himself. I thought much on this after our meeting yesterday and... forgive me Lady Isobel, but is there something amiss? I don't wish to pry, but I cannot help but feel that you are a little...distracted today."
Jon gives Lady Isobel an uncertain look, concern plainly written on his lined face.

"
I...."


Isobel Marsten, the steely leader of her house through so many trials, seems lost for words - unused to being asked after her own feelings? Lost in some great trouble.

[OOC: simple intrigue - Persuade/Deception (any appropriate speciality) Tn 13, DoS = more info, critical failure = hilarious consequences - well, hilarious to me, not you]

[url=Will (C)][/url]: 6d6k3 12 - It's an intrigue, so this should apply.
[url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6k5+1 25 - Added +1 as disposition is Amiable. Assume this applies in simple intrigues as well.
Effect: 3 DoS!

Despite the risk of offending his companion, Jon turns to face her and gently takes both her hands in his.

"
Lady Isobel, please - consider me your friend. Share your troubles with me and I promise to do whatever I can to lighten your burden, even if it is only to lend a sympathetic ear."

She slumps, suddenly weary.

"
Age has won me no wisdom Ser Jon, only heartache. My daughter Corrine - all that is left to me - is a wilful child, and I struck her in a rage. It was.... unladylike."


Her eyes are downcast.

Jon releases Isobel's left hand and gently raises her face until he can look into her eyes.

"
Lady Isobel, I don't know what to say. I can see the love you bear for your daughter, and I cannot imagine what she can have done to make you strike her in anger. But if it is any consolation to you, then I can assure you that your daughter is fortunate to have a mother who grieves so for striking her. There are many children in Westeros with mothers who are far less...caring, and who must taste the rod daily, whether they deserve it or not."

She sniffs once, then composes herself.

"
That is knightly of you, ser."
She smiles gently, having restored her composure. The full walls of courtly etiquette have not yet returned, but Jon's unexpected empathy has allowed her to unburden herself of a great weight.

Suddenly she seems to stand taller, the head of house Marsten restored to full vigour by an expected source.

"
Tell me Ser, do you have children? Family? Are you alone at Hart House?"

Jon smiles encouragingly at Lady Isobel as she collects herself, offering her his arm to continue the walk once her composure is restored.

"
No, my lady, I have no children that I am aware of, and there is no one I would call family these days. But Hart House is a lively place and there are many there that I am glad to call my friends, so I am rarely alone unless I wish to be."


"
Though..."
Jon hesitates for a moment, recalling a painful memory, "
there was a woman once...whom I hoped to share my life with, and perhaps even to have children by her. Alas, it was not to be, and in any case, it was a very long time ago."

"
I have no desire to expose an old wound Ser Jon, physical or spiritual. Some old wounds never heal."


Lady Isobel attempted to move the topic on to happier topics. Two veterans of different battlefields, wandering among House Tully's grounds and enjoying the one another's company.

[OOC: intrigue handled off screen and D4 now, so in wrap-up mode after any parting elements. A sweet scene in amongst the bloodshed and betrayals]

The stroll comes to an end far too quickly, and Jon takes his leave of his gracious companion.

"
I thank you again for your time and companionship, Lady Isobel. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the invitation, and your decision about the matter of Brom Bartheld."
He hesitates for a moment, but then decides to take the plunge. "
Lady Isobel, forgive me for being so forward, but I have enjoyed our strolls these past two days very much. Do you think it possible that this could become a...habit?"


OOC: I figure Isobel wouldn't just blurt out a YES, when invited to a party, even if she's already decided to come...

Lady Isobel Marsten had made up her mind, but a Lady of her status at least had to make a pretence of checking her diary for prior engagements.

Widows did not often get invited to House Bartheld's famous revel, and she resolved to send her acceptance to Ser Jon via courier, after an acceptable interval.

She curtsies.

"
Be safe in the joust Ser Jon. We cannot enjoy our walks if some young braggart injuries you in the lists."


"
I shall confer with my advisers regarding Lord Brom, but I'm inclined to speak favourably of the old goat. We relics must stick together."