Aaralyn had long spent her free time in books from the Maester's library. It had been a welcomed distraction from the fact she didn't get to leave often. "I greatly enjoy reading." Aaralyn answered. "I also like needle point and such. But as to things I'd like to try, well I read of this thing called hawking? A type of hunting I've been told that both Lords and Ladies may enjoy." She went on to ask "Have you ever heard of it? Or done it?"
Darne was pleased that they had a least something in common. Though, reading could mean very different things for different people. He was a bit surprised to hear that she enjoyed needle point considered how tomboyish she seemed. But perhaps that was just typical behavior of the northern women to be so boisterous.
He was surprised a bit by her bringing up Hawking. He'd only done it once before but it was interesting. He thought for a moment "Hmmm, it seems Lady Aaralyn has expensive tastes." he said laughing a bit. "We might talk to the Maester, he is good with the Ravens, I imagine if we set up a Mew, he'd be able to help provide for it as well. We'd need a proper Master Falconer though and a young falcon or eagle then for you to grow with." he said trying to think about how to set such a thing up.
He patted his side and then opened his coin purse. He fumbled a bit with his coins, estimating how much he had. "I think we can get you started without having to ask Lord Naelareon for permission. I'll send a page into town and see if we have a trained falconer amongst our citizenry." he offered.
"So, why don't you tell me what you've read? The ones you've enjoyed most and we can see if we've read the same books. Then, we can talk about activities. Of course if you want we can put Hawking at the top of the list." Aaralyn stated with a smile. It seemed the young Karstark was eager to find something the two of them could do together and while reading was a shared interest, it wasn't something that would allow them to get to know eachother.
Darne laughed when she got close and asked him what he read. "I'm afraid you'll find my a bit boring as far as what I've read. My family wasn't born nobility. I've only learnt to read in the last few years and since then it's been mostly learning. The Maester hasn't kept very many stories around, so I've been reading up on heraldry, family histories, animal husbandry, among a few other things. It's amazing what people will write about but I've had a lot to learn over a short amount of time so I don't look a fool." he said smiling.
"Perhaps it might be better that you introduce me to what you've enjoyed. But as far as riding goes, we have a few horses, nothing of too much note. Though, horses have a rather interesting note in our family history. You see, my father actually gave Sir Selmy a horse when he was attempting to escape." he said telling a shorter version of the story.
"I'll not steal the thunder from my father though, he tells the story much better and makes for a more interesting tale though I'm not sure how much of it is true when he tells the story. He's a great storyteller when he wants to be."
So she turned the conversation to something else, or well away from the obvious question. "I won't lie, I'm a bit jealous of the closeness you seem to have with your family." Aaralyn admitted as her fact twisted a bit, pressing her lips into a thin line. "My brother and me share nothing in common save our blood. My father was rare around. I only saw him during dinners or when he came to check on my studies. Oh and when he chose to actually be the one to give me my gifts on my name day. Those where rare." Aaralyn said as she tried to give a small laugh to brush it off. "Honestly, I only saw my mother the most... but Nan and Tele are more the ones who raised me. Or well Nan was, Tele was raise beside me." She stated. "I do hope that is something your family keeps. That you'll keep."
Lothar thinks for moments.
"How to describe her? A clever tongue in a clever head. And pretty also. There is steel in her, and good sense. And I feel more about her than just about anything else I can think of. I would gladly wed her."
Darne looked a bit confused by how she described things as it wasn't the way he'd been raised. He tried to find a way to reassure her "I don't know how attentive of a father I will be, I understand your father's position a little. It is difficult to run a house and be an attentive father. But, I will be there and a part of things as best I can." he said unsure how to word things.
"I will have to travel a lot after all, and you yourself will too, so I had planned to get our children a Nanny to help out." he added.
Darne nodding finally understanding more of what she meant. However, when she asked him if he'd though about anything for the wedding, he looked perhaps even more lost. He paused as he thought "I hadn't even considered marriage until it was sprung upon the both of us. I imagine my mother and the Maester would likely have most of the say beyond yourself in how it goes." he said thinking it through.
"I wouldn't be opposed to some fruit wine, boar, and pheasant just to give some good contrast in taste. Of course, it would be good to bring in some something to get the nobles to talk. Perhaps I can talk the Maester into getting a hold of some Dornish recipes and spices." he offered.
"Though your father owes everything to the King, and thus we must invite him. So we will have to take that into consideration. If he chooses to come to the wedding we must ensure he will not be bored or insulted..." Aaralyn explained. "Not to mention there is the clothing to deal with, and if we want any music or the such."
Darne looked a bit surprised as well at her tone. "I don't expect the Maester to plan it, more than to prepare for it. To find what is planned if we cannot. Though with our ties through trading I doubt there will be little he'd have to do." he said thinking about it further.
He nodded "Indeed, I would not be surprised if the King does show up after showing at Harenhal. With this being closer and with it the first wedding of a House he personally raised...well, if not I won't be insulted either way. But yes, I would wager you and my mother will have much to talk about. You will have to get all your...ducks, in a row." he said trying to distract her a bit with a joke.
He thought for a moment "Perhaps you could use the time to even teach her a little of how to write and read if she has the inclination." he offered as a way for the two women to further bond. "Just watch the ink pots around that old demon of a cat. Damned thing can't help but make a mess out of anything I've ever worked on if I'm not careful. I fear it knows I am not fond of it." he said smirking.
"I do plan to help her learn to read. She seemed very happy about that, and I must say I would like to see if I can teach anyone anything. Since I am not a Maester." Aaralyn said. "But as we go through all of the planning, do you want to be involved?"
Darne paused. Honestly, he had plenty on his plate without attempting to understand the intricacies of a wedding. He looked at her "I hope you don't find this rude, but I'll be fine with whatever you choose. There is much to be done as father has been leaning more on me with the duties of the Head of House and then there is much to be done to make sure the smallfolk have been doing well and the traders are making money."
He chuckled a bit at her boldness. "Sounds like then you'll have to get used to finding me. If you manage that alone, you might prove your mettle to my family." he said smiling back.
He laughed a bit "Careful with your words and your pursuit. Without your honor guard here, I'd hate to see Nan come chasing me down."
Lothar cannot help but grin at the thought of his romantic words getting him anywhere.
And yet, they did.
He talks and talks happily until some time after his mother is asleep. Then he makes sure that she is warm, kisses her on the forehead, and walks to the door.
His destination? To see if he can meet Tele, and if not, then find a sparring partner.
Darne settles back into his week to week activities.He attempts to make sure that the smallfolk know him and see him helping and learning alongside them. Given their unique heritage, Darne hoped that it'd give him a unique edge in keeping the House's lands in line and the people happy.
When his father sends for everyone, Darne makes his appearance. He walked into the room with a flask of wine in hand to set upon a nearby table. He nodded to his father "Is everything well?" he asked with a bit of concern in his voice.
Aaralyn threw herself whole heartedly into planning for her wedding and working with Nan and Tele on her dress. Often she'd ask for their opinion on things for the wedding before bringing it to Lady Naelareon when she came to read to her and help her learn to read. When Lady Naelareon and Aaralyn agreed upon something she would then bring it to the Maester to ensure it would be ordered and on time for the wedding.
Thus when she was called away to a meeting, Aaralyn was a little surprised. As she made her way she wondered what this could be about, as anything dealing with the wedding wouldn't need such a thing as this surely.
Entering Aaralyn scanned the room and noticed she was the second to arrive. "I was sent for I do believe?"
Maester Anders carefully shuts the crow's cage for fear of another ruthless attack by the old cat, and he makes his way to the council chamber. As always, he stands behind Lord Naelareon and holds his tongue until called upon...
Lothar busies himself as he is able during the remainder of the month.
He comes when summoned.
At least my armour's in decent nick!, he thinks as he walks in, though it is not currently on him.
He walks up to the side of Darne, gives him a friendly nod, and whispers as he stands.
"Darne, any notion what father is about here?"
The low chamber you have entered is not the usual place that Lord Naelareon would meet in council, and the rooms closeness feels almost cramped with the number of people now in occupation. Lord Naelareon looks as if he has not slept in days, and his frame fairly slumps in the chair he currently holds. He looks to Darne and Aaralyn and speaks in a voice that sounds less sure than it ever has.
"I have good news, at least I can give that. Aaralyn, your family has made it safely home and wishes to hear of your good health, and we now have news that your man has awoken in the care of House Roote and is recovering slowly but at a steady pace." The age settles into his voice as he sighs and proceeds with the bad tidings. "And now for news that will impact every goings on within these walls until you are happily wed, we will be hosting the Prince from the time he arrives within the week, until the time he leaves after the date of your wedding." He looks to Lothar and Darne, it is obvious this news has weighed heavily upon him for the past few days. "This is going to be expensive, and you both will have to be on your best behaviors. We may have the king's protection... but the prince could very well have plans. Or, he may simply be out for a lark, in which case we will have to make sure not even a hangnail does harm to his royal person. Either way this will bode ill for our little house, we are not large enough to simply laugh off the amount of attention we have drawn upon ourselves. Aaralyn my dear, you will be family soon. I do hope you will teach your intended and his brother how to navigate the eddies and sandbars that may be in front of them in this manner."
Aaralyn's eyes widened only slightly in shock. The Prince? Coming here? Why?!
Slowly Aaralyn forced the questions from her mind and went into Ladyship mode. "I'll ensure they are well taught." Aaralyn promised with a nod to her soon to he father in law. "But Lord Naelareon is correct. We must act with great care. We have the King's favor, and you have been able to arrange a marriage to a House of the North when it is well known Northerns don't marry out of the North often if at all. At best we can simply turn this into House Naelareon being the royalty's new pet. It would put the older nobility at ease and help balance that out. But it must be done carefully." She explained.
"Also it is the Lady of the House's job to make the House ready to accept and entertain guests. With Lady Naelareon in the state she is I ask you leave this to me, and should Lady Naelareon feel well enough while the Prince is still here I will help her slip into the role." Aaralyn said. "With Maester Anders helping me I'm sure it will fall into place."
Maester Anders pales. The prince will ruin everything!
"I will do all that I can, of course. But great care may not suffice. Will the Starks be attending the wedding?" he asks, guessing at the answer and fearing the scandal of Harrenhal all over again.
"They have been invited." Aaralyn said. "Lyanna is my friend and I was hoping to have her at my wedding... but with the Prince here..." Aaralyn words faded off. She didn't wish to tell her friend not to come for such a foolish thing yet... could they really have them both here. Then a thought hit her.
"Maybe Lyanna and the Prince should both be here." Aaralyn stated. "If they are, along with so many others, and don't interact with each other at all or next to little maybe we can show he meant nothing at Harrenhal!"
"Lyanna cried before all at Raegar's singing during the great feast and he chose her as the new queen of love and beauty in front of the entire kingdom!" Maester Anders almost scoffs. "Do you believe that he will be more discreet at your wedding? Or that she will prove cold to his advances?"
Calling princes and ladies by their given names. How impudent!
"If anything, Raegar could very well see the wedding as nothing more or less than an opportunity to see Lyanna anew," he continues, shaking his head. "Nothing good can come of this."
"Could Lyanna be somehow – discreetly – convinced to avoid the event?"
"He is a breathtaking singer!" Aaralyn defended strongly. "The only reason you remember that at all is because of his actions with the foolish crown of roses." She commented as she crossed her arms.
"I'm not going to have my wedding with one of my only two friends absent!" Aaralyn declared. "It isn't her fault what he did! Why should she be punished because of him?" She asked. "And you would be surprised what Lyanna would do for me! What I would do for her! If I ask it of her she'd turn Rhaeger into an frozen statue!!"
"What if having your friend here puts our house in peril? We could find ourselves squarely in the middle of a conflict between Baratheon and Raegar!"
"Assuredly, you know her heart so I ask: has she fallen in love with Raegar?"
"Having the King here would put our house in peril." Aaralyn pointed out. "To exist as a noble house is to be in peril."
"Lyanna would have told me if she was." Aaralyn said. "She didn't spend near enough time around him to even know anything about him." She rolled her eyes at his foolish question. "One can easily say she has some form of respect for him, because everyone does or did before what he pulled at Harrenhal."
"I'll concede that love can blossom, but it can also strike like lightning," he warns. "Are you quite certain that she would have told you? And that she truly knows her own heart? She could very well love the man and not know it yet!"
"Regardless," he continues, "it seems to me quite evident that having Raegar and Lyanna here is a recipe for disaster. Do you disagree?"
"And some times it is all one sided." Aaralyn bluntly stated as she glared at the maester.
"I don't disagree, but at this point it is damage control. The invitations have already been sent. How would that look to the Starks? To my friend? If we just send another letter saying 'Oh and by the way, leave your daughter at home.'" Aaralyn said with a raised eyebrow. "Have you met any of the Stark family Maester Anders? If not... picture more people like me, but all of them know how to use a sword and some have a bit of a temper." She expressed.
"Now, that said." Aaralyn sighed to calm herself down. "I can discreetly warn her that he will be here." She told them. "Lyanna and I, we made our own writing system... I can hide the information in a letter to her. It can them be her choice to come or not." Though she then looked pointedly at Anders. "But it will be her choice. I will not take that from her like her father did."
"Damage control won't save us from a scandal, at best; and at worst, from making enemies of the Baratheon, or the Targaryens, or both."
"What if we were to consider another, lesser scandal?" Maester Anders suggests, hesitant to continue. "House Karstark and House Naelareon have agreed on the merit of the union. And clearly, the two of you – Darne and Aaralyn – seem to get along. Isn't the wedding itself a mere formality?"
"What if you were to elope? Go north and get married in the Godswood?"
Aaralyn blink at Maester Anders a few times. It was... diffidently a risky idea that was sure.
"The closest Godswood is in Winterfell." Aaralyn said. "Or well... that isn't completely true... The Blackwood's would be the closest but I wouldn't dare suggest that as a place. Just pointing out I know my comment it wrong." She pointed out before continuing. "All Godswoods are closely guarded. They have walls around them, all of them." Aaralyn began "Well... all save the Island in the middle of the Gods Eye." She brought up.
"But getting married in the Godswood isn't something you just elope to do. It isn't like finding a sept and getting it done... We'd have to slip into a place, or be guests of some place and ask to use to Godswood." Aaralyn stated. "Also while the Houses have agreed upon the match Darne and myself still hold the power to call it all off. We have that power till our wedding night when the union is consummated. It is then that there is no going back."
"Or we could find a willing Septon," Anders proposes. "I mentioned the Godswood only because it would explain, in part, the decision to marry elsewhere."
Darne seemed to finally have a mind to speak up as he let the Maester and Lady Aaralyn battle it out on the field he knew less about, but at the point of bringing up eloping, he turned to the Maester and gave her a rather stern look.
"I will not run and hide from this event. To elope, I fear, would be the death of my mother and I would not deprive her of the joys of seeing her children wed. I may not know social standing much yet, but could we simply not keep the two from seeing each other with the formalities of the wedding itself? Surely we can find traditions to hide behind to keep those two from causing any more of a scandal." he asked in earnest.
As Darne has spoken up, Lothar feels it necessary to add his piece.
"Father, I will be as well-behaved as I can. I can offer no more than that. Darne, Aaralyn, whatever you need of me to avoid trouble with the Prince, you shall have."
"The seating arrangements is one way." Aaralyn answered. "If the Starks and the Prince and kept on opposite ends of the feasting hall they would have little in way of communication. But there is little we can do to force them to remain away from each other." Aaralyn said with a sigh.
Lord Naelareon lets those who have more experience with the machinations of nobility speak first before finally settling on a course of action in this conversation. "Turning aside either the prince, or a member of a great house, would open us to an accusation of offense. We would not survive such an offense as small as we are. Though, your communication reminds me we have a letter for you. Maybe it has better news that can make this easier to work around."
With that, the good lord pulls the letter from beside his chair where at had laid till now.
Aaralyn's purked up when she heard there was a letter for her. Swiftly she took it from him and opened it. The look on her face told all what was going through her head. Even Lothar.
It went from pure joy to sheer terror. "A...ah... Lyanna Stark has left Winterfell for our hall. She is coming to help with our wedding preparations and to," She paused obviously looking for the right work. "evaluate Darne." Aaralyn explained. "Meaning she'll be here... around the same time as the Prince. If a bit later... and there is another thing. If she believes Darne is anything like Robert, this won't end well."
Lothar looks to Aaralyn and to Darne.
"Surely, she will see my brother is suitable?", Lothar asks, with a strong note of incredulity in his voice.
"So, we have a royal complication, a great house member... who is marrying into another great house as well, and a wedding to plan and execute without creating a scandal or giving offense. I think we have a large order to fill and not much time to fill it in." Naelareon gets a little of the twinkle back to his eye as a smirk pulls a crossed his face. "Just another day I see."
"Will Elia of Dorne attend the wedding? And what of Lyanna's betrothed, Robert Baratheon? If they are present, it may make Raegar's courtship impossible... Or it could simply turn things from complicated to bloody."
Clearly, Maester Anders finds none of this humorous.
Darn shook his head and sighed. This was turning out to be quite the difficulty. He nodded at Lothar's assessment and looked to Aaralyn "Perhaps we will have to take turns distracting our guests. It would certainly give you time to break it to her easy about my improper behavior and lack of suitability before she meets me personally." he said jokingly.
He looked to Maester Anders "Perhaps I can take the Prince on a trip down the Red Fork to Riverrun and Pinkmaiden, help show him the splendors of the Riverlands...till we have time to make a more concrete solution." he offered.
"Robert wasn't on my list. Although inviting the Starks would mean Eddard Stark and where there is Ned there is often Robert. As for if Elia would be join, well we did invite the entire royal family and she is a part of that family now so... it is possible. Also please stop assuming the Prince wants to court her. By all means make plans for if he tries! But don't assume that is the default." Aaralyn said as she folded the letter back up.
Though she did smile at Darne's joke and continued it with her own. "Oh yes, she must be warned. Really I think all women should be." She chuckled before going serious and saying "I think you'll be just fine. So you have no reason to fear for your life from her."
"That is a good idea but can we afford it? A trip that large while planning a wedding that must impress royalty? Or at the very least not insult them."
"Is there anything we can do to shore up our finances in the meantime? Any tourneys or melees with victor's purse to claim?", asks Lothar, doing his best to cut to what he sees as the heart of the matter.
"I am not certain that we can afford such a trip and, in any case, there is no guarantee that Raegar will not prefer to stay here, near Lyaanna," Maester Anders comments, now accepting that, inevitably, they must now face the crucible.
"I believe that it will fall upon your shoulders to keep your friend's honour safe from Raegar's attention," Anders concludes, addressing Lady Aaralyn.