Gardens

[Viea Greyjoy]

Jen seemed unimpressed.

"By the drowned, if I had a daughter instead of the boy she would have been taught thses things to keep up with her cousins. Even my neice goes over the seas on her own ship into all kinds of trouble." She said. "If she had stayed at home then she would be married off as there is aught else that can be done with her."

[Marie]

"That is what happens to women on the mainland anyway," Alys confided. "Few are allowed to remain with family for their whole life, and certainly not to go travelling. Some might serve the Faith as a septa, and some join the Silent Sisters, but who wants to never talk their whole life? Not me! So yes, I must marry or abandon my family altogether, I fear."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Jen saw a bench and sat, motioning that the girl should join her.

"To me that seems an easy choice." She said with a smile. "My husband suggested once that I should stay at home with the boy instead of doing as I wished and I left him there."

[Marie]

Alys laughed and sat beside Jen. "Yes but you were not raised as I was. Southron girls are supposed to be obedient and dutiful. I am neither of those things, but I am not outright defiant either. And I have no ship." She sighed a little. "As close as I am to my Hightower kin, I do not believe they would give me a ship. I doubt there has ever been a woman captain in a ship of the Far Reach's fleet."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Then be the first one child." Jen said. She now seemed amused. "Despite what people seem to think on the Islands not every woman are able to sail, I am lucky enough to be strong enough to do as I wish. If I was weak like my brother's wife then no doubt I would stay in the islands and remain there to get gifts from my husband, but I have other ideas."

[Marie]

Alys considered. "Would I be allowed to travel with you? You know what you are doing so I would not be alone, and I could always say you were my chaperone to appease my aunt. And, truly, if I were to do it once, it might be easier to do it again after."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Jen laughed, then glanced at the girl and saw that she was being serious.

"Travel with me?" She repeated. "I dont think that is the best idea for a child like you..."

[Marie]

"I'm not a child," Alys replied. "I'm a woman grown. Eighteen, almost nineteen. I just look younger, is all. So I think I am - or should be - old enough to make my own decisions."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"If you are not sure then maybe you are not." Jen said. "You are younger then my son, so yes, you are a child. If you set foot on my ship I fear you would be taken as a salt wife."

[Marie]

"I would not!" Alys insisted. "I'm not marrying a man from your islands. And besides, I meant only that I should be allowed to make my own decisions, but I won't be if I stay here, or go home to Brightwater. Because women in my position so rarely are allowed to choose for themselves."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"You would if you couldnt fight him off." Jen laughed. "You should be allowed to but on your own, dont use anyone to mask your intentions."

[Marie]

"How can I not? Custom does not allow me to run off and have adventures. that's just now it works."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Only you are stopping yourself... I see no guards." Jen said.

[Marie]

"Yeas but the laws and customs!" Alys replied. "I'd have no money to buy the things I need. I am not an heiress."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Sell yourself." Jen suggested. "You must have a skill...?"