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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 18:09:27 GMT -5
"No. He is selfish and vain, but he has a cold cunning easy to ignore. He will be a different lord, though; not like to have your best interests in mind unless they serve his as well." He drank more of his steaming wine. "The real question is what sort of lady shall you be?"
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 18:26:34 GMT -5
She shrugged. "The same sort I am now, I suppose. I know how to speak carefully and I know how to manage funds. If there was something I didn't know," she paused. It was unlikely, she thought pompously. "I'd find someone who did." She stared into her cup. It was too sweet for her, though the warmth was very welcome. "What do you think, father?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 18:37:00 GMT -5
"I think some young lord will be very lucky to have you. Although, you aren't very affectionate. Men like a little affection." He chuckled. "But I can blame myself for that one. My daughter is simply too smart for those around her."
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 18:59:35 GMT -5
She rolled her eyes. "I suppose." She thought of the young acolyte she had kissed once over a stack of encyclopedias. It had been warm and wet and sloppy and not something she had tried again. Affection was for fairytales and romances. "Did you love my mother when you married her? Was she...affectionate?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 19:02:35 GMT -5
"I had never met her," he replied simply. "She could communicate rather well via letter, but no, we were not in love, but she did her best for a shy young man like I was." He thinks. "It wasn't until your elder brother was born, I'd say, until we really loved each other. Children can bring a lord and lady together."
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 20:02:48 GMT -5
Arania hardly spent time with her father, but when she did, they were always able to speak easily and candidly. She was glad of that, and selfishly dreaded losing him. "That's good," she said, taking another long drink of the now-lukewarm wine. It was even worse when it was no longer hot. "I hope I'll have a good marriage, like yours. Though you know I'll be reluctant to leave Oldtown. Being so close to the Citadel is very useful for a girl like me." She smiled at him. Perhaps if she had been a boy, she would be a Maester. Certainly she'd have half a chain already.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 20:06:55 GMT -5
"There are other libraries in Westeros. Perhaps I can make it part of your dowry," he chuckled. "Throw in some books on war and siegecraft to appeal to the brutes, then you can handle the others. but, we leave tomorrow for Highgarden, then on to Mason's Keep. I hope you had your servants pack your things."
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 20:10:14 GMT -5
"Tomorrow?" She hadn't realized it would be so soon. "I'm sure they aren't even close to finishing!" She got up and started for the door. She turned back. "I'll think about what we have talked about. Thank you." She smiled, and left, meeting the septa who had waited dutifully outside the door.
Once in the hallway, she hurried to her chambers.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 20:19:31 GMT -5
Her servants work through the night, and shortly the dresses and books and everything required for a lady going on a trip are packed and prepared.
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 20:27:00 GMT -5
Arania checked their work the next morning, approving of most of it. So many trunks, she thought. Surely more than she would ever need. She directed them to add a few more books and then left them to it, headed off in search of her brother.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 20:29:06 GMT -5
She finds Ser Alaric at the entrance, preparing the caravan for departure. He faces her and nods a head in greeting. "Good morning, sister."
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 20:34:55 GMT -5
"Morning," she said simply, watching the men load trunk after trunk into the wayns. Even furniture and rugs were loaded, then covered with oiled tarps.
"Tell me, Alaric, are you looking forward to this long trip? Looking forward to meeting with your Lannister sweetheart again?" She smiled at him teasingly.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 20:42:03 GMT -5
"Well," he says, checking his sword and scabbard over for nicks or unbuffed leather, "she is beautiful, and rich, and her father rules Lannisport. So I suppose that I am, yes. And yourself? Planning on finding someone who likes books as much as you?" His squire, Olyvar, hands him a dagger which he inspect the same way.
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Post by Arania Stark on Oct 6, 2012 21:03:52 GMT -5
He seemed to value the connections more than the girl herself, Arania noted. She rolled her eyes at his comment. "Someone who I can make intelligent conversation with, at least. I don't expect them to know the fine points of Valyrian sonnets, or anything like that."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Oct 6, 2012 21:16:13 GMT -5
"Well, it's good to know your standards aren't too high, then," he chuckled. "Venereal sonnets are pretty advanced."
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