Lady Thorelda Oakeart's Reed Keep Apartments

[Marie]

"I'd sooner choose now," said Rhaenys. "The realm needs stability. Tell me about these two young men. What houses do they belong to?"

[The Smith]

"The two lads I am thinking of are Ser Jebidiah Bushy, and Ser Rethian Leygood." Thorelda replied.

[Marie]

The names meant nothing to Rhaenys but she had no-one else in mind so she resolved to give them a chance.

"How old are they?" She asked. "Will either one of them object to changing their name to Oakheart? I'd sooner preserve the old houses if I can."

[The Smith]

"They may, and they are both fifteen." Thorelda replied.

[Marie]

"Oh. ~Then what skills do they have? Rhaenys asked. "Which is the better sword and who has a better head for numbers? Who is like to make the better general?"

[The Smith]

"They seem to be skilled with the blade, but Bushy has more of a Steward feel, while Leygood would make a better general. I think. It is hard to say because of their youth and in experience." She replied.

[Marie]

"I see. What are they doing now? Are they squires? Who do they serve?"

[The Smith]

"Bushy is about to be knighted, he was a squire in the vale. Leygood is still a aquire to my man, Ser Neddrick." She smiled.

[Marie]

"Well then, send them both to me for a few months. I would like to get a feel for their talents. After that, they can both go to Old Oak and we'll see who is the better man," Rhaenys announced.

[The Smith]

Thorelda nodded, "They are both here in King's Landing already. I will tell them to attend you until further notice though."

[Marie]

"Taht sounds fair. Incidentally though, what is your connection with the two young men? You didn't elaborate."

[The Smith]

Thorelda sighed, "They were my sons best friends." She looked into the fireplace, and a small, wan smile crept across her face.

[Marie]

"Your son..."

Rhaenys trailed off unhappily. She knew she could not comprehend Thorelda's loss and she hoped she never had to.

"I am sorry you have suffered so much, Lady Thorelda. I hope that you can see I am trying to do right by you and by Old Oak."

[The Smith]

"I think you are, your grace. And I appreciate the kindness you are showing me." Thorelda smiled, "I know I do not have a sterling reputation."

[Marie]

"It's not so bad that it troubles me," Rhaenys said with a slight laugh. " Send the young men to me at once, if you would. I'm going to the Vale soon so Bushy's knowledge of the region would be userful to me."