Lord Hightower's Solar

[Marie]

The room where Lord Hightower meets visitors for private conversations. He often spends his free time here as well.

[Marie]

She was shown in. Gwayne sat reading a book with a black cover but he put it aside with a guarded smile. The Lannisters were hardly the most influential house at present, given the conduct of several of its members. "Lady Lannister. Pleaase have a seat. You honour us with your presence. Though it has been a very long time since you and I spoke to one another, I believe. I hope your quarters are to your liking?"

[Marie]

"I'm pleased. I wish only for my guests to be comfortable," he said. "I hope you continue to find the country to your liking. I am...sorry that your house has suffered so much in recent years."

[Marie]

They are both beautiful, I agree. Though I cannot claim to know their accomplishments."

It occurred to him that this was the reason for her visit.

"I am sure you will find them good and noble husbands."

[Marie]

"You did not need to do so, of course, but I thank you for the courtesy nonetheless. But it is not proper for me to command either acceptance or refusal, however, that shall be for my kinsman to decide," Gwayne vowed.

He was not sure he wished to be allied with the Lannisters given their present circumstances, but a Redwyne was not a Hightower, after all.

[Marie]

I have sons. But he knew it was not what she wanted to hear. He smiled. "My lady mother agrees with you, my lady. She very much wishes me to take a wife soon. Though I am investigating a possible match at present."

[Marie]

"I cannot speak of her at present," said Gwayne. "Too much is uncertain. I would be happy to negotiate with you regarding Lady Sansa if the match does not come out as I hope. But it would be remiss of me to offer my heart to one lady and then reject her for another, no matter how beautiful."

He drummed his fingers on the desk as he thought.

"You said that Lady Sansa is skilled with sword and longbow. I have some sympathies with that since my cousin Alys is herself a talented archer, but it occurs to me that skill at arms is not a trait often associated with a good wife. May I ask why you informed me thus? Another woman might have concealed that truth from a prospective alliance until her granddaughter was wedded and bedded."

[Marie]

"Perhaps you are right<" he replied, wondering if Winifred would fight for her children and grandchildren. "Yet the Andal customs of women not fighting prevail in most noble households. An interesting notion nonetheless. Though I have to wonder how well such a wife would cope with her other duties if she wished to be out hunting or sparring with the men all the time."

Yet it occurred to him that such a woman might be a danger to his bastards, might see them as a threat. He could never allow that.

"May I ask why you have come to me in particular? My lady must surely know that my sister Perianne is wed to Quenton Baratheon. An alliance with your own house might be...problematic given our existing alliance."

[Marie]

"It is to me," he said firmly. "Perianne is my sister and I do not wish to sow discord with the house into which she is married. We both know that the Baratheons are prickly where their honour is concerned. I do not wish my sister to be cut off from her family. But I will not rule out the possibility. First though, I must resolve the situation with the other lady before I make any commitment to you and yours. I have another brother, should Lady Sansa be in need of a match other than myself."

[Marie]

"I hope to have it resolved shortly," he said. "It was my hope that it would all be settled by the end of the tourney. As for my brother, Lancel is a young man, and fair to look upon, though not yet experienced in warfare. He was still a boy for much of the war, alas."

[Marie]

"Thank you. I quite understand your reasons, my lady. We shall speak again when my circumstances have altered. For now, may I wish you joy of Lord Redwyne?"

[Marie]

He is shown in quickly and the manservant invites him to take a seat and offers him a drink. Gwayne arrives presently, simply attired. "Lord Baratheon," he said courteously. "I am pleased you have joined me in Oldtown."

[Deleted]

///

Lady Jennalynn Royce, future wife of the brother to Lord Gwayne, knocked on the door to Lord Hightower's private solar. She was dressed in a simple grey gown made of velvet and her hair was adorned simply as well. She straightened herself up and tried to look her best while waiting for her knock to be answered.

[Marie]

A servant opened her door and allowed her in. Gwayne was seated at his desk looking tired.

"Lady Jennalyn. Welcome. Please be seated. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[Deleted]

Lady Jennalynn curtsied before taking the offered seat, making sure that her gown didn't hold any wrinkles as she sat on the chair. She gave Lord Gwayne a concerned look before speaking.

"Are you feeling well, my lord Hightower. I do hope that I'm not hindering you in your obligations." she said with a charming smile before she continued speaking. "I wanted to know how things are progressing with the investigation. The murder of your sister's former good brother is a horrible thing but is it necessary to withhold the marriage between me and your brother. I understand that it wouldn't be proper for it to be a grandiose affair, but a quiet one with only two witnesses there?"