[D5, LA] News For Mother

Benedict Blackthorne wrote:Ben takes slight offense to her phrasing, but does his best to hide it. "
Content? No it is with a heavy heart I would do so. But I would do so none the less, for Lady Corrine. I have three brothers who will bare me nephews to carry on the name Blackthorne. That will be enough for me."
His words are spoken in truth.

Lady Marsten continues to ignore her daughter.

"
Tell me a little of yourself and these three brothers then Ser. Little word of Blackthrones reach us in the Heavens. I would know the man who would marry a Marsten."


"
Who would become a Marsten."


Still just a Marsten. It is as if Ser Benedict was to marry Gwyneth, or even Dyana. Not her own flesh and blood. Her Corrine.

A disgraceful thought came racing, unbidden to Lady Isobel's mind.

Perhaps Ser Jon Cobb would make a good Lord Marsten?

Corrine didn't like that her mother was pointedly ignoring her, and liked even less that she was being snobbish to Ben.

"
Mother, I don't think it is necessary to interrogate him,"
she began, her tone gentle, but with an edge of indignation. "
He answered your question in good faith, I deem him worthy, and both Lord Tullison and I vouch for his character. Please, can you not just accept my decision and be happy for us?"

Ben reached out to Corrine with a sincere smile. "
My Lady it is okay. I know where you Lady mother is coming from. She more than even myself has only your wellbeing in mind. If there is anything I can do to assuage her fear for you and House Marsten then I will."


He turns to Lady Isobel his mask of neutrality back in place. "
I am the first born son of a third born son of Lord Bernard Blackthorne. My family have lands on the coast of the Bite at the edge of the Mountains of the moon. They control the port of Bullbriar Bay and rule from BriarHall. My father is a Captain in my grandfathers fleet. My first brother, Bernard is a first mate aboard another ship in the fleet and well on his way to Captain. The other two are twins and very young, quite a handful actually."


He places his hands on his knees to help wipe off the sweat that was building. Is it hot in here.

"
As for story, my lady, I was once in training to captain a ship but a ... unfortunate event at sea changed my path. My grandfather decide a knighthood was best for me and hence he petitioned for me to squire with your very own Ser Markus and become acquainted with those of House Marsten. Do not mention Leopold or Gwyn fool.

After my time with House Marsten I served my mothers family the Blackwoods. And recently came to serve my good cousin Lord Dunstan.

I also have a young sister who currently resides with at Mountains Reach as lady in waiting, Ellien. She is very dear to me.

Not wanting to be long winded I will stop there. Unless there are farther details you wish to know."
He nods respectfully. He lets out an internal sigh.

Ben's gentle words and light touch still Corrine's heart a little, and she is quiet again. She listens to Ben's description of his House and family in silence, her head bowed slightly in contrition.

Lady Isobel bows in here seat to ben, acknowledging her daughter's words with a barely perceptible nod of the head.

"
Most enlightening. My thanks Ser Benedict."


"
Lord Tullison, Ser Ben - have you given thought on when the wedding shall be announced? And where it shall be held? The particulars of the ceremony."


She pauses.

"
All this must be carried out in a proper fashion, under the eyes of the Seven."


Proper. Always proper with House Marsten.

Ben's mask drops slightly as a smile creeps through. Then he looks to Corrine with sympathy. "
My Lord, my lady, pardon me, but a womans wedding should reflect her wishes as well. I know it is a religious and political event, but I also know it is one that most young woman will cherish."

"
I quite agree with Ser Ben my Lady. The location of the wedding should be decided by the ones that are to be wedded. On my part, I am willing to offer Mountain's Reach as one possible solution."
Dunstan said courteously.

Corrine's heart bounced at the questions.

Does this mean... she accepts it? Gods above! Thank you!

Corrine tried to stay composed, though her shining eyes and broad grin belied her joy.

"
As long as The Seven and our families bear witness together, I don't mind very much. I will gladly accept suggestions of a venue. I suppose I would like to also include seeking the blessing of the Old Gods, as a demonstration of respect for my husband's heritage."


A thought occurs to her, and she poses the resulting question thoughtfully;


"
Normally the husband would place his cloak around his wife, bringing her into his House. But since Ben will become a Marsten, would I put my cloak on him?"

"
Riverrun"
Dunstan dared to make a comment, "
has both a sept and a godswood."

Corrine's eyes lit up at that.

That would make it sooner rather than later! Oh, mother, please say yes!

"
I... like that idea, my lord,"
she said quietly, with a small smile.

Lady Isobel look thoughtful, continuing to channel her responses through Lord Tullison.

"
House Tully does indeed offer sites sacred to both the old gods and the new. Further House Tullison is of Tully blood, so your liege may be glad to see your man married here. Were you to defray the cost, Lord Tully may be amenable to the idea.

Lady isobel manages to remark on Lord Tully without rolling her eyes, a testament to her good manners, albeit in short supply in this meeting so far.

"
That said, our castle of Hartshorn would be the orthodox choice for any joining the storied Marsten line.A pilgrimage to an ancient weirwood could be arranged afterwards."

Corrine gave Dunstan a slightly pleading look;


"
Riverrun would be ideal, wouldn't it? We are here already, and I'm sure, with the right offering to Lord Tully, he would allow it."

"
I will speak to Lord Tully soon, and inquire about that possibility my Lady."

Lady Isobel curtsied to her guests.

"
My Lord Tullison, Ser Benedict."


"
I must pray to the Seven for good fortune and guidance with this new dawn for House Marsten. Will you forgive me to attend the Sept?"


Still no word to her daughter, or even an attempt to directly address matters. She does not even meet her eyes.

Mayhap she would find time to write Ser Jon Cobb.

Corrine watched her mother get up and leave, a creeping dread gathering in the back of her mind.

"
I'm not sure what to make of that response,"
she admitted to Dunstan &
Ben. "
That was not what I expected. And not necessarily in a good way."

"
Of course my Lady. May the Crone ever guide your path with wisdom."
Dunstan said while Isobel started walking out, and quickly filled his cup and took a large gulp of wine when she finally abandoned the tent.

"
I think it was a good sign. You two are practically married already if you ask me!"

"
As much as I wish that were true, my lord, we should be wary of her lack of resistance. I think she would have reacted much more forcefully were it not for your presence. She may not have direct control over this, but I would not put it past her to throw obstacles in our way."


Corrine sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose thoughtfully.

"
I do hope your optimism is justified, but I feel I should look into providing myself and Ben with more protection from potential machinations. We should arrange an audience with Lord Tully. If we get his blessing, that will be harder for my mother to undermine."

Ben scratches his chin stubble. "
I have to agree with my Lady. Even a normal wedding has more haggling and discussion, let alone one as significant as this one."
He smiles at Corrine, squeezing her hand.

Turning to give Dunstan he give a grin. "
Perhaps Lord Dunstan she could not resistance your boyish charm."