Aaralyn couldn't help but hear the whispered around as she took up running the place like a proper lady if the house should. She couldn't deny that after everything that had happened they needed something on their side. Even if it was something small.
For the moment she could focus on what the house needed, making arrangements for them while these hard times where still upon them. Once the ceremonies for the burials where taken care of then she would think of something to help the house and raise the spirits of those she was now responsible for.
Aaralyn quickly stepped forward to catch Tandi as she fell. Quickly she motioned for the guards to help carry the poor woman to a place she could properly rest. After seeing to Tandi's comfort, Aaralyn stepped in to fill the role and lead the household. Just because this was a sorrowful day didn't mean everything stopped running. Preparations needed to be made, the proper people needed to be informed, and more. Aaralyn simply saw to it all, each one piece at a time.
Aaralyn stepped up and gently took Tande's hand. She offered her a sympathetic smile, and a hug. "There are few words one can say." She began, though she kept it short. "Just take all the time you need Tande, and should you need anything, please know I'm here. Even if it is just a shoulder to cry on."
Aaralyn brushed her lips against the palm of his hand in a kiss, a reminder that she was there. "I will ensure you take time for yourself to morn." Aaralyn promised. "But I understand, I won't stop you." She promised.
When he left Aaralyn moved to find Tande. That poor woman just lost her best friend and wanted to check up and see how she was doing, or well... how she was dealing with this.
Aaralyn felt the cloth of Darne's shirt leave her hand. A small stab of rejection was there but then gone in the face of everything. Thus Aaralyn haunted Darne's steps.
After a moment she sped up and got in front of her husband. "Darne." Aaralyn stated a bit more forcefully so that he'd look at her. "Look at me, right here." She spoke. "I'm right here." Aaralyn reassured him. "Take a moment... You haven't even shed a tear for them yet."
"Take care of her Lothar..." Aaralyn said as she stood and made her way out of the room. The motion of the servants felt so strange but she knew what they were doing. Making her way through the hall to the Lord and Lady's room. She knew Darne would still be there.
Aaralyn reached out and touched Darne's arm. A warm hand, a gentle reminded, that life was still there even in this tomb that wore the disguise of a room. "Darne..." Aaralyn breathed out softly. "I'm so sorry."
Aaralyn had stepped up when Tele burst into the room. The look of her face gave away something was wrong before she even got the words out. The moment they did leave her lips however, Aaralyn understood. She pulled Tele into her gentle hushing her friend as she lead her to a place to sit.
"Calm, calm yourself Tele. You can't do this in your condition." She told her as she moved some hair out of Tele's face. "Breath, take deep breaths." Aaralyn instructed her. Aaralyn would go see to Darne once she was sure Tele had calmed down. As much as she knew this would be a hard time for him, there was little she could do but offer comfort. But in Tele's condition this kind of stress was bad for her and could lead to the situation becoming worse. Thus for the moment, Tele was Aaralyn's focus.
Looking back to Lothar, Aaralyn spoke out. "Lothar, come here." She instructed as she motioned for him to join her at Tele's side.
Aaralyn gave a small smile when Darne kissed her cheek, it was a warming feeling. "Do remember to take care of yourself." She told him, still holding his hand. "You're the Lord of House Naelareon now. You always have to keep up a face... unless we're alone."
When Lothar ran out and Darne stepped out as well, worry sparked up in Aaralyn. Moving around from her friend, to step outside she noticed him on the floor. Quickly she moved over to him, Aaralyn knelt down next to her husband with a worried expression on her face. "Darne?" Aaralyn said as she placed her hand against his cheek.
"Are you feeling alright?" She asked. "You haven't eaten anything yet, we should get something for you."
"Nor has Ser Dayne." Aaralyn said when Darne forgot to speak up for him as well. However after that her focus was more on her friend Lyanna. Gently she ran her hand over her hair, a soft smile on her face. "She watched over you the whole time, that is true... I guess my vision will become truth no matter what..." Aaralyn muttered. "Which... brings me to something else I-" She stopped when Lothar came in.
"He must not have gotten to someone who gave him the message. You were suppose to go to your parent's side." Aaralyn clarified to Lothar. "Something is going on there too."
"Selmy!" Aaralyn called out as she got closer to the room. "He is awake?!" She asked with shock, a bit of joy coming over her face. "How is he, is Lyanna still in there with him?" She added as she tried to push past the knight and get inside the room.
When the noise what what woke Aaralyn up, annoyance was the first emotion. However when what was going on settled in she quickly got out of her bed. "Yes, I'll go right away." Aaralyn grabbed her chemises and pulled it on quickly before she grabbed and robe and pulled it on, tying it as she ran to the Prince's room. It would be considered unseemly but right now that couldn't be worried about.
"What happened to the Prince? Is Lyanna alright?" She asked quickly.
Aaralyn was overjoyed when Darne invited Nan to sit at their table as a member of the family. She wished Lyanna had come too, but she didn't think she'd leave the Prince's side for anything...
First Night:
"Every maiden dreams of their wedding day." Aaralyn said very factually. "After all you only get one... or well we only get one. Everything after that is expected from us can be rather deadly." She pointed out. "I thought my parents would have been here... I am sad that isn't the case but, it does mean we can ignore some of the more traditional ceremonies. We actually have peace on our first night which is a rare thing to say." Aaralyn rested her hands upon Darne's chest, her fingers gently caressing the fabric beneath them.
"I know you can't say that you love me, nor can I saw that I love you." Aaralyn admitted. "But I can say something that I believe is only given to a few." She moved her hands up to cup his face. "I believe I can be happy with you Darne. I don't know what the gods have in store for us, but I think we'll be able to face it together."
During the meal Aaralyn ensured that some was brought to her new parents by law, and when the pigeon pie was cut and after she and Darne shared their first piece she had two slices sent off as well. They had planned on hosting at least three or four noble families and the royal family but none came... So Aaralyn asked that their people got something from this as well. But even with all of that, Aaralyn did seem to be enjoying herself some what.
First night:
When the night passed and Aaralyn and Darne retired to their room. Nerves began to set in once more. Aaralyn wasn't stupid, her mother had at least told her enough to prepare her for this but hearing and actually experiencing are two different things. With the door closed and silence filling the room now, Aaralyn moved to the center rubbing her right arm with her left nervously. "The turn out might not of been as grand as we thought it might be, but at least it has allowed us privacy on our first night..." Aaralyn said, trying to break her nerves. "Did...you enjoy yourself... husband?"
Aaralyn was thankful for the cold air for once. It had colored her face as the walk from the Hall to the Sept was in the wind, and that color hid the red blush that bush to the front. She could feel Darne's eyes upon her as the Septon spoke.
His wink and latter taking of her hand made it settle in. This was real. Darne was about to become her husband, and since he was the Lord of this Hall she would officially become his Lady. While some fear sparked to life within her, the warmth of his hand and the smile upon his lips melted them away. He was no Tytos, that was true, but way he treated her and how sincere his smile was... Aaralyn found herself caring less about that. After all Tytos has said nothing to her father about marrying her, and it was more likely he would end up more like Brandon Stark... or gods forbid Robert Barathion! But Darne, he was different and she didn't see the possibility of those paths for him.
Gently she squeezed his hand and kept her eyes locked with his as the Septon went about the ceremony.
"It matters Arthur." Aaralyn told him with a gentle hand resting on his shoulder. "The reason why you do it, and the fact that you follow through with it does matter. After all, it is the reason I have respect for you. You try to take care of everyone but... we can't... no matter how much we want to." She sighed. "We'll figure something out... or try to." Aaralyn left with that, though she didn't want to. However she felt that anything further might just make Arthur feel worse, which wasn't her original plan.
Anything for a friend.
Aaralyn hugged Lyanna as she stood. "Anything for you." She promised. However she did have to leave to get ready for her wedding.
Bells in the Sept
With help from Tele and Helen, Aaralyn got dressed for her wedding. Her ivory gown passed down to her by her mother had been altered and redone to fit Aaralyn and her marriage into the Naelareon House. Upon her shoulders were black glass beads the formed the sun of House Karstark, upon the back of the dress just below the neckline was a stitching of House Naelareon. The gown had two main parts, a light ivory wool dress with long tight sleeves that came to a point over her hand and the top wrapped up around her shoulders but dipped in front. It wasn't so low to be scandalous though. The bottom of the from thigh to her feet just dropped any of the form fitting that the top had. The second part was more of a sheen cover the cloth was thin and showed the gown under it just enough. The sleeves of the over gown were split to reveal those of the gown underneath. Finally her maidencloak was placed over her shoulders. Normally this would be done by her father... yet he didn't come... Aaralyn wondered if that was a bad sign.
However she didn't have time to think about that long as the group made their way to the small building known as their sept. Oh the way, Aaralyn looked to Helen. "Nan... you raised me. You're as much my mother as the mother who bore me. Would you be willing to walk me to my soon to be husband?"
I'm sure she'll say yes so I'm going to continue...
Thankfully the walk was short, as the air was cold and prickled against her skin. Though being from the North it wasn't the worst she'd felt. Once she made it to Darne's side and her cloak was removed was when the real shiver set in. It made her welcome the cloak that Darne placed upon her shoulders more. When the priest motioned for them to hold hands, Aaralyn held her hand out to Darne. Her eyes moved to meet his for likely the first time since the day began.
Shouldn't have done that "Your so called honor would demand my friend marry a man she despises, honor demands you stand by while innocents die, yet we praise you because of all the good your honor also demands you to do." Aaralyn pointed out, as her demeanor shifted, as much as his did. He was obviously annoyed with her, and it was obvious his final words had hit a soft spot. "And if you dare bring Lyanna into this again, I'll bring Ashara into it. This is a conversation between me and you, Arthur! No more no less." Aaralyn reminded him as she sighed for a moment, pausing to let them both calm down. It took a moment before Aaralyn collected herself. "I do have some respect for you Arthur, whether you believe it or not." Aaralyn said, her voice low and calm once more. "But if Rhaegar fights to take the throne, then he'll always have to fight to keep it." She stated simply. "He could be the next Jaehaerys, but if his whole rule is tied up in putting down rebellions he'll never be able to do much of anything. Not to mention that when Lyanna informs Robert that she will not be marrying him how do you think that will go over? Even more so when he is informed that it is Rhaegar she left him for?" Aaralyn asked. "War will come no matter what...." Aaralyn paused as her face paled. "And the Stag will fight the Dragon...." She placed her hand over her mouth. Her vision coming back to her. "Yet... I fear no matter what we do war will not be avoided." She told him, looking at the floor, her mind spun. "Did... did you hear about the vision I had?" Aaralyn asked him.
Anything for you "I'll make it happen Lyanna." Aaralyn promised her friend. Gently touching the side of her face, "No matter if they wish to listen or not. I promise to see you happy, even if I watch all of the Kingdoms burn for it." She told her offering a slight smile. "They will listen, for I shall make them listen."
"If I wanted to strike at your honor you would know without a question that I was intention Arthur." Aaralyn explained. "Despite what you may believe I do hold some respect for you and you are seen as the greatest Knight of our time. So I believed I could have gotten some understanding from you. Yet I see I was wrong, which is a petty. I thought of any man of your title would understand it would be you, after all Dorne is so much more advanced than the rest of us... Even in the North Dayne is a name heard as much as Martell. Mayhaps even more so with your standing. However I seem to have assumed too much of you, which is a disappointment yet I've none to blame but myself." Aaralyn said with a simple shake of her head. "I thought someone from your background, and with the deeds you've done, would understand and have a more favorable outlook. But I see you think more like the rest of the men in the Seven Kingdoms." With that Aaralyn once more moved to leave, however she did pause and look back to him. "You said it wasn't your place to speak out, and maybe you're right, but if no one says anything how will it ever change? You are seen as the most honorable knight this land has to offer Ser Dayne. If you won't even try to stand up for what is right, then I don't think anyone ever will." A hint of sorrow in her voice as she spoke "I cannot help but wonder, do you do great things for those who cannot help themselves because of the things your oath forces you to do? Or because you know if you don't, no one would?"
Aaralyn awoke to a day that was normally suppose to be a happy one. Yet it just seemed like a day. Either way, it was going to be a busy one. Getting up and dressed was a very simple affair this time, and before start preparing for her wedding Aaralyn left to see Lyanna and the Prince. Seeing Lyanna in such a state made her heart drop a bit. Walking in she knelt next to Lyanna and placed her hands gently on her thigh. "Lyanna, I haven't heard of anyone showing up yet but, if your family shows are you still willing to speak with them now?" She asked.
"Well, the idea is odd to me. I am a Northerner after all. We have no knights, only fighting men. Thus who they are loyal to is never in question. I only know of one knighted Northerner, and he was wounded badly protecting me." Aaralyn explained. "But when you become a knight, according to what you are charged with, you must protect the innocent. Yet, you serve Lords who so rarely care about such a thing. Thus I am trying to understand it since I will soon be married to a Riverland lord and thus dealing with knights more often. Yet I can't seem to wrap my head around the idea of them... Because either way you fail at an oath. If you keep the one to your lord, you could fail at the one your gods charge you with... yet if you follow the one your gods charge you with, you could fail at the one you've sworn to your lord." Aaralyn pointed out. "I would say that your answer tells me you care not for the charges the gods commanded of you... yet your actions often say the opposite. The way you handled the smallfolk of the kingswood, paying for what you and your men needed while there, when you had the right to take it without question. Then you even took it a step further and brought their grievances before our King. Yet according to your words you'd slaughter them all without blinking, every man, woman, and child if our King commanded it?" Aaralyn asked curiously as she gave a small scratch to the back of her head with her free hand. "Do I have that right?" She asked. "Maybe I shouldn't be asking such a thing... after all everyone, including yourself, stood by while the villages of Duskendale were burned. While children were murdered for the crimes of their parents... I mean Lord Denys Darklyn should have died for what he did, all we consider adults who took part should have. But the smallfolk do nothing with politics... nor do the children of nobles..." Aaralyn said as she leaned against the wall beside the door way beside Arthur Dayne. "If one disregards the charge of their gods so, can one truly call themselves a knight?"
Moving along part
So the day was finally here, and Aaralyn was surprised that nothing had come from King's Landing. No threat, no word at all. She didn't know how to take that, but for now forced herself to believe no news was good new. Aaralyn found herself even more surprised at the fact none of their guests had yet to arrive. She thought at least one or two families that had been invited would have gotten there early... Would none come at all? Even her own kin? Maybe with the winter returning they couldn't make it down at all. Not the mention her dreams had been silent... nothing like the one she had cropped up again... maybe... it was really a dream after all?
While going through her day, Aaralyn found time to visit Lyanna, and the Prince. "No change still?" She asked, knowing the answer though.
I'll admit this has been stewing in my mind since I saw Ser Jaime Lanister knighted and brought into the King's Guard at Harrenhal." As if to clarify what would come next. "Which comes first?" Aaralyn asked in a curious nature. "The charge or the Gods, or the oath to man?"
"Sadly there is nothing I can do more than I've already done to mitigate for that." Aaralyn said with a small shake of her head, taking the letter back. "I will send it with the dawn, but luck is the only thing that could help us now. Why couldn't I of dreamed of this? Then maybe I could have stopped it... Or better yet dream of when would be the best time to send this stupid letter..." She muttered. Honestly she wondered if she even wanted to sleep tonight. "I'm going to get everything ready to send this off. Till the morrow." Aaralyn said before she left the prince's room.
She paused for a moment and looked to Ser Dayne. "Ser Dayne, may I ask you a question that pertains to being a knight?"
Aaralyn took the letter back and handed it off Lyanna. "What do you think Lyanna? I tried my best to instruct Darne in what to write. I have a feeling this will be most of my future." She told her with a sigh. "I can hold off and send the letter by morning, but it does need to be sent very soon. We cannot allow them to believe we're hiding anything."
Aaralyn moved past Selmy, giving him a nod, before leaving to return to the Prince's room.
Anders:
Aaralyn stopped at the Prince's door to greet Dayne before stepping in. "I need you to read something Anders." She said as she handed over the letter. "Darne wished for your opinion, and I would also like Lyanna's as well." Aaralyn explained before she looked to her friend, then the Prince. "How is he?" She asked.
"I know what to write!" Aaralyn declared after a pause from listening to Selmy. "This should work, 'To our glorious King Aerys II Targaryen,
I, Darne Naelareon, now Lord of House Naelareon am morose to inform you that while out hunting your son, Rhaegar Targaryen, was attacked by a stag which did great harm to him. Our Maester will be with him day and night, and even now believes that your son will live. I swear that we will do everything within our power to ensure your son's recovery. No matter the expense or sacrifice this house will see this through, for it was given to us by you great King and it is to House Targaryen that we will eternally be grateful and always be useful.
Forever your bannermen, Darne Naelareon.'"
Aaralyn finished, she was a bit out of breath and it was obviously she was more than a bit nervous about this. "That is... all I have I'm afraid."
"I need what particular skill, that few even within the walls of the red keep can claim. We must tell the King of what happened here. There is no way around that... However you spent a whole day with King Aerys after you saved him and have guarded him since. Tell us how to speak to him, to save this house as well ask your and See Dayne's life... Please. This family gave you the steed you needed, now give them the words to help?"
"Or, we speak with one who already is use to handling a mad man." Aaralyn told Darne, rather annoyed with herself for not thinking about it before. "I'll be right back." Aaralyn said before she stood from her chair and quickly made her way through the hall to return to the prince's room, though she never entered.
The Knights who hold an oath (Yes this includes Lothar):
Aaralyn came back down the hall way and stopped almost abruptly before the two King's guard members. She made no introductions. I need you two, to come with me. Lord Naelareon wishes to speak with you concerning the letter to the King about his son. If I may, I suggest Ser Selmy." Aaralyn boldly stated. "I am aware that among you two Ser Dayne is the more senior member and should have final say, but because of that fact is the reason I request Ser Selmy."
Trying to offer some form of comfort to the man that will soon be her husband, Aaralyn squeezes his hand in return. "You don't need to tell too much." Aaralyn tried to explain. "And if our King was in a more stable place, I would agree. But you father is correct that we need to foster the relationship this House has with the crown. Mentioning any form of failure could have him turn on those you mention. It could mean their lives." She pointed out. "After all he wanted to kill that knight that showed up at Harrenhal because he believed the tree on the shield was laughing at him... we must pick our words very carefully."
"Always speak to your father if you feel you must." Aaralyn told him. "Illness may have settled in him but you still have him for a while longer. Listen to what he says, and all of it to heart. This, this is are great a threat as a man holding a blade to your neck." She wanted him, the grip on his arm tightly slightly. "Being in the King's favor, especially this King, is walking a knife's edge. Stay but a little and all will fall... I didn't have to worry about such a thing in Karhold. But I listened well when I was at Winterfell. Lyanna rode her horses, practice with her brothers, but I listened. I watched the Lord of Winterfell and his noblemen as a child, I listened to every word they said while their sons and heirs played with swords and chanced girls. I can talk circles around them, slashing them to pieces with my words before they even knew what happened, yet here I step with a feathered foot." Aaralyn explained. "My father told me I could lash a Stark from Winterfell, and I believe it. Just you wait till Lord Stark gets a piece of my mind... but I am not so arrogant to believe I could talk a dragon from its den. Take all the wisdom your father can give you Darne. For I've little more to offer here."
"Yes it would." Aaralyn said to Lothar in Darne's place. "Stay at his door Lothar. Tele please come with me and Darne." She requested before she gently grabbed Darne's arm in her own and moved him to the door, "We need to speak." Aaralyn told him as she lead him away from the group, having Tele as eyes for those who would talk ill.
When they got out of the room Aaralyn began.
Darne and GM:
"This is how we're going to handle this." Her tone was low and calm. "We have to inform the King, that is not in question. If he finds out about this and we didn't tell him... This house will never see another day. With the condition the King is in at the moment, we need to choose our words wisely, not only that but I suggest sending a messenger over a raven. The raven maybe faster but I'm not sure it would be accepted well. Sending a messenger may take longer but show more care. I will also add that it is very important the wording we choose. Explain that his son was in a hunting accident but that he is believed to pull through. But whatever you do, do not say that it was your hunt or that you suggest it."
"I believe that depends on the steed." Aaralyn said, trying to be a bit funny to liven up the mood though she was sure it could fall flat. "I've little experience riding, but I will try. I've really only ridden from Karhold to Winterfell and back." She said honestly. Really Aaralyn rode with her father or brother when they went to Winterfell, at least till she was older and could sit her own horse without problem. Moving to gather the Prince's steed, Aaralyn reached out to Darne and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. She was glad to see he was alright.
Aaralyn quickly jumped off of the carriage, a look of worry upon her face. "Are we sure we can move him?" She asked when she came to their side. Taking in the Prince's condition she covered her mouth. "Lyanna!" Aaralyn called back to the carriage. "We're going to need your help I'm sure."
Then she looked to the group "Lyanna had picked up a thing or two from reading the Maester's books and from midwives back in Winterhold. If there is anyone here who would be of most use to you Maester Anders it would be her."
"Valid point." Aaralyn said as she motioned for her to get into the carriage. "Go." She demanded of the driver the moment she heard Lyanna close the door of the carriage.
"Are you sure about this?" Aaralyn asked. "Especially after what I told you?" She added, she obviously had a bit of regret for telling Lyanna. Not because she should have kept it hidden, but because she wanted Lyanna to have a choice about her future and not turn to it because of what Aaralyn had seen.
"Good." Aaralyn stated before she looked to Tande, Tele, and Lyanna. "Please return to the Hall." She asked of them. "We're going to need a proper room prepared for the Prince when we return, I can trust you all to see to that. I'm going to travel with Lothar and the men to get the Prince, Darne, and the Maester." She explained. Then she looked to Lothar. "I hope you still have it in you to ride." Aaralyn said as she herself took the reins of the horse that had been brought for him and placed them in his hands. "Because I need you to get on this horse and take us to them." She told him before she got up onto the seat to sit next to the driver of the carriage.
Aaralyn's blood ran cold when she saw Lothar. She breathed out his name as she took Tele's arm and pull her along, know the others would follow were they went. It also wouldn't surprise her if Lyanna had noticed Lothar first. Always on point she was that one. Either way Aaralyn swiftly made her way to the exhausted Lothar. A thought did cross her mind, obviously something was wrong but... where was the Prince? Where was the Maester? ... and where was Darne? "Lothar!!" She called as they got closer.
Hearing his declaration Aaralyn spun on her heels and pointed at one of the two guards they had taken as protection. "Tell the captain of the guard to get the carriage ready, and that there is to be no less than ten men going with it. You will all come here and follow Lothar's trail back." Aaralyn demanded then looked to the other one. "You! Help me get Lothar to a place he can rest." Aaralyn commanded as she went to aid Lothar.
"My homeland was not like that of Winterfell Lyanna." Aaralyn pointed out. "I remember fondly running at your side through the lands your father owns, but the lands of Karhold were never as freeing. Father kept me in the hold as often as he could, the raids of the wildlings were too great a threat to him. I was never more free than when I was with you Lyanna." Aaralyn said honestly. "Yes, that is the freedom I wish for here." She declared boldly. "Though till I know this land like I do Winterfell, I will have at least two guards however! You are a guest of this house Lyanna, I will ensure your safety to the best of my abilities." She said before she turned and looked to Tande "I would like it if you could come with us as well, I would like your opinion, and for you to suggest two guards that you trust."
Aaralyn chuckled slight but gave a shake of her head. "Well, there is still one problem." Aaralyn said with a slight wave of her hand. "We'd need guards, a small bit of protection at least. But I have none here." She pointed out as she sighed. "And Tande's statement may also be held by any number of the guard. I could have little to no authority over them at this moment. I am not yet Darne's wife, just his intended, so some of the guard might not listen to me even if I command them to come with us and defend us should something terrible happen. Which means I cannot ensure anyone's safety... That is something I'm not sure I can risk..." She sighed finally. "And Darne is not here to give them the order."
"That is like asking how much trouble you and I could get into while at Winterfell!" Aaralyn said with a shake of her head. "Don't go jinxing it! This land is still unknown to me... Darne was going to show me about but... well what time we had to try and spend together was snatched away by forces outside of our control." Aaralyn stated with a sigh. "It must be hard on him... his mother so ill, then to have his father fall so as well with out wedding date closing in..." She commented as she looked at the floor, her thoughts turning to the state of her future husband's mind. "We don't need to cause trouble for him... there is enough with the wedding preparations, now Tele's marriage, and... and my vision..." A shake of her head parted the words, "We need no more trouble at this time..." However she them smiled at Lyanna and Tele, moving to loop her arms through their. "So, let us enjoy ourselves but not cause problems."
"Outside of the Hall." Aaralyn muttered. "It would be nice to see how the people of this land are, how different or even similar to those of the North." She agreed before she looked to Tele and Lyanna. "Shall we do as Tande suggests, make a day of it?" She asked.
"Well I guess. But is there one you all prefer? Or ones to avoid?" Aaralyn asked. "I want to bring pricing back to Darne when I explain my idea. So that he can choose, as this would be taking away a choice from him." She explained.
Aaralyn covered her ears as the elder maid exploded with joy. She looked to Lyanna and just smiled give a small giggle. "I think she's happy Lyanna, do you think she's happy?" She asked as she removed her hands from her ears. Then shared a smile with Lyanna. "I hope to be this happy when you choose someone Lyanna." Aaralyn said as she squeezed the hand of her friend. "Whom ever it will be."
When they finally got everything to settle down and was informed of were they could get what they sought Aaralyn thanked Tande and asked "Do you have one that you would like to deal with more?"
"Oh Tele wouldn't do such a thing, if she speaks well of you it is because she thinks such." Aaralyn said, a smile on her lips. "But I don't know about calling Darne a star crossed lout." She teased with a laugh. "You've nothing to worry about when it comes to Lady Naelareon. It might be different if I believed her incompetent or lacking in character. But I like Lady Naelareon, she is a wonderful woman and I hope her health recovers. If only long enough for her to meet her grandchildren, I've already settled upon the fact they will be call ducklings." Aaralyn said honestly and even added in her own joke. "However! The reason we have come to you this moment is that we seek a place here that we can get cloth at. I've no idea if you've heard yet, though gossip among the servants is common, but Tele here will be marrying Lothar. So soon you will have three Lady Naelareons here! But I want to help make Tele a dress, as well as get a supple of cloth built up so that after our weddings we can make proper dresses for Tele and myself. I hope to ask Darne to make this my second gift. Like how we agreed upon the engagement gift to food sent up North to Karhold."
Aaralyn offers a friends and apologetic smile. "Yes, time is a rarity these days." Aaralyn said. "With the preparations for the wedding, the arrival of the crown Prince, and a dear friend... I'm surprised I've found the time to sleep." She stated, poking a bit of fun at herself. "But, Tele here speaks very hightly of you Tande."
"Then let us go." Aaralyn declared with a smile, glad to see her friend and soon to be sister swell with pride. "In fact," Aaralyn began as she took Tele's arm in her own. "I'll let you lead the discussion with Tande, it will be a good place to start for your training as a soon to be lady of House Naelareon." She pointed out.
"Oh? Would you mind introducing us Tele? I'd be very grateful for her help." Aaralyn said. "If we can speak to the places that trade in cloth, explain who we are and why we're there, that way I can take pricing right to Darne once he returns from the hunt."
Aaralyn sighed and nodded. "Right..." She began "I seems to have gotten a head of myself... Oh, Lyanna I think I have settled upon what I want for my second gift. Cloth, as much cloth as we can get. Enough to make Tele's wedding dress, as well as dresses for her and myself once we become ladies of House Naelareon." She declared. She smiled at Tele and said "Tele will be my sister, and a fellow Lady of House Naelareon. I want her to be happy and look the part."
"I am unsure where to go for such things." Aaralyn admits. "I haven't had the need to gather anything like that yet but I'm sure we can find something!" Aaralyn said with a smile upon her lips. "What kind of dress do you want Tele? Do you have a color in mind?" She asked.
