Owen's Room

[Marie]

"Well, sometimes a thing is made more attractive because it;s made unavailable," Obara said. "I would be willing to offer my assistance with that."

[Ser Beric Dayne]

Owen fingered the socket of his missing finger for a moment before replying. He wasn't certain that it was moral to attempt to trick a woman like that, and he was even less certain that the rouse would work. Still, spending time with a beautiful woman was certainly an attractive idea, regardless of whether or not it fulfilled it's intended purpose.

"The Queen would not take that as a slight, would she? I'd be loathed to anger her so soon."

[Marie]

"No, the queen would not be angry," Obara said. "She knows I have always been loyal. She'd understand why I suggested this and, well, at the moment it looks like she will either have to forget her plans for Princess Kyma or force the issue. This way, she can afford to wait. The seed has been planted in Kyma's mind now but its direction may change as it grows. Do you want her enough to wait and see?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

I don't want her at all, though I'd not wish to pass her up either, Owen thought as he looked at Lady Ladybright. "I do," he lied.

[Marie]

"Well then, what we shall do is this. We shall go about together, everywhere, and let it be known that I am now your paramour. Or rather that you wish me to be your paramour but I am playing hard to get. Kyma knows that I choose my lovers carefully. Perhaps she will think I see something special in you."

Obara stopped to grin.

"Maybe I really do."

[Ser Beric Dayne]

Owen was far from convinced, but it was worth a try he supposed. Besides, the war had left him with far too little knowledge of courtly women, so perhaps Obara would make a good warm up woman, if nothing else.

"Very well," he smiled confidently, despite his doubts, "it will be as you say. I assure you, I'll do nothing to affront your honor as a lady."

[Marie]

"Oh, I woudln't let you," she said. "I have a thirst upon me. Will you escort me to the great hall for a drink? I have a fancy to walk about on the arm of a handsome knight."

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"Certainly," Owen said. He extended an arm for her to take, and they went off. "Tell me of yourself, Lady Obara. How did you come to be the Queens lady?"

[Marie]

Her eyes seemed to look into the distance for a while and her tone was slightly sad.

"I am an exile, Ser Owen. My sister and I grew up in Dorne. I was a girl when our parents died. Jeyne took care of me but then she fought a duel with another woman over some man. The other woman died. Jeyne and I had to flee. We travelled and eventually made it to Sothorys where Queen Saella took us into her service. Jeyne was to serve as Princess Rhaenys' guard and I as her lady companion."

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"What a strange and sad tale," Owen said, sympathy in his eyes. "Though, it seemed to work out rather well in the end. Two women fighting a duel over a man..." his voice trailed off. "How very backwards, though I applaud the bravery I suppose."

[Marie]

Obara laughed.

"Have you never met a Dornishwoman before? The women of my region often carry blades and many are fiery of temper. I'm more like an Andal woman, in comparison. Much more ladylike."