Ser Benfry Smith and Lady Aranya Royce

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"Yes, a family matter," she said, sitting. "About Roland's wife, Shahi."

[wookie]

"Roland's wife? Is there a problem?"

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Aranya hesitated, wondering how to go about this. It was a delicate matter, after all, and she didn't feel entirely comfortable talking about Roland's marriage.

"Shahi Royce was born a Stark bastard," Aranya said. "Roland met her, fell deeply in love very fast, and married her. He has since come to wonder if he had not been hasty in his passion, and thinks he dishonored his House by marrying a bastard without consulting Rhodri at the time. It has put a strain on their marriage that gets worse every day. And Shahi does not deserve it, no more than he does. They are both good people who deserve to be happy together."

Aranya ran a hand through her haid and paused. "I want to ask if the King would legitimize Shahi as a Stark."

[wookie]

Benfry raised his eyebrows
"Do you know who fathered Shahi? There is the question of hereditary rule after all. By legitimising her, I may in fact destabilise Lord Roose who is, after all, himself a legitimised bastard" he uses the term without rancour
"It may be that she is legimitised with the condition that none of her children are allowed to claim the lordship of Winterfell, which may be a condition she is not willing to accept. I do not wish to make an awkward situation worse by meddling"

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"Roland and Shahi know her parentage," Aranya said. "They can name her father, and her mother was a Dothraki. Shahi can name her too, I have no doubt."

"I understand," Aranya said quickly. "It could destablize the North. They would have to be kept below Roose and his heirs. In any case, as Shahi's sons would be descended on the distaff side - far away from any chance of inheriting anything."

[wookie]

"It's not merely his seat I am worried about. Lord Roose needs to be wed and have heirs. House Stark has too long been bereft of able bodies to secure their position. I shall bring this up with Lady Shahi and see if she wishes this. In truth I am a little confused by the request as she is already legitimised as Lady Royce. Any ill will caused by her bastard name is surely gone by now?"

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"You can't fathom the way a marriage works," Aranya shrugged, with a smile. "But this has been eating away at Roland and straining things between them, which is unbearable for both. I do not want him to...weaken. Roland was nearly ensnared by Benedicta Lannister once. If his marriage continues to sour, who knows what scheming vixen will try to dominate him next? Oh, he's stronger now, to be sure, and wiser, but all men are fools."

[wookie]

Benfry quirked an eyebrow at Aranya
"I shall try not to take that to heart Lady Aranya, though the songs oft say that it is women who make men fools" he smiled softly

"Not that it is something I have had to suffer with of course. I shall speak with them both and see what can be done on the matter"

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Aranya grinned. "Forgive me, ser. Men who keep their white breeches tightly laced are really the biggest fools of all." She winked.

"And thanks," she added. "I am deeply indebted to you for this."

[wookie]

Benfry waved away the praise
"House Royce have been loyal and stalwart friends to the crown. I am sure once I speak with Roland and Shahi, the matter will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. And as for the other," he shrugged slightly "I made my choice and I will live with it. At least any mistakes I make will not be driven by the contents of my breeches" he said, flushing slightly at speaking so to a lady.

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Aranya gazed at him, and when she spoke, her voice was gentle and curious. "Have you never loved a woman, ser? Never?"

[wookie]

"No milady. I came from a small village & left it early to go squiring. I was never in one place long enough to form an attachment to anyone and became a member of the Kingsguard less than year after I earned my knighthood. But you don't miss what you've never had" Benfry smiled slightly

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"I am sorry, ser, all the same. But then, the gods give us all a few blessings, a few curses." Aranya hesitated. "Do you...ever feel lonely, though?"

[wookie]

Benfry shrugged slightly "I have my brothers, my friends such as they are. I do look on the likes of Brynden with regret, for fatherhood is a joy denied to me"

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OOC: Sorry for the lateness.

Aranya smiled and looked at the boy at the other end of the room, tending to the blazes. "Do not think so, ser. I think you would be the best kind of father figure for him, even if you cannot sire a son yourself. He looks on you with respect and affection."