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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 13:42:09 GMT -5
A city home which belongs to the Hightowers of Oldtown. It is a lavishly decorated manse with lots of bright furnishings, though each room has a dedicated colour scheme.
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 13:48:47 GMT -5
Lord Bayard arrives on time, with only a small retinue -- a few guards to escort him through the streets and his ever-present Volantene manservant. One of the guards informs a man in Hightower livery that Lord Royce has arrived.
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 13:55:20 GMT -5
The servant showed him into a receiving room and asked him to wait while he fetched the lord or lady of the house. Soon enough, Annara entered. She was simply but elegantly attired in soft lilac wool. She smiled pleasantly at the lord.
"Lord Royce, will you take a drink? We've Arbor red, or a golden vintage from Goldengrove, and ale and mead besides."
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 14:03:42 GMT -5
"One glass would be wonderful, my lady; if you have the Arbor vintage from '63 I should be in your debt." The Lord Royce was particular about his wines, and was said to import a great selection to the Eyrie.
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 14:10:17 GMT -5
Annara laughed delicately.
"I shall do my best," she said, indicating to the servant that he should fetch it. "I was born a Redwyne, as it happens, so we are blessed with a steady supply from the Arbor."
She came and sat next to him.
"It is good of you to come visit us, my lord. I am only sorry Lord Lothar is not presently here."
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 14:24:13 GMT -5
"Then accept my compliments. Try as they might, our Vale vineyards cannot match your Arbor grapes." Royce folds his hands over the top of his bronze cane. "And that is quite alright. In matters of fostering, it is my experience that the Lady of the House has quite as much influence as her Lord."
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 14:29:07 GMT -5
"That is true," she agreed. "Most mothers love their children well and are loath to part with them, I believe, yet I am sure it is often of benefit. I have always known that several of my children will go for fostering at some point."
They heard footsteps in the corridor as the servant carried the wine.
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 14:37:58 GMT -5
"It is a difficult thing, I know. But it is to their benefit to become friendly with their peers in other noble houses, I believe. Bonds forged while still young are stronger than any other kind." Bayard accepts the wine.
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 14:41:38 GMT -5
"Yes, I quite agree. My eldest son is to be fostered at Horn Hill, but I've other children, if you are interested in taking one as a ward. Or were you hoping to offer me one of your own children?" Annara wondered.
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 14:44:51 GMT -5
"I have already made arrangements for young Quenton Baratheon to be squired at the Eyrie, so I am not looking to send mine away, but rather add to the group. How many children do you have, milady?" Royce asks politely.
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 14:47:35 GMT -5
"Four, at present, though I know my lord would like more," she confided. "Gwayne is my eldest, then I've two more sons, and a daughter. But they are all very young at present, too young to leave home. But I am happy to discuss future arrangements."
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 14:53:44 GMT -5
"By all means," Bayard replies. "How old are your children?"
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 14:57:26 GMT -5
"Gwayne is eight, Gareth is five, and Lancel a year old. Isabel is nearly three."
She picked up her wine glass.
"But Gwayne has already been promised to the Tarlys for fostering, as I said. Have you any preference for the others?"
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Post by Horas on Sept 10, 2013 15:13:31 GMT -5
"Gareth is the closest in age to most of the others," Bayard answers, "But in a few years I am sure that Isabel would get along well with my seven year old daughter and two year old son. Any would be a joy to have, I have no doubt. The bloodline of the Hightowers is unimpeachable."
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Post by Marie on Sept 10, 2013 15:19:40 GMT -5
"I agree," she said, with more warmth than she had shown thus far; flattery was usually a good way to go with Annara. "Perhaps Isabel would be a good choice," she said. "After all, a lady needs to learn how to live away from her father's castle, and a daughter is usually of less interest to her father until she is of an age to be wed."
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Hope you all are well and happy.
Feb 9, 2021 15:35:26 GMT -5
Hope you all are well and happy.
Feb 9, 2021 15:35:26 GMT -5