The Office of the Master of Ships

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

Oswyn struggled to keep his eyes from roaming brazenly as he eased back down into his seat, motioning for Isabel to take the one before her.

"How fortunate for my good-brother." such a beautiful woman before him was like salt in the ragged wounds left by his recent marriage. "So you will be Hightower's representative in capital when your brother departs? I suppose the Master of Ships should foster strong relations with the Hightower, as the Redwyne Fleet serves under its banner."

[Marie]

Izzy smiled sweetly. "Yes, that is the idea," she agreed. "Gwayne is happy to spend time at court, but he has duties at home too. I have more freedom while I remain unwed. My greatest hope is that I may be chosen as one of the queen's ladies, when I know her better. But yes, you are right. It would be best if we were friends. My uncle Redwyne would doubtless feel happier if his ships were deployed by someone he knows to be a friend to the Far Reach. And my brother would prefer that also."

She paused and toyed with her hair as she pretended to think. "It seems to me that Hightower and Baratheon make natural allies. As you say, we have the fleet which you may need to command one day, and and my sister Perianne is wed to your brother. But there is another matter. My dear brother is hoping to foster good relations with the crown and I have promised to help him. His dearest wish is to be chosen as one of the queen's advisers. It does not look so hopeful, now, but perhaps one day? I am sure you know better than I if such a hope is futile."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"I am sure your uncle would have much to teach me on the matter." he said in a good-humored manner, though the nagging doubts that Lord Redwyne had likely forgotten more about naval warfare than Oswyn could ever hope to learn bother him, causing him to glance unconsciously at the decanter of pear brandy on his desk. It was the only personal touch he had made to his new office thus far, the fine liquor imported directly from his distilleries on Southtide. "Can I interest you in a drink, my lady?"

He considered his words for a moment as he slid the glass vessel closer.

"Master of Whisperers is the only open position on the council, though Her Grace seems content to leave it unfilled. It hardly seems a trade to which your honorable brother would be well-suited. King-Consort seems the only other position of note available..." he added, with a knowing smile.

[Marie]

She returned the smile and continued to wind a lock of glossy black hair around her finger.

"A drink would be lovely. Thank you. You are quite right that Gwayne would not be suited to the Master of Whisperers post, though I am sure the Queen, or the Lord Regent, could make any appointments they so desire. But, you make a valid point, my lord. A queen must have a husband. And a Hightower's bloodline is impeccable. We've blood of the first men, and the Andals, and I know that at least one Targaryen king chose a Hightower queen. And my brother is, well, he is very courtly."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

Oswyn filled two glasses generously with the caramel colored liquid, sliding one towards Isabel.

"That would be a dangerous break of tradition in a time when her rule is hardly cemented." he replied, "Though you are right, she can do as she pleases. The question is whether Lord Tyrell would be willing to risk his power and influence to more additions to the Small Council."

He listened to the listing of the Hightower's fine qualities and those of Gwayne in particular, nodding as he sipped from his glass.

"I cannot argue with any of this, nor can any man, but it would be naïve to imagine countless lords from great houses are not currently making a similar argument before Her Grace."

[Marie]

"I do not doubt it," she agreed. "I am sure many lords are presenting themselves to the queen or Lord Tyrell - and mayhaps even the Small Council - as the most valiant, the best swordsman or the most skilled with a lance. Or the most charming, the wealthiest. But I won't waste your time with such trivial things. I believe - and so does Gwayne - that he would make a suitable husband for the queen. I hope his good qualities will speak for themselves."

She leaned in close to give him a good view of her cleavage as she picked up her drink.

"It seems to me that the man who marries the queen will have reason to be grateful to anyone who helps him achieve his goal."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

He admired the view with appreciation as he feigned interest in the contents of his glass.

"I imagine that would be the case." he mused, grinning as her purpose here became apparent. "I claim no influence on Her Grace, but any words of favor regarding a suitor would be done for the good of the realm. While your brother might make a suitable husband, would he make a suitable king?"

[Marie]

"I believe so," she replied, leaning back into her seat before taking a drink. "Very nice. Almost as good as Arbor wines, though much stronger, of course. I am not very experienced in matters of the throne, or what makes a good king. But I truly believe Gwayne would not make a bad one. He is experienced in battle and in governing our own lands, and he most earnestly desires to serve the queen and the realm."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"It is certainly an acquired taste." he commented, before turning his attention to the more serious matter. "All qualities befitting of his current station, but will he have the strength of will to hold the kingdoms together if Prince Damon decides to dispute his father's declaration? I seem to remember your brother reacting poorly to the necessary loss in the Stepstones. A civil war would make that pale in comparison."

[Marie]

"I know thing about that," she said. "I fear you would have to ask Gwayne about that myself. Naturally I do not discuss the business of the Stepstones with my brothers. I am no warrior, after all. I've heard there is some concern about the matter of Prince Damon. But how sure can we be that he will attempt to claim the throne? Or, more importantly, that he has allies to make his claim a danger to us?"

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"I will speak to your brother on the matter before he departs, as well as any gratitude he may offer after attaining the position he desires." he replied, though evasively left the questions regarding Damon unanswered.

[Marie]

"That is most kind of you," she said. "I will be sure to tell Gwayne. Would you prefer him to visit you, or shall I tell him to expect a visit?"

She leaned forward again and put a hand on his arm.

"If it is of any value to you, my lord, you would have my own friendship and gratitude as well, if you are able to assist us in this matter. I know you are in need of good friends now you have undertaken a new role."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"He may seek me out at my manse, after my duties are done for the evening." he replied, figuring the man could make a trip to request such a favor.

He glanced down at the hand upon his arm, though did not shrink away from her touch.

"I am always in need of...good friends." a brief smile gracing his features.

[Marie]

"I thought as much," she said. "All men need friends, and those with many duties require the comfort of friends more than the rest of us. And I am disposed to be friendly. I remember the first time I saw you. I was but a maiden newly flowered and you a man grown, at the funeral of the old king. I fear you must have had many of the ladies in quite a flutter. Perhaps you shall do so again."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"True friends." he corrected. "A man in my position has more than enough of the other kind."

He smiled, despite himself, as she remembered him fondly.

"I certainly hope not. It has only brought me jealous men and deplorable women in the past." he replied dryly. "Though I will give you the benefit of the doubt, as you hail from such a reputable house."